For more than half a century, narrow web flexographic printing has been the backbone of the label industry. However, once defined barriers between printed packaging segments are increasingly disappearing, and inline mid-web flexo presses continue to capture traditional flexible packaging market share. Shrink sleeve and flexible packaging sourcing teams are mandating shorter run lengths, faster delivery times, and increasing sustainability compliance. These forces are pushing converters to rethink their equipment strategies. 

Mark Andy’s latest flexo platform, the Performance Series S9, was developed with these shifts in mind. Unveiled at Labelexpo Americas, the S9 builds on the company’s long-standing flexo foundation with high-speed automation, enhanced drying capability, and a modular design. Ben Luly, product manager, Mark Andy, talks to L&NW about the future of flexo, what makes the S9 different, and how this press system is helping converters improve throughput, reduce waste, and stay competitive in high-growth application areas.

L&NW: What market challenges have helped shape the S9?

BL: There are really four core pressures: fewer skilled operators, more job variability, sustainability requirements, and increased demand for short-run work – especially in unsupported films and flexible packaging. That combination creates a gap between what traditional flexo presses can do efficiently and what converters actually need to run profitably. The S9 was developed to close that gap. It’s not just faster, though it does run at more than 1,000 fpm, it’s smarter. It automates critical functions like registration, density control, and changeovers. That helps reduce labor reliance, cut waste, and increase output per shift, all while delivering the precision needed for today’s
complex applications.

L&NW: How does the S9 make it easier for operators to run a press?

BL: Operator ease-of-use was a major focus during development. The S9 uses sleeve tooling, which is lighter and easier to manage than traditional bearer tooling, especially in wider web formats. Changeovers are quicker and more ergonomic, which is critical in plants with limited labor or tight space.

Automation also plays a big role. The S9 sets and maintains register automatically, even during speed changes. Color density compensates automatically, as well. And with the job save feature, repeat work is fast and consistent. Less manual adjustment means less variability between shifts or operators.

L&NW: How does the S9 support the momentum for shrink sleeves and flexible packaging?

BL: We’re seeing strong growth in shrink sleeves, different kinds of unsupported film applications, and pouches – and many of these segments demand tighter control over curing, tension, and registration. That’s where the S9 really shines. Its upward web path allows for nearly unlimited drying configurations, including solvent and water-based ink compatibility. The dryers are modular, energy efficient, and fully adjustable – airflow, temperature, recirculation – so converters can fine-tune the parameters for each job. The press was built with flexibility in mind: flexible packaging, yes, but also pressure sensitive labels, prime labels, and even cartons. One platform, lots of potential.

L&NW: There’s a lot of talk in the industry about sustainability. Where does the S9 fit in?

BL: Converters are under pressure to reduce waste, energy use, and emissions. The S9 helps on all fronts. It reduces material waste by streamlining make-ready, thanks to faster changeovers and automated register setup. It reduces energy usage with its drying system, which allows converters to recirculate up to 90% of airflow and only run dryers when needed. The other piece is longevity. This is a press that’s built to last and evolve. It supports a wide range of substrates and is modular enough to scale with new application needs, so converters can get more life out of the investment.

L&NW: How does the S9 tie into Mark Andy’s broader automation and analytics ecosystem?

BL: The S9 integrates with our ProWORX Analytics platform, which gives converters visibility into OEE, waste, energy use, and downtime. It’s a great tool for plant managers who want to benchmark performance, track job-level data, or make smarter scheduling and maintenance decisions.We’ve also designed the press to support future enhancements, from digital print bar retrofits to embellishment features like cold foil, lamination, and rotary screen. It’s a flexible platform built for an evolving market.

L&NW: What would you say to a converter who’s evaluating the ROI of the S9?

BL: Every converter is different, but the ROI drivers are consistent: faster time to press, less waste, fewer operator interventions, and more jobs out the door in a shift. If a company is spending too much time on press setup, having to babysit registration, or burning through material during make-ready, the S9 makes an immediate impact. What really resonates with converters is that the S9 helps them future-proof their business. It’s not just solving today’s problems, it’s designed for where the market is going.