AMB Spa, a family-owned company founded over 50 years ago in north-east Italy, was the first packaging manufacturer to set up a fully water-based converting plant in Europe. AMB is a leading international supplier of rigid and flexible films, offering a unique end-to-end process. The pan-European company's "all-in-one" products and services include all aspects of the packaging process: design, tooling, product specification, print design and application. In recent years, AMB has expanded its water-based flexo printing capabilities in a move that reinforces the company's strong commitment to high-quality printing using environmentally friendly water-based methods.
360-degree services
All AMB plastic film processes are carried out using water-based systems. This commitment to innovation and sustainable development has formed the basis for the company's pioneering role in developing environmental solutions combined with high quality.
AMB's eco-friendly printing services encompass the entire process, from initial design to high-quality water-based flexo printing. AMB printing delivers rich, crisp colors and photographic detail using water-based inks. They can be used on repositionable films, Apet sealers, Matte lacquers, as well as to create a paper effect.
The "all-in-one" service offers sustainable printing applications on bottom & top film, flow pack film, labels and paper. By using water-based technology, AMB customers can improve their own environmental credentials. At the same time, they can expand their business and attract customers who are sensitive to the growing global awareness of sustainable development. On retail shelves, it strengthens brands, as eye-catching visuals attract consumers and reassure them that their purchase will not harm the environment.
According to AMB, "the company's unique approach guarantees not only sustainability, but also quality, speed and flexibility. Graphics, pre-press, platemaking and printing are all managed in one place, simplifying the supply chain and offering customers greater speed and a smoother path to market. The flexibility of the process means that customers can easily personalize their products by offering small print quantities, enabling them to vary part numbers and seasonal products, as well as mass-market promotions.
Maximizing productivity with water-based technologies
AMB has increased its printing capacity by 150 % to 28 million meters per year, with a minimum web width of 300 mm and a maximum of 1,250 mm. To achieve this, the company recently invested in a Bobst Expert CI printer, a second 8-color flexo printer, which has joined the Comexi Flexo F2 WB already installed at AMB's San Daniele del Friuli premises.
Both Bobst and Comexi are closely aligned with AMB's sustainability strategy. In 2014, AMB became the first company in Europe to pave the way for the production of water-based packaging, a revolutionary process that completely eliminates the use of solvents. Water-based technology for packaging and printing offers a competitive advantage to all companies offering food products with high-quality ingredients, to companies implementing ecological policies, and to companies wishing to meet the increasingly stringent packaging requirements put in place by the EU. It also reduces overall energy consumption and minimizes waste.
"As pioneers in water-based printing and lamination, we have always invested in technologies that keep us at the forefront of development and deliver on our promise of truly sustainable production to our customers."say Bruno Marin, AMB CEO, and Alessandro Marin, Technical Director.
