Screen has developed a prototype inkjet press for printing onto paper-based flexible packaging using water-based, food-safe inks.

It is showcasing the prototype of its Truepress PAC520P at the FachPack show in Germany this week. 

Screen said the press had been developed in response to market trends including shorter turnaround times, more SKUs, and, crucially, environmental impact. 

The Japanese manufacturer said the high-speed inkjet would have “a much lower environmental impact than conventional printing processes” due to a drastic reduction in energy usage and wasted materials.

“The Truepress PAC 520P utilises newly developed proprietary water-based pigment inks that comply with appropriate food-safety regulations. The system is expected to provide both outstanding print quality and safety while maintaining exceptional throughput,” Screen stated. 

If the spec is in line with the existing Truepress Jet series it will have a media width of 520mm and print width of 508mm. 

At the show, Screen is also promoting its Truepress PAC 830F water-based inkjet press for printing onto flexible packaging films such as PET and BOPP. 

It is targeted at the industrial-scale production of short-run jobs. 

“This press is in its final development stages with the first few units expected to hit the market next year,” Screen added. 

FachPack takes place from 27-29 September in Nuremberg. 

Screen completed the sale of its Inca Digital Printers large-format inkjet business to Agfa over the summer.