Continuing our new series featuring the voices of ERA members
Member Spotlight: Enulec
Welcome to the fourth edition of our ‘Member Spotlight’ series, designed to shine a light on the diverse perspectives and experiences of our member organisations. Spanning the globe, our members offer unique insights into industry trends, challenges and innovations. By featuring their voices, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the gravure printing landscape and wider print industry.
In this edition, we’re pleased to feature Christoph Dettke, Managing Director/Owner at Enulec GmbH. This interview presents his insights on industry challenges, technological innovation and more.
Industry trends and challenges
ERA: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Gravure print segment today?
Christoph: In our experience and perception, the gravure printing segment is facing the challenge of having to adapt to the rapidly changing market landscape. Gravure printing is under increasing scrutiny due to the use of solvents and the production of large quantities of waste materials. In packaging printing in particular, more and more emphasis is being placed on sustainability, recyclability and the use of more environmentally friendly materials. Many gravure printers need to invest in technologies that are less harmful to the environment. These investments are necessary in order to meet current requirements, but represent a financial challenge.
Other issues include adapting to digital change and coping with rising raw material costs in order to remain competitive. However, the biggest challenge remains adapting to the declining demand for traditional print products and increasing competition from more flexible printing technologies. Flexo printing has made great strides in recent years and offers a more cost-effective solution for shorter print runs. Digital printing is also growing, especially for smaller print runs or personalized printed matter.
How has digital transformation impacted your business in the print industry?
To be honest, we were prepared for it. The company founder, Hubertus Dettke, recognized this trend early on and geared our research and development towards it. Our systems are cross-generational. This means that ENULEC technology works just as well on simple manual systems as it does on the latest state-of-the-art systems. ENULEC was the first supplier in the field of electrostatic printing aids whose systems could be integrated into the technology of printing press manufacturers. Today we are at the stage where machine and ESA technology can communicate with each other without restrictions. But we are also already prepared for the requirements of Industry 5.0.
What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of the print industry?
The future of the printing industry will be strongly influenced by digital innovations, sustainability, the increasing integration of technology and the need for individualised, personalised products. Automation technologies that make the production process faster and more efficient are becoming increasingly important. From workflow management to automated print preparation and control, the printing industry will benefit from automated solutions to reduce costs and minimise errors.
In our opinion, the trend is towards a circular economy in which materials are reused and recycled. The development of packaging that is fully recyclable and the promotion of environmentally friendly materials will be crucial. The pressure on the industry to offer more sustainable solutions will increase as consumers and businesses increasingly prioritise environmentally friendly products.
“In our opinion, the trend is towards
a circular economy in which materials
are reused and recycled.”
We are watching the development of concepts such as “smart packaging” and “interactive print” with great interest. Printed products are combined with digital media or interactive functions. Examples include QR codes, augmented reality (AR) and NFC technology, which enable the consumer to find out more about the product or interact with it in an interactive way.
Of course, the area of AI-supported printing processes is interesting for us personally: Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in print production to optimise processes, minimise errors and increase production quality. This is precisely the area in which we have been focussing our research and development work for our segment for years.
Technology and innovation
Which new technologies have had the most significant impact on your gravure printing operations in the past year?
In my opinion, this brings us back to the same key topics. In the past year, sustainability, automation, digital integration and innovative printing technologies in particular have influenced the gravure printing process. We were able to experience this again and again at DRUPA in the spring. It was the best opportunity to find out about current issues and requirements in a short space of time. The transition to more environmentally friendly materials and the integration of digital and AI-supported technologies are helping to make the process more efficient and flexible, which meets the requirements of a dynamic market. These technologies enable the gravure industry to adapt to changes in the printing industry and increase its competitiveness.
“Automation will be the technology
of the future.”
How do you see automation influencing your business in the next 5 years?
It will be the technology of the future. Printing companies need to be increasingly flexible. There is an increasing demand for smaller batch sizes. At the same time, the printing industry is struggling with a shortage of skilled labour, not just here in Germany but worldwide. Autonomous and automated systems are just what is needed. Over the next five years, automation will have a significant impact on companies by increasing productivity, reducing error rates and cutting costs. By using intelligent systems and machines, companies will become more flexible and efficient, which will strengthen their competitiveness. Automation will also help to free up employee resources by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing available labour to focus on higher value activities. In the long term, automation will promote innovation and improve responsiveness to market changes.
Business Development and Growth
What strategies have you found most effective for business growth in your industry segment?
This was clearly the step beyond European borders towards a global market orientation with a branch in the core markets. Of course, the requirements and challenges vary here. The European gravure printing market is well established. It has a long history and a strong focus on quality and innovation. Demand is particularly high in the areas of packaging, art printing and publications. Asia has grown strongly in recent years, especially in countries such as China, India and Japan. The market is dynamic, but in some regions it is not yet as mature as in Europe. In Africa, the gravure printing market is still in the early stages of development, with major differences between the individual countries. While South Africa has a relatively well-developed printing industry, many other African markets are still developing. In some countries, there is a growing interest in the packaging industry, particularly in the food packaging sector. In the US, packaging printing is a dominant segment, particularly flexible packaging, labelling and product packaging. However, the focus here is more on flexographic printing.
ENULEC is now pursuing a holistic approach here. ESA printing assist is a core element of our technology. However, the product portfolio has grown over the years and we see ourselves as a solution provider for regulating electrostatics from conception to the finished product.
How has the shift towards remote work affected your business operations and client relationships?
In over 40 years, ENULEC has become a globally active company. We have a large company network so that a service employee can be on site anywhere in the world within 24 hours. But the current world crises show that sometimes you also have to consider the safety aspects for your own employees. That’s where online communication is a great thing.
