Across the packaging and printing industry, one trend is crystal clear: sustainable printing is no longer optional, it’s a requirement. More brand owners are demanding eco-friendly packaging solutions that balance cost, quality, and environmental responsibility.

As Marcus Graßler of Dunapack Packaging Straßwalchen explains, “The demand for sustainably printed packaging is becoming increasingly important, with brand owners choosing suppliers who focus on eco-friendly solutions while balancing production costs.”

Consumers and brand owners alike are driving a shift toward sustainable packaging printing. Reducing waste, cutting CO₂ emissions, and improving efficiency are now top priorities for companies that want to stay competitive. This is why Dunapack Packaging partnered with Apex International to test how innovative anilox technology can deliver measurable environmental impact.

Benefits of GTT 2.0 Anilox Technology

The joint project at Dunapack’s Straßwalchen facility in Salzburg set out with a clear goal: measure how much CO₂ reduction could be achieved using Apex’s GTT 2.0 anilox technology.

The results:

• 18% average reduction in ink usage
• Significant drop in the carbon footprint of packaging production
• Consistent high-quality print performance

By using less ink, printers save resources while lowering CO₂ emissions per kilogram of ink consumed. Unlike traditional anilox rolls, Apex’s GTT 2.0 anilox roller uses a patented “slalom” engraving pattern, the company states. This design ensures: Smoother ink laydown for consistent coverage; less ink and varnish required for vibrant print results; and improved efficiency with reduced waste.

“Simply put, we can achieve the same high-quality print while creating around 18% less CO₂ pollution related to ink consumption,” says Stefan Schneider, key account manager, Corrugated, Apex.

Christian Rieger, print expert at Dunapack, highlights a key success factor: “One of the keys to this project was achieving the same high-quality print while using less ink.”

Peter Kern, head of Converting at Straßwalchen, adds, “We first ran the job with our conventional anilox, and then again with the Apex GTT 2.0. Across runs of 5,000 to 20,000 sheets, we measured ink consumption and CO₂ emissions. The results were clear: less ink, same print quality.”

Even challenging applications such as printing white on brown corrugated packaging delivered better results with GTT 2.0.

Long-term vision

The impact of GTT 2.0 anilox technology goes beyond ink savings. Dunapack reports:

• 15–25% shorter drying times, lowering energy usage
• Fewer press stops and smoother production
• Improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Reduced maintenance and downtime

Dunapack’s ESG specialist confirms that widespread adoption could cut 40–70 tons of CO₂ per site, per year. With 18 sites across Europe, the impact at scale is transformative.

For Dunapack, sustainability is a responsibility, not just a corporate slogan. “Corporations have a duty to push society toward sustainable development,” says Rieger.

At Apex, the commitment is just as strong. Schneider adds, “We’re thrilled with the results and grateful to Dunapack for their dedication. Together, we’re proving that sustainability and print quality can go hand in hand.”

This blog post originally appeared here on the Apex International website.