‘We’ve always been known for our print prowess, but now we’re taking that expertise and directing it squarely at the packaging market,’ comments Gary Stockenstroom, Canon South Africa’s product manager for production print. The company’s new focus is underscored by the 2025 release of the LabelStream LS2000. This digital labelling press, with a 340mm width and food safety-compliant inks, is engineered to deliver high-quality prints at up to 40m/min, using CMYK and white inks.
Beyond labels, Canon’s ventures extend to corrugated packaging. Gary points to Canon’s concept digital sheetfed corrugated press, which is poised to redefine short-run printing. ‘We’ve unveiled a machine with single-pass inkjet architecture that can print at 8 000m2/hour, utilising water-based inks that are eco-friendly and highly efficient,’ he explains.
Canon’s V1350 and V1000 presses have already made waves in the commercial printing sector, particularly in South Africa, where Cape Town-based Tandym Printers recently invested in the V1350 model. Designed for thick substrates, like 250 to 500g/m2 card stock, these presses promise speed without sacrificing quality, making them ideal for packaging applications*.
‘We’re selling speed,’ he notes. ‘For today’s packaging producers, it’s all about productivity. Canon’s V-series presses offer incredible throughput while maintaining exceptional print quality.’ The V1350 is capable of handling high volumes with ease, making it a powerful option for producers who need to meet growing demand without compromising on output or precision.
Not content to stop at labels and corrugated board, Canon is entering the folding carton space with the varioPRESS iV7 B2 sheetfed inkjet press. Described by Gary as ‘one of the most exciting machines in our lineup that offers unparalleled productivity and supports a wide variety of media’. Its speed, simplicity and versatility make it an attractive option for packaging producers seeking to move away from traditional litho processes. ‘It’s remarkable how this machine feeds paper onto a flat conveyor belt and jets ink with such precision. The science behind it is revolutionary,’ he enthuses.
The varioPRESS, along with other new offerings like the ProStream 2000 and ColorStream 8000 series, is designed to handle high-quality coated stocks, making it ideal for the folding carton market. Gary reports that Canon is already conducting market studies to explore how these technologies can be applied more broadly in packaging applications. ‘We’re diving deep into how to shift high-volume work from offset to digital, particularly in markets like folding cartons, where digital offers a flexible, sustainable and cost-effective solution.’
Not content to stop at labels and corrugated board, Canon is entering the folding carton space with the varioPRESS iV7 B2 sheetfed inkjet press. Described by Gary as ‘one of the most exciting machines in our lineup that offers unparalleled productivity and supports a wide variety of media’.
This year’s drupa was essentially a “dogfight” of digital presses, but Canon stands strong. What sets us apart is our relentless focus on innovation and the ability to offer full-circle selections – from the camera to the final printed product.’
In addition to hardware, Canon’s software solutions, such as the PRISMA suite, are critical to optimising production workflows. ‘PRISMA is integral to ensuring that our packaging technologies meet the complex needs of today’s producers, particularly when it comes to data management and finishing.’
Canon’s foray into packaging isn’t a fleeting trend but a long-term strategy. Gary believes that the growth in the packaging market – particularly driven by e-commerce giants like Amazon and Takealot – will continue to create enormous demand for Canon’s presses. ‘Packaging is the only print sector where volumes are still growing,’ he notes. ‘Corrugated, especially, has taken off thanks to the rise of online shopping. Canon is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend, especially with the launch of our corrugated and folding carton presses.’
With its strong focus on speed, innovation and versatility, Canon is set to make a significant impact on the packaging space. As Gary aptly puts it: ‘The future of packaging is digital, and Canon is leading the charge.’
*Refer to the insert in PPM September issue detailing the power of Canon’s V1350 and V1000 presses. The insert (250-300g/m2 card stock) has been printed by Tandym Printers in Cape Town, which purchased a V1350 model earlier this year.
