Food processing and packaging company Tetra Pak is to become the first company in the food and beverage carton industry to offer full-colour digital printing on its carton packages.
Working in collaboration with Koenig & Bauer, a German printing presses manufacturer, Tetra Pak says the digital printing technology will simplify the complexity of design handling, reducing time from design to print and opening up new opportunities for flexibility in order placement and product customisation.
The addition of the technology allows for dynamic on-package printing and the ability to include a variety of designs within the same order.
The full-width digital printer is currently being built by Koenig & Bauer and will be installed at Tetra Pak’s converting plant at Denton, Texas. Field testing of the new, digitally printed carton packages is expected to begin in early 2020 with North American customers.
Charles Brand, executive VP, product management and commercial operations at Tetra Pak says, “We are committed to helping our customers explore new avenues with a truly smart package, supporting their need for product customisation, smaller batch sizes, greater traceability and the ability to interact with the consumer. Our investment in this digital printer demonstrates our commitment to support customers with future-proof technologies as the digital revolution transforms the way we all do business.”
Carmen Becker, president and CEO of Tetra Pak US and Canada, says, “Brands continue to look for opportunities to deliver greater customisation and personalisation of their products. We’re thrilled to offer our customers new and innovative ways to engage with consumers, all while increasing flexibility in the design and order process.”