In the fast-evolving packaging industry, staying ahead demands packaging innovation, efficiency and sustainability. Schumacher Packaging, a family-owned leader specializing in customized corrugated packaging and solid board, embodies this approach. With over 29 sites across Europe, Schumacher  Packaging has consistently invested in advanced technologies to meet the shifting demands of the market.

A pivotal step in this strategy was the installation of the Highcon Beam 2C digital die cutting system at Schumacher Packaging & Display in Breda,  The Netherlands, in August 2022. This decision has transformed their production capabilities and opened up new avenues for business growth. The integration of the Highcon Beam 2C is part of Schumacher Packaging’s broader strategy to maintain its leadership in the European packaging market, positioning the company for continued growth and innovation.

Enhancing Production Capabilities

Schumacher Packaging’s commitment to innovation is driven by CEO Björn Schumacher’s vision of digital technology revolutionizing the packaging industry. Recognizing the need for shorter runs, faster cycle times, and quicker turnarounds, the company has heavily invested in digital production to stay ahead of market trends. The Highcon Beam 2C plays a crucial role in this strategy, enabling the company to handle complex projects with efficiency and precision.

On their website, Schumacher describes the benefits of digital die cutting technology: “No tools are required for the subsequent die cutting with the laser. Neither wood, metal nor rubber are used, which are required for the production of a conventional cutting die. And there is also no need for transport and storage. This saves material, costs, and time.” This reduction in setup time and material usage not only improves production efficiency but also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.”

Unlocking New Business Opportunities

The Highcon Beam 2C has been transformative for Schumacher Packaging, especially in projects requiring quick turnarounds. Its fully digital workflow, including patented DART (Digital Adhesive Rule Technology) and contactless laser die-cutting, allows for the efficient production of customized packaging that were previously impossible with traditional methods. This has been particularly advantageous in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, where agility is essential.

“The Beam 2C closes the gap between design creativity and production capability and takes digital punching and creasing to a new dimension of added value – both for us and for our customers,” states the company. This digital workflow enables Schumacher to run more jobs per shift, offering shorter run lengths with no minimum order quantities (MOQs), providing brands with the flexibility needed to remain competitive.

A standout example is the creation of an award-winning, candy-shaped packaging featuring a detailed winter landscape. This intricate design, which earned Schumacher Packaging a gold award at the Display Superstar Award 2023, was made possible by the precision and flexibility of the Beam 2C laser die-cutter. “Their production was only possible digitally using the Beam 2C laser die-cutter,” notes Schumacher, highlighting the unique possibilities enabled by digital die cutting and creasing.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of Schumacher Packaging’s operations. The company has made significant investments in renewable energy and resource-efficient technologies across its European sites. The Highcon Beam 2C supports these initiatives by enabling the use of lighter-weight boards, reducing material consumption, and minimizing the carbon footprint of their products. By eliminating the need for traditional cutting dies, the Beam 2C also contributes to waste reduction and enhances the environmental responsibility of Schumacher Packaging’s processes.

“On our way to climate neutrality, we want to further advance the digitalization of our production processes. For this reason, we have installed the first Highcon Beam 2C laser die cutter for corrugated packaging at our display plant in Breda,” Schumacher Packaging states. “This commitment to digitalization not only supports sustainability but also positions Schumacher Packaging as a leader in the transition to more environmentally friendly production methods.”

The installation of the Highcon Beam 2C laser die cutter at Schumacher Packaging’s Breda facility has proven to be a transformative move, enhancing production efficiency, unlocking new business opportunities, and reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. As Schumacher Packaging continues to grow and innovate, the partnership with Highcon will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving the company’s future success.

Let us help you stay ahead of the curve. Explore our cutting-edge digital die cutting solutions and see how Highcon can contribute to your success.

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The post Transforming Packaging with Highcon: A Schumacher Packaging Success Story first appeared on Highcon.

THIMM, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, recently secured impressive wins at the OBAL ROKU 2024 National Competition for Packaging Innovations and Design. The jury, comprised of experts, evaluated entries based on innovation, functionality, technical processing, design, and sustainability. Among THIMM’s triumphs were two standout packaging solutions—G(o)rila Box for Orkla Foods Czech Republic and Slovkia and PSINA for SpokojenyPes.cz—both created using Highcon’s cutting-edge digital die-cutting system.

As one of Highcon’s early adopters of the Highcon Beam 2C in Všetaty, Czech Republic, THIMM has utilized digital cutting and creasing to transform corrugated packaging. Their success at OBAL ROKU demonstrates how Highcon’s innovative technology powers creative, functional, and sustainable packaging.

Premium Presentation Package for Orkla Foods

For Orkla Foods, THIMM designed a premium presentation package that  impresses with aesthetic appeal, provides a high level of content protection and reinforces brand identity. The combination of digital printing and laser cutting resulted in a detailed design that creates an exceptional marketing tool that promotes the company’s image and helps to increase sales.

