Highlights of Wednesday’s (8 June) launch included the new large-format Expertline converting lines, a new rapid change-over attachment for its flatbed die-cutters, new and updated digital support systems, and advances in eco-friendly packaging.
The launch represents a continuation of the company’s ‘four pillars’ approach, adopted in 2020, that has seen Bobst focus on connectivity, digitalisation, automation, and sustainability.
Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of Bobst Group, said that these trends had only grown more pressing in the industry after shocks like the pandemic and international conflict.
Machinery & Automation
Bobst’s new Expertline, which includes the Expercut 1.7 and 2.1, and the ExpertFlex, has seen the firm expand its corrugated offering.
The machines are aimed at e-commerce packaging providers, combining flatbed die-cutting with post-print flexo processes, and producing up to 20 million sqm per year.
The firm has likewise introduced for the folding carton sector a new setup-time reduction pack, the Speedset. Including an additional 15-inch screen at the feeder, automated pallet lifting for setup, and a motorised micrometric system to centre the die and counter plate, Bobst claims the Speedset considerably reduces changeover times between jobs.
Digital & Logistics
Bobst’s digital offering has also been updated.
The company has released an upgraded version of its workflow management system, Bobst Connect, and has introduced a new helpline for non-connectable machines, where packaging suppliers are connected to engineers by video. Bobst estimated that around half of callouts will be solvable by streaming in this way.
A new recipe-editing program for the firm’s Accucheck folder-gluer quality control system will likewise allow users to create and edit recipes remotely within the Bobst Connect platform, sending them out to multiple Accuchecks on the production floor.
The company has revealed, too, the opening of a new Europe, Middle East, and Africa logistics hub with a 24/7 dispatch service and parts for all product lines.
Sustainability
Bobst also outlined recent progress in its sustainability portfolio, including the launch of a new "high barrier flexible packaging solution" designed for recyclability.
The new mono-material flexo-printed polypropylene (rPP) pouch, part of the CEFLEX (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging) initiative, was developed with household recycled material, and is the first printed pouch of its kind with a barrier.
Bobst is likewise working with sustainable packaging specialist Tipa on a paper-based, high barrier recyclable offering, called FibreCycle.
Finally, the company said it had successfully completed a pilot of the Digital Product Passports (DPP) initiative for a demo machine in Manchester. The scheme, run by cross-industry consortium R-Cycle, will now be extended to Bobst’s other product lines, like coating, laminating, or Ci Flexo printing.
