Offset Printing
Grafiche Antiga Actively Addresses Market Trend towards Smaller Print Runs
Thursday 17. September 2026 - Grafiche Antiga, a renowned Italian family business based in Crocetta del Montello (Treviso), is responding to profound changes in the printing industry with a systematic modernisation. Since its founding in 1968 by Silvio Antiga, the former craft business has developed into an internationally active partner for high-quality publishing, advertising, and packaging products. Today, a workforce of over 200 employees working in a three-shift system generates an annual turnover of around 44 million euros.
In particular, clients from demanding sectors such as the fashion and luxury industries demand uncompromising aesthetics, absolute precision, and ever-shorter delivery times. As average run lengths continue to fall while order frequency increases, the printing company requires a production environment that combines maximum flexibility with peak cost-efficiency.
Strategic technology switch for measurable gains in profitability
To meet these changing market requirements flexibly, management initiated a fundamental realignment in the pressroom in 2021. Following an in-depth analysis of the printing technologies available worldwide, Grafiche Antiga invested in Koenig & Bauer’s Rapida series for the first time.
The decisive factor for this step was the press manufacturer’s strong orientation towards the future. In practice, the Rapida 106 impresses with its versatility, reliability, and excellent print quality. The high expectations of the machine were fully met, leading Grafiche Antiga to invest in further Rapida systems shortly afterwards to purposefully expand the facility’s overall capacity.
Today, four medium-format Rapidas operate at the company: two ten-colour Rapida 106 X models for 5-over-5 perfecting, a Rapida 106 X with six printing units and coater equipment, and a five-colour Rapida 105, also equipped with an additional coater tower for UV production.
Automation boosts overall performance and customer satisfaction
The Rapida platform lifts daily operational efficiency to a new level. Fully automated features noticeably transform production processes. Simultaneous plate changing drastically shortens set-up times, whilst sophisticated digital inline measuring and control systems seamlessly monitor colour and print quality from the first to the very last sheet. This digitisation of processes ensures a consistently stable printed image and reduces waste sheets.
A crucial economic side effect in the current market environment is the high level of automation. It enables the company to achieve a significantly increased overall performance with the existing team, even amidst a general shortage of skilled personnel. Complex, time-critical orders can be delivered fault-free in significantly less time, leading to noticeably higher customer satisfaction.
Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
Beyond pure productivity gains, the partnership with Koenig & Bauer harmonises exceptionally well with Grafiche Antiga’s ambitious ESG goals. The company has published sustainability reports according to the strict guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for five years. Certifications according to EN ISO 9001, EN ISO 14001, FSC, as well as SEDEX audits, demonstrate compliance with international environmental and quality standards. The company recently underwent the EcoVadis sustainability rating (a globally recognised, evidence-based standard for assessing corporate sustainability performance) for the first time and was awarded a silver medal on its very first attempt. Furthermore, Grafiche Antiga received certification for gender equality (UNI PDR 125:2022) in 2024.
In cooperation with Climate Partner, the printing company determines the precise carbon footprint of all products in order to implement targeted reduction measures. Grafiche Antiga is also ideally equipped for the packaging sector and can issue corresponding declarations of compliance for the production of primary food packaging.
Strong partnership with a clear vision for the future
For Grafiche Antiga, Koenig & Bauer is far more than a mere equipment supplier. The relationship has developed into a genuine strategic alliance, in which both sides grow together alongside the challenges of the modern market. Continuous support and swift, solution-oriented services safeguard the long-term performance of the printing presses. The traditional Italian company is already planning the next steps to consolidate its market position. A planned joining of the EcoVadis platform will soon make its ESG performance even more transparent.
Michele De Zotti, CEO of Grafiche Antiga, summarises: “The choice of Rapida technology represents a strategic investment for us, combining quality, efficiency, and a future-oriented vision perfectly.” With this technological foundation, the company considers itself exceptionally well-positioned to meet the rising demands of existing and new customers regarding speed, competence, and quality over the long term.