Fosber merges corrugating and laminating lines with the new Lamigator system

Bridging the Gap Between Volume and High Graphics

For decades, the corrugated packaging industry has treated standard board manufacturing and high-graphic litho-lamination as two distinct operational silos. Converters either invested in dedicated corrugators for volume or separate laminators for premium retail packaging. In 2026, that rigid separation is officially dissolving. Fosber S.p.A., in deep integration with its subsidiary Quantum Corrugated, has rolled out the Lamigator—a hybrid production line engineered to seamlessly toggle between conventional corrugated board manufacturing and printed sheet lamination.

The market context driving this development is clear. The luxury packaging sector is aggressively pushing for lighter secondary packaging that does not compromise on structural integrity or graphic quality. Brands want the strength of corrugated board combined with the visual impact of offset printing, but converters have historically struggled with the operational bottlenecks and high adhesive costs associated with traditional sheet-to-sheet or web-to-web lamination.

Technical Capabilities and the Dual Glue Advantage

The Lamigator addresses these bottlenecks through raw speed and automated flexibility. According to Fosber's technical specifications, the machine reaches up to 250 meters per minute in standard corrugator mode and up to 12,000 sheets per hour when operating as a laminator. Switching between these modes is fully automated, eliminating the prolonged downtime that usually plagues multi-format production runs.

However, the most significant engineering feat lies in its adhesive management. The system utilizes a "Dual Glue Support" architecture. When producing conventional corrugated board, the line relies entirely on 100% environmentally friendly starch-based adhesives. When switched to lamination mode for pre-printed offset sheets, the machine employs a mixed gluing strategy: starch is still used for the flute formation, while polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or vinyl adhesive is restricted exclusively to bonding the pre-printed top sheet. This targeted application drastically reduces overall vinyl adhesive consumption, directly improving the environmental profile and recyclability of the finished packaging.

Operational Footprint and Software Integration

Beyond speeds and adhesives, the physical footprint of the Lamigator offers a distinct advantage for independent converters. Traditional laminators often require significant civil works, including the excavation of a pit to manage the dry end. The Lamigator eliminates this requirement, offering a compact layout that simplifies the paper path. During the production of pre-printed corrugated board, the outer liner never contacts mechanical parts, safeguarding the high-value graphics from friction or surface damage.

Furthermore, the line is fully compatible with Fosber's existing software ecosystem, including Syncro WetEnd and DryEnd controls, as well as the Pro/Care and Target Speed Supervisor suites. This ensures that operators can maintain real-time data traceability and quality control, regardless of whether they are running standard kraft sheets or premium litho-lam jobs.

As the corrugated industry navigates the complexities of 2026, equipment that offers dual functionality without sacrificing output speed is becoming a critical asset. The Lamigator is not just a new machine; it is a structural shift in how converters can approach their product mix, allowing them to capture both high-volume e-commerce boxes and high-margin retail packaging on a single asset.

This hybrid approach provides converters with an undeniable commercial edge, allowing them to pivot between volume and value-added jobs with minimal operational risk. Will the ability to seamlessly toggle between standard brown boxes and high-end litho-lam become the new baseline for independent converters looking to survive the next decade? 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