Bobst, a global leader in print and packaging solutions, made a strong impact at Labelexpo India 2024 by showcasing its flagship flexographic printing machines and advanced digitalization solutions tailored for the Indian market. The company participated in the event in collaboration with Reifenhäuser India, its marketing partner in the region.
The Bobst stand highlighted the company’s innovations in flexographic printing technology and its growing commitment to automation, digitalization, connectivity and sustainability. Marta de la Mano Garcia, marketing and communication manager for Bobst’s narrow and mid-web product lines, and Andrea Pasquinelli, product marketing manager, shared key insights about the company’s offerings and their relevance in the Indian market. The stand also featured a vibrant application area displaying products from Indian flexo customers.
“We are presenting the Bobst Master M5 and Bobst Master M6, our flagship flexographic printing machines,” Garcia said. “These machines are well-suited to meet the demands of Indian converters, many of whom are already using Bobst solutions. Our stand at Labelexpo India includes a dedicated technology area where visitors can explore the main features of our flexo models and learn about their capabilities.”
Advancing automation and digitalization
Andrea Pasquinelli elaborated on the technological innovations in Bobst’s flexo presses. “Automation is a defining feature of our machines. From automatic register setting and control using mark-to-mark detection cameras technology to automatic pressure presetting and automatic job changes, we ensure efficiency and consistency,” he said.
One of the key highlights at the booth was Bobst Connect, a cloud-based platform introduced in India for the first time. Pasquinelli explained, “ Bobst Connect links all our machines, enabling converters to monitor performance in real time and optimize their production processes. This digitalization effort goes beyond printing – it encompasses the entire workflow, empowering customers to make informed decisions.”
Pasquinelli also shared insights into the Indian print and packaging industry. “We observed significant raising interest for mid-web flexo presses to deal with short run of flexible packaging and shrink sleeves with some new products recently introduced by local and westerner manufacturers. BOBST is well positioned in this segment, offering solutions that emphasize reliability, automation, and brand trust.”
Sustainability – a growing demand
Sustainability remains a crucial focus for Bobst, driven by brand owner requirements. Pasquinelli noted, “Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing is an eco-conscious process we actively promote under the name of oneECG. By replacing Pantone colors with CMYK, orange, green, and violet or reflex blu inks, converters can reduce ink usage, wash-ups, and make-ready time and waste and they can also guarantee 100% repeatability of the same job over time.”
Bobst is also adapting to industry trends, offering solutions for paper-based materials and mono-materials to support more sustainable packaging practices.
Highlighting another critical trend, Pasquinelli emphasized the role of automation in addressing workforce shortages. “Converters need reliable results even with high operator turnover. Our automated solutions ensure consistent quality job after job, minimizing the reliance on skilled labor,” he explained.