XSYS reflects on a successful 2022

While 2022 presented a turbulent and challenging climate for all businesses, XSYS examines the results of its value proposition for the global flexo prepress community and lifts the veil on what comes next.

Friedrich von Rechteren, global commercial vice president of XSYS, said: ‘Our relentless drive to support customers with brilliant products and first-class services that provide them with high-quality printing results certainly paid off in 2022. More than 80 new equipment installations have brought plenty of success stories from across the world, despite the many challenges caused by the severe disruptions in supply chains, the rising cost of materials and energy, and the skills shortages.’ 

XSYS manufactures printing plates, plate imaging and processing equipment to sleeves and adapters. The ThermoFlexX portfolio of platemaking equipment delivers increased automation to customers, such as Kirk Group in Australia, who in 2022 boosted overall operating effectiveness with the installation of a ThermoFlexX imager combined with the full Catena+ line.   

The XSYS offering of printing plates for all packaging segments is also going from strength to strength. The nyloflex FTM Digital flexo plate, developed recently to facilitate the switch from solvent- to water-based printing, was put into production by Saint André Plastique. The French flexible packaging printer immediately moved an additional part of its production to sustainable paper-based substrates with the new investment.  

ThermoFlexX Woodpecker surface screening technology was further extended with the Nevis edition for printing with white inks on film-based substrates in 2022. The new Woodpecker Nevis screening helps converters save on white inks while speeding up the imaging process.  

XSYS also used the year to reinforce its dedication to sustainability by introducing waste-saving products and services and developing environmentally friendly solutions in collaboration with fellow suppliers. During a live webinar in December, the company was part of a group presenting greener solutions for central impression (CI) flexo operations enabled by next-generation technologies. Further proving this point, XSYS Germany received a silver medal rating in 2022 for its sustainability performance from EcoVadis, rated in the top 10 percent of manufacturing facilities.  

Finding new ways to help customers in their daily lives is another fixed item on the agenda for XSYS. Several new value-adding initiatives were introduced in 2022, including the Flexo Solution Finder – a new online tool for faster troubleshooting and instant access to solutions to common issues in flexo print production.  

To combat supply chain problems, XSYS implemented global solutions across its business to help customers succeed in the face of challenging market conditions. One example was in the US, where the manufacturing capabilities for rotec Sleeves and Adapters in Asheville were expanded, meaning customers are now benefitting from more reliable delivery of high-quality products from the full rotec range.  

Over the coming months, new plates and plate processing equipment will come to market, geared towards introducing more flexibility and sustainability in flexo production while also delivering top-quality print at competitive cost levels.  

Dagmar Schmidt, CEO of XSYS concluded: ‘First of all, I would like to thank all our customers across the globe for their trust in XSYS. The past year has proved that XSYS is a company in its own right, with solutions that are enabling customers to remain on a successful trajectory. As we kick off 2023, we look forward to launching new technologies, participating in more collaborations, and meeting the packaging community at trade shows and events. Together we can make 2023 a year of growth.’