Schumacher Packaging & Display has installed a Highcon Beam 2C digital cutting and creasing system to advance the digitalisation of its production processes and open up new business opportunities.

Schumacher Packaging & Display is part of the Schumacher Packaging Group, which is renowned for its use of modern high-performance ,digital printing for corrugated packaging. This includes the RSR system developed in collaboration between Inca, Agfa and BHS Corrugated. Such digital print capacity has now been boosted by Highcon’s latest digital finishing technology, both of which support the evolving needs of the packaging and display markets and the rise of e-commerce, as well as the vision of a fully digital packaging workflow. Specifically, Highcon’s digitally driven mechanical crease lines with laser die-cutting and digital stripping are stated to allow Schumacher Packaging & Display to run more jobs per shift, offer shorter run lengths with no MOQs and eliminate waste, whilst enhancing packaging and customer engagement for customers throughout Europe.

The Highcon technology has been installed at the company’s Breda site in the Netherlands since August 2022. It is part of the company’s €700m investment in futureproofing the business and enabling it to produce ‘sustainable, environmentally friendly’ packaging. As part of the investment programme and ambitious goal to achieve climate neutral production by 2035, the business is planning the construction of several wind and solar energy parks in Poland and Germany. Fully automatic transport and peeling systems have been employed at the business and the introduction of digital finishing has already dramatically reduced its levels of waste.

Bob Malfliet, general manager at Schumacher Breda, said, ‘The laser cutting technology utilised within the Highcon digital cut and creasing system is amazing. It can punch out even the finest structures and shapes, producing box structures that just can’t be replicated by any other method. It’s also fully automatic and requires no tooling, which means that we can offer our FMCG customers, standout products with a much quicker job turnaround. This will be key in winning work from the healthcare market, our next big growth target.’

Juergen Freier, vice president of marketing at Highcon, commented, ‘The Schumacher Packaging Group is well-known in Europe as a leader and innovator. The installation of the Highcon Beam 2C in Breda is an important recognition of the potential of digital die-cutting to drive value and open new business opportunities.’