XSYS showcased its sustainable solutions for flexo at drupa 2024. Bringing a flurry of launches, the global prepress specialist supplier introduced new products specifically aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of flexo, while delivering brilliant print quality. These included the nyloflex eco plate series, Catena ProServX equipment monitoring software, EcoFillX solvent saving imaging software feature, and rotec eco sleeves, all developed to reduce waste, add value and enhance productivity. In addition, key industry collaborations promoted sustainable solutions developed with leading industry partners.

“It was fantastic finally to be back at drupa after eight years, demonstrating brilliant solutions that support our customers in improving sustainability in flexo platemaking and printing,” says Thomas Strohe, director of commercial excellence, XSYS. “Our ‘Innovate. Sustain. Print’ theme is a straightforward concept, tailored to the needs of today’s challenging market. This clearly hit the right note with existing customers, as well as attracting new business. I’m extremely pleased to report a string of sales, including significant deals with Neuefeind in Germany and CCL Austria, along with a new partnership with Fine Line Graphics in the US.”

drupa visitors gathered to learn about nyloflex eco plates, which are made with up to 29% renewable raw materials while promoting 25% faster processing speeds for significant savings. nyloflex eco ACT is a medium-hard photopolymer plate for paper and board, well-suited to water-based inks. Easily combining halftones and solids, it is compatible with tube and LED exposure systems for maximum efficiency and flexibility. For corrugated post-print, the softer nyloflex eco FAC is an extremely robust and durable plate that tackles rough and uneven or pressure-sensitive surfaces, and soft paper substrates with ease. The first two nyloflex eco plates are presented in a bright, clear, light blue color set to become the standard across the portfolio to optimize production and reduce waste. Over the coming months, they will replace the existing nyloflex ACT and FAC products. More eco plates will be launched in due course, as XSYS continues to lift proven quality to a sustainable future.

The ThermoFlexX Catena+ plate processing line running live on the booth was a booth highlight, with over 200 demos conducted during the show. As a breakthrough in fully automated, low waste platemaking, the award-winning Catena+ contributes to sustainable, Industry 4.0 production while offering excellent OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). Recognizing these qualities and the benefits they offer, Neuefeind GmbH signed for a Catena+ line and a ThermoFlexX 80D imaging system. Meanwhile, a new customer in the US, Fine Line Graphics, shook hands on a large deal that includes nyloflex FTV plates, Woodpecker surface screening, ThermoFlexX imaging, Catena Bridge and Catena-E exposure technologies.

Software introductions were also a major attraction as XSYS launched its Catena ProServX monitoring software and EcoFillX solvent saving imaging feature. A cloud-based tool, Catena ProServX offers real-time equipment monitoring, enabling proactive maintenance and improving quality control. By measuring performance, energy use, and consumables, it provides insights to optimize OEE, ensure high quality, and reduce waste. Meanwhile, the EcoFillX feature in MultiPlate for ThermoFlexX imagers allows non-printing areas to be imaged with various structures, keeping more polymers bound to the plate. As a result, much less solid content is washed out, extending the lifetime of the solvent, lowering waste and saving costs.

New sustainable solutions for the pressroom included XSYS’ vision of the rotec eco family of sleeves, developed to achieve even more brilliant print performance, and a new structured sleeve surface that facilitates the escape of air bubbles to minimize waste and ensure quality. The latest sleeve storage system from Ulmex Industries, perfect for optimizing space and extending product lifespan, could also be seen. Substantial deals were made in this area too, with CCL Austria putting in an order for 360 rotec Smart premium sleeves.

“XSYS delivered as promised at drupa, demonstrating innovative solutions that allow our customers to be brilliant and sustainable in equal measure. And there is more to come, as we continue to develop more products and collaborate with partners on projects that contribute to a greener future for flexo,” concludes Lars Kräft, chief commercial officer.