Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. has launched Embellishment Forge, a design platform that converts a standard PDF into production-ready digital embellishment files without requiring specialist production knowledge. Developed with Adobe using the Print Embellishment Ready SDK, the tool was unveiled at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
Why this mattersSimplifying digital embellishment design could broaden the pool of print service providers offering the finishing technique, expanding demand for compatible equipment.
- Konica Minolta unveiled Embellishment Forge at PRINTING United Expo 2026
- Platform is built on Adobe's Print Embellishment Ready SDK and powered by Adobe Print Services
- Tool converts a standard PDF into production-ready embellishment files for participating print service providers
- Announcement made by Frank Mallozzi, President, Industrial and Production Print, Konica Minolta
Durst Group will acquire the holding company of MPS Printing B.V., the Dutch specialist in flexographic printing systems for labels and flexible packaging, with MPS joining the group on 1 January 2027. The business will operate as MPS - A Durst Group Company, keeping its management, brand and product line, while Durst US takes over sales and service in the United States. Durst announced the deal on 15 September 2026 at LOUPE Americas in Chicago.
Why this mattersAdding flexo hardware to Durst's digital and hybrid printing portfolio broadens its label-production platform against rivals combining digital, flexo and automation.
- Durst Group will acquire the holding company of MPS Printing B.V., with MPS joining the group on 1 January 2027.
- MPS will operate as MPS - A Durst Group Company and continue to develop, manufacture and market its flexographic printing systems.
- MPS chief executive Michiel Borst becomes managing director of the unit, reporting within Durst's management structure.
- MPS keeps its direct sales channels across Europe, while Durst US takes over sales and service of the MPS portfolio in the United States.
- MPS will draw on Durst's international service and spare-parts infrastructure, with existing service contracts continuing on their terms.
- Durst's partnership with OMET on the KJet and XJet hybrid platforms continues independently of the transaction.
- The MPS Printing acquisition is subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
- Durst has not disclosed financial terms of the MPS Printing transaction.
- The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Konica Minolta has introduced the AccurioLabel 231, a new entry- to mid-production digital label press, as its AccurioLabel platform passes 2,000 installations globally since entering the digital label market nearly a decade ago. The press offers extended maintenance intervals, nearly double engine life versus the prior AccurioLabel 230, and new automated print-quality correction technology.
Why this mattersA larger installed base and updated digital press give converters more entry-level options to shift short-run label work away from analogue print.
- The AccurioLabel platform has surpassed 2,000 installations worldwide since its launch nearly a decade ago.
- The AccurioLabel 231 is positioned as an entry- to mid-production digital label press.
- The press extends maintenance intervals to twice those of the AccurioLabel 230 and nearly doubles engine life.
- Production speed reaches close to 77 feet per minute at print resolution of 1,200 x 2,400 dpi.
- The 231 adds Intelligent Quality Optimizer technology to correct print variations automatically during longer runs.
- Konica Minolta cites Biotef as the 2,000th global AccurioLabel installation.
- The AccurioLabel 231 is positioned alongside the AccurioLabel 400, which serves medium to high-volume converters.
- The AccurioLabel range also includes the AccurioLabel 400, aimed at medium-high volume production.
- The AccurioLabel 231 uses a new KM IC-615 controller
- With the optional Intelligent Quality Optimizer IQ-530, continuous production runs of up to 1,600 metres are possible
- European launch of the AccurioLabel 231 announced from Carrières-sur-Seine, France, 24 September 2026
