Kodak has confirmed its participation at virtual.drupa, which will include presentation of its inkjet digital flexible package printing press portfolio.

This will see the Sapphire Evo W press, developed in partnership with Uteco and powered by Kodak’s Ultrastream inkjet technology, showcased as, ‘the first digital press for flexible packaging to match the productivity of flexo and the quality of gravure,’ according to Kodak. The company will also highlight the Sapphire Evo M, featuring the predecessor Stream technology and which has been already successfully adopted in the growing digital flexible packaging market.

Alongside hardware, Kodak’s participation at virtual.drupa will include its software and workflow innovations, such as Prinergy On Demand Business Solutions, claimed as the printing industry’s ‘first and only’ fully integrated and managed business software portfolio including MIS/ERP, e-commerce, and collaboration applications.

Kodak and such technology were scheduled to be presented in-person at drupa 2020 and then drupa 2021, although the company confirmed it would not participate in a physical drupa in the current climate as, ‘the continued concerns and impacts of the pandemic make it difficult for us to commit resources for such an event in these uncertain times.’

These were the words of Jim Continenza, executive chairman and CEO at Eastman Kodak Company, back in September 2020.

On Kodak’s decision to join the virtual.drupa exhibitor list, Mr Continenza said, ‘Kodak provides a full portfolio of offset, digital and software solutions designed to deliver print that pays, and this virtual event will provide a perfect showcase for our latest innovations.’

The first virtual drupa will run 20-23 April, 2021, exclusively online at virtual.drupa.com. The virtual.drupa exhibitor list continues to grow, and currently stands at more than 160 companies, as of 25 March, 2021. These include Bobst, Dilli, EFI, Fujifilm, Komori, Konica Minolta, Omet, Windmöller & Hölscher, and Xeikon. All can be expected to detail their respective  digital package printing developments. 

Read more about inkjet digital printing developments in the March/April issue of Digital Labels & Packaging; register here to receive the magazine, for free

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