Fujifilm used the interpack show in Dusseldorf to officially launch its Jet Press FP790 inkjet press. The new press applies Fujifilm’s industry-leading inkjet technologies and expertise to flexible packaging, offering packaging printers and converters the opportunity to adapt to changing market dynamics that are driving shorter print runs and product life cycles, faster delivery times and more sustainable production, whilst also adhering to the regulatory requirements and production standards of flexible packaging.

First announced in 2021, FP790 is the company’s first digital flexible packaging press. Successful beta trials have since been completed in Europe, the US and Japan.

Manuel Schrutt, head of Packaging for Fujifilm Graphic Communications EMEA, said that the press can print on the surface of the films but that Fujifilm is focusing on reverse printing, which protects the ink from scratching and accounts for around 85% of the market.

The Jet Press FP790 inkjet press is a single-pass web-fed inkjet press using water-based inks. The press takes both PET and BOPP films ranging from 12 to 40 microns. It can take web widths from 520 to 790 mm with a printing width of 753.2 mm.

Offering the ability to print digitally, with all the benefits of digital production, the performance of the Jet Press FP790 also means it is capable of producing both mainstream flexographic and rotogravure quality jobs. At speeds 50 m/min, irrespective of the ink colors, it is also capable of producing a wide color gamut, along with having two white ink channels for delivering high white opacity which matches or outperforms current analog standards.

The Jet Press FP790 has also been designed to fit seamlessly into existing production processes with no other capital investments required and offers a much more sustainable solution than its analog counterparts.

The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution printheads in combination with CMYK inks, allow the Jet Press FP790 to deliver high color density. The press can also achieve more than 90% of the Pantone color gamut, while also using two white ink channels for delivering high white opacity, all with unprecedented color stability. The wide color gamut allows converters to achieve special brand and spot color matching with no need for additional special inks.

Fujifilm employs environmentally friendly water-based primers and inkjet technologies, which meet or exceed all regulatory requirements for flexible packaging printing. The Jet Press FP790 is also able to minimize waste, reduce the number of consumables associated with traditional analog production, and totally eliminate all elements of the plate-making process.

To allow the Jet Press FP790 to integrate seamlessly into existing production environments, Fujifilm is entering into multiple strategic partnerships and has recently announced the first three of these. These partnerships, with Henkel, for laminating adhesives, Nordmeccanica for finishing solutions, and Hybrid software for the DFE workflow, have enabled Fujifilm to rigorously test the new press ahead of its commercial availability. More partnerships will be announced in due course.

Manuel Schrutt, head of packaging, Fujifilm EMEA said, “Fujifilm has built a reputation for excellence in inkjet technology over many years. This hard-won expertise has now been adapted for the specific requirements of the flexible packaging market – drawing also on Fujifilm’s extensive experience supporting packaging printers with inks, curing systems, plates and imprinting solutions. Offering exceptional quality, seamless integration, and excellent reliability and productivity, the Jet Press FP790 offers a new level of combined quality, productivity and reliability in a digital packaging press.”