Matt Bennett recently joined BOBST as label zone business director, where he is responsible for sales team leadership and driving the company’s ambitious growth plan. Bennett has been in the printing and packaging industry for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience in labels and digital printing, having spent several years heading up sales for HP Indigo Labels and Packaging in North America. He sat down with L&NW to discuss BOBST’s growth and what to expect in the future.

L&NW: What are BOBST’s newest offerings for label production and your mission? 
MB: As a leading supplier and innovator, BOBST is driving the future of label production with new, best-in-class digital printing technology and more automation. We have a complete lineup of integrated and highly automated flexo presses and digital presses, including the new range of All-in-One machines that seamlessly combines digital and flexo, printing, converting and embellishments – all inline in a fully modular and upgradable architecture.

The overall aim for BOBST is to provide label converters with industrial-powered solutions they need to optimize their production floor, lower costs, and to give them the opportunity to grow their business in the most sustainable and profitable way. 

L&NW: Many suppliers are offering hybrid systems as a solution to current and future market challenges. What would you say are the main advantages?
MB: The main advantages of hybrid systems are flexibility and speed, along with low waste and shorter time-to-market. They’re also a more sustainable technology compared to traditional flexo. The high level of automation from BOBST completely changes the way label printing is done, with much higher uptimes and consistent production of high-quality labels at unbeatable speeds.

L&NW: Can you tell us about the new BOBST hybrid presses?
MB: The new DIGITAL MASTER series 340 and 510 combine the strengths of BOBST’s flexo and inkjet technologies into one workflow to prime, print, embellish, inspect and cut in a single pass. They are available in 340 mm and 510 mm print widths in a new design that has been optimized for full modularity, improved operation and easy servicing.

The wider 510 mm version adds new opportunities for printers to expand into larger-sized labels, industrial and chemical markets, wraparound labels, shrink sleeves and other special applications. Although the press provides a higher production volume, it still only needs one operator to run it. 

L&NW: What sets the Digital Master presses apart from the competition?
MB: The DIGITAL MASTER series 340 and 510 are modular “All-in-One, All-Inline presses,” configured with digital and flexo technologies that are both wholly owned and developed by BOBST, which means that the integration is smooth and seamless. Furthermore, because the presses are developed, manufactured, installed and maintained by BOBST, customers only have one point of contact, rather than having to deal with several different suppliers, creating more complexity.

The machines are also unique because they feature digital automation on each module for on-the-fly changeovers to offer the highest press uptime and outstanding repeatability, as well as guaranteeing faster time-to-market for most label applications. The high level of automation also means that just one operator is needed to run the press.
DIGITAL MASTER series 340 and 510 both come with 100% inline inspection as standard for quality control at full press speed. This type of technology is usually only offered as an option on most other presses on the market.

Finally, the highly modular nature allows customers to adapt their machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends. They can configure the exact machine they need now – from a digital-only version to highly customized configuration – and then expand it over time, integrating any or all of the modules that are available in inline flexo. Importantly, the footprint of the press can be kept quite small while still delivering a full All-in-One experience.

L&NW: The presses are described as “highly modular” – what options do you offer?
MB: BOBST offers a vast array of options for all presses in the oneLABEL portfolio. The DIGITAL MASTER series can combine digital and analogue modules in infinite configurations with a multitude of options. These include:

• Priming flexo module for handling the most demanding substrates
• UV flexo modules for heavy coverage spot colors, or special Pantone colors
• Embellishment module for varnishing, tactile effects, holographic effects, cold foil glue applied, UV lamination, security printing, and more
• Hot foil module for precise applications on difficult substrates, embossing and debossing in a single pass
• Fully automated, high-speed, semi-rotary die-cutting with a repeat range up to 17 inches; or rotary die-cutting for full converting options such as embossing and sheeting
• Rotary silkscreen for when high coverage, accuracy of detail and color strength are required for tactile, Braille, matt & gloss effect, 3D printing, security printing, metallic doming and printing of high brilliance color on transparent substrates
• Delam-relam module with 3 color printing on the adhesive, reverse side printing, for multi-layer, coupon labels and others special applications
• Any module can be added over time and on-site

L&NW: Looking back, what would you say was the biggest trend in label production in 2022? And what can we expect in 2023?
MB: The biggest trend for us is without doubt the full integration of digital printing and flexo technology in a single workflow. The All-in-One, All-Inline solution from BOBST provides the flexibility to produce any type of label job, from basic four-colour graphics to fully embellished designs, and almost any job length, with fastest setup and changeovers. By automating many more functions, including providing 100% quality control, we are also reducing waste and labor to improve sustainability and productivity.

In 2023, we expect to see the deployment of more digital UJV inkjet printing systems, like the All-In One, as opposed to standalone toner digital devices. As the most digitalized segment within packaging, labels will continue to grow toward a 100% digital future – from PDF artwork to final labels including all finishing and embellishment steps.