INX Europe will use FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 to highlight new opportunities for digital printing in corrugated packaging, with the introduction of a water-based ink developed specifically for corrugated applications. The company will present the technology from 19 to 22 May at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, as it continues to expand its presence in visual communication, industrial printing and packaging markets.

The new ink, INXJet KECB, has been designed for printing on different paper and cellulose-based substrates and is formulated for printers equipped with Kyocera KJ4B printheads. For converters working in corrugated packaging, the launch reflects a wider market shift toward shorter runs, faster versioning, reduced set-up times and more flexible production models.

Corrugated packaging has become one of the most dynamic areas for digital print adoption. The growth of e-commerce, retail-ready packaging and brand-specific distribution formats has increased demand for print systems that can handle variable graphics, regional campaigns, personalised messaging and smaller production batches without the cost and delay of traditional processes.

Digital printing is becoming a practical tool for corrugated converters that need agility, versioning and stronger visual impact without sacrificing efficiency.

Water-based ink development is especially relevant in corrugated because the substrate is widely associated with recyclability and fibre-based packaging. As brands and retailers seek packaging aligned with sustainability expectations, print technologies must also support that transition. Inks need to deliver quality, durability and regulatory compliance while remaining suitable for paper-based packaging systems.

INXJet KECB has been developed to address both performance and sustainability requirements. The company’s focus on corrugated applications suggests that ink suppliers are no longer treating digital packaging print as a niche. Instead, they are building dedicated solutions for converters that want to move from pilot projects to real production adoption.

• Digital print supports shorter runs and faster design changes.
• Water-based inks can align with fibre-based packaging and sustainability goals.
• Corrugated packaging benefits from versioning for e-commerce and retail channels.
• Regulatory compliance remains essential for packaging and indoor applications.

The presentation at FESPA also builds on INX’s previous inkjet developments. The company introduced several high-performance inks at last year’s event, including eco-solvent and UV LED curable technologies. This year, those products will remain part of the portfolio, showing how INX is positioning itself across different digital print applications rather than focusing on a single substrate or market.

The corrugated sector is under pressure to deliver more than basic protection. Packaging must now support logistics, sustainability claims, shelf visibility, brand storytelling and consumer engagement. In e-commerce, the box is often the first physical brand touchpoint after an online purchase. In retail, printed corrugated displays and secondary packs must communicate quickly and clearly in crowded environments.

Digital printing helps meet these demands by reducing dependence on long set-up cycles and enabling more responsive production. For converters, this can open new business models around campaign packaging, seasonal designs, prototypes and localised print runs. For brands, it creates more freedom to test designs and adapt packaging communication without committing to large volumes.

Certification and emissions performance are also becoming more visible in print technology decisions. INX has highlighted GREENGUARD Gold Certification for some of its UV curable inkjet products, reinforcing the importance of low-emission performance in indoor environments such as retail, offices, healthcare and public spaces. This type of validation can influence purchasing decisions where print quality and environmental performance must both be demonstrated.

For Packnode readers, the key takeaway is that ink innovation is becoming central to the future of corrugated packaging. The substrate itself may be recyclable and widely accepted, but the printing system must also support efficiency, compliance, visual quality and sustainability. As converters move toward digital production, inks designed for specific packaging applications will be essential to scaling the technology.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 will therefore provide more than a product showcase for INX Europe. It will offer a view of how digital print, water-based ink chemistry and corrugated packaging are converging to meet the needs of a market that demands speed, flexibility and responsible materials at the same time.