Multitec Open House spotlights S3S sleeve-based flexo platform

Multitec, a leading manufacturer of narrow-web flexo printing presses, recently hosted a two-day open house to offer flexible packaging converters a focused, real-world demonstration of how short-run jobs can be made profitable by deploying the S3S sleeve-based flexo platform.

The demonstrations showcased format-independent variable repeats, engraved sleeves for jointless printing, and a complete print-to-pouch workflow, giving the converters an opportunity to see first-hand that flexo can now meaningfully replace digital and supplement gravure/CI lines for lower-volume SKUs.

Amit Ahuja of Multitec Aids said, “We were driven by the rapid shift toward shorter runs, multi-SKU portfolios, and shrinking lead times. Our message was clear: short-run flexible packaging is not only possible on flexo — it can be highly profitable. And with the S3S offering high print quality and ultra-fast changeovers, converters now have a true short-run alternative that fits perfectly into a  modern production environment.”

Showcasing the S3S

Ahuja said that the S3S combines gravure’s quality with flexo’s agility. Variable repeats allow a 1:1 match to gravure formats, while engraved sleeves enable jointless printing. The precise register, tension control, and perfect repeatability ensure that there are no colour variations and prints run flawlessly through lamination, slitting, and pouching — making it ideal for high-quality flexible packaging.

“The S3S bridges the gap between digital’s high costs of capex as well as production and the long-run nature of gravure, and wide-web CI presses. As converters worldwide shift to shorter runs, the S3S offers a fast, low-waste, mid-web solution that delivers very high print quality with dramatically lower operational costs,” Ahuja said.

The company printed challenging jobs which had small font reverse text in CMYK. It also printed special test prints, which demonstrated register accuracy across the full width and large repeat sizes on all four corners of a repeat. “A minor register shift when zoomed on to a 65-inch screen would have been clearly visible, but we had the confidence in the S3S to show this live - without apprehensions,” Ahuja said.

The demonstration ran real-world laminate and pouch jobs on typical flexible packaging substrates, including 12-micron PET, 15-micron matt BOPP, and multi-layer laminate structures. “We also ran special test prints to demonstrate register accuracy,” Ahuja said, “Visitors appreciated the print  sharpness, extremely low wastage, especially compared to gravure setups for similar jobs.”

As a pouching partner for this event, Galaxy Packtech explained the pouching process using the jobs printed live on the S3S. This allowed converters to evaluate the entire workflow — print, laminate, seal, and finish — ensuring real-world compatibility across all stages.

Ahuja said the print-to-pouch workflow provides complete visibility. Converters can assess print quality, lamination bond strength (assisted by the company’s extended solvent dryer), sealing behaviour, and pouch aesthetics. Such clarity accelerates decision-making and de-risks investments.

Visitor responses

“The response was exceptional — full attendance on both days, high engagement, and a strong sense of confidence in the S3S as a modern and agile solution,” Ahuja said. The event was restricted to flexible packaging converters — both from India and overseas. It was a highly targeted audience, with no general visitors.

“The biggest takeaway was that converters finally saw a flexo press that genuinely matches gravure in quality, print sharpness, and downstream compatibility, but with the agility and economics needed for short runs. Many highlighted the value of the high automation in the press, leading to ultra-fast changeovers,” Ahuja said.

He added that the event directly resulted in multiple confirmed orders for the 670-mm S3S, including new customers who finalised investments after witnessing the full print-to-pouch workflow. 

The market 

According to Ahuja, short-run flexible packaging is set to grow as brands diversify and go hyper-local. "Converters will need lower waste, faster turnarounds, and mid-web agility. Multitec is positioned with scalable sleeve-based, gearless flexo systems that complement gravure and CI lines while  delivering far superior ROI than digital.”

He concluded, “We plan to host more  S3S demonstrations across India and globally, deepen collaborations with workflow partners, and launch new automation features in 2026. This open house has set a strong foundation for our flexo roadmap ahead.