When making an investment, it's
important to go for the latest state-of-the-art technology. This was the
primary reason Polish label printer Etiko decided to invest in Esko Full HD
Flexo for Labels, as well as the CDI plate imaging technology. Etiko
specializes in self-adhesive labels on rolls and was one of the first companies
in Poland to work with Esko’s advanced screening process and the associated
standardized procedures required for the highest quality label printing. The
company’s objective was to gain competitive advantage with the ability to achieve
high solid ink density, greater stability in the highlights and a wider color
gamut.
"Our investment in Esko Full
HD Flexo for Labels underlines our commitment to produce the highest possible
print quality for our customers. And that is exactly what the market is
demanding these days," comments Tadeusz Kozinski, Managing Director at
Etiko. "After just a few weeks of working with Full HD Flexo, we already
noticed the variety of benefits this technology offers: it allows to achieve a
higher level of quality in plate imaging, enabling us to get significantly
better printing results. We are also very pleased with our partnership with
Esko. They have been supporting us every step of the way, and we see them as
true partners in our business success."
Before installing Esko Full HD
Flexo, Etiko was using analogue imaging technologies. One thing was clear to
Mr. Kozinski right from the start: when it came to investing in new plate
production technology, it had to be the latest, state-of-the-art solution.
"In our opinion, Esko is an undisputed market leader in the field of flexo
printing prepress. This and Esko's advanced solutions give customers like us
the necessary assurance of not backing the wrong horse," adds Kozinski.
For him it's clear that digital technologies change extremely quickly, and it's
critical to implement the latest solutions in order to meet the evolving needs
of customers and stay ahead of the competition to gain new customers.
Quality advancement and flexible
plate selection
With its fine highlights,
transitions to zero, sharp text and brilliant image details, Esko Full HD Flexo
has quickly set new standards at Etiko. The key benefits include gravure-like
ink laydown and a fully digitally controlled platemaking workflow. The unique
dot shape produced by Esko Full HD Flexo generates plates that can be used for
the highlight, shadow and solid ink areas of print jobs.
"Agencies and marketing departments
are increasingly demanding photorealistic color reproduction of images or other
special effects, even for labels,” explains Kozinski. “Transitions to zero are
now possible, allowing us to meet these requirements. Without Esko Full HD
Flexo, we would not be able to do so." Another important decision-making
criterion for Etiko was the ability to freely choose plate material. Since Esko
Full HD Flexo supports all major digital flexo plate and sleeve brands, it is
no longer a necessity to work with solutions from a specific manufacturer.
Just like many countries in
Europe, also the Polish label printing market is price sensitive. But with the
investment in Esko's Full HD Flexo technology – partly supported by an EU funding,
Etiko is confident to easily achieve full return on investment. “We anticipate
an increasingly growing demand from our customers for higher print quality and
shorter turnaround times,” Kozinski adds. "We are convinced that this will
be a key differentiator for us. According to data from the FINAT association, the
label market in Poland is only half the size of that in Germany, yet there is
significant opportunity for companies that use game-changing technologies. We
have taken an enormous step forward with the innovative Esko technology and see
ourselves very well positioned to be successful in a competitive market."
