Sustainable packaging provider invests in Nozomi C18000 printer to drive innovation and unlock opportunities for corrugated display solutions

ENGLAND – DS Smith, a global provider and recycler of sustainable fibre-based packaging and displays, is advancing its high-end, 3D corrugated display capabilities in the UK at its facility in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The company has invested in the most advanced, post print digital production technology available, a seven-colour Nozomi C18000 Plus. The printer, which is being supplied by Electronics For Imaging (EFI), will unlock new opportunities for point-of-sale, retail marketing and e-commerce customers.

The Nozomi C18000 Plus prints directly onto board at fast speeds and is designed to deliver superior quality and productivity. As a digital press, it is not restricted by minimum order quantities which are required in analogue litho lamination production, offering customers the most sustainable option with less waste, while delivering increased speed to market and flexibility.

The 1.8-metre-wide printer – a winner of multiple print technology and quality awards – advances the capabilities DS Smith offers as a leading provider of 3D and pre-filled corrugated point-of-sale displays. All of which are printed on 100% FSC-certified board.

“EFI Nozomi technology has played an important role in helping more CPG and FMCG brands stand out with timely, efficient and effective premium packaging,” said Sarah Bell, Managing Director at DS Smith UK Retail Marketing. “Now that the printer is coming to our Ely corrugated display production facility, our customers will gain much more versatility, with the ability to quickly and affordably produce high-end, customised displays featuring targeted promotions or designs.”

The Nozomi printer leverages EFI’s proven, high-productivity imaging know-how and state-of-the-art board path technologies, such as a patented vacuum table system that eliminates warping. It also features inspection system technology that allows for rapid identification and correction of inkjet nozzle issues or other defects. The printer includes seven colours – CMYK plus orange, violet and white inks – a configuration that will give DS Smith Retail Marketing the ability to match up 97% of Pantone Colors. The printer’s highly accurate, consistent imaging capabilities will help ensure colour fidelity to the many health and beauty and grocery brands DS Smith Retail Marketing serves.

“High-speed, single-pass inkjet digital printing with EFI Nozomi technology helps industry leaders like DS Smith address brands’ evolving needs for lower waste, better efficiency, and more relevant, targeted content in high-graphics packaging and displays,” said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging and Building Materials, EFI. “This technology creates a new level of sustainability and capability for the corrugated space, and it will make DS Smith Retail Marketing even more responsive to brands looking to reduce the time needed to launch new display campaigns.”

DS Smith currently operates an EFI Nozomi C18000 Plus printer at its facility in Lisbon, Portugal where it has significantly reduced delivery times for customers while providing near-offset quality in e-commerce packaging, shelf-ready packaging and other applications. The installation at Ely will mark the 50th EFI Nozomi printer installed worldwide.