The energy efficiency playing field is shifting rapidly, and print firms across the globe are feeling the pressure to keep up. Regulatory frameworks – Germany’s Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) being a prime example – are not only tightening requirements on energy consumption but also demanding a more rigorous approach to documenting energy usage. For some, the deadline to implement robust energy management systems is a looming concern. However, these regulations shouldn’t be viewed as mere bureaucratic hurdles. Instead, effective energy management offers significant opportunities for print businesses to cut costs, enhance competitiveness, and secure long-term viability in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
The printing industry, by its very nature, is energy-intensive. From powering the printing presses and auxiliary equipment to maintaining climate-controlled environments, energy consumption plays a pivotal role in day-to-day operations. It’s an undeniable fact, therefore, that energy costs constitute a substantial chunk of a printer’s production overheads. Consequently, every kilowatt-hour saved can directly bolster profit margins or enable businesses to offer more competitive pricing to their clientele. The ability to accurately monitor, analyse, and optimise energy consumption – and to document and report it to the authorities – is thus of paramount importance for future-proofing any print enterprise.
VisuEnergy X is a premium-grade Energy Management System designed to empower print businesses in their pursuit of energy efficiency. Recognized by the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) as “eligible software” for funding, VisuEnergy X goes beyond basic energy monitoring. It is the only software solution meticulously tailored to the specific needs of the printing and packaging sector, providing unparalleled insights and reporting functionalities that lead to actionable steps for tangible energy savings.
Unlocking Key Advantages with VisuEnergy X
The regulatory landscape for energy efficiency is becoming increasingly stringent. Failure to comply with regulations such as the EnEfG can result in significant penalties. Those who act now will position their businesses as pioneers in sustainability and digital transformation – don’t delay!
VisuEnergy X provides you with the tools and insights you need to demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility, improve operational efficiency, and attract environmentally conscious customers.
Wondering if this is relevant to your business? Arrange a free consultation today to discover your individual opportunities!
With PrintFusion, the interface between Koenig & Bauer Rapida presses and the prepress software from HYBRID Software, your workflow becomes even more efficient. PrintFusion enables a bidirectional exchange of information that ensures seamless integration and automation of production processes. Thanks to the jointly developed PrintFusion interface, data such as setting parameters and positions of measuring elements are automatically exchanged between prepress and the printing presses. The automated data exchange leads to significant increases in efficiency and error prevention, as manual intervention and repetitive tasks are eliminated.
For the development of PrintFusion, HYBRID Software and Koenig & Bauer have combined their expertise to create a highly automated and efficient production environment that meets the requirements of the modern printing industry. This collaboration will continue on an ongoing basis in order to constantly optimise the interface and integrate new functions. One example of this is the automatic feedback to compensate for process-related substrate stretching, which is already being introduced as part of a pilot customer programme.
PrintFusion has been presented to the public for the first time at this year’s leading trade fair for printing technologies. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain an exclusive insight into the first results of the close partnership between HYBRID Software and Koenig & Bauer. Through automation and the intelligent exchange of data between prepress and press, PrintFusion will set new standards in print production and pave the way for a sustainable and high-performance future in the printing industry.
With FOLLOW, Koenig & Bauer is building a bridge between analogue packaging and the digital world. Discover the universe of new possibilities that the cloud-based platform and the associated app have in store for printing businesses, brand owners and consumers.
Under the project title “Printing Goes Metaverse”, Koenig & Bauer is building a bridge from classic printing to the metaverse in collaboration with NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milan) and epda (european brand & packaging design association). With the support of Italian design students, a project was realised that uses NFT technology to authenticate luxury goods such as limited edition handbags, jewellery or valuable trading cards. The luxury jewellery brand “Gemme” was created as an exemplary visualisation.
Digital proof of ownership is used instead of conventional paper certificates of authenticity. The forgery-proof blockchain technology is impressively demonstrated using special printing technologies and a digital app. This innovative combination of digital proof of authenticity and the traditional art of printing shows how the printing industry is connecting with the new digital reality of the Metaverse.
An NFT is a blockchain-based token that represents digital or physical assets such as artworks, digital content or media. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, each NFT is unique and non-exchangeable. It serves as a digital certificate of ownership and authenticity and enables owners to trade and sell their assets.
Brands from the luxury goods segment in particular are using NFT technology to enable customers to connect the digital and physical worlds. The main focus here is on the experience of being able to use the purchased product in the digital world. In addition, forgery-proof authentication can be guaranteed by NFT’s unique verifications with a complete history and absolute security.
Using a special printing process, functional structures that react to the touch of smartphone sensors can be applied to almost any printed product, creating a link between the physical product and the digital application. In combination with QR codes, this creates a forgery-proof proof of ownership. Customers receive both an origin-verified, printed NFT-Twin and the physical original.
With ten revolutionary products and technologies, Koenig & Bauer set a strong signal for the future of the printing industry at drupa 2024. Here you will find an overview of all product novelties and exclusive video highlights!
