Esko took to Labelexpo Americas to discuss its recent acquisition of Canadian AI software company Tilia Labs, in a deal that it says delivers on the need of brand owners and converters to connect and integrate the entire value chain through upstream digitalisation.

Esko said the acquisition was made as Tilia Labs’ range of intelligent algorithms for sheet layout, estimation, and planning complements its existing software suite, with the two companies now working together to develop next-generation integrated solutions.

“Converters are coming under increasing pressure to deliver more volume with shorter print runs to bring versatility to the market, while the adoption of digital printing continues to grow,” Danaher Corporation (Esko parent company) product identification vice-president and group executive Mattias Byström said.

“This acquisition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing integrated software and hardware solutions that accelerate the go-to-market process for consumer-packaged goods.”

Byström said the combined solutions within its software platform enable Esko to better serve its customers in the packaging, label, and wide format markets.

“This acquisition also underlines our commitment to delivering the tools that serve to connect brands and converters upstream. For all our customers continuing their digital transformation journey, the integration of these next generation tools means businesses will be able to digitise, automate and connect more efficiently to drive significant workflow and operational advantages, as well as sustainability benefits,” he mentioned.

Tilia Labs CEO and co-founder Sagen de Jonge said, “We have long shared a common goal with Esko of empowering businesses to improve ways of working, eradicate waste and optimise operational processes to meet the challenges they face today and tomorrow.

“We are therefore thrilled that our technology for sheet and roll optimisation, automation, planning, and estimation has been identified as a perfect fit with the market-leading Esko suite of solutions.”

Here’s a video of Esko’s Geert De Proost talking about the acquisition and its other solutions that customers have had an eye on at the tradeshow: