The Mark Andy Digital Series HD is now running in three shifts at L'Etiquette Adhésive. Installed in 2024, this hybrid press is taking over some of the jobs previously printed on the flexo and digital lines at the label printer based in Pau in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Acquired in 2019 by Stéphane Clavier, L'Etiquette Adhésive already had flexographic and toner presses, as well as offline finishing equipment. However, the increase in the number of product SKUs and the reduction in batch sizes prompted the CEO to seek a different production setup. Setup times and waste were particularly problematic for small flexographic runs, while toner printing required subsequent processing on separate finishing equipment.
"I was familiar with hybrid presses, but since I came from a field other than printing, I didn't know what benefits this technology could offer us."Only Mark Andy was able to do it, and the demonstration was so convincing that, less than a month later, we placed an order for the press.", recalls Stéphane Clavier. The printer then began looking for a hybrid press that was already in use at a printing company handling similar jobs. "There was a learning curve with the hybrid system, just to synchronize digital and flexo printing with the finishing processes. It required a new way of thinking."
Digital, flexo, and finishing in a single pass
With a web width of 430 mm, the DSHD combines a CMYK UV inkjet printer with white ink and five flexographic units?two upstream and three downstream. These units are used, in particular, to print additional colors, apply a varnish, or apply cold foil.
The system is rounded out by turning bars, a dual unwinder for feeding a second web, two Gizmo systems designed specifically for multilayer coupon labels, and a semi-rotary die-cutting unit. An extraction system facilitates the removal of complex dies.
This combination allows L'Etiquette Adhésive to produce a label?from the blank roll to the cut?in a single pass.
However, it didn't come naturally right away. ", admits Stéphane Clavier.
The printing press, which initially operated in two shifts, now runs in three shifts. Etiquette Adhésive has transferred work previously carried out on its flexographic and digital lines to this press, allowing those lines to handle production that is better suited to their capabilities.
This year, its revenue is expected to reach 7.8 million euros in 2026, largely thanks to work on synthetic substrates, and L'Etiquette Adhésive is aiming for 8.4 million euros in 2027.
