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06/02/2016

Direct Print Powered by KHS™ wins the prestigious EDP 2016 award for ‘Best Industrial Production Solution’ at drupa

Direct Print is the first industrial-scale, digital printing process with low-migration LED UV-cured inks to provide a food-safe decoration solution for PET bottles.

• Digital decoration technology matches PET line speeds for soft drinks, water and beer
• Variable image capability provides unprecedented brand engagement

Düsseldorf June 2nd 2016, Direct Print is the first industrial-scale, digital printing process with low-migration LED UV-cured inks to provide a food-safe decoration solution for PET bottles. Martin Schach, leader of the Direct Print Powered by KHS technology team stated that ‘the Direct Print industrial scale digital printing technology for PET bottles is the result of ten years’ investment in disruptive innovation by KHS, with many close technical partnerships from the world of high-tech digital printing, combined with highest precision design and manufacturing, resulting in more than a hundred and fifty patent applications along the way.’ Software matters The cloud-based Direct Print software platform links a headquarters-based sample printer for 1-to-1 proofing and artworks design approvals, linked via the cloud with the workflow of the production site based Direct Print industrial printer. The industrial scale Direct Print equipment is capable of printing variable, high quality images on each bottle in PET filling and packaging lines running at 12,000 / 24,000 / 36,000 bottles/hour. The Direct Print technology platform will enable beverage companies to change graphics and individualize decorations within minutes instead of weeks, bringing a new medium for consumer engagement into the increasingly digital world of packaging. Over time, Direct Print will eliminate labels altogether, thus reducing materials, carbon footprint and time-consuming changeovers on higher flexibility filling and packaging lines. Moving to market MARTENS Brewery based in Belgium implemented the first Direct Print industrial prototype, which will soon be replaced with the next generation Direct Print industrial system with several additional technical features, variable image capability and higher quality final images. Several other beverage brand owners are exploring the possibility to become early Direct Print implementers able to leverage this disruptive brand engagement packaging technology. Phil Johnson, managing director of NMP Systems which commercializes the Direct Print solution, states that ‘receiving this exciting award for printing technology from the drupa and EDP organizations is especially gratifying for a technology solution which has been designed expressly for the Filling and Packaging world.’ Further information on Direct Print Powered by KHS™ please address Direct Print inquiries to: innovation@nmp-systems.com About NMP Systems GmbH Düsseldorf-based NMP Systems GmbH is a subsidiary of KHS GmbH and responsible for the implementation of pioneering KHS packaging systems for the global beverage market. KHS GmbH, headquartered in Dortmund, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of filling and packaging systems for the beverage, food and non-food industries. The company has won the German Packaging Award (2014) and German Design Award (2016) for its innovations in packaging. The KHS Group belongs to Salzgitter AG and has an international production network. The KHS Group has a workforce of over 4,800 employees. About the European Digital Press Association The European Digital Press Association (EDP) was founded in 2006 by six trade magazines with main editorial focus on digital print and production. Now the EDP Association counts 20 member magazines all over Europe, covering 26 countries and reaching more than half a million of readers in Europe. One of the goals of EDP Association was the idea, to assist the technology-appliers in their task to find the right solution for his applications. Because not every high tech product eventually meets the requirements in a demanding production environment. Since 2007 EDP has evaluated and honored the best new developments in print production tools, software developments, substrates, inks, materials and finishing systems. Over the years more than 200 trophies were awarded to the best technologies and developments.