At LOUPE India 2026, Miraclon showcased Flexcel Prime, its new-generation flexographic plate, while highlighting its broader focus on helping converters improve pressroom efficiency, reduce production costs and maximize returns on their flexographic investments.
Andy Yarrow, regional commercial director, Asia Pacific, Miraclon, said the company’s modern flexo approach centers on process standardization and consistency. This includes maintaining uniformity in printing tapes, anilox rolls and inks, with many applications relying on conventional CMYK printing.
“We find that some customers are trying to print flexo like gravure. Our belief is that standardization and self-standardization are extremely important. Using consistent tapes, anilox rolls and inks helps create a more predictable production process. We believe our NX plate technology is an important part of that approach,” Yarrow said.
Through its Champions of Modern Flexo programme, Miraclon also presented customer experiences demonstrating how this approach can improve production performance. Yarrow said the company’s focus has increasingly moved beyond print quality to operational efficiency, productivity and factory cost savings.
Flexcel Prime brings new plate technology
A key highlight at the exhibition was Flexcel Prime, launched earlier in 2026. The new plate incorporates updated components and chemistry, with key features: Lift Resist formulation and Stay Clean properties.
Yarrow explained that the objective was to introduce improvements while retaining the familiar press performance that existing NX customers expect.
“Lift Resist helps the plate remain flatter after printing and makes remounting easier. The improved drape also makes handling the plate on and off the press simpler. Stay Clean technology helps resist ink accumulation on the plate surface, allowing cleaner ink transfer to the substrate,” he said.
These features are designed to support longer production runs with fewer interruptions for plate cleaning. Miraclon has received encouraging feedback from initial customer trials in India. Yarrow cited one recent trial in which a converter printed more than 90,000 metres without cleaning the plate.
“Some markets have already converted almost completely to the new plate. India is a complex market, so we are taking a gradual approach. The response from our initial customer testing here has been excellent,” he said.
Technical support and industry collaboration
Beyond plate technology, Miraclon sees technical support as essential to helping converters adopt modern flexo practices. The company has expanded its support team in recent years and plans further additions in early 2027.
Yarrow said this support extends to trade shops, value-added resellers, printers and converters. He also emphasised collaboration with anilox manufacturers, tape suppliers and ink manufacturers.
“Modern flexo requires a partnership across the industry. It is not just about the plate or the printing press. All the different elements need to work together to deliver consistent results,” he said.
India’s packaging market offers further growth potential
Reflecting on the Indian market, Yarrow described its growth in flexible packaging and labels as exceptional. With 27 years of experience in the printing industry, including nearly four years at Miraclon, he said the pace of expansion in India and the wider region had exceeded his expectations.
He sees opportunities in the emergence of new and boutique brands across different cities and states, alongside a growing middle-class consumer base and demand for faster time to market.
“We are seeing significant growth, and there is still considerable scope for expansion in India. New brands need packaging solutions that offer flexibility and speed to market. I expect this growth in flexible packaging to continue,” he said.
Yarrow believes gravure, flexo and digital printing will continue to coexist, with each technology serving different applications rather than one replacing another. “Customers do not examine packaging under a microscope. We do that because we are printing technologists. What matters is achieving visual parity on shelf. Every technology has its place, and the objective is to identify the right solution for each application,” he said.
He also pointed to substantial investments in new CI flexographic presses and narrow-web label presses in India, particularly since drupa 2024. These investments involve both international equipment manufacturers and domestic suppliers, alongside expansion of production facilities.
