Puntes Packaging Partners deploys Esko Quartz across its European flexo prepress network

Strategic consolidation in the European flexographic market

The European flexographic prepress sector is witnessing a significant push toward standardization and high-end automation. Puntes Packaging Partners has officially integrated Esko Quartz technology into its production workflow, a move designed to supply premium flexographic plates to converters across Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal. This technological deployment, rolling out through the second half of 2026, serves as the operational capstone to the company's earlier acquisition of the French tradeshop Art Media Graphic (AMG).

For industry observers, this is a textbook example of how cross-border acquisitions must be followed by deep technological integration to yield real value. AMG, based in Gournay-en-Bray, was already operating within an established Esko environment. By upgrading to the Quartz ecosystem, Puntes is not just adding a new piece of equipment; it is harmonizing its entire digital prepress infrastructure across its Iberian and French hubs.

Pushing the boundaries of flexo plate imaging

The technical specifications of the Esko Quartz system highlight the packaging industry's relentless pursuit of gravure-like quality in flexography. The technology features a dual optics system capable of imaging at a resolution of 4000ppi—nearly double the traditional industry standard. Furthermore, it enables the creation of high-frequency surface structures at 2000lpi (Q-Cells).

According to Sergio Montañés Cubero, Marketing & Sales Manager at Puntes Packaging Partners, this investment allows the company to deliver greater detail, smoother highlights, and improved print stability for highly demanding packaging applications. In a market where brand owners are increasingly uncompromising about graphic consistency across different substrates, achieving this level of microcell engraving in solid ink areas significantly boosts ink transfer and overall print predictability.

Centralized production meets local service

Beyond the sheer print quality, the strategic angle of this deployment is highly relevant for the corrugated and flexible packaging supply chains. Puntes is utilizing its Quartz-equipped production in Spain to manufacture plates for the French and Portuguese markets. This centralized, highly controlled plate production is then paired with the local customer relationships and agile service capabilities provided by the AMG facility in France.

This hybrid model—centralized high-tech manufacturing combined with decentralized client service—helps reduce transport distances and the associated logistics footprint, a growing concern for converters looking to optimize their Scope 3 emissions. It also allows Puntes to standardize processes and exchange technical expertise seamlessly across its operations, minimizing manual intervention and increasing automation.

Market implications for 2026 and beyond

With the global flexographic printing market projected to grow steadily toward $14.3 billion by 2033, prepress providers are under immense pressure to scale their operations without compromising on repeatability. The integration of Esko Quartz by Puntes Packaging Partners demonstrates that the future of prepress lies in unified digital ecosystems rather than isolated technological upgrades.

By establishing a robust production and service hub in France, backed by advanced imaging technology in Spain, Puntes is positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner for European converters. The ability to offer identical quality, service, and innovation capacity across multiple countries is becoming a critical differentiator in the highly fragmented European packaging landscape.

The successful deployment of Esko Quartz by Puntes Packaging Partners proves that technological harmonization is the true engine of growth following cross-border acquisitions. Will other regional prepress providers accelerate their investments in high-resolution automated ecosystems to keep pace with this level of pan-European standardization? 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