Three applications, one solution
Designed for demanding packaging tasks, the FPC5 from Theegarten-Pactec enables precise and efficient primary packaging in tubular bags.
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Valeriia Grankina, CEO of the Ukrainian packaging company Slavena LLC, had to leave her home country due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. She came to Germany and wrote for packaging journal back in April and then approached us with a request: during her time in Germany, she wanted to get an impression of packaging production on site. We were happy to support her in this endeavour and put her in touch with the STI Group. Valeriia Grankina and her father visited the STI Group in Lauterbach and Alsfeld exactly six months after the start of the war in Ukraine - which was also the Ukrainian bank holidays. For packaging journal, she writes about the energy and inspiration this visit gave her and about the differences between packaging production in Ukraine and in Germany.
On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was attacked by the army of a neighbouring country. In spring, we could have breathed a sigh of relief thanks to two events: going back to work at our packaging company or visiting a packaging manufacturer in Germany. The former was impossible for us, as Kharkiv was being bombed daily. The second seemed more realistic. Finally, we received the news from packaging journal that the STI Group invites us to their production site in Hesse. To say that I was delighted would be an understatement. Exactly six months after the start of the war, we had the opportunity to visit the STI Group, and were able to remind ourselves of who we are.
Many Ukrainians divide their lives and memories into the time „before the war“ and „now“. I am one of these people and „before the war“ I thought Europeans were rather unemotional and emotionless. But after the first few minutes with CEO Jakob Rinninger and Head of Communications Meike Dihstelhoff, I realised how wrong my assessment was. Jakob Rinninger gently introduced Questions about the war, about the effects on our business and our lives, about our plans for the time „after the war“. He listened attentively, understood the situation we were in and offered support.
After familiarising us with the rich and interesting history of the company, Jakob Rinninger took us on a tour of the so-called „Inspiration Store“, the STI Group showroom at the Lauterbach site. Here the name says it all, because High-quality and beautiful packaging inspires people to buy.
Differences in design and prototypes
Next, we went to the inner sanctum of every production company - the place where the product is born. In our case, the packaging. More than a few dozen people work in the design and construction department (product development) at the STI Group. These people do magical things. They develop new designs, test them for strength and stability. They then pass on the amazing designs to the production departments, which turn the ideas into reality. STI Group is known on the European market for its unique designs for packaging and displays. But in Ukraine, unfortunately, there are no packaging companies with such departments. In our country print shops usually receive a finished layout from the customer and are not allowed to make any changes. Design and construction are created by specialists who work in the customer's company or in a specialised agency.
Creation and output of a colour proof for approval by the customer
At the STI Group, employees create a proof taking into account the parameters of the cardboard on which the product is to be printed. This gives the customer the opportunity to see in advance how the packaging print will look on the selected material. At the same time, they also know that specific colours, brightness and other characteristics of the end product may vary slightly. In exceptional cases, a colour proof is created using a printing press. But the cost of such a service comes at a price. In the Ukraine, customers often only approve a colour proof, which is only printed on the cardboard used for the final packaging., is created. The price of such work is dozens of times lower than its actual value, which is due to market conditions.
The production processes do not differ from the standards of the leading packaging manufacturers in Ukraine. These processes have always inspired me. It seems as if in the house of a magician who turns empty bows into something beautiful. This is the point where my breath catches in my throat. Everything here at the STI Group is just as beautiful as in my beloved packaging company in Kharkiv, which I believe will soon come back to life.
Technology for the internal logistics process
An unexpected and new solution for me was the internal logistics system and the transport of the pallets to the printing and die-cutting machines at the Alsfeld corrugated board plant. Everything runs automatically at the STI Group. I have never seen such a highly technologised print shop. It's fascinating to see how one machine transfers a pallet, the second machine moves it to the right place and passes it on to the third, which inserts it into another machine. I watched this work for a long time and it seemed so well oiled and perfect. My next dream is to introduce this technology into my own production.
It was fascinating for us to discuss sustainability issues. The Ukraine has yet to recognise the importance of environmental issues. Before the war, we discussed and passed laws on ecology and started separating waste. That's why it was important to understand how others do it. It was particularly interesting that the STI Group was involved in a automated process works to minimise CO2-The aim is to make the quantity transparent for your customers as standard for every project.
The visit was a unique experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Günter Seim, Senior Consultant Packaging, was able to answer all our questions and took the time to give us a detailed tour. He knows packaging and technology as well as only someone who loves his business can.
Many thanks to the STI Group, packaging journal and the entire German population for their strong and tireless support!
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