Bespoke packaging specialist Dairi-Pak has become the first UK customer to use Konica Minolta’s new PKG-675i corrugated packaging printer.
Launched earlier this year into Europe, PKG-675i is a water-based digital inkjet printer that opens doors to short run and personalised corrugated and folding carton packaging, helping serve fast-growing sectors such as e-commerce. This flexibility for packaging on demand production was one of the key drivers for Dairi-Pak in choosing a digital inkjet upgrade. PKG-675i also marks a landmark first for Dairi-Pak as it moves to digital printing for its packaging on-demand requirements. Such capability means Dairi-Pak’s customers now have a variety of options, including inside or outside print (or both), and full colour high-definition print of a product or customer specific image.
Tim Gray, managing director at Dairi-Pak, said, ‘Changing consumer behaviour, specifically the staggering increase in online purchasing, has prompted us to invest in a digital printer to enable our customers to enhance the ‘unboxing experience’, particularly for their clients who are receiving their products in the post or via courier. Many of our customers are demanding messaging and strong branding on the inside of postal packs, whilst leaving the outside of the pack anonymously plain. This is particularly important to those customers shipping high value items where the potential for theft is a concern, but the perception of quality is important.’
PKG-675i is suited for producing short runs and personalised corrugated boards and folding cartons, flat or pre-die cut, quickly and economically. This was crucial in the decision process for Dairi-Pak, according to Mr Gray. ‘This makes true personalisation possible; making each consumer/customer feel very special – either by the use of their name or a marketing message that is personal (or pertinent) to them. You can use a standard size box for different products (or different specs and colours of the same product) using multiple print styles within the production run, which is a game changer.’
He added, ‘Many box makers insist on a minimum run of 1000 or more if the customer wants the box printed, so digital print definitely has a sweet spot – from a single box to perhaps 500 boxes, digital can be very cost effective.
‘We will be working closely with our customers to explore how our new digital print capabilities can improve, enhance and extend their presence in their traditional or new markets.’
Grahame Megilley, industrial print business development manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK), said, ‘We are proud that our new market-leading PKG-675i is supporting Dairi-Pak with its move to digital packaging on demand printing. In an evolving market, the PKG-675i is the perfect printer to support professional packaging specialists like Dairi-Pak, rapidly producing the highest quality bespoke products for its clients.’
