For Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg), packaging printing is an important part of its growth strategy. As a full-range supplier and system integrator, the company aims to tap further market potential. Numerous recent investments by packaging customers in the Spanish market in cutting-edge technology from Heidelberg underline the correct approach of this strategy.
The 38th International Exhibition for Fine and Speciality Chemicals has delivered a resounding success, proving that this industry thrives under pressure. Following a dynamic two-day run at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, the event generated significant impact at a pivotal moment for the global chemicals industry. A total of 424 key suppliers from 23 countries showcased their chemical substances, bespoke solutions and manufacturing services to an exceptionally engaged trade audience, bringing together around 7,000 industry professionals in productive networking and business discussions.
Modern packaging is more than just protection – it is a canvas for creative expression. With the modular Hydro-X Contact system, hubergroup Print Solutions introduces a new generation of water-based inks and overprint varnishes that unlock exceptional creative freedom. Designers and brands gain more space for visual storytelling and eye-catching graphics on recycling-friendly mono-material packaging – now even on the inside of food packaging.
Global consumption of cartonboard will reach 56.3 million tonnes in 2025, valued at $58.9 billion, according to new research from Smithers, the global authority on packaging markets. This will be converted into 52.4 million tonnes of packaging, with a value of $132.8 billion. The new market report – The Future of Folding Cartons to 2030 – shows that demand will push global consumption of folding cartons to 63.1 million tonnes in 2030, with value increasing to $159.6 billion at constant pricing.
Fripa Papierfabrik Albert Friedrich KG, a German tissue producer, has awarded international technology group Andritz the contract to deliver a complete PrimeLine tissue machine to the company’s mill in Miltenberg, Germany. The PrimeLine machine will have a capacity of 37,000 t/a, with a design speed of 2200 m/min and a web width of 2.72 m. Andritz will execute the project on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) basis. Start-up is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Labelexpo
At this year’s Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, UV specialist Hoenle will showcase cutting-edge LED-UV curing systems from its proven LED Powerline series, designed not only for label printing, but also for the increasingly important flexible packaging market. Among the highlights is the innovative Curing System LED Powerline Web.
Valmet launches Pulp Filtrate Extractor for more precision in pH measurement. It provides the highest availability and most accurate process temperature and measurement conditions on the market, ensuring pH and residual chemical accuracy. The Pulp Filtrate Extractor is a natural upgrade from previous generations, including Valmet Piston and Valmet Screen Extractor. The new extractor enables pulp makers to achieve precise measurements in pulp filtrate by improving measurement conditions and increasing uptime. It offers up to 70 percent greater flow than competing solutions, ensuring higher filtrate temperatures and better conditions for exact pH measurements.
ZELLCHEMING
ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2025 brought the international paper and pulp industry to the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden. From July 1 to 3, this important industry event offered around 3,000 visitors (nearly 20% more than last year) opportunities to exchange information and network informally. More than 140 sponsors and partner companies presented themselves in nearly 2,000 square meters of expo space. The North Hall of the RMCC was fully booked.
Kodak is excited to announce the launch of the new Graphic Users Association (GUA) Online Forum, designed specifically for active users of Kodak Prinergy Workflow Solutions. This forum offers a collaborative space where the Prinergy community can interact with each other and with Kodak, to exchange ideas and optimize workflow processes. The free GUA Online Forum features dedicated groups for Prinergy VIP Members, General Prinergy Members and qualified Kodak Channel Partners.
The Cardbox Packaging Group, a leading provider of sustainable cardboard packaging for the food, cosmetics, and consumer goods industries, is once again investing in the cutting-edge technology of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and its packaging partner MK Masterwork. By investing in a new Duopress 106 FCSB from MK Masterwork, Cardbox Packaging is increasing its capacities for operations such as hot foil stamping in the postpress section of its Wolfsberg site in Austria. The company already has three high-performance Mastermatrix 106 CSB die cutters in operation at this site, supported by comprehensive state-of-the-art logistics systems.
With the introduction of three automation solutions – OnControl.SmartProtect, OnControl.FineScreening and OnControl.Pulping Detrashing – Voith is expanding its MillOne ecosystem and driving forward the digital transformation of papermaking. Designed to solve daily challenges of operators in pulping, fine screening and high-density cleaning, the solutions consolidate excessive amounts of data, complex decision-making processes and inefficient manual interventions through real-time measurements, data analysis and automated adjustments or recommendations. Companies such as German papermaker Schoellershammer are benefitting by significantly optimizing their production output and resource utilization.
With the commissioning of a new mixing station on the economically significant Sainte-Sigolène plateau, hubergroup Print Solutions is sending a strong signal for growth, customer proximity, and responsiveness. Inaugurated on June 20, the station for solvent-based Gecko inks encompasses on-site storage, mixing, technical support and a laboratory. This marks a significant milestone for the printing and packaging industry in France.