Xeikon joins PODI

Xeikon has become a member of PODi, the digital printing initiative focused on increasing the adoption of digital technology in the labels and packaging markets.

PODi is a global, member-supported not-for-profit organization, focused on driving demand for marketing applications powered by digital print.

EFI, Xerox and HP are executive members of PODi, with Xeikon joining Canon, Esko, Ricoh, Konika Minolta and others as a general technical member.

With the rapidly increasing capabilities of consumer brand companies to micro-market their products, and develop market/consumer specific messaging, packaging is becoming a primary vehicle to drive brand revenues and loyalty.

As a result, packaging companies have come under intense pressure to handle an increasing number of shorter runs. In this regard, today’s digital presses can address many of the quick turnaround, substrate and image fidelity requirements that brand managers demand.

The increasing adoption of QR codes, augmented reality, printed electronics and near-field communication (NFC), packaging is rapidly becoming an interactive medium for brands to enhance the consumer experience.

Rab Govil, president of PODi, said: ‘With Xeikon joining us in our quest for digital innovation in packaging, we have added an industry pioneer that saw the opportunity in packaging years ago, and continues to invest in this market.

‘PODi members, and the packaging value chain overall, will benefit from the understanding Xeikon brings in all aspects of the packaging workflow.

‘Within PODi, we have begun to create a diverse community focused on the intersection of technology providers, commercial printers, converters, contract packagers, designers and marketing agencies, all of whom have a strong motivation to realize the benefits that digital technology can bring.

‘Not only is digital printing for packaging forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent, making it the fastest growing print application, but interactive and electronically enabled packaging is expected grow at a similar pace.’

Michael V. Ring, president of Xeikon America, said: ‘PODi has been at the forefront of driving adoption in digital print for over 15 years. With the expertise that the PODi community, and its management company Caslon, bring to the industry, we think this is an excellent way to educate the market and increase awareness of the impact digital innovation can have on packaging.’