In order to explore the future of the label and package printing industry, specifically as it regards to flexographic print, L&NW recently sat down with Carsten Clemensen, CTO, Nilpeter.

L&NW: Nilpeter has launched “The Future is Flexo” vision. Can you explain what this means for the industry?

CC: At Nilpeter, we see flexographic printing as the most competitive and future-proof technology in the global printing industry. “The Future is Flexo” is our commitment to driving innovation in design versatility, automation, digitalization, and sustainability – ensuring flexo remains the most efficient and cost-effective choice. Through smart automation, digital integration, and real-time data-driven precision, we are making flexo faster, more consistent, and easier to operate. At the same time, its inherent advantages in medium- to high-volume production deliver an unmatched return on investment compared to digital alternatives. And as sustainability becomes a key driver, flexo’s ability to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and optimize production makes it the clear choice for the future of package printing.

L&NW: How has Nilpeter evolved along its technological journey?

CC: Innovation has always been at the core of Nilpeter, and in recent years, we have intensified our focus on automation and digitalization. We’ve built a dedicated in-house team to advance flexographic technology, integrating smart automation, IoT capabilities, and real-time data analytics into our solutions. By working closely with external partners, we ensure that our technology not only enhances efficiency but also reduces waste. A key challenge in the industry is the shortage of skilled labor, and the ways we are addressing this is through advanced vision systems, intelligent sensors, and greater machine autonomy. Our long-term goal is to develop machines that require minimal human intervention – paving the way for fully automated, highly efficient production environments.

L&NW: How do you see flexo and digital technologies working together?

CC: Flexo and digital technologies each have their strengths, and when integrated into a streamlined workflow, they complement each other to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance print quality. From workflow systems like CERM and Esko to automated scanning, plate and sleeve handling, and digital embellishment solutions like the digital varnish bar, we see a fully connected production process that improves operational control and flexibility. However, we do not see a future in hybrid presses that combine flexo and digital printing within the same unit. Instead, we believe in optimizing dedicated flexo and digital processes within a connected ecosystem – this ensures the best efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and print quality while maintaining the strengths of each technology.

L&NW: How has Nilpeter worked with its customers to develop new technologies and ensure its products meet industry demand?

CC: Partnership is at the core of everything we do at Nilpeter. We work closely with our customers when developing new solutions to ensure they meet real industry needs. A great example is our collaboration with Catapult Print, located in Orlando, FL, on the Digital Shadow concept, which enhances efficiency and production predictability. Beyond product development, we are committed to knowledge-sharing and industry education. Our large Technology & Educational Center in Cincinnati, OH, hosts regular Open House events for customers and partners – not as a sales exercise but as a platform to push technological knowledge forward.

To support our customers beyond innovation, we offer a 24/7 hotline with qualified troubleshooters, locally produced spare parts for fast delivery, and a dedicated field service team that helps prevent unplanned stops. This hands-on approach ensures that our solutions not only drive efficiency and reduce waste but also provide lasting reliability and value.

L&NW: What are Nilpeter’s newest technological advancements, and how do you see those shaping the future of label printing?

CC: A press that runs without an operator – this is the future of flexo. At Nilpeter, we are pushing automation and digitalization to a level where machines can operate with minimal human intervention. Our vision is a fully automated production environment – the “dark room” concept – where presses run independently, optimizing performance in real time.

Under our Digital Shadow initiative, we continue to develop features that allow customers to base their business decisions on real-time data, improving efficiency and predictability. We are also advancing solutions that reduce waste consumption and enable fully automatic job changeovers, ensuring faster setups and greater sustainability. By integrating these technologies, we are not just improving press performance – we are redefining the future of label printing as well as flexible packaging.