A state-of-the-art label press that represents technological advancement in the packaging sector is the MASTER M6. The MASTER M6 press was created by BOBST, an international manufacturer of printing and packaging supplies, to offer remarkable adaptability and versatility. In addition to providing sophisticated automation features for quick job changes, efficient workflow, and high-quality label, shrink-sleeve, and flexible packaging printing, it also offers more decorative alternatives. Furthermore, its Extended Colour Gamut printing oneECG feature ensures great repeatability, reduced ink and substrate usage, and more efficient processes.
With a strong foothold in the flexible packaging market, UVBIZ has quickly established itself as a leading provider of innovative packaging solutions. Specialising in short-run flexible packaging, the company offers a wide range of products, including in-mould labels, shrink sleeves, wet glue and wraparound labels, catering to various industries such as beverage, confectionery, home and personal care, pet care, agro products, and frozen food segments.
Recognising the need for cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of short-run production, Rohit Badlani, Managing Director of UVBIZ, explains the company’s decision to invest in the MASTER M6 press and add to its existing Brotech inspection system, DuPont Cyrel fast plate processors and Esko CDI Spark flexo imager capabilities: “We felt that other available technologies were not doing enough, and lots of start-ups were cropping up at that time. Luckily, BOBST was also, at the time, publicizing the idea of going for short-run flexible packaging technology. So, we decided to go for it.”
The potential for the Indian market
Mr. Badlani also highlights the potential for decorative shrink sleeves in the Indian market, which has primarily relied on gravure printing, “Since we are in more of gravure driven area, printing has mainly taken place through gravure but there is scope for machines like BOBST to create décor and innovative sleeving options for customers.”
BOBST’s unwavering support and expertise have been invaluable to UVBIZ, whose background is not primarily in the packaging industry. Badlani commends BOBST for its continual dedication and assistance, stating: “BOBST has been one of those fantastic partners, which has been with us from day one from the first trial job to executing in India and going through the process of multiple jobs every day. It has been fantastic. It is always a message away from us; whenever we are stuck in materials, understanding of the business, BOBST is right there.”
One of the key reasons behind UVBIZ’s selection of the MASTER M6 inline flexo press is its exceptional flexibility. Initially purchased for short-run flexible packaging, the company quickly realised its potential to print also supported labels and shrink sleeves. “The flexibility of having multiple substrates on the same system was the main idea that drew us towards it,” notes Badlani. “When you enter a new industry, it is important to have a backup plan where if one thing doesn’t work, the other should. That gave us the confidence to go with a big investment for BOBST.”
Thanks to its partnership with BOBST and the state-of-the-art capabilities of the MASTER M6 press, UVBIZ is attracting interest from prominent players in the industry. “We partner with them for all kinds of new product development and new decorative materials in the market. BOBST brings that brand value to our organization for which people want to partner with us.”
Automation with 10-seconds changeover
The impressive automation of the BOBST machine, with its remarkable 10-second changeover, has left a lasting impression on clients. Badlani shares: “We do it every day, 20 times a day. Most brands are just blown away by the idea of it. They visit just to see it. It has been a fantastic journey. We have had multiple brand owners pitching in their ideas and getting them executed quickly. We have had brand owners coming in at 9am and returning with printed sleeves by 4pm. That is the speed we go by.”
UVBIZ is particularly impressed with the oneECG feature of the BOBST press. Although customer awareness for Extended Colour Gamut (ECG) in shrink sleeves remains relatively low in the market, discussions surrounding this innovative technique are gradually gaining momentum. “Brand owners are discussing it, and it is not far when they will start asking for it. We have understood the idea. People have been attempting oneECG for quite some time, but we have been doing it successfully for the last two years. We don’t have any other ink in our facility apart from the seven fixed colours. We will continue to follow this system whatever new machine we buy with BOBST.”
Mr. Badlani concluded by praising the level of service support received from BOBST and recognised its steadfast packaging partnership. He said: “BOBST has been connected with us in a manner that it takes direct feedback from my machine operators to find out more about challenging jobs and asks for feedback on the machine for improvements. It has been a fantastic three-year journey. We will be a loyal BOBST customer for many decades to come.”
