‘Canon holds offerings from our existing product lineup, such as the ColorStream or ProStream,’ explains Gary Stockenstroom, Canon South Africa’s product manager. ‘These solutions allow rolls of cardstock to be printed in preparation for laminating onto the flute of choice. This enables highly complex designs and offers unparalleled flexibility in versioning and customisation.’
Adding to this momentum, Canon is launching the Varioprint iV7 B2 press later this year. ‘This will open a multitude of applications for the carton packaging sector,’ Gary emphasises, highlighting the game-changing potential of the new B2 sheetfed press.
Another overlooked advantage is Canon’s ownership of Edale, a company renowned for its packaging press expertise. ‘This speaks to the depth of experience and knowledge Canon brings to the sector,’ he adds, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance packaging solutions.
Sustainability: the Canon commitment
With sustainability a growing priority in packaging, Canon is embracing aqueous inks in its commercial inkjet products. ‘This is no coincidence,’ Gary asserts. ‘Aqueous inks offer the best opportunity to be environmentally conscious while also striving towards food safety compliance in packaging applications.’
By eliminating the need for traditional solvent-based inks, Canon’s digital printing solutions reduce harmful emissions, minimise waste and support eco-friendly production processes. This shift aligns perfectly with the industry’s push for sustainable, recyclable and compostable packaging solutions.
Small-run flexibility
In today’s fast-paced market, brands demand personalisation and the ability to produce smaller, targeted print runs without compromising quality. Digital printing meets this need and Canon’s solutions offer near-limitless possibilities.
‘It ultimately comes down to the print buyer’s requirements,’ says Gary. ‘There isn’t much in Canon’s product portfolio that cannot be adapted to a specific application.’
From regionalised marketing campaigns to unique, limited edition packaging designs, Canon’s digital printing technology empowers brands to engage consumers on a whole new level.
For brands seeking high-definition graphics and intricate packaging designs, Canon’s technology delivers unparalleled results. The company’s proprietary ColorGrip technology plays a crucial role in achieving precision and vibrancy.
‘ColorGrip is our secret weapon,’ he reveals. ‘This unique priming method allows us to control the ink droplet before it’s even jetted, ensuring maximum print quality for any application.’
With this advanced technology, Canon guarantees crisp, vibrant and consistent prints, setting a new benchmark for carton packaging aesthetics.
There isn’t much in Canon’s product portfolio that cannot be adapted to a specific application.”
Canon’s competitive edge
The packaging industry is shifting towards shorter runs and increased job variation. Gary notes that, much like the commercial printing sector, ‘print volumes are decreasing, but the number of print jobs is on the rise. This shift is fuelling the digital printing revolution.’
With the growing demand for digital solutions, more OEMs are entering the market. However, he warns that not all presses are created equal. ‘These presses come with a unique set of requirements for service and support, and that is where
Canon stands apart,’ he asserts. ‘Canon has the largest digital commercial production fleet in the field, backed by a wealth of knowledge and experience. Don’t invest in a digital press without at least having spoken to Canon.’
