Flexible Packaging

Esko announces guided tour to bring connected packaging ecosystem to life. 15th April 2026 Esko is joining forces with its technology partners to deliver a fully immersive, end-to-end packaging experience, offering print professionals, converters and brand owners a unique opportunity to witness the complete packaging journey in action. Running daily from 7-13 May at interpack, Messe Düsseldorf, the guided 'From Design to Production Line' experience will give visitors the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of a fully connected packaging ecosystem, from initial design through artwork, print production, coding and marking, and finally into logistics and pallet optimisation. Developed in collaboration with some of the key print and packaging technology players, the one-hour experience demonstrates how integrated data and workflow automation can accelerate speed-to-market, ensure compliance, and enable more sustainable packaging production. 'This is not a traditional booth demonstration,' said Jan De Roeck, Marketing Director at Esko. 'We are breaking down silos across the packaging value chain to show, live and in context, how connected technologies and integrated data can transform the way a real-world granola pack is developed, produced and delivered, faster, compliant, and with more focus on sustainability.' Visitors will embark on a four-phase journey developed by Esko and Videojet Technologies in association with partner companies Amazon Transparency, CarbonQuota, ePac Flexible Packaging, io.tt, Laetus, Recyda and RegASK: - Phase 1, Concept and Digital Shelf: See how packaging concepts are created and refined using advanced 2D and 3D design tools, including structural packaging and retail-ready displays. - Phase 2, Intelligent Artwork: Focusing on the 'middle mile' of packaging, this phase highlights how AI-driven compliance, connected data, and partner integrations simplify complexity. 'Demonstrations will include real-time regulatory monitoring, carbon footprint analysis, recyclability insights, and the implementation of Digital Product Passports using GS1 Digital Link-enabled QR codes,' said De Roeck. - Phase 3, Printing Process: Attendees will observe a previously printed pouch, produced using both digital and flexographic technologies. 'The demonstration will include high-quality digital print production alongside next-generation flexo platemaking,' said De Roeck. 'This phase illustrates how converters can achieve superior print quality while reducing ink usage and supporting sustainability goals.' - Phase 4, Production Line and Logistics: The final phase brings the packaging to life on the production line, showcasing real-time coding, marking, and traceability. 'The journey concludes with palletisation optimisation, where attendees can explore how smarter logistics decisions reduce costs and environmental impact,' said De Roeck. Key benefits highlighted throughout the tour include achieving faster packaging development cycles through connected workflows, enhanced compliance with evolving global regulations, improved sustainability through data-driven decision-making, greater supply chain transparency and traceability, and reduced costs through optimised production and logistics. Participants will also receive a physical sample of the granola pack produced during the experience, offering a tangible takeaway from the journey. 'This experience gives visitors a blueprint for the future of packaging,' added De Roeck. 'By connecting every stage of the process, companies can move faster, operate more efficiently, and turn sustainability and compliance into competitive advantages.' The 'From Design to Production Line' experience will run daily from 2pm throughout interpack and last approximately one hour.