Packaging major Bobst Group held its annual press event at Bobst Mex near Lausanne in Switzerland on 27 June 2023, where CEO Jean Pascal Bobst provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial performance in 2022. At the event attended by media representatives from around the world, Jean Pascal Bobst shared insights into the prospects of the label, flexible packaging, folding, and corrugated carton industries in 2023 and 2024.
Bobst Group reported robust sales of CHF 1.841 billion in 2022, marking a significant increase of 17.8% compared to the previous year. The operating result (EBIT) reached CHF 141.3 million, up from CHF 99 million in 2021, while the net profit climbed to CHF 115 million from CHF 93 million. The company also noted an order backlog that was 20% higher. 1 CHF (Swiss Franc) approximately equals US$1.11.
Bobst packaging centerCourtesy- Packaging South Asia
The company’s strategic direction and its commitment to leveraging technological advancements to enhance its products and services, continue apace. “The packaging industry is in the midst of a digital revolution, which is forcing every company to innovate, challenge their approach, think end-to-end and digital, and leverage networks and platforms to deliver new business models for their clients,” said Jean Pascal Bobst. “At Bobst, our industry vision, based on four key pillars – connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability – greatly supports this transformation. The new solutions announced today are the latest in a line of continuous innovation to help our customers thrive in this new reality altogether.”
Bobst reiterated the company’s vision where the packaging supply chain becomes fully digital and its focal point is the company’s cloud-based digital platform, Bobst Connect.
Market trends – consolidation, sustained recovery, recyclability
Jean Pascal Bobst delved into the market trends and predictions for the labels, flexible packaging, folding, and corrugated carton industries in the coming years. In the label segment, Bobst highlighted the persisting shortage of substrates and labor as factors driving the demand for automation. Despite the impact of the macroeconomy in 2023, the company reported a favorable level of bookings and identified new opportunities. Looking ahead to 2024, further consolidation within the industry is expected.
For the flexible packaging sector, Bobst forecast a sustained recovery in 2023, with the segment returning to pre-Covid levels. The focus in 2024 will shift towards sustainability and recyclability, as industry players continue to drive innovation and invest in eco-friendly solutions.
In the folding carton domain, sustainability remained a significant focus in 2022. The industry witnessed strong demand for packaging related to home dining and takeaway services even after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bobst anticipated that in 2023, there would be increasing opportunities to replace or reduce the use of plastic packaging, while 2024 would see a growing demand for fiber-based packaging. Additionally, anti-counterfeit packaging is expected to gain prominence.
Litho laminated eCommerce boxesCourtesy- Packaging South Asia
In the corrugated segment, the surge in eCommerce and home deliveries contributed to strong demand in 2022. While eCommerce is predicted to continue expanding in 2023, the pace of growth is expected to be slower compared to the record levels experienced during the post-pandemic period. In 2024, there may be an increased demand for added-value packaging, with a particular emphasis on inside printing.
Launches at Bobst Mexx and demonstration of eCommerce carton solutions
The Bobst Group took the opportunity to announce several new launches and innovations across various product categories. In the flexible packaging space, the company unveiled the Vision K5 HS metallizer, designed to handle various types of films, including heat-sensitive, thin-gauge, and sustainable substrates. The Nova MW laminator, a super compact machine with a user-friendly design, suitable for solventless lamination in the flexible packaging market, is set to be launched in July.
For paper applications, Bobst introduced the Vision CI flexo printing press, scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2023. This machine is tailored to meet the demands of the growing paper market, offering enhanced capabilities for diameter and higher web tension. It includes features such as Bobst’s Extended Color Gamut (ECG) technology and SmartGPS for automated start-up processes.
In the label segment, Bobst expanded its portfolio of die-cutting solutions by introducing quick change rotary die-cutting, which offers a 50% time-saving advantage in magnetic cylinder changeovers. The company introduced a 530 mm semi-rotary die-cutter with automatic plate-change, featuring the Digi-Gap feature for faster job changeovers.
Furthermore, Bobst announced updates to its Digital Master modular label press series, incorporating new features for Bobst Connect, third-party integration, and Accucheck functionalities. The company’s digital printing technology received official Pantone validation, aligning Bobst’s color management engine and print results with Pantone standards. Additionally, a new user interface called Sphere was introduced, starting with the Digital Master series and in-line M6 flexo press, with plans for gradual implementation across other platforms.
In the folding carton segment, Bobst unveiled two additions to its product lineup. The Novafoil, the first inline foil stamping machine from Bobst, now offers an advanced cross-foiling option. The Novafoil 106 with hologram modules provides security packaging and brand protection capabilities for almost any product. The Optimal Advance Computing System (OACS) was introduced, enabling optimal foil advance calculation, both on the machine and remotely.
For the corrugated industry, Bobst presented Expertflex, a production solution catering to eCommerce and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Combining post-printing power with the precise die-cutting capabilities of the Expertcut 1.7 I 2.1 flat-bed die cutter, Expertflex forms an automated Expertline packaging production line.
Bobst announced updates to its Speedeck automatic packer, introducing new strapping solutions in July.
Bobst Connect received enhancements with the launch of Tool Management. This feature offers control over TooLink-equipped dies, streamlining tool performance tracking, feedback, maintenance, and ordering.
In addition, Bobst introduced Recipe Management for Accucheck, allowing users to remotely prepare and set up inspection recipes based on artwork files, while enabling the saving and retrieval of parameters for future use. This offering marks the beginning of a closed-loop solution.
Live demo – Masterstar, Mastercut 1.65, and Expertfold 165 for eCommerce
Bobst Masterstar laminator at play during the demoCourtesy- Packaging South Asia
Alex Volery, the director of the tooling division, oversaw the live demonstration of the converting process at the Bobst packaging center. The machines involved were Masterstar sheet-to-sheet laminator, Mastercut 1.65 die cutter, and Expertfold 165 eCommerce folder gluer. The demonstration involved processing litho-laminated eFlute single-cut eCommerce cartons, highlighting the capabilities and efficiency of Bobst’s converting machinery.
