The quality found in flexographic printing today rivals both offset and gravure. There are many reasons for this, but one significant reason is flexographic printers are now optimizing their processes more effectively with the latest innovations like flat-top dot plates, UV LED exposure and screening technology.

Martin E-Z Stick Labels of Santa Fe Springs Cal.,  has installed a Label AutoMounter from JM Heaford, industry-leading supplier of mounting and proofing solutions for the tag and label, flexible packaging, corrugated and gravure markets.

Clear View Bag Co., an Albany, New York-based manufacturer and converter of plastic bags and roll stock for markets including medical, food, agricultural, retail and industrial, has purchased a second Fusion C flexographic printing press from Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), part of Barry-Wehmiller.

When it comes to packaging, the one marketplace constant is that the needs and demands of brands, retailers, printers and consumers are always changing. As market trends evolve, ink manufacturers must be nimble and quickly develop solutions that meet those demands.

Flexo plate technology has fueled a lot of advancements. The introduction of flat top dots, produced in different ways by a number of plate vendors, has helped improve overall quality significantly. They provide much more saturated solids.

The packaging industry, like much of the world around us, is making strides to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The flexographic printing market is not exempt from these trends and, as printers begin to feel pressure from customers to become more sustainable, it is important to consider how and where to implement these changes.

FTA and Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica will hold a half-day seminar on the benefits and challenges of implementing e-beam curing or UV-LED into the flexo printing process. 

Esko has opened a new 4,300-square-meter facility in Itzehoe, Germany, to consolidate its flexo platemaking business under one roof, including research, engineering, product development, testing and production.