In a recent presentation at the Elite Conference in Mumbai, Anan Hiyasat, IMEA Region manager and director of MEA for Uteco, highlighted the pivotal role of packaging in addressing modern objectives related to safety and hygiene. With a focus on the flexo market trends, Onyx GO, and Active Pack, Hiyasat discussed critical issues such as safety and health, increasing packaging volumes with short runs, and the imperative shift towards sustainability in the industry.
Opening his presentation, Hiyasat emphasized the growing significance of packaging as a key enabler for achieving safety and hygiene goals. The packaging industry has witnessed a surge in volume, particularly in emerging markets, attributed to the proliferation of SKUs and promotional products leading to shorter print runs.
Hiyasat cautioned, stating that if plastic were a country, it would be the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally. Hiyasat advocated for sustainable packaging solutions, outlining principles – Remove, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Redesign – to promote environmental responsibility in packaging design.
Active Pack – Uteco’s commitment to sustainability
As a machine manufacturer, Hiyasat outlined Uteco’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing its integral role in designing and engineering flexo presses. He introduced Uteco’s innovative solutions, Onyx GO and Active Pack, as powerful automated technology contributing to sustainability efforts.
Hiyasat explained that Active Pack, integrated into Uteco’s new flexo CI presses, incorporates cutting-edge technologies for energy and consumable material savings. “The technology, unique in the flexographic industry, enables substantial savings of over 100,000 euros annually in energy and material consumption,” he said. Hiyasat underscored how Active Start, Active Dry, and Active Ink components collectively make Onyx GO the most sustainable CI flexo press for short runs.
Efficiency and waste reduction with Active Start, Active Dry, and Active Ink
Active Start, according to Hiyasat, significantly reduces material waste by saving 8 meters of material at each startup, resulting in annual savings of up to 200 kilometers of material waste. Active Dry optimizes energy consumption during the drying process, potentially saving up to 50% of energy annually. Meanwhile, Active Ink is a smart pumping system that precisely delivers the required amount of ink and consumables, reducing ink and solvent usage.
Hiyasat further emphasized Uteco’s focus on operator ergonomics, highlighting the Dynamic Cockpit with a floating HMI. “This design ensures the most ergonomic interaction for operators, with pipeless units providing easy access for cleaning and maintenance,” he said.
Flex Converting Alliance – expanding technological portfolio
In conclusion, Hiyasat talked about Uteco’s New Flex Converting Alliance, aimed at expanding its technology portfolio and business. The alliance’s primary objective is to strengthen and broaden Uteco’s product portfolio and market positioning through integrated solutions for printing and converting.