In the quiet outskirts of Hamburg lies a small town called Itzehoe, unassuming to most but legendary to those in the know. Here, thirty years ago, flexography found its voice, a technique that would soon reshape the printing industry. It’s fitting then, that we begin our new docuseries, “We are Flexo”, exactly here. Esko’s Flexo Innovation Center, a place rich with history and vibrant with innovation.
Come along as Eddy Fadel guides us through this hidden world, introducing us to Holger, a man whose life has become synonymous with flexography. From student to seasoned innovator, Holger exemplifies the passion and family-like bonds at the heart of the flexographic community.
As we explore, we see hints of genius at every corner. Take the reception desk, ingeniously crafted from a CDI Crystal prototype, a nod to the creativity, symbolism, and heritage thriving in this space. Every corridor and every room quietly shares stories of countless CDI Crystal and XPS Crystal units built meticulously by hand, tested, refined, and shipped across oceans to places as far as Fiji and Mauritius.
But the magic of Esko isn’t confined to tangible machinery alone; it’s equally present in their ongoing commitment to research and innovation. Hidden behind the scenes is the optical lab, where groundbreaking Quartz developments steadily advance flexography’s capabilities. The “Obea Room” further reflects this dedication to progress, echoing the collaborative spirit inspired by Japanese tradition, and filled with prototypes under constant observation and refinement.
At Esko, flexography represents more than just business. It symbolizes community, pride, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection. This commitment shines through in the rigorous certification of nearly every flexographic plate in use today, ensuring unmatched quality and consistency for printers globally.
Our journey with Eddy in “We are Flexo” is just beginning. From the intimate corridors of Itzehoe to the expansive global community, this series will reveal stories of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and relentless innovation.
It’s not simply about machines or technology; it’s about the remarkable people who shape and are shaped by this fascinating industry.
This is the first chapter, but the story of flexography is ever evolving. Welcome to our world. Welcome to flexo.
Enjoy the journey.
