Nilpeter pushes automation for faster flexo operation

Nilpeter saw a notable shift in converter behaviour at Labelexpo Europe 2025. The emphasis was firmly on automation, job-change flexibility and uptime rather than raw press speed. Global marketing manager Martin Teilberg says the company’s show strategy aligned precisely with these evolving expectations, placing both the FA-26 and FA-17 in live operation to demonstrate minimal waste and operator intervention during changeovers.
 
Teilberg says customers were drawn to how the latest FA platforms enable real throughput gains per shift by reducing transition time between jobs. In an environment defined by SKU proliferation and speed to market, converters appear increasingly keen to invest where automation delivers measurable financial impact.

Automation takes priority
“Many visitors were impressed by our next-level automation narrative, the idea of moving toward fully optimised, low operator intervention production,” Teilberg says. He describes the Dark Factory vision as becoming more relatable for converters, with the press responsible for more decisions and fewer stoppages. ROI discussions centred on reduced waste during changeovers and faster turnaround to sellable output. 

Teilberg notes that Nilpeter’s demonstrations illustrated the FA-17 finishing one four colour job while still running and then pivoting seamlessly into the next set-up with minimal make-ready waste. This shift underlines that converters see automation not simply as labour savings but as a compounding contributor to value creation.

Flexo retains its future
Nilpeter promoted a clear message in Barcelona. Teilberg says “The Future is Flexo” remains an accurate descriptor of market dynamics, even as digital options continue to advance. Flexo continues to offer advantages in cost, substrate flexibility and speed, especially for mid and longer runs or where embellishment adds value.

During live runs, converters paid close attention to flexible packaging jobs such as crisp bags and chocolate pouches. Collaboration with Synthogra, GEW and Flint Group helped showcase what flexo can deliver in modern formats. Converters are therefore not choosing between digital and flexo but seeking a balanced toolbox that works across run lengths. 

Teilberg says flexo is becoming more agile to bridge the gap with digital while retaining its economic advantage. Mid-web formats rise, Teilberg observes that wider format solutions are gaining traction. “Mid-web widths are becoming increasingly relevant at Labelexpo and in the industry in general,” he says. The FA-26 addresses that growing need for mid-web jobs, including sleeves, wrap-around labels and flexible packaging.

Shorter job lengths and format switching are now common even in mid-web. Teilberg says the FA-26 architecture allows converters to achieve volume efficiency and substrate versatility while responding to turnaround demands that traditionally sat in the narrow web domain. The broader opportunity for converters is the ability to bundle formats on a single platform, helping them take on more of the brand portfolio.

Connected press ecosystems

Teilberg emphasises that the differentiator today is workflow intelligence. “It is not just a press but part of a connected, automated, efficient production ecosystem,” he says. Connectivity and real-time data now help operators schedule jobs more intelligently, ramp up quickly and produce consistent quality earlier in each run.

Enhanced job databases and centralised keypad control were appreciated by operators who recognise that automation changes their role from manual intervention to monitoring and exception handling. Teilberg says this transition is growing more familiar, even if training remains essential. Integration with finishing remains a strong buying influence as converters seek to eliminate bottlenecks beyond the printing unit. 

New builds over patching

Teilberg notes that demand came from nearly every major region where Nilpeter operates. He sees a slight shift toward fresh investments because many converters conclude that older lines cannot keep up with the agility and substrate range required for modern work. “Automation that drives performance” is how he summarises the future of press technology.

Upgrades do continue for operators extracting more value from existing machines through added vision systems, analytics and performance modules. But he says the growing appetite for FA-26 and FA-17 configurations indicates a market preparing for the next phase of flexo transformation.