Java Print partners with Rotocon to drive next-phase growth

SOUTH AFRICA – Java Print, one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of self-adhesive labels, sleeves, lidding, wrap-arounds, tags and sachets, has partnered with Rotocon to strengthen its production capabilities and meet surging demand across food, pharmaceutical, chemical and FMCG markets.

Founded in 2006, Java Print counts Woolworths Foods in South Africa and Marks & Spencer in the UK among its key customers.

But with production running at near full capacity, the company faced a pivotal moment: upgrade or risk falling behind.

The solution came in the form of the Chrome RFP 450 LED flexographic press from Rotocon. Featuring eight colors, dual servo drives per station, full LED curing, a movable delam/relam unit and real-time inspection systems, the press offers precision, stability and versatility at speeds of up to 150m/min.

“We were operating at the limits of our capacity, but we also saw a critical need to modernize our machinery,” explains Mark Groves, managing director of Java Print.

“The Chrome press was the perfect solution. Its speed, precision and efficiency are unlike anything we’ve worked with before.”

The press has already proven its value. A recent project for Oasis Water’s sparkling water labels tested the limits of reversed CMYK text.

The Chrome press delivered impeccable registration and stability, ensuring flawless reproduction even under high-speed runs.

Beyond performance, sustainability was a key driver in Java Print’s decision. In a country grappling with energy shortages, the Chrome’s LED curing technology reduces electricity use by up to 70% compared with traditional mercury lamps, while eliminating long warm-up times and production waste.

“Chrome’s efficiency is a game-changer,” Groves notes. “It cuts our footprint and ensures consistent, high-quality output.”

Partnership was another deciding factor. Alongside the press, Java Print sources rotary and flexible dies and anilox rollers from Rotocon, benefitting from fast local delivery and service reliability.

“When you’re buying a machine of this caliber, you need a supplier that stands behind their product,” Groves adds. “Rotocon has been phenomenal, offering immediate support no matter the issue.”

Patrick Aengenvoort, director at Rotocon, emphasizes that the relationship extends beyond technology, “We don’t just install machines, we build long-term partnerships. Seeing Java Print thrive with the Chrome RFP 450 LED is a testament to that commitment.”

With the new press fully operational, Java Print is poised to deliver faster turnaround times, superior print quality and enhanced sustainability, setting a new benchmark in South Africa’s label printing industry.

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