Esko reports that Colognia Press is the first Czech Republic label converter and the latest to join more than 500 printing operations around the world, to recognize the importance of achieving Esko's HD Flexo Certification.

This prestigious accreditation was presented to Colognia's joint owner Pavel Kubac by Milos Uzel, CEO of Czech Republic system integrator Macron Systems, who represents Esko's extensive portfolio of solutions in the region.

Colognia, an innovative printer of self-adhesive labels, tags, tickets and packaging materials for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, household and electronic industries, was founded in 1996. The company serves customers such as Fresenius Hemo Care, DHL, HP, Glaxo Smith Kline and Greiner Packaging. With turnover expectations this year of €12 million, the 24/7 operation prides itself on its extreme flexibility and creativity to solve non-standard requirements with its highly knowledgeable 80-strong team. Colognia also holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

"HD Flexo allows us to print to a very high quality," comments CEO Jaroslav Vendl, "and HD Flexo Certification officially approves the quality standards Colognia Press has achieved. We print most of our jobs in HD Flexo using 174 lpi raster, but now we can achieve results as high as 200 lpi."

The company invested in a CDI Spark 4835 flexo platesetter from Esko in 2007 but it was only recently, when demand increased for higher quality print, that HD Flexo was introduced. Mr. Vendl adds: "The main benefit for us is the ability to better address the emerging needs of key customers, particularly corporates, who are requesting high quality results approaching that of screen printing or letterpress. Now they can enjoy similar quality at lower flexo pricing levels, creating a more cost effective approach to their packaging needs."

Esko's rigorous HD Flexo certification process requires the consistent production of ten different print samples from five different jobs. Annual recertification ensures print quality is maintained in line with market developments.

In addition to ensuring that existing customers are happy, the certification will also help the company win new business says Mr. Vendl: "We are unique now in the fact that we are the only label printer in the region with this solution. This gives us a major market differentiation and offers a huge sales opportunity that we will be making the most of."

Pascal Thomas, Esko's Business Development Manager Digital Flexo EMEA, says: "Esko CDI owners are future-proofed; they can invest in a CDI flexo platesetter that meets today's needs and, as those needs change, upgrade to HD Flexo quickly and simply with no need for further significant capital outlay. This gives them the flexibility to address customer needs and confidence in the fact that they have invested in a technology platform that will allow them to stay current with market demands."