BOBST, a leading player in the packaging industry, has unveiled its latest innovations aimed at assisting converters and brand owners in embracing the digital transformation of the packaging supply chain. The announcement was made today, with our reporter Ben Daniel on-site to cover the event.
In his statement, Jean-Pascal Bobst, the CEO of Bobst Group, acknowledged the ongoing digital revolution in the packaging industry and emphasized the importance of innovation, end-to-end thinking, and digitalization in meeting the evolving demands of clients. Bobst outlined the company’s Industry Vision, which focuses on connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability, as key pillars driving their transformation efforts. The newly introduced solutions are part of Bobst’s continuous commitment to empowering their customers to succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.
A central component of Bobst’s vision is BOBST Connect, a dynamic cloud-based digital platform that enhances packaging productivity. The company proudly announced the launch of Tool Management, a groundbreaking solution that offers unprecedented control over TooLink-equipped dies. It integrates tool makers, tracks tool performance, facilitates feedback and maintenance, and streamlines the ordering process. With its user-friendly interface, Tool Management provides valuable data-driven insights to elevate tool management to new heights.
Another notable addition to the portfolio is Recipe Management for ACCUCHECK. This feature enables users to remotely prepare and configure inspection recipes based on the artwork file, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of use. Already proving successful with BOBST customer Prealpi, Recipe Management has significantly improved setup times and quality control.
In a move to strengthen its automation and connectivity capabilities, BOBST has acquired a 70% equity stake in Dücker Robotics. Known for its expertise in robotic systems for loading and palletizing in the corrugated board sector, Dücker Robotics brings valuable opportunities for expansion into the folding carton industry.
BOBST has also introduced several noteworthy innovations across different sectors of the packaging industry. In the flexible packaging market, where sustainability and high-quality printing are paramount, the company showcased the VISION K5 HS metallizer, designed to handle various film types with exceptional performance. The NOVA MW LAMINATOR, an ergonomic and compact machine, offers solventless lamination for narrow web applications, catering to the growing digital print market. Additionally, the VISION CI for paper applications, set to be launched in Q4 2023, is a flexo printing press catering to the expanding paper market, incorporating features like Extended Color Gamut (ECG) technology and SmartGPS for automated start-up processes.
The labels sector, with its diverse range of conventional and digital solutions, witnessed several advancements from BOBST. The company expanded its die-cutting portfolio to cater to various converter needs, introducing Quick Change rotary die-cutting for 50% time savings during magnetic cylinder changes. Pantone validation for BOBST digital printing technology ensures color management and print results are officially validated by Pantone, instilling confidence in customers. The introduction of the new BOBST Sphere user interface (UI) aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience by integrating flexo and digital processes into a single control point.
Addressing the demand for sophisticated folding carton packaging, BOBST unveiled updates to its NOVAFOIL series, offering advanced cross-foiling options and an Optimal Advance Computing System (OACS) for optimal foil advance. The introduction of the Digital Make Ready Tool further enhances production efficiency, ensuring impeccable stamping register quality and minimizing waste. The EXPERTFOLD, VISIONFOLD, and NOVAFOLD folder-gluer portfolio received a significant upgrade, equipping them with new features to boost productivity and align with BOBST’s vision of a fully digitalized and connected converting process.
For the corrugated board sector, BOBST introduced the EXPERTFLEX packaging production line, combining post-printing power with precise die-cutting capabilities for high-quality printed and die-cut corrugated board solutions. The SPEEDPACK automatic packer received updates, introducing new strapping solutions to enhance versatility and accommodate the bundling of boxes with 5-15mm plastic straps commonly used in the corrugated board industry.
In terms of services, BOBST’s comprehensive portfolio supports the entire production workflow. The company’s new logistic hub in Belgium, serving Europe, Middle East, and Africa, is now fully operational and features the Autostore system, capable of managing up to 70,000 parts in an automated manner. BOBST’s Remote Assistance service continues to provide round-the-clock support to customers, including video and augmented reality support, remote machine connection, and data analysis.
Underscoring its commitment to sustainability, an integral part of its vision, BOBST has joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is actively pursuing climate action. The company is evaluating decarbonization options to reduce its carbon footprint, alongside ongoing efforts to develop recyclable substrates, water-based inks, and machines with reduced electricity consumption. These initiatives align with BOBST’s dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Jean-Pascal Bobst concluded the announcement by expressing the company’s pride in their close partnerships with customers and their commitment to addressing specific pain points. The latest additions to their portfolio collectively drive the industry closer to an automated, connected, digitalized, and sustainable packaging production process, in line with the BOBST Industry Vision.