Some Highlights from Day One of Drupa

Though the show officially began Tuesday, Messe Düsseldorf opened its doors on Monday, giving visitors to drupa 2016 a first glance at the latest solutions that will be defining the print industry's future.

The Gallus Labelfire 340 is on display in the Heidelberg hall.

As is tradition, Heidelberg had its press conference on the Monday before the show. In addition to providing a first glance at the company's new digital solutions, Heidelberg stressed its commitment to creating a smarter print shop. Improvements in automation and intelligent machines that feature "predictive monitoring" to alert users of potential service needs in advance are poised to make printing businesses savvier, more streamlined operations.

Here are the top 10 takeaways from drupa 2016 - Day One.

10. Packaging Is on Everyone's Mind

Press conferences at Kodak and Manroland Sheetfed highlighted how both companies plan to leverage the growth of packaging into their respective companies' future success. In the Heidelberg hall, seeing the new Primefire 106 and Labelfire 340 on the floor, drove home how hybrid technologies will lead packaging's future.

Kodak detailed its commitment to flexographic printing.

9. Kodak's Sustainability Initiatives

Kodak's press conference featured a lot of talk surrounding sustainability as a major focal point for the company. Among the many environmental points made, Chris Payne, Kodak's flexographic packaging VP and GM, explained how Kodak's Flexcel NX System '16 is geared toward providing quality and efficiency yet reduces waste generation during printing.

8. The ROLAND 700 EVOLUTION's Automated Features

Manroland Sheetfed's press conference was highlighted by the company's ROLAND 700 EVOLUTION. The press features a new operation concept called PressPilot, which improves the user experience with touch screens. It also features plenty of in-line processes, including InlineFoiler 2.0, along with LED curing technology.

Manroland Sheetfed featured its ROLAND 700 EVOLUTION press.

7. Kodak's Future in Flexo

At the Kodak press conference, Payne said that at drupa 2008 Kodak promised flexo would rival gravure and offset. He went on to add that with Kodak's innovations in the flexo market, this goal has been achieved, and flexo printers can deliver this quality at a lower cost.

6. The Halls Are Stunning

It was a rainy couple of days in Düsseldorf prior to the opening, but inside the halls, workers scurried to polish off final preparations at their respective stands. It has been interesting to see how many companies in the industry are partnering to create the best solutions for their customers. This level of collaboration is encouraging, with companies joining forces and leveraging their strengths.

There's plenty to see inside the HP hall.

5. The New Heidelberg Comes to Life

The saying goes, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' But following that motto is not the path toward innovation. As one of the industry's largest players, Heidelberg has taken a major leap forward, committing to its digital line of products and placing a premium on technological intelligence.

4. Inkjet Expansion for Flexible Packaging

Kodak's Extended Gamut + Varnish (XGV) for flexible package printing will be on display during the show and was discussed during the press conference. This technology implements an expanded gamut of CMYK, along with orange, green and violet. It can be integrated into conventional print systems to create a hybrid solution. Kodak's Philip Cullimore explained that the technology also features a digital varnish.

3. Smart Data Leads to Smart Printing

Harald Weimer, head of the Heidelberg Services Segment, explained that "big data" has little value unless you add intelligence. Using intelligent data, Heidelberg's new systems offer assistance in the print shop, support, administration and more. One exciting new feature is Maintenance Mate, which allows an operator to view instructional videos on how to fix a problem on press if an issue arises.

2. Automation Essentials

One theme repeated throughout the day was how automation technology has driven the industry further toward "hands off" production than ever before. Gerold Linzbach, CEO of Heidelberg, put it best when he said, "If you leave this machine alone, it's still doing a great job."

1. This Is Only the Beginning

drupa 2016 hasn't even officially opened and the excitement throughout Düsseldorf is palpable. There will be plenty more updates throughout the show, so be sure to follow us on Twitter @PackagePrintMag for the latest news.