Tetra Pak, Vernon Hills, Ill., is said to become the first company in the food and beverage carton industry to offer full-color digital printing on its carton packages.

Working in collaboration with Koenig & Bauer AG, Germany, this digital printing technology will simplify the complexity of design handling, reducing time from design to print and open up new opportunities for flexibility in order placement and product customization.

“We are committed to helping our customers explore new avenues with a truly ‘smart’ package, supporting their need for product customization, smaller batch sizes, greater traceability and the ability to interact with the consumer,” says Charles Brand, executive vice president, product management and commercial operations at Tetra Pak. “Our investment in this digital printer demonstrates our commitment to support customers with future-proof technologies, as the digital revolution transforms the way we all do business.”

The full-width digital printer is currently being built by Koenig & Bauer and will be installed at Tetra Pak’s Denton, Texas, converting plant. Field testing of the new, digitally-printed carton packages is expected to begin in early 2020 with North American customers.

“Brands continue to look for opportunities to deliver greater customization and personalization of their products. We’re thrilled to offer our customers new and innovative ways to engage with consumers, all while increasing flexibility in the design and order process,” adds Carmen Becker, president and CEO of Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada.

​“We are absolutely delighted that Tetra Pak has decided in favor of our digital printer,” says Christoph Müller, board member at Koenig & Bauer. “Collaboration between our companies is on an extremely constructive and trusting basis. I am sure that, together, we will significantly change the market for the benefit of Tetra Pak customers.”