IN recent years, Fujifilm has undergone a significant transformation in its product portfolio across various market sectors. Drupa 2024 presented a golden opportunity for the company to showcase these developments.
According to Fujifilm’s general manager of the graphic communication division, Grant Potgieter, the company’s presence at the event was marked by a strong emphasis on sustainability, a critical concern in today’s print and packaging industry.
Fujifilm’s ‘Innovation Zone’ highlighted several eco-friendly initiatives and products designed to minimise environmental impact while maintaining superior print quality. The company’s primary objective is to lead the transition for printers and converters from analogue to digital, leveraging the best inkjet and toner technologies available. ‘What makes us unique is the way we combine analogue and digital expertise with one goal in mind: to help our customers grow their businesses,’ Grant explains.
Sustainable solutions
Central to this commitment is Fujifilm’s new range of FleneX FW water-washable flexographic plates. These plates significantly reduce plate making processing times to less than 40 minutes, which is 300% faster than leading solvent systems. ‘Our FleneX FW range of flexo plates eliminate the need for harsh chemicals and solvents in the plate making process, reducing waste and hazardous emissions. This innovation not only supports a greener production environment, but also aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions,’ Grant remarks.
In addition to the FleneX FW plates, Fujifilm introduced new CuremaX ink formulations that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and compatible with a wide range of substrates, including recyclable and compostable materials.
Fujifilm also unveiled its LuXtreme LED UV curing system. This system allows for the conversion of traditional UV flexo printing presses to LED UV curing, offering increased productivity and quality, greater application versatility and reduced energy consumption, materials, labour and waste. ‘This curing system not only enhances efficiency, but also has a lower environmental impact,’ Grant says.
Revoria euphoria
At drupa 2024, Fujifilm introduced the Revoria PC112, a digital press that stands out for its versatility and innovation in the light packaging space. Grant emphasises that this machine is designed to cater to
a wide range of packaging needs, particularly for small to medium-sized print runs, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to produce high-quality packaging on demand. ‘The Revoria PC112 offers exceptional print quality with vivid colours and precise detail, ensuring that packaging stands out on the shelves and effectively communicates brand identity,’ he enthuses.
One of the key benefits of the Revoria PC112 is its advanced colour management and wide colour gamut. The press supports up to six colours, including white, clear, gold, silver and pink, in addition to the standard CMYK. ‘This capability allows for more creative and eye-catching designs, enhancing the visual appeal of packaging,’ Grant highlights. He says that the press’s ability to print metallic and fluorescent colours also opens up new possibilities for luxury and specialty packaging, which can be critical in industries like cosmetics, food and beverages.
Grant adds: ‘Additionally, the digital nature of the press means that setup times are minimal, and changeovers are quick and easy, which is ideal for businesses needing to produce multiple versions or short runs economically.’
Leading the way
Beyond sustainability, Fujifilm’s technological innovations at drupa 2024 showcased its latest advancements in digital printing, particularly in the field of inkjet technology. The Jet Press FP790, a cutting-edge digital press designed specifically for flexible packaging, attracted significant attention.
‘This press combines high-quality print capabilities with exceptional versatility, allowing printers to produce short runs and customised packaging efficiently,’ he comments. The Jet Press FP790 uses Fujifilm’s proprietary Vividia ink technology, which offers a wide colour gamut, excellent adhesion and durability on various substrates, ensuring vibrant and durable packaging.
What makes us unique is the way we combine analogue and digital expertise with one goal in mind: to help our customers grow their businesses.”
Fujifilm’s Jet Press 750S, now enhanced with the inline Kompaq coating unit, represents a significant advancement in digital printing technology. ‘This combination allows for seamless integration of high-quality printing and versatile coating capabilities in a single pass, streamlining production processes and enhancing overall efficiency,’ Grant mentions. The addition of the Kompaq coating unit further extends the press’s functionality by enabling the application of various coatings, such as gloss, matte and soft-touch finishes, directly inline. ‘This feature not only enhances the visual appeal and tactile experience of printed materials but also adds durability and protection, making the Jet Press 750S with the Kompaq coating unit a versatile and valuable solution,’ he says.
The company’s offerings reflect a deep understanding of market trends and a commitment to providing solutions that help customers achieve long-term ROI through the efficiencies of Fujifilm equipment. ‘We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the print and packaging industry,’ Grant concludes.