“The dominant element of the package is the logo and slogan “Let’s Gorilla!, laser cut into the corrugated cardboard, ensuring precise lines and a unique texture. Underneath the die-cut logo is a layer of colour that highlights these elements and adds a dynamic look,” according to the THIMM team. “The package includes corrugated cardboard fixings for stability and product safety during transport. All materials used are fully recyclable.”

Durable, Functional and Visually Appealing PSINA Board Game Packaging

The PSINA board game packaging brought a playful, fresh approach to the world of board games. Its attention-grabbing design makes a statement from the first glance, with moveable eyelets on the lid that immediately draw attention. The game components, shaped like paws, add a unique character that complements the fun and interactive nature of the product. Beyond its visual appeal, the packaging provides full protection for the game pieces while displaying the contents in an eye-catching manner. It’s environmentally friendly and an excellent platform for conveying brand messaging.

“The fixation of the elements has a dog paw design, which emphasizes the game’s theme and ensures that the elements are safely stored during transport,” says the THIMM team. “For a perfect impression, a print was created using the digital printing method, which fits perfectly with the game concept. To further increase the appeal and 3D effect, dog paws and tongue were added to the lid of the packaging. And as a unique feature, moving eyes were also added to give the game owner a surprise and add a dynamic dimension to the cover.”

THIMM’s award-winning designs showcase the potential of creative, sustainable packaging, all made possible by Highcon’s digital die-cutting technology. Their ability to merge functionality with eye-catching design has set a new standard for what’s possible in packaging innovation.

Interested in transforming your packaging with innovative digital die-cutting solutions? Reach out to learn how Highcon’s solutions can help you deliver creative, sustainable, and efficient packaging solutions for your brand. Discover the future of packaging today!

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The post THIMM’s Award-Winning Packaging Solutions with Highcon Technology first appeared on Highcon.

Why Highcon?

Vanguard Companies aims to revolutionize the packaging and displays industry. To achieve this, they have strategically partnered with Highcon. This partnership will help Vanguard expand their presence in the corrugated packaging and display industry. Additionally, it will support their e-commerce packaging division, Box Genie. Highcon system’s unique ability to eliminate dies in the finishing process, coupled with its small footprint, make it a perfect fit for Vanguard’s requirements.

Onboarding Excellence

Vanguard partnered with Highcon for a comprehensive onboarding journey, which focused on understanding the converters’ primary requirements and ensuring compatibility with their existing equipment. The process involved site preparation, training for operators, designers, prepress, structural, production managers, and workflow-related functions. During this phase, Jim Smith, a ramp-up and support specialist at Highcon in the U.S., played a crucial role in leveraging his diverse background and expertise.

Jim’s role involved technical training and bridging gaps in pre-press and structural departments. A phased onboarding approach was adopted, which included an initial six-week on-site training followed by a revisit from Jim after a few weeks. This approach helped the Vanguard operators to quickly grasp the technology and streamline their operations.

“We were running production orders during the training with his (Jim’s) assistance. Once he left, it was up to us to go ahead and work through the process,” said Doug Hay, Director of Production, Vanguard. “Within six to eight weeks, we were running production orders consistently across three shifts, seven days a week, and they haven’t slowed down since.” Initially eight to ten operators were trained with the primary focus of ensuring that all team members had an understanding of the machine. This facilitated smoother operations and allowed for flexibility in task assignments and potential for growth.

Jim Smith’s practical approach to problem-solving was crucial to Vanguard’s success. His constant follow-ups and promptness in addressing inquiries ensured a collaborative and fruitful partnership.

“It made all the difference in the world to me and my staff in how fast we got up to speed. We still occasionally reach out and talk to him [Jim]. If he has not heard from us in a while, he will pick up the phone and say, “Hey how’s everything going?” said Hay. “That is the kind of relationship we want. We have an open relationship. That is how it works for us and let’s hope we continue it.”

Ramping Up Production: Challenges and Continuous Support

During the onboarding process, the team faced several challenges which they tackled with a proactive attitude. For instance, the structural design team, who were initially hesitant about change, eventually embraced the new workflow methodologies introduced by Highcon. As a result of their expertise and willingness to adapt, significant improvements were made to the workflow process. For example, the time taken to create structure files per order was reduced from 35-45 minutes to just 5-10 minutes by adopting the ArtiosCAD module for manufacturing in structural design.

“We have discovered new ways that are significantly faster than our previous standard process. Jim’s expertise has been invaluable to our design team, as we are now implementing it in other areas as well,” shared Scott Auer, the Pre-Press Graphic Manager.

Hay stated, “Currently, we handle 300 to 400 unique setups per month. Our aim is to increase it to 800 setups per month on the machine. These are ambitious goals we have set for ourselves.”

Looking Ahead

Vanguard is looking forward to a positive future, with an expanding e-commerce business and a commitment to sustainability as the primary objectives for the year 2024. The efficient onboarding process with Highcon has played a crucial role in increasing operator productivity, which has positioned the company to meet the growing demand for its services.

Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about Highcon’s digital die cutting systems.

The post Navigating Success: Vanguard’s Onboarding Journey with Highcon first appeared on Highcon.