Gulf Print & Pack 2019 has witnessed a series of new product launches and numerous live product demonstrations, the leading trade show for the commercial and package printing industry in the Middle East "The series of launches and the latest products being showcased at Gulf Print & Pack 2019 exhibition are likely to give a major boost to the total value of the commercial print business in MENA region, which is expected to reach $32 billion this year," said Lisa Milburn, Managing Director, Gulf Print & Pack 2019. Milburn was referring to the exclusive recent research conducted by Smithers Pira – the worldwide authority on the packaging, print and paper supply chains. At the four-day event being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until April 18, Xerox launched its Xerox Iridesse printer, making its Gulf Print & Pack debut. This is the world's first digital press that can print up to 6 colors (metallic gold, silver, white and clear in addition to CMYK) in a single pass with spot-on registration, allowing print providers an immediate competitive edge in the growing digital print enhancement market. Chris Lynch, Head of MEA Production at Xerox, said "Xerox Iridesse combines the value of highly-automated, agile digital production with exceptional image quality and jaw-dropping embellishment effects, making it easier to unleash the potential of print and achieve remarkably brilliant results." Canon unveiled imagePRESS C910. Building on the success of its predecessor, the imagePRESS C850 series, this enhanced range incorporates the proven, high-performance professional print technology associated with the imagePRESS platform while delivering increased productivity and an even wider applications range. The toner-based series comprises three models offering market-leading production speeds of up to 90ppm, 80ppm and 70ppm respectively, on stocks up to 350gsm. "Technological advances mean that businesses need to be constantly innovating to keep up with changing demands and stand out in an increasingly competitive environment. It also implies new opportunities to expand creatively," said Shadi Bakhour, Business Unit Director, B2B, Canon Middle East. Baumer India, meanwhile, displayed its latest Xtend3 – a complete solution, from glueing to quality assurance, with an online ejection system for the folding carton. "It includes cold glue applicators, hotmelt glue applicators, PUR applicator, bar code reader, glue detection, position control and online ejectors," the company said. The sales-service subsidiary of Baumer group also displayed the newly launched Tesla and Aerto hotmelt guns. "Tesla guns can operate in dot mode via PLC, hence reduction in adhesive consumption. The high-end guns are suitable for existing hotmelt systems as well," the company said. The newly launched Xfeed system, which is also one of the highlights of the show, is Baumer's latest product for glue feeding to multiple hotmelt units from a central location. With this, the customer doesn't need to monitor each system to fill the adhesive. Reprotronics showcased its magnesium dies and Brass dies, which are exclusively produced by the company in the UAE. "Magnesium dies include emboss blocks with counterforce, foil blocks, micro foiling, Sona Commercial launched fine grade Neenah Inc. paper to the MENA region, and stand visitors will be able to see samples of their products on display. Vikrant Chhabra, Managing Director of Sona Commercial, said, "We won the distribution of Neenah paper for GCC, Middle East and Africa recently. It's the world's largest speciality paper. There are more than 300 varieties of Neenah paper, and it's good for real estate, hotels, garment tags, etc." Sona is also showcasing an innovative range of speciality grade fine papers at the exhibition. This includes the premium range by Gruppo Cordenons SpA, Hansol Paper and the Lenzing Papier 100% recycled fine paper range. Back for a fourth successive Gulf Print & Pack, CreaseStream Ltd launched its new CreaseStream 75 creasing/cutting solution. The new, manually fed CreaseStream 75 will allow users an opportunity to trim all 4 edges of a sheet whilst adding in 2 creases so that hand folding can be carried out to complete the finish. This latest addition to the company's successful CreaseStream range was developed in response to the growing number of digital print companies processing wide format banner/poster work who might have limited options to complete the actual finishing. BOBST Africa and the Middle East is presenting details of its innovative Connected Series at the exhibition, in addition to information about its latest machinery innovations. The Connected Series service connects all BOBST machines on the shop floor to information systems, meaning customers can monitor the performance of their machines in real-time and make informed decisions on improvement. This is of real benefit to packaging manufacturers. Ricoh introduced the Ricoh Pro C7200sx Series. Combining high productivity with high quality, these new models also handles up to five speciality colors, boosting special effects capabilities. Every model in the series is a single-unit powerhouse, designed to meet the market's ever-changing needs and open up new business possibilities. In addition, Ricoh launched a direct to garment printer. The Ricoh Ri 100 invigorates the world of Direct to Garment printing with its space-saving design. Another prominent launch includes a fully automatic die cutting and creasing machine with full stripping unit by Afra International. Vinay Krishnan, General Manager of Afra Asianray Printing Equipment Trading, said there is huge demand for these high performing machines in the MENA market. — SG
