Stratus Packaging has acquired two Bobst M5 flexo presses, bringing greater automation and ECG (Extended Colour Gamut) capabilities to its printing firepower.
The 350 employee, more than €65 million turnover business, which has sites in France and Switzerland, produces a wide range of labels – self-adhesive, booklet, dry peel coupons multilabel, sleeves and in-mould labels.
The company’s multi-site structure gives it back-up capabilities, so that work can still be completed within Stratus, even if one site can’t process a job for any reason. This requires a finely tuned process, to manage the workflow on any site and on any press.
Isidore Leiser, CEO, said, ‘The Bobst M5 press and its oneECG system build on the Extended Color Gamut principle. Because it is a fully automated system, called DigiFlexo, it makes print pressure pre-set and register adjustments fully automated. This leads to reduced waste during set up, particularly with multi-colour jobs, and consistent printing quality during production. The Bobst DigiFlexo with ECG is an amazing solution. Our clients know that we support their creativity with innovative production platforms such as the Bobst presses.’
The ECG system reduces ink usage with no washing, no liquid waste, and no ink kitchen. This efficiency was very appealing to the company, which added that it needs to continue focusing on reducing waste, not only during the printing process but also with embellishment and finishing.
Stratus relies on its Bobst M5 flexo presses for long to medium runs and is fully equipped with advanced digital presses for shorter runs. A key challenge Mr Leiser sees ahead is around optimising the entire production floor. Ideally, each specific job would be sent to the most appropriate press based on all the elements required – ink usage, waste, turnaround time and profitability, all with the same quality and no compromise between digital and flexo.
