In a recent L&NW survey, more than 250 participants cited the latest trends impacting their business. Along with digital printing and automation, flexible packaging ranked highly as an area of interest for label and package printing converters.

Omet, a printing press manufacturer, has set its sights on flexible packaging, as converters are increasingly demanding enhanced capabilities to reach new markets. Omet has taken feedback from the industry and incorporated their wants and needs into the newest technology.

Omet boasts numerous projects with customers in the flexible packaging market, and the company is regularly conducting live and virtual demonstrations. Plus, the company has joined several associations and will present on the topic throughout the year.

“There is no doubt that flexible packaging is growing year over year, and everything indicates that this will continue, by 2033 reaching the astronomic value of hundreds of billions of dollars, explains Alex Bullock, business development for Omet Americas. “Interest is high and many label converters are looking to grow their flexible packaging business. It is not easy because you need the right capabilities to be successful. However, the feedback from converters that do have the capabilities is that they are doing very well. The demand for shrink sleeves, pouches, folding carton and so on are big out there, and there is a lot of business up for grabs.”

Omet has engineered several different platforms designed for flexible packaging, ranging from 17” up to 33” wide. Additionally, with offset capabilities up to 33”, as well as hybrid solutions, Omet is able to customize any of its platforms to the needs of the flexible packaging customer.

“Our presses can convert materials from 12-micron film to 24PT tag,” says Bullock. “UV and UV LED can be combined with water-based and solvent inks. Rotogravure, EB curing, Jet bar, diecutting, cold foil and lamination, hot foil, embossing, special varnish effect and more are available with Omet.

“In regard to sustainability, our full automation and servo driven presses reduce waste and time-changing jobs, achieving an environmentally friendly result,” adds Bullock. “Our patented Vision System, special tension control and our newly digital platform ensure customer success. Our digital platform allows machine supervision, Lean analytics, dialog with operators, advanced maintenance, and advanced sustainability.”

Omet has also prioritized growth in the North American market. The press manufacturer offers an Omet subsidiary in Mount Prospect, IL, USA. “There we have our technicians, customer support, and warehouse, with a huge inventory of parts, components, and motors for overnight delivery, if necessary,” comments Bullock. “Omet has been growing year over year, with over 200 presses installed in the USA and more than 2,200 worldwide. The future looks bright for for Omet.”

Even though Omet has expanded offerings to the flexible packaging market, label printing technology will continue to be an emphasis for the Italian manufacturer.

“Of course, the pressure sensitive label business is very important for us and we will continue to target it,” states Bullock. “Our iFlex 14” press is a great solution for this market and is a very budget-friendly option. We are having great success with customers that need to maintain high print quality similar to digital but also want to be more cost-effective for their not so short runs. Folding carton is a market we also will target.”

To explain how Omet will continue to grow, Bullock recently participated in a FLAG (Flexo Label Advantage Group) Lunch & Learn event. There, attendees were able to receive immediate feedback on Omet’s goals and initiatives for the future.

“The FLAG webinar was great,” emphasizes Bullock. “We had the opportunity to share our view of the flexible packaging market and how our solutions can contribute to growing this market. FLAG is a great resource for us, and we are honored to be a vendor member. It is always good to meet with converters at the FLAG Annual Meeting event and share market insights while networking and having a good time.”