Sealed Air, one of the largest global packaging groups, has extended an existing relationship with Koenig & Bauer into a strategic partnership via a non binding letter of intent.
This will lead to Sealed Air driving Koenig & Bauer RotaJet inkjet presses through its Prismiq applications for design, digitally printed packaging and connected packaging. This is where a consumer scares a code or image on a printed package to access a website and what the company hopes will become “customised, compelling experiences”. Digital printing will also help with traceability, waste reduction and will accelerate time to market for Sealed Air’s customers.
The partnership will accelerate the uptake of digital printing to the benefit of both, says Sealed Air. Sealed Air president and CEO Ted Doheny explains: “SEE is pleased to partner with Koenig & Bauer to enhance both of our digital transformations, SEE’s Prismiq technology will help Koenig & Bauer convert their printing platforms from analogue to digital while Koenig & Bauer will help accelerate and improve the robustness and effectiveness of SEE’s digital solutions.”
The company has digital print solutes across corrugated, flexible and semi rigid films and paper packaging. In February last year it acquired Irish company Flexpak Flexibles which has more than 20 years experience of printing flexible packaging using HP Indigo technology, currently including Indigo 20000 for films and pouches.
It has two UK sites, Kettering for protective packaging and St Neots for food packaging. These are among more than 120 plants world wide, 45 of which are in the Emea region and generate sales of $1.2 billion of the $5.6 billion group turnover.
Sealed Air has also taken a stake in Highcon, the Israeli developer of digital finishing devices aimed at corrugated and cartonboard applications.
Koenig & Bauer believes the relationship will be “a strong and effective catalyst for the further development of our digital printing strategy and digital product initiatives and enhances the strong position of our RotaJet series of printers for further industrial success” according to Koenig & Bauer CEO Andreas Pleßke.
“To strengthen our broad product portfolio of presses and software solutions for the printing and packaging markets, we have relied on successful cooperation agreements for many years. This unique collaboration with SEE will enable us to create enormous potential for technological progress and business development for both partners.”
