Esko reports ongoing uptake of HD Flexo

In order to become certified, customers submit multiple production print samples produced using Esko HD Flexo or Esko Full HD Flexo. Engineers in Esko´s flexo research and development center then check the quality of the submissions according to published quality parameters. Once certification is granted, customers receive a certificate plus a set of promotional tools that allow them to use the Esko Certification logo.

Esko said this results in the highest quality in flexographic printing and has become a “de facto global industry standard”.

Certification is open to flexo printers and converters, as well as industry vendors, such as trade shops that produce flexo plates. Many trade shops that have been certified have also worked with their converters to certify them as well. Vendors that supply support materials and tools such as tape, aniloxes, etc., to the flexo industry can also pursue certification, since their supplies and materials are instrumental in achieving HD Flexo quality.

Jan Buchweitz, senior product manager for digital flexo at Esko, said: ‘Esko launched HD Flexo in 2009 and was the first supplier in the packaging industry to give flexo a quality stamp by a certification.

‘Since then, that number has continued to grow rapidly as the technology has been adopted eagerly by our customers. In 2013, we started to apply a similar certification process for Esko Full HD Flexo users, and the first series of Full HD Flexo certificates are currently issued.’

Golden Era Group, the second largest printing and packaging group in South Africa, is one of the printers to achieve HD Flexo certification, and its managing director Raj Chhita said: ‘Flexographic printing has improved greatly over the last few years. The quality and productivity we can now achieve is comparable to gravure and litho. HD Flexo certification highlights for our customers a consistency that helps us confidently win new work.’

Buchweitz added: ‘Our customers are eager to get certified and inspire us for this program.

‘HD Flexo Certification gives converters a stamp of quality assurance from a recognized industry leader that helps them cement relationships with brand owners. Clearly, there is also value in the process for Esko as we work to extend the range of companies that are certified and to protect a quality standard that has come to define the best in flexographic printing.’