Ben and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Düsseldorf, Germany, to attend drupa 2024, the first trade fair since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a transformative experience to walk over 100,000 steps at the event. We were thrilled to reconnect with our international friends and colleagues, and it was fantastic to see so many people from the United States making the trip across the pond.
drupa is considered the Olympics of the printing and packaging world. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we arrived in Germany, but all our expectations were exceeded. During our time there, we noticed three key themes everywhere we looked: sustainability and automation, innovations and digitalization, and data integration.
Read on to follow our travels throughout our eventful week at drupa!
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Our drupa tour stop at BOBST featured a presentation on their leading innovations to increase productivity, connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability. Thank you, Harold Leete and team, for having us at your booth! |
| We’re delighted to have been joined by the Southern Champion Tray team including Brian Hunt, John Zeiser, and our friend and Carton Comp Judge, Ronald D. Sasine. Thanks for being part of our drupa tour! |  |
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We were so pleased to meet with Graphic Packaging International, LLC Packaging International CEO, Michael Doss. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate our Associate Members’ innovation and technology advancement. |
| Thank you Gary Roberts, Anne Wozniak, and Jeff Bates for sharing how W. H. Leary Co., Inc. helps customers reduce the burden of skilled workforce through three solutions: Leary View Flex (machine vision glue inspection), Retrofit Diverter Ejector, and IQ smart services for real time data collection, production displays and notifications. |  |
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We’re thrilled to joined by some familiar faces from the Superior Lithographics team at drupa. Thank you Jeff Ku for meeting us on our tour route. |
| We stopped by the BW Papersystems booth where Max Rawson featured their innovative Mercury project. The new generation of web-fed platen die cutter can get up to 2.5 times the output of traditional flatbed die cutters, producing up to 25,500 boxes per hour! |  |
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Something noteworthy we saw at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies at Heiber + Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH’s booth: their equipment can create this innovative solution which is a compartmentalized tray that will offer two products (or more!) next to each other without touching: like fries and ketchup, or curry and rice. Thank you Alain Ciclet for showcasing your sustainable and innovative solutions! |
| At the Valco Melton booth, they are addressing the need to support skilled workforce challenges by showcasing their camera inspection solutions, a growing demand in the folding carton industry. Thank you, Scott Lydell, for highlighting how the camera uniquely inspects the top of braille—a Valco Metlon exclusive technology. |  |
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We thank our friends Fernando Pires and Miles Guessford from Marbach America, Inc for their detailed demonstration featuring marbaject: high-performance rubber and their die-making station with accessories and hand tools. We were excited to get an exclusive view of their Connect M mirror, which tracks machine performance, tooling data, and a customizable system to save and store data from anywhere. |
| We entered Koenig & Bauer (US)/(CA)’s expansive booth at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Eric Frank highlighted their three core pillars: digitalization, modularity, and sustainability. As a 207-year-old family-managed company, they offer a wide range of products custom-made in Europe for your exact needs. |  |
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We stopped by family-owned Vinfoil to visit with founder Vincent van der Heijden, who highlighted the sustainability of their solution, at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Their cold transfer technology replaces metalized board or paper and is recyclable, repulpable, and deinkable. Vincent talked about one-pass production to allow for faster delivery. |
| We were inspired to visit our friends at Baumer hhs GmbH and see firsthand their solutions to implement sustainability in everything they do at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. How do they do it? By continuously questioning everything they do! Colin Lawson and Don Stitt showcased their new development of sustainable adhesives for hot melt. They highlighted how their sustainable solutions lower CO2, increase recyclability and contribute to energy savings. Stay tuned to learn more when we join them for a factory tour in just a few days! |
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We visited EMMECI S.p.A. at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies! Joe Sico and Ilaria Sani featured their newest machine, which has an innovative patented process to make setup boxes and save production time by eliminating the need to make or buy a form. |
| We were delighted to visit RM Machinery Inc. successor to Mitsubishi, the exclusive distributor for the 41-inch litho packaging press. At drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies, owner Rahul Kaushik, along with Mike Stock and Lloyd M., provided a tour highlighting some of the newest features, including their auto nonstop feeder and nonstop delivery to increase valuable production time. Rahul emphasized the sales and service experience of the Mitsubishi team! |  |
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Spotted out and about, taking in all of the innovations around us! We’re so happy to have seen our Packaging Impressions industry colleague, Carton Competition judge, and dear friend, Chris Lyons at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. We’ll see you at HQ in just a few weeks for our annual judging session! |
