Konica Minolta recorded over 200 sales at drupa, strengthening its position in digital printing. Its 2,400m² two-storey stand was the seventh largest at the show. The sales and support teams included representatives from Europe and countries worldwide, including Brazil, Korea, Iceland, South Africa, Japan, and Australia.
Konica Minolta showcased comprehensive workflow solutions at drupa 2024, highlighting toner, inkjet, embellishment, finishing, and label and packaging technologies. Their stand also presented future trends in printing. The event drew about 170,000 visitors, 80% of whom were international, surpassing Konica Minolta’s expectations despite an overall decline in attendance compared to 2016.
Advancing Variable Data and Integration
Konica Minolta introduced more than 20 new products and software innovations, focusing on commercial, label, packaging, and industrial printing, emphasising digital transformation and sustainability. They showcased advancements in programmatic printing using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance variable data printing.
Konica Minolta showcased a range of digital presses aiding customers in digital transformation, from the AccurioPress C14000 with over 2,100 installations worldwide to the AccurioLabel toner presses with 1,500 installs. MGI’s JETvarnish 3D Web 400, an excellent addition to the AccurioLabel 400, won the EDP Digital Embellishment Packaging award.
A key highlight was the integration of processes like foiling, varnishing, printing, and drying into a single production run with MGI’s AlphaJet, demonstrating the efficiency of a complete single-pass digital production line. This display underscored their pioneering digital transformation efforts.
Emphasis on Sustainability
Sustainability was a major theme at Konica Minolta’s booth, aligned with the Industry 5.0 philosophy, focusing on efficient, labor-saving, and skill-less operations. Their messaging, “See the Potential in the Future of Print,” emphasised the value of print and sustainable production methods.
Innovative Technology and Far-Reaching Implications
Debuting at drupa, the AccurioJet 60000 HS-UV Inkjet Press, capable of producing 6,000 B2 sheets per hour with outstanding image quality, was a highlight among 30 live-running systems. Konica Minolta also unveiled new configurations and applications with significant implications for commercial printers, brand owners, designers, and agencies.
Other attractions included “Ex Kansei,” a predictive software based on eye-tracking insights, and various digital transformation tools. The showcase emphasised print automation, assistance technologies, remote servicing operations, and the AIReLink app for service technicians.
Konica Minolta’s unique approach and innovative technology at drupa 2024 resulted in exceptional achievements, further cementing their leadership in the digital printing industry.
Olaf Lorenz, general manager international marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said, “This time more than ever at drupa, we took a unique approach by demonstrating true end-to-end print applications. And we achieved exceptional results, all within the Industry 5.0 framework. Our showcase of a range of new presses in toner and inkjet, highlighted how these technologies complement each other.
“Our innovative displays went far beyond showcasing equipment to present a comprehensive view of print applications that we know from visitor feedback impressed and inspired. We helped customers to see the potential of print by igniting possibilities, as we continue to witness the unstoppable shift from analogue to digital printing.”
Andrew Cocker, Konica Minolta Australia’s general manager — Production and Industrial Print said, “drupa 2024 was a remarkable event for us, showcasing the innovation and leadership that Konica Minolta brings to the industry. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from our customers in Australia were truly inspiring, reaffirming our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions. This event has reinforced our belief in the bright future of print, where technology and creativity continue to drive progress.”
Chris O’Hara, Konica Minolta New Zealand National Production Print manager said, “drupa 2024 exceeded our expectations, highlighting the strength and dynamism of our offerings. The response from the New Zealand market was phenomenal, and it was encouraging to see such high levels of interest and excitement for our latest advancements. We are excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities to better serve our customers.”
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