Opal Cartons New Zealand, a provider of innovative packaging solutions, has invested in a “cutting-edge” Koenig & Bauer printer for its Christchurch site, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and high-quality print for local manufacturing in the South Island.

Koenig & Bauer confirmed the machine ordered by Opal Cartons New Zealand is a Rapida 106, 6-colour with double coater UV press.

Opal Cartons New Zealand general manager Terri Smith said this investment offers significant advantages, utilising the latest technology to create additional capacity through efficiencies and high-quality printed products for Opal’s valued customers.

“This investment shows our commitment to integrate advanced technology into our South Island Carton site and deliver the best quality products for our customers,” she said.

“The printer’s technological features will enhance our production capabilities and set new benchmarks in efficiency and quality, allowing us to continue offering unmatched services to customers not only in the South Island, but across New Zealand.

“This investment furthers our commitment to ensuring carton packaging for New Zealand is made in New Zealand by those on the ground at our South Island site.”

This sale to Opal is one of eight that Koenig & Bauer recently made.

In October, Koenig & Bauer A/NZ also announced a landmark order placed by IVE Group, which includes four Rapida 106 X model presses, and the recent order of a Rapida 106 X by Bluestar NZ.

Opal Cartons Christchurch has been manufacturing for more than 40 years, supplying cartons to a range of key industries including FMCG, seafood, dairy and beverages.

The business recently won gold in the Structural Design Packaging category at the Pride in Print 2024 Awards for the design of a cookie bucket sleeve developed in collaboration with iconic New Zealand brand and Opal Cartons customer, Cookie Time.

“Our structural designer cleverly created a sleeve that featured Cookie Time’s fun, colourful branding and was also functional and strong enough to hold more than one kilogram of cookies,” Smith said.

“As the market leader in carton manufacturing in New Zealand, Opal’s strategic investment is a demonstration of its ongoing support for local manufacturing.”