Packaging

From Dataset to Consumer: Koenig & Bauer Acts as Central Architect

Tuesday 12. May 2026 - At interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf (Hall 8B, Stand C02), Koenig & Bauer is presenting pathbreaking solutions for the packaging industry. Under the keynote theme Smart. Connected. Secure. Integrated printing and marking for modern packaging, the company is not merely showcasing future visions, but is already establishing a functional, comprehensive end-to-end ecosystem. In this role, Koenig & Bauer acts as the central architect, linking brand owners, converters, and end consumers in a seamless process chainall from a single source.

From Machine Manufacturer to Technology Partner
At the heart of the trade fair appearance is the company’s ongoing transformation. With the “IMPACT” strategy (Intelligence, Market, People, Adaptability, Competitiveness, Technology) introduced in March 2026, Koenig & Bauer underscores its commitment to significantly shaping the digital future of the industry.

“interpack 2026 demonstrates once again that our customers today expect more than just high-precision machinery. They are looking for intelligent partners who can help them master complexity and secure their market position,” explains Dr. Stephen Kimmich, CEO of Koenig & Bauer. “From high-volume inkjet to classic offset and CI flexo printing, through to smart marking—we offer the technologies to master the challenges of the modern circular economy.”

Based on a complementary portfolio—ranging from high-volume inkjet (RotaJET) to sheetfed offset and CI flexo, as well as post-press solutions (flatbed and rotary die-cutters and folder gluers)—the company acts as the central architect for the packaging production of the future.

The backbone of this connectivity is an integrated software architecture: myKyana maximizes production efficiency for converters through predictive real-time analytics. AuraVeo transforms physical packaging into a dynamic digital interaction channel at the Point of Sale. Through the strategic initiative “protected at print,” Koenig & Bauer integrates innovative security technologies like Stegano directly into the printing process, while the accompanying “a verification app – ava” serves as a robust multi-technology platform. This allows brands and consumers to verify the authenticity and origin of products at any time, simply via smartphone.

This ecosystem is further enhanced by highly integrated coding solutions that ensure precise late-stage personalization and seamless track-and-trace via GS1-compliant serialization. Consequently, Koenig & Bauer provides much more than pure hardware; the company provides the digital infrastructure for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and enables brand manufacturers to generate valuable first-party data directly at the customer interface.

Integrated Packaging Expertise: Everything from a Single Source
Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed is impressively demonstrating its mastery of the entire process chain: printing, die-cutting, and gluing. By fully synchronizing sheetfed offset, rotary and flatbed die-cutters, and folder gluers, interface problems are eliminated and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is maximized.

Particular attention is also paid to flexibility in medium format:
Cost-efficient production from the smallest batches to high-volume runs through the interplay of digital and offset printing.
Inline finishing (e.g., cold foil, multi-coating) significantly shortens lead times by eliminating external process steps.
Inline quality control monitors every single sheet, ensuring zero-defect production.

Flexible Packaging and High-Volume Inkjet
For the flexible packaging sector, Koenig & Bauer relies on high-performance CI flexo systems with central cylinder technology. These systems combine maximum productivity at speeds for print widths up to 1,600 mm with sustainable energy concepts and compatibility with eco-friendly ink systems.

The RotaJET platform acts as a digital enabler, allowing for immediate personalization and individualization in high-volume inkjet printing. This enables brand manufacturers to implement extensive variability in their packaging directly during the printing process via early-stage personalization.

Transparency and Connectivity: Ready for DPP
In the coding sector, Koenig & Bauer shows how modern marking solutions support companies in meeting current and future requirements throughout the entire packaging and production line. As a provider of innovative complete solutions, the company boasts a broad marking portfolio: from continuous inkjet systems to drop-on-demand, laser, thermal transfer, and hot-stamping technologies, through to solutions for camera-based code inspection and track-and-trace applications.

Experts advise and support customers in making their lines “2D-code ready.” Customers benefit from over 50 years of experience in industrial marking. Thanks to open interfaces and GS1 standards, the marking systems integrate seamlessly into all packaging stages. As a result, the solutions are already optimally prepared for the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) and track-and-trace requirements.

Digitalization as a Bridge to the Consumer
At Koenig & Bauer, digitalization does not end at the machine. The myKyana customer portal offers real-time analytics to increase production efficiency. The AuraVeo solution goes one step further, using on-package content to transform physical packaging into a living media channel. Marketing content such as videos or AR applications can be updated centrally without changing the print design, while simultaneously providing valuable first-party data on consumer interaction.

Protection with Foresight: Additional cp³ Partners
Another highlight, taking place during the concurrent Expografica in Guadalajara, is the official announcement of the cp³ certification of Editorial Matro. With this step, the company underscores its claim as a technological pioneer and joins the ranks of “certified protected print providers” (cp³). This certification forms the foundation of a holistic security concept that takes the protection of high-quality packaging to a new level. By seamlessly integrating app-based verification processes, Editorial Matro creates significant added value for its customers at the interface between the physical product and the digital ecosystem.

“The willingness to invest in growth markets and the interest in data-based business models underpin our goal of continuing to drive the transformation into a holistic technology provider worldwide,” concludes Dr. Stephen Kimmich. With the tailwind of a strong Q1 order intake, the company considers itself ideally positioned to strengthen the operational resilience anchored in the “IMPACT” strategic roadmap and to consistently pursue its goals for the 2026 fiscal year.