Based in Delhi, Flexo Image Graphics (FIG) is the sole India distribution partner of Mark Andy, whose machines have been increasingly distributed and installed across the sub-continent. Gourav Roy, director, Flexo Image Graphics and Florian Stroe, sales manager, Mark Andy, share how their partnership is excelling.
What it takes to excite label printers and converters using Mark Andy machines in the Indian sub-continent are the machines’ easy-to-operate platforms that do not require skilled operators. Among those Mark Andy machines that up the game of FIG’s distributorship are Rotoflex systems offering state-of-the-art inspection, slitting, rewinding, and die-cutting solutions. Mark Andy is progressing on all technological fronts—automation is one key area.
“We are intensely focusing on automation to improve the overall performance of our machines,” says Stroe. He adds, “It involves better tools for efficiency; better ergonomics for easier operation; and our ‘sMArt link’ software for production control and ‘ProWORX Label Suite’ for easier imposition.” Mark Andy’s hybrid machines such as Digital Series HD (DSHD) are now automated for users who like to move from flexo to hybrid printing for short-run production. The company’s workflow software and suite make its Evolution, Performance, and Pro Series flexo machines quicker and easier in setting up jobs.
Roy says flexographic printing is increasingly dominating over gravure because of the technology’s advantage in short-run production and cost-efficiency. “What we see as a new trend these days is hybridization of flexo + digital, which makes more value and flexibility. About the trending innovations and most cost-efficient products, RFID and linerless labels are at the forefront,” he says.
On flexo’s advantages, Roy says, “This technology offers excellent print outputs using water-based as well as new generation low migration inks. That’s the reason why we call flexo rather than a more environmentally-friendly technology.” He says, “In addition to machines, products, and technologies, FIG and Mark Andy give accurate training to operators and supervisors.”
Regular in every leading trade expo across the world, Mark Andy successfully participated in Labelexpo Europe 2023 with the live showcases of three key products, which included the global premier of a new Pro Series flexo press and two hybrid presses—inkjet-based Digital Series HD (DSHD) and toner-based Digital Pro MAX. Stroe says the live demo of the DSHD was a big attraction on all four days of the show with four live demos from Mark Andy.
According to Stroe, Labelexpo India 2024 will be yet another important show and a strategic meeting point where Mark Andy and FIG are welcoming their converter friends to discuss new challenges they currently face and technologies to overcome the same. “We aim to grow together with our converter friends,” he mentions.
FIG and Mark Andy will be present at Stand No C13 in Hall 9 at Labelexpo India 2024.
Prospects & Predictions
In a quick chat, Gourav Roy and Florian Stroe share some future prospects & predictions. Excerpts!
Future’s technological challenges and success ahead?
Gourav Roy: FIG always sees Mark Andy’s flexibility as the key to success. As SKUs continue to rise, run lengths decline, and demands for fast set-up times increase, label converters will need to be agile with their production capability, whether they use traditional flexo or digital press, but most likely with a combination of both – a hybrid platform.
Florian Stroe: With more than 300 hybrid installations worldwide, Mark Andy is in the unique position of offering a press suitably designed for all sections of the label market. It could be simply a Digital Pro PLUS or sophisticated Digital Series HD (DSHD). In the 13” web width sector that typifies label converting, predictions are that digital presses will rival flexo presses in future. This is attributable to both the change in market demands and the ongoing development of digital technology. A consequence of this will be the move of pure flexo lines into wider web widths and more sophisticated lines that will allow single-pass production of flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, and folding cartons.
Big shows in the recent past, which included drupa 2024, had staged & unpacked some important technological updates. What’s next that can be expected as new trends to shape the printing & packaging industry?
Gourav Roy: Of course, Labelexpo Europe 2023 showed big interest in automation, digital printing, and digital finishing. The global print industry has fewer people with print knowledge and hands-on skills. That’s why converters are looking for the solutions with partial or full automation.
Florian Stroe: Well, drupa 2024 was not an exclusive label show, but the trends showcased during the show were very similar to that of Labelexpo Europe 2023 where suppliers focused on automation, robots, digital wide web, machines, digital decoration, etc. Even at the recent Labelexpo Americas 2024, we introduced the fastest ever hybrid press.
The ongoing shift towards digital printing and rapid advancements in printing technologies eventually call for significant capital investments. Do you see print & packaging companies are tweaking their investment plans?
Gourav Roy: Yes, I do. Every print expo in the recent past has shown the growth of digital printing technology. It began in the commercial sector and is now gaining ground in the packaging arena too. If you couple this with the change in consumers’ buying habits, which include ‘online’ that Covid-19 pandemic taught everyone during lockdowns, packaging print converters need to be agile and responsive in which digital technology will allow them to be.
Florian Stroe: Whatever trends and traditions would come up in the industry, but I don’t see digital as a direct replacement of flexo; it can complement each other. Choose the best process suitable for your job. A hybrid model might be the best solution. In whatever case or condition, Mark Andy has the widest solutions.
Lack of skilled workforce, rise in costs of raw materials, and logistic & supply chain disruptions are some of the challenges that still persist. Do you think these will linger further?
Gourav Roy: Yes! That’s why we are having more discussions about solutions for RFID labels and such products which require little skilled staff, shipping, logistics, and general supply organisation. Converters only need to put efforts into better operational workflow and automation.
Florian Stroe: Geopolitical, legal, social, and climate change – all these aspects influence a consumer’s behaviour and expectation. We must be concerned about these factors while manufacturing labels and packaging products in which configurations & designs of printing technologies and machines are vital.
Increasing market competitions put pressure on profit margins of many companies which eventually put brakes on investments in new machines. What’s the solution to overcome this situation?
Gourav Roy: It’s always better to create and offer your own solution. You can win business if you offer some extra aspects like technical support, special decoration, or when you suggest to your clients how to create, print, and finish labels, without waiting for him or her to brief you.
Florian Stroe: First and foremost thing is to build a good relationship with your regional supplier. Our partner FIG is working hard to help every single customer grow in the market, ahead of competition. For converters using Mark Andy products, we are introducing full-fledged university course with a theoretical and hands-on training programme in 2025.