ENULEC also offers a Remote-Control service. Both during the pandemic and now, in crisis regions, the use of our Remote Control Service programme has proven its worth. IT staff in our data centre can access the relevant ESA control system directly via a secure and encrypted connection. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs. The retrieved data is intelligently analysed and evaluated so that problems can be prevented in advance to avoid machine failures.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
What steps has your company taken to reduce its environmental impact?
We are not a printing company but produce electrotechnical components to regulate electrostatics in the printing process. In this sense, we are bound to certain materials, but we have converted all our packaging materials to recyclable products. The biggest contribution we make is our energy efficiency. Since the 1990s, we have been generating our own electricity for the entire production and office area using photovoltaic systems. We currently purchase a maximum of 10-15% electricity, depending on capacity utilisation. Even our vehicle fleet, which we have converted to electric cars, is powered by this.
“We have converted all our
packaging materials
to recyclable products.”
How important is sustainability to your customers, and how has it influenced your service offerings?
This is one of the key messages to our customers. In addition to all the factors that accompany a printing process, the efficient regulation of electrostatic charges is an essential part of ensuring quality, safety and efficiency. With appropriate measures and suitable technology, set-up times are reduced, waste is minimised and a great deal of energy can be saved through these efficiently designed production processes…
What impacts are you expecting to see from EU or local government legislation? For example PPWR?
In recent years, the EU has adopted increasingly stringent sustainability requirements, which will also have an impact on the gravure printing industry. These developments concern both environmental requirements and circular economy directives.
The EU plans to require companies, including printers, to disclose their sustainability practices and environmental impact. This could lead to companies in the gravure printing process having to improve their environmental footprint, e.g. by using energy-efficient machines and environmentally friendly inks.
Another point is the regulation of packaging, among other things: As gravure printing is often used for packaging, companies may be required to reduce packaging-related environmental impacts. This could include using more recyclable and biodegradable materials and requiring companies to fulfil stricter waste prevention and recycling requirements. This is something we are already implementing in our company by switching all our packaging to recyclable packaging material.
Networking and Community
How valuable is your membership in the ERA for networking and professional development?
For us, membership of the ERA is a valuable platform for networking, knowledge transfer and professional development in the gravure printing industry. As a member of the ERA, we have access to a broad network of companies, specialists and experts from the gravure and packaging industry worldwide. This enables valuable business relationships, co-operations and partnerships with leading companies in the industry. We greatly appreciate the regular conferences, seminars and workshops that promote the exchange of best practices, new technologies and market trends. These events provide an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues and experts.
“ERA makes a significant contribution
to promoting knowledge and increasing the
visibility of companies, which strengthens
their competitive advantage and
market position in the long term.”
Members also benefit from the opportunity to access the latest research and innovation trends affecting gravure printing technology and processes. This is an important aspect if, like us, you develop and produce adaptive technology systems. In addition, ERA regularly provides information on legislative changes or current geopolitical agreements. This is a great asset for us and of course saves us time. We are always up to date without having to do our own research. Generally speaking, the ERA makes a significant contribution to promoting knowledge and increasing the visibility of companies, which strengthens their competitive advantage and market position in the long term.
What resources or support would you like to see from the ERA to help your business thrive?
We are personally very satisfied with the opportunities offered by ERA. We are following the new orientation of the organisation towards an international association with great interest and expect a great deal from it for future cooperation and communication opportunities.
How do you stay connected and engaged with other professionals in the print industry?
The ERA plays an important role in this. The specialist conferences and events, such as the Global Gravure Days, are a great platform for keeping in touch with international experts. International trade fairs and congresses, of course. And we maintain close internal contact with machine manufacturers and customers. For research and development, we work closely with both machine manufacturers and universities on an international level.
Future Outlook
What is your outlook for the print industry over the next 5-10 years?
As already mentioned in the interview, the printing industry will probably continue to be characterised by far-reaching changes and innovations over the next 5 to 10 years. These developments will probably continue to be influenced by technological, economic, social and ecological factors.
What advice would you give to new entrants in the print industry today?
In my opinion, even in times of digitalisation, it is important to have a solid education in the various printing techniques (offset printing, digital printing, gravure printing, flexo printing). Many printing companies offer practical training opportunities, but specialised schools and academies also offer programmes that focus on different aspects of printing technology and production.
As the printing industry is constantly evolving, especially in the area of digital technologies and automation, it is important to continuously educate yourself. Courses on new printing technologies, software solutions or sustainability strategies certainly offer a competitive advantage. The printing industry offers exciting opportunities, but also requires a deep understanding of rapidly changing technologies, markets and environmental requirements.
What changes or innovations would you like to see in the print industry in the near future?
We cannot avoid progressive digitalisation and automation. But at the moment, the focus is on the conceptual constructs of Industry 4.0, which centres on the networking and automation of production systems using technologies such as IoT, AI, big data and robotics in order to increase efficiency and flexibility.
“The connection between people
and technology in the printing industry
is increasingly symbiotic
and collaborative.”
I hope that the step towards Industry 5.0 will happen quickly. Industry 5.0 goes one step further by placing people more at the centre and promoting collaborative human-machine interactions in order to integrate creativity, individualisation and sustainability into production.
The connection between people and technology in the printing industry is increasingly symbiotic and collaborative. Technological innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence and digital printing processes require dedicated human-machine interaction, where humans act as controllers, problem solvers and creators, while technology provides efficiency, precision and scalability. In practice, this means that people are not replaced, but supported – technology makes work easier by automating tasks, reducing errors and optimising production processes, while human expertise remains essential for creative, strategic and complex decisions. This partnership between people and technology promotes both innovation and quality of work in the printing industry.
Thanks to Christoph for answering our most pressing questions!
If you would like to be featured in our Member Spotlight series, get in touch with Allan Bendall at members@era-eu.org
