The rise in corrugated packaging is one of the great phenomena characterising the packaging market as well as a development driver for the entire production-consumption chain.

The figures involved are noteworthy: we’re talking about 160.5 million tons produced in 2020, which is set to grow further at a rate of +3.8-4% by 2025 according to Smithers*, all used to produce increasingly diverse packaging. Alongside the classic cardboard transport boxes, there is an expansion of large industrial packaging, boldly shaped displays and microwave sheets that replace cardboard to protect a range of consumer goods.

The new Mastercut 1.65 - the world's first die-cutter capable of processing corrugated board, folding carton and laminated cardboard at high speed and equal quality - and Bobst's promises for Print4All are an entirely new way of taking part in a trade fair.

At the Milan exhibition, the large global manufacturer of printing and converting machines will be feature “in-person” contacts and, at the same time, will set up a virtual bridge with their large global Competence Centers, where you can see the machines in operation and speak remotely with experts in different specialisms. Not a classic “trade fair space”, but a physical and multimedia meeting point where, from May 3rd to 6th, at the end of the morning, a live digital event will present visitors with the latest technologies developed by the Swiss group in four macro business areas:

- corrugated cardboard, with an “in-person” speech by an expert who will illustrate the latest innovations for a market with specific dynamics and great development prospects;

- narrow and mid web printing, via a live stream with specialists from the Competence Center in Florence, who will present the latest line of machines that have just been launched on the market;

- rotogravure printing, via a live stream with the Competence Center of San Giorgio Monferrato, which has become a global gravure innovation leader;

- flexo printing, with a link managed between Bielefeld and San Giorgio showing machines on display in both global development centres and a dialogue with remote Bobst experts.

Printing applications on corrugated board will also be key features of a session on the conference programme during Print4All. Specifically, on May the 5th at 11:30, there will be an in-depth discussion entitled: Innovation in printing and media. Focusing on corrugated and digital printing.