Agfa and Hybrid Software have announced a collaboration designed to help folding carton converters unlock the full potential of variable data printing and accelerate their transition toward more efficient, fully digital production workflows.

As brand owners increasingly demand shorter runs, faster turnaround times and greater versioning, folding carton manufacturers are under growing pressure to evaluate traditional production models. The integration of Hybrid Software’s advanced packaging design, prepress and smart digital front end workflow software with Agfa’s digital printing solutions – notably the SpeedSet Orca single-pass digital packaging press and Asanti software – enables converters to efficiently produce folding cartons with changing graphics, text, languages or artwork from carton to carton. Together, Agfa and Hybrid Software provide an agile and scalable digital production environment while maintaining the high quality and consistency required for packaging applications.

Agfa’s SpeedSet Orca digital folding carton press brings the advantages of digital production – including rapid job changeovers and reduced waste – into high-volume folding carton environments. Designed to operate where traditional production models begin to fall short, this apex predator combines digital primer, advanced water-based inks and inline varnish. Broad substrate compatibility across paper and micro-flute supports a wide range of packaging applications within one digital production platform.

The integration of SmartDFE from Hybrid Software’s OEM business, Helix, enables complex inline variable data printing. SmartDFE uses patented AI software to optimize system configuration in real time, resulting in faster, more efficient production – even for highly versioned jobs. The addition of color management software from Hybrid’s ColorLogic ensures consistently accurate brand colors across versions and substrates.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping folding carton producers navigate the shift from analog to digital production, especially as demand for versioning and customization continues to grow,” said Michael Dupré, Head of Software Digital Printing Systems at Agfa.

Lawrence Geere, OEM Sales Director EMEA at Hybrid Software Helix added: “By combining the expertise of the Agfa and Hybrid Software engineering teams, we aim to help converters unlock the full potential of digital production. This collaboration provides a clear, practical path to compete in a rapidly evolving market.”