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EskoWorld, Esko’s 2023 annual user conference, took place on May 23-25 in Orlando. It offered a platform for brand managers and converters to gain insights into various products, market trends, and Esko’s vision for the future. The conference showcased a wide range of sessions, featuring the company’s extensive product suite, including ArtiosCAD, ArtPro+, Automation Engine, AVT, CDI Crystal XPS, Color Engine, DeskPack, Flexo Engine, Imaging Engine, Phoenix, Print Control Wizard, Share & Approve, Studio, and WebCenter. Additionally, partner companies such as AllenField, AsahiKASEI, BOBST, Canon, CERM, CORBUS, eProductivity Software, FlobalVision, HiFlow, HP, and Schlafender Hase also had booths, further enriching the conference experience.
One of the significant solutions highlighted at EskoWorld was Share & Approve. Esko recognized the challenge of inconsistent approval processes caused by variations in PDF viewers. Share & Approve, a cloud-based application, was introduced to provide a consistent way to view, annotate, and approve files. This innovative solution ensures that all stakeholders see files uniformly and have access to annotations—eliminating any miscommunication. Esko offers a free version of Share & Approve with unlimited uploads and up to 50 approval transactions per month to users of its products, making it accessible and beneficial for a wide range of prepress and brand professionals.
Also during the conference, John Edison (the newly appointed President of Esko) shared his vision for the industry and Esko’s direction. Digital transformation, customer engagement, and the development of an intelligent platform were key themes in his address. Esko aims to provide innovative tools and an integrated platform to digitize, connect, and automate packaging processes. The company recognizes the importance of data fabric, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability in driving their future initiatives. Machine learning, deep learning, neural rendering, and large language models were explored, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance efficiency, automation, and customer outcomes.
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Labels & Packaging at EskoWorld
Label and packaging industry trends were also discussed at EskoWorld. With the rise of e-commerce and changing dynamics in retail, consumer behavior is undergoing a significant shift. Brand consistency, time to market, innovation, automation, and sustainability are critical factors for brands and converters to consider. AI will also play a pivotal role in optimizing production, planning, and addressing various business challenges—offering tremendous potential for the industry.
Esko also addressed the market dynamics and challenges faced by the packaging industry. Regulatory compliance, speed, cost, environmental sustainability, and automation were highlighted as key considerations. Esko offers integrated solutions to manage quality, automate content production, and address sustainability concerns. Leveraging the power of AI, Esko optimizes production efficiency and streamlines workflows, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
“Green” Initiatives Grabbed Focus
Sustainability is a core focus for Esko, demonstrated by its GreenCircle certifications for energy savings and dematerialization. The company’s technologies and software contribute to reduced waste, energy consumption, and material usage—aligning with the goals of responsible brands and converters. Esko’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their product offerings, reflecting their dedication to creating a greener and more environmentally conscious packaging industry.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
EskoWorld showcased Esko’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, embracing innovation, and driving sustainable solutions. The conference emphasized the importance of consistency, connectivity, and acceleration throughout the packaging value chain. Esko continues to evolve as a leader in the industry, leveraging technology and market insights to meet customer needs and propel the packaging industry forward.
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