| We were thrilled to visit KOMORI-CHAMBON at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies, just in time for a fantastic demonstration of their GX40 double-coater offset press with full automation! The demo highlighted new technologies specifically for packaging, including their Smart Color automated 7-color gamut solution and SSMR, Super Short Make Ready, geared for packaging printers using expanded gamut and special coatings on short runs. Throughout our tour, Komori showcased its connected automation in both its commercial and packaging zones. During our visit, we were honored and delighted to meet for the very first time, Komori President & CEO Mochida-san and Head of Packaging Solutions Business Group, Kajita-san. |
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We were delighted to visit with our members at Heiber + Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH during drupa. Alain Ciclet and his team showcased many sustainable initiatives in window patching and tray forming, including their new paper solution within a tissue box to replace the plastic. We love to see these examples of innovation and progress in advancing sustainable packaging. |
| We were delighted to enter the world of Modern Flexo at the Miraclon Corporation booth at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Michele Laird-Williams, MBA and her team showcased their real-world Flexo application and the efficiency and innovation to deliver bottom-line impact across packaging and print production. They highlighted how Miraclon’s Flexo Innovations & FLEXCEL NX technology empower boxmakers to reap efficiency and sustainability benefits by delivering paperboard printing with consistency and repeatability. Thank you to our friends at Southern Champion Tray for joining the tour! |
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We enjoyed a fascinating demonstration from eProductivity Software at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Alex Zlatic and Steve Green highlighted their transformational technology dedicated to print and packaging! Their state-of-the-art packaging software creates one “source of truth” where all relevant data resides. It allows for real-time, high-quality collection and has the tools to turn data into “information” with automated and actionable insights. Leveraging cloud-based systems, AI, gamification, and automated cost forensics, eProductivity Software is leading packaging producers into the future with transformational tech. |
| We had a beautiful tour with Scodix at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. April Lytle highlighted their exciting newest release, the ability to digitally embellish on uncoated stock, in addition to metalized board, micro-flute, and most other folding carton substrate. April spoke to us about the recyclability, de-inkability, and repulpability of Scodix’s embellishments. She noted that Scodix uses 80% less water, 85% less fossil fuels, and 85% less carbon footprint than hot stamping. This was documented with a complete Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). |  |
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“Unfold your potential!” We were happy to tour Heidelberg North America‘s sweeping building at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Clarence Penge and Chris Raney provided an overview of their end-to-end solutions for carton converting. HEIDELBERG is focused on four key industry challenges: competitiveness, labor force, sustainability, and digitization. We were delighted to see their automation in action and learn more about the innovations they’ve been working on to improve efficiency, throughput, and knowledge transfer across the value chain. We were delighted to visit Juan Pablo Méndez from Mayaprin on our tour. |
| We had a great demonstration by Chris Leary at drupa to learn more about Vinfoil‘s patented MFU technology! Chris demonstrated how their technology saves printers up to 85% of foil usage by redirecting a single narrow ribbon multiple times across a sheet, using what would otherwise be wasted material. Chris also described the efficiency savings: when a foil ribbon runs out, their changeover time is only 6 minutes (compared to 15+ minutes of other systems). |  |
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“Meet us where you need us.” We appreciated the warm hospitality of our members at ACTEGA, who stand at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions, offering cutting-edge products that make a real difference. From reducing environmental impact to enhancing recyclability, ACTEGA is a key driver for innovation and new coating product development. Thank you to Jan Franz Allerkamp, Lee Andrews, and Birgit Backofen Rothacker for your commitment to growing our industry with sustainable solutions. drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies |
| We were happy to visit with our members at APP/Charta Global, Inc., and learn more about their award-winning food-grade #paperboard, Bio Natura. It is certified plastic-free, Home and Industrial Compostable, and curbside recyclable at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. |  |
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We were delighted to connect with Jeff Besnick and his McLean Packaging Corporation team at the Gietz AG booth at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies. Gietz showcased their digital workflow and innovative software, “Illucode,” to save material, straighten hot foil stamping workflow, and increase performance by calculating foil and machine costs using only PDF data. |
| Roger Bedoya showcased Marbach America, Inc’s at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies die-cutting sideboards, including Solidplate | Alu and Duramar | Alu. He highlighted their high dimensional stability dieboard, which has a low set-up time and optimum creasing register accuracy. The precision and lightweight construction affords less workload for machine operators and multiple reknifing. |  |
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We enjoyed a beautiful and scenic boat ride down the Rhine with our warm and welcoming hosts Heidelberg North America. They celebrated guests on board from all over the world, representing more than 18 countries! We were honored to spend quality time with the HEIDELBERG team during drupa and enjoyed the authentic German dancing, live music, and an experience of a lifetime! |
| We enjoyed visiting with Kevin Neureuter of Manroland Sheetfed to hear about the exciting leadership updates: Mirko Kern as Global CEO and Kevin as CEO of USA and Canada. Manroland is innovating in the offset industry and hosting tours at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies to showcase their Offenbach. Connect with Kevin to learn more! |  |
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Susie Stitzel gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of Esko’s innovation lab at drupa, which features their cloud-based AI-assisted tools for inspection, reprinting, configuring embellishments, automatic CAD, and so much more! These innovative tools supercharge speed to market, enhance consumer experience, and maximize workforce. |
| We met with Martin Hilgenstock of Henkel, who shared that “80% of the recyclability of final packaging is determined in the design phase.” Henkel provides strategic consultation, education, and training in design for sustainability. They specialize in formulating barrier coatings and glue for fiber products, specifically working to replace plastic packaging. |  |
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“You only run the best when presenting at a trade show,” says Shaun Kilfoyle at EUKALIN Spezial-Klebstoff Fabrik GmbH. “You just can’t take the chance,” he said, highlighting that Eukalin adhesives are running on many of the OEM lines we’ve seen on display throughout drupa. Shaun shared that folding carton performance expectations are higher than ever, and that’s why Eukalin continues to innovate to deliver the highest standards in formulation and adhesive performance to the North American folding carton segment. We were glad to visit Shaun and Timm Koepchen, Managing Director, at their booth and learn more about Eukalin’s commitment to sustainability and how they are developing for it. |
| Our visit to the Baumer hhs GmbH factory in Krefeld was well worth the journey. We saw firsthand their approach to optimizing carton recyclability by using only as much adhesive as the packaging function requires and nothing more. At a time when sustainability is an indispensable standard, we were happy to learn about their technology, which exceeds waste regulation requirements and optimizes CO2 balance in folding carton production. Thanks to our friends for an excellent excursion and fantastic hot and cold glue solutions. |  |
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drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies distinctly showcases the application of automation in folding carton and rigid box production. We got a behind-the-scenes demonstration of W. H. Leary Co., Inc.’s IQ smart services for real-time data collection, production displays, and notifications. Kevin Leary describes it as “Usable technology that tells you why something happened and what to do next.” Smart systems are essential to compete in today’s marketplace. Solution-driven partners like W. H. Leary are focused on helping customers increase and improve sustainability holistically with automation. |
| We were happy to visit with Mark Hopkins from Komori America Corporation during a showcase of their Lithrone GX40 advance litho press. This cutting-edge press features high speed, superior quality, and quick changeover! Their demonstration highlighted the capability of connected automation and remarkably fast plate and color changes. |  |
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Harold Leete and the team at BOBST delivered on their promise to prioritize sustainability throughout the value chain. The drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies booth featured its leading innovations to increase productivity, connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability. Their vision of sustainable end-to-end solutions is revolutionary. This foresight was well demonstrated throughout the pavilion. Well done, and kudos to the visionary Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of the Bobst Group. |
| We joined Eric Frank at Koenig & Bauer (US)/(CA)to see their latest technology and equipment displayed at drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies! Koenig & Bauer is focused on tailor-made solutions for folding carton producers. Eric highlighted their European-manufactured equipment and software, including analog and digital offset presses, rotary and platen diecutting, a blazing fast gluer, and connected packaging—all integrated into a singular system! Ben said, “That gluer is running so fast it looks like it’s going backwards!” as it hit over 120,000 cartons per hour and almost 2000 feet per minute. We’re thankful for Eric’s commitment to serving our industry as a PPC Board Member, industry champion, mentor to all, and thoughtful friend! |
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We visited eProductivity Software to learn more about their leading ERP system for packaging. Steve Green highlighted some of his favorite features, including individualized “workbenches” to provide essential information daily, automated PrintFlow scheduling to optimize on-time delivery and efficiency, and their Automator solution that can trigger events, messages, and actions from any point in the system. He gave a few great examples of the Automator in action, including: ⁃ An automatic email trigger to notify the customer that a delivery has left the building, ⁃ An automatic reminder for your salesperson when it’s time to complete expenses and ⁃ An automatic notification when a high-value sales order has just come in, and a senior director needs forewarning. This impressive software solution is tailored to folding cartons with interfaces to all the major OEMs. |
| We were so happy to connect with Hilda Murray and learn about the innovation from drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies she and her team plan to bring back to TPC Packaging. Celebrating 100 years in business, Hilda has big plans to keep their company focused on growth by leveraging leading technology in packaging. Hilda is a very engaged and dedicated PPC member, and we’re thankful for the guidance, support, and leadership she provides our association and our industry! |  |
Thank you for following along and we are excited to see you in four years!
Ben Markens and Emliy Leonczyk