Daniel Boronat is part of the commercial leadership team at Kao Chimigraf and is also an experienced advocate of inkjet technology and the innovative culture centred in the Valencia area in Spain. Ahead of his participation at FuturePrint TECH in Cambridge, he talks to Frazer Chesterman about the development of inks, inkjet and the importance of Valencia.

Daniel, please introduce yourself and Kao Chimigraf?

I am in charge of the Inkjet business division in Kao Chimigraf and joined Kao Chimigraf in 2010. I have a technical background experience as a field engineer and Technical Support Manager starting in the traditional Graphical Arts in offset and flexo companies and then moving to the digital printing technology (RIPs, Color Management, Wide Format printers, Printheads and of course, inks!). I have had the opportunity to live the experience of how different industries have been increasingly introducing Inkjet technology into their production processes, especially in the corrugated cardboard market.

Tell us more about Kao Chimigraf?

KAO is an Inkjet and Flexo Inks manufacturer company based in the Barcelona área with more than 50 years of history in the packaging industry. Corrugated and flexible packaging printing and converters companies are our main customers. KAO is collaborating with all the major OEMs and integrator companies focused on Inkjet Printing Solutions for these markets.

Kao Chimigraf’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a core component of our business philosophy. Our inkjet solutions are designed to minimize waste, reduce ecological impact, and promote energy efficiency, aligning with the current global focus on sustainable practices. As well as the replacement and elimination of CMRs components in our inks following the recommendations of the EUPIA guidelines.

Why Valencia is becomming an important Inkjet hub?

Valencia has a rich history of expertise in the printing industry. The city has long been renowned for its strong tradition of graphic arts and printing, dating back centuries. This heritage has cultivated a skilled workforce with in-depth knowledge and experience in printing technologies, providing a solid foundation for the development of the inkjet industry.

Valencia’s strategic location serves as a gateway between Europe and the rest of the world. The city is particularly well-connected, with an international airport and excellent transportation infrastructure with a port with the highest export rate in Europe, making it an ideal location for companies to establish their presence and facilitate trade in the inkjet market.

Valencia benefits from a set of research institutions, universities, and technological centers. These institutions foster a collaborative environment, where industry professionals, researchers, and innovators can exchange knowledge of inkjet technology. The presence of these institutions not only fuels innovation but also attracts investments and promotes the growth of the inkjet industry in the region.

The inkjet industry encompasses various sectors such as packaging, textiles, ceramics, agriculture and industrial printing. Valencia’s well-established presence in these industries has facilitated cross-sector collaborations and the exchange of expertise, further propelling the growth of the inkjet industry

How has the Industry and Inkjet Technology developed up to now, and what is your view of the future?

10 years ago, we started working with the first corrugated cardboard company that made the decision to invest in a digital single-pass printer for corrugated cardboard plates using UV inks. At that time, other industries like ceramic, decor and textile had already introduced the single-pass printers 10 years before that time.

During that period of time, new OEMs and integrators companies appeared delivering new printing solutions for the packaging market, and other applications such as metal printing, printed electronics, and so on. So imagine what will be possible in the next 10 years?

The technological challenge for that huge change in the industry is obvious, and considering that all of it is mainly depending on the printhead’s technical evolution as well. But the real challenge is to make digital printing technology a cost-effective solution for all these industries. Consumer habits are changing and the industry needs to adapt to these new trends, I have no doubt that Inkjet technology is the solution that will allow the companies to achieve their new goals.

Daniel will speak as part of a panel at FuturePrint TECH: What is going in Castellon?

Check out more information on the session here