Kodak has placed its Ultrastream technology into the new Uteco Sapphire Evo W, the first flexible packaging press to enter the market using Kodak’s latest continuous inkjet technology.
The company has sold the first Ultrastream system with a print width of 1.25 metres into the market in advance of its expected debut at drupa 2020. Kodak says the wide format of the new Sapphire EVO W allows brands to leverage digital printing in their traditional flexographic print formats.
Randy Vandagriff, president, Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division and vice president, Eastman Kodak, says, “Uteco’s application of our technology in their new press is a game changer and a great example of how Kodak is helping printers to lower their costs and drive efficiency. We are proud to be delivering on the promise we made in February 2019 to have units in the market by the second half of 2020.”
Using water-based inks and production speeds equivalent to analogue presses, the Sapphire EVO W can print short to medium run length jobs, achieving price points favorable to flexography, according to Kodak, which adds that Sapphire digital solutions execute variable data campaigns and reduce waste and excess inventory delivering increased sales at lower costs. Included in the delivery of the Sapphire EVO W, Kodak’s environmentally friendly and industry compliant inks and fluids, allow for applications in food, beverage, and personal care.
Aldo Peretti, president and chief executive of the Uteco Group, says, “As the world leader in the production of printing and converting machines for flexible packaging applications, we recognise the need for digital solutions in our customers’ operations.
“Converters and brands expect quality solutions that are sustainable and uphold brand integrity. We are proud to work with Kodak to deliver new technologies that meet such demands and enable growth.”
