Classic Packaging Company, a family-owned business based in Pfafftown, North Carolina, has been a leader in the printing and packaging industry since 1991. Specializing in expanded gamut printing for FDA-approved packaging, Classic Packaging serves many clients in the food industry who rely on them for safe, high-quality packaging.
Classic Packaging Enhances Print Quality with Anilox Cleaning System
To maintain their reputation, they needed an anilox cleaning system that provided consistent print results, reduced noise pollution, and was easy to operate. Nathan McKinney, Production Manager at Classic Packaging, explained, “We looked at quite a few systems, but it was clear that the Sitexco System was a proven technology. We also appreciated working with another family business.”
Challenges with the Old System
Classic Packaging’s pressroom housed two modern wide-web flexo presses and one older anilox cleaning system. This older system was noisy and difficult to operate, forcing press assistants to divide their time between overseeing the press and maintaining the cleaning system. This inefficiency began to impact the company’s bottom line, as the time spent managing the anilox cleaning system detracted from more productive activities.
Peter Mulheran, Vice President of Eaglewood Technologies, noted, “The old anilox cleaning system was a good option, but it was not tailored to Classic Packaging’s needs.” Classic Packaging required a solution that was easier to operate, met sustainability standards, and provided superior cleaning without noise pollution.
The Sitexco Anilox Cleaning Solution
After evaluating their options, Classic Packaging turned to Anderson & Vreeland’s East Region team in partnership with Eaglewood Technologies. They proposed the Sitexco SL1.5 Anilox Laser & Roll Cleaning System, integrated with the Troika AniCAM for quality control. This combination promised to deliver on all fronts: superior cleaning, ease of operation, and sustainability. The team at A&V advised, “By the end, we were able to put this new technology on the floor for less per month than what they were spending on consumables for the old cleaning system.”
Implementation and Results
The installation of the Sitexco SL1.5 system was managed by Richard Heaps and Martin Schofield from A&V’s Technical Sales Team. “We have installed so many Orbital and Whirl A Way units that they now go in quickly and easily, with little if any interruption to production,” said Schofield. The challenge was to decommission the old solvent system and install the new water-based system without disrupting operations. To minimize downtime, Heaps and Schofield worked on weekends to set up the new system.
The new system was installed in both the Toronto and Montreal facilities, replacing the old cleaning system with two Orbital plate processors, two Whirl A Way polymer reclaim systems, and the new AVXpose unit. The impact was immediate. The Sitexco SL1.5’s soundless cleaning, simple interface, and environmentally safe features impressed the Classic Packaging team. Their flexo presses, using anilox rolls cleaned by the new system, showed improvements in densities, print quality, and color matching.
Jeff Skolnik, A&V’s Business Development Manager Digital/Equipment, explained, “You can have the highest resolution, finest screening, and best plate system, but if you can’t print consistently, none of that matters. So, when you introduce an anilox laser system that has superior cleaning properties and allows your flexo presses to print at a higher quality consistently, that’s a major deal.”
Operational and Environmental Benefits
Operationally, the Sitexco system and AniCAM improved Classic Packaging’s bottom line. The intelligent anilox cleaning system did not require an operator, freeing press assistants to focus on more critical tasks. The system allowed for increased productivity with less downtime, streamlining operations and creating a scalable process that was easy to teach to employees.
The AniCAM provided detailed insight into each anilox roll’s cell volumes, eliminating guesswork. Sam Benson, Technical Sales Representative for Provident, noted, “Using the AniCAM as part of a controlled continuous improvement program shows quick benefits. Not only in press downtime but also in ink savings, too. Knowing your anilox specs going in press is a big part of successful printing.”
Moreover, the Sitexco SL1.5’s sustainable and safe cleaning process was essential for Classic Packaging, which specializes in FDA-approved food packaging. The system’s lack of harmful substances ensured that the packaging remained uncontaminated and maintained FDA certifications.
A Successful Partnership
The collaboration between Classic Packaging and Anderson & Vreeland has proven to be highly beneficial. The integration of the Sitexco System has boosted print quality, optimized workflow, and increased ROI for Classic Packaging. “The Classic Packaging story goes to show that it is not just the principal printing companies that can afford and justify this technology. In light of this, A&V and Eaglewood Technologies are excited to work closely with Classic Packaging to continue maximizing this proven technology.”
