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Kento Hybrid®

Digital + Flexo in One Line

The world's first fully integrated hybrid printing system for corrugated packaging.

Kento Hybrid printing line layout
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PRODUCTIVITY:0 sheets/h
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WATER & WASTE:0× less vs flexo
The Hybrid Advantage

Three approaches to corrugated printing

Each technology has its strengths. Kento Hybrid® was purpose-built to combine them where it makes industrial sense — delivering flexo economics with digital flexibility in a single, compact line.

Flexo

  • High-speed production
  • Short setup time
  • Color complexity
  • Variable data
  • Substrate range
  • Minimum runs
  • Inline die-cutting
  • Cost at high coverage

Digital

  • High-speed production
  • Short setup time
  • Color complexity
  • Variable data
  • Substrate range
  • Minimum runs
  • Inline die-cutting
  • Cost at high coverage

Kento Hybrid®

  • High-speed production
  • Short setup time
  • Color complexity
  • Variable data
  • Substrate range
  • Minimum runs
  • Inline die-cutting
  • Cost at high coverage
Production volume coverage

Where each technology fits

Kento Hybrid® covers the run-length window where flexo becomes inefficient and digital becomes unprofitable — from short runs up to mid-long industrial production, all in a single inline system.

10MSF20MSF40MSF60MSF80MSF100MSF120MSF140MSF160MSF180MSF200MSF
KENTO HYBRID(flexo + inkjet)
DIGITAL
FLEXO HQ and OFFSET
0sqm2.000sqm4.000sqm6.000sqm8.000sqm10.000sqm12.000sqm14.000sqm16.000sqm18.000sqm20.000sqm

MSF = thousand square feet · sqm = square metres · annual production reference

How It Works

Single-Pass Integration

Kento Hybrid® processes corrugated board in a single pass through an integrated inline system. Flexo units lay down solid colors and coatings, while digital inkjet heads add complex graphics, variable data, and fine detail — all synchronized with precision die-cutting and finishing.

Phases
01

Board Feeding & Registration

Automated bottom feeding with precision sensors for accurate registration. Non-stop operation with continuous board supply eliminates downtime between runs.

Kento Hybrid — inline printing detail

Close-up detail of Kento Hybrid printing line showing digital inkjet and flexo stations
Configurations

Modular by design. Scale when you're ready.

Flexible modular design allows you to configure the perfect system for your production needs and scale as your business grows.

Discuss which configuration fits your plant
Kento Hybrid Explorer — compact base digital-entry printing line

Explorer

Compact base for digital entry

A moderate-investment entry point for converters exploring digital corrugated markets. All the core hybrid capabilities with a clear modular expansion path.

  • 1 flexo body + digital inkjet single-pass
  • Hybrid on uncoated liners (white or brown)
  • Digital white flexo on brown liners
  • 2.1m width × 1.6m print length
  • Coated & uncoated in full digital mode
  • Compact footprint (<30m)
  • Optional inline rotary die-cutting
  • Modular upgrade path to Performer
Kento Hybrid Performer — full modular hybrid printing line

Performer

Maximum hybrid flexibility

Full hybrid single-pass flexo-inkjet capability with 1 to 3 flexo modules. Maximum flexibility for any job mix — from spot colours to full-coverage solids.

Everything in Explorer, plus:

  • Up to 3 flexo bodies for solids & spot colours
  • Primer application station with dryer
  • OPV / varnish for gloss control & effects
  • 2.1m width × 2.5m in full digital mode
  • Enhanced automation & substrate range
  • Optional inline rotary die-cutting
Kento Hybrid Converter — printing line with inline rotary die-cutting

Converter

Finished boxes in one pass

The only hybrid system with inline rotary die-cutting as standard. Print, convert, and deliver box-ready output in a single pass — no offline finishing needed.

Everything in Performer, plus:

  • Full flexo (3 colours) for solids, whites, metallics
  • Inline rotary die-cutting (standard)
  • Box-ready single-pass production
  • Maximum throughput & complete converting
  • Industry-standard RDC tooling compatibility
  • Peripheral integration (pre-feeders, stackers, palletisers)

Start with Explorer. Grow to Converter. Your investment scales with your demand.

Production versatility & flexibility

Any Kento Hybrid configuration can operate as a stand-alone printer serving multiple finishing processes, or linked inline to RDCs, SFGs, folder-gluers, or direct-to-finished-goods — depending on the production route that best suits your capacity and cost structure.

  • Best companion for high-production offset or RDC presses
  • Absorbs short and medium runs from existing lines
  • Eliminates most 2-part products with extended print size
  • Lighter liner configurations vs classical offset materials
Next platform · 2026 roadmap

W. Aqua

The next-generation aqueous ink platform.

W. Aqua is Kento's roadmap to a water-based hybrid future for corrugated. Built on the same modular architecture as the UV platform, it is designed for full food-contact compliance and sustainable production at scale.

  • Aqueous ink chemistry — alternative to UV where required by application
  • Food-contact compliance by design, with the same hybrid flexibility

Detailed specifications shared on request

Optional Modules

Additional Flexