Matthews and Kodak announce strategic alignment

A strategic alignment between Matthews Intelligent Identification and Kodak Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division will provide high-speed digital inkjet printing capabilities to the Australian and New Zealand packaging, labelling and printing markets.

The alignment coincides with the launch of the Kodak Prosper Plus Imprinting Systems for the packaging industry, which will be available from April 2019. These solutions include four new imprinting components, as well as food-safe packaging inks and pre-coatings for a wide range of paper, carton-board and flexible film substrates.

Kodak Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division Marketing and Sales Director, ANZ Paul Haggett said: “The new PROSPER Plus models will expand the capabilities for brand owners to leverage digital high-speed inkjet as a complementary capability alongside other production processes.”

Matthews Intelligent Identification CEO Mark Dingley said the Kodak partnership is expected to increase the company’s value proposition to customers, offering digital printing speeds that are up to four times faster than existing digital inkjet technologies.

“Matthews will provide unique hardware and software integration services to provide robust solutions for printers and converters who are responding to the demands of brands and converters. These markets need flexibility, mass personalisation and efficient production for shorter runs with economic, inline and nearline technology implementation. Brands and creative agencies also need ‘greener products’, creative flexibility and the ability to quickly drive ideas to market with design freedom for increased consumer engagement,” Dingley said.

“When combined with our in-house iDSnet software capabilities, Matthews is excited by the increased solutions we can provide to brand owners for increased consumer engagement, promotional and authentication opportunities, as well as a range of other benefits that come with Kodak’s unique inkjet technology, which has been specifically designed for the packaging industry.”

Haggett said Kodak’s leadership in continuous inkjet writing system technology combined with water-based inks provides a low-cost, versatile and environmentally friendly option for inkjet printing at production speeds.

“Brands and creative agencies are now able to make printed packaging a physical touchpoint to digitally connect with consumers, unleashing creative flexibility with colour palettes and substrates, along with operational efficiency to get to market faster.”

Image: (L-R) Kodak’s Rodd Harrison, Sales & Marketing Director, Enterprise Inkjet Systems, Asia Pacific Region; and Paul Haggett, Marketing and Sales Director, ANZ, Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division; with Matthews’ CEO Mark Dingley.