Àncora expands premium print capacity with Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD investment

Scaling digital embellishment for the European market

Italy-based printing and converting specialist Àncora has expanded its production floor with the installation of a new Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD digital embellishment press. This strategic move, finalized in the third quarter of 2026, aims to significantly increase the company's capacity to deliver high-value print and finishing applications for the premium packaging, publishing, and commercial print sectors.

The acquisition marks a continuation of Àncora's technological partnership with Scodix, following its initial investment in the manufacturer's digital enhancement technology in 2019. As the European market in 2026 continues to demand shorter runs with increasingly complex tactile and visual effects, converters are under pressure to find solutions that bypass the setup times and tooling costs associated with traditional analog foiling and embossing.

Technical capabilities driving the investment

The Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD is engineered for mainstream industrial production, operating on a B1/41-inch format platform. This size compatibility is crucial for packaging converters looking to integrate digital embellishment seamlessly into existing offset or large-format digital workflows. The press incorporates two critical proprietary technologies that influenced Àncora's decision:

• Smart High Definition (SHD): Delivers ultra-sharp quality and fine detailing, essential for luxury packaging and intricate commercial print designs.
• Multi-Layer Embellishment (MLE): Allows the application of multiple enhancement layers—such as foil, varnish, and 3D tactile effects—in a single pass, drastically reducing production time and material handling.

Beyond operational efficiency, the press addresses the stringent environmental requirements of the 2026 packaging landscape. Scodix technology comes with verified sustainability credentials, including a repulpability certificate that ensures embellished paper and board can re-enter the circular economy. Furthermore, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data indicates that the system can reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional finishing methods, a metric that aligns with the aggressive decarbonization targets of major European brands.

Market implications for premium packaging

Àncora's investment reflects a broader industry trend where digital embellishment is transitioning from a niche offering to a core production requirement. With the ability to execute up to 17 different embellishment applications on a single platform, converters can offer unprecedented flexibility to brand owners. This agility is particularly valuable in sectors like cosmetics, spirits, and high-end confectionery, where shelf presence and tactile engagement directly influence consumer purchasing decisions.

By upgrading to the 6500 SHD model, Àncora not only increases its throughput but also broadens the range of uncoated and coated substrates it can process, effectively capturing higher-margin jobs that require complex, multi-sensory finishes without compromising on sustainability.

Àncora’s renewed commitment to Scodix technology highlights a clear industry trajectory where digital embellishment is no longer a luxury, but a baseline requirement for competitive converters. As multi-layer digital enhancement becomes standard in the B1 format, will traditional analog foiling and varnishing processes soon be relegated only to ultra-long legacy runs? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai