DS Smith has become the first company to install a Nozomi 14000 AQ single-pass, water-based inkjet printer

State-of-the-art technology increases the production speed of sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions

LONDON – DS Smith, a global provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions, has expanded its high-end digital printing offering and leads the industry with the installation of a Nozomi 14000 AQ single-pass water-based digital inkjet printer. It is a pioneering printer from technology manufacturer Electronics For Imaging (EFI) that is designed for high-resolution printing with water-based ink.

The digital printer is in operation at DS Smith’s facility near Barcelona in Torrelavit, Spain, and is configured to print directly onto corrugated board in specific order quantities.

At 1.4 meters wide, the high-speed single-pass inkjet printer offers DS Smith customers significant advantages in terms of reduced lead times and waste compared to analog production methods such as litho lamination. In addition, DS Smith customers gain greater flexibility in using digital printing processes for their corrugated packaging solutions. The newly installed machine allows multiple versions and design variations to be created in a single production run without compromising the quality of the final product.

Albert Forcadell, DS Smith Packaging Operations Director, South Europe, said:

“At DS Smith, we are driving greater sustainability and efficiency in packaging by implementing the most advanced high-speed digital printing technologies in our plants. This new technology not only ensures low energy consumption and maximum production efficiency, but also allows us to offer high print quality with state-of-the-art printheads that guarantee maximum precision.

“This innovation reinforces our environmental commitment and allows us to be more competitive, better meet our customers' demands and access new targeted market segments. These achievements would not have been possible without our partner Electronics For Imaging, to whom we are deeply grateful for their strong collaboration.”

As a leader in sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions, DS Smith was the first in the world with “pre-print” high-speed inkjet printers for linerboard – advanced, efficient digital technology the company operates at packaging plants in the UK and in Germany. DS Smith also uses EFI’s award-winning Nozomi LED UV inkjet printers in packaging and display production facilities in Portugal and the UK.

In a world increasingly conscious of consumption, circularity and the scarcity of natural resources, digital printing stands out as a preferred choice. The importance of digital printing for goods manufacturers is clear, and the technology in the sector is designed to respond efficiently to changing customer demands through agility, automation and flexibility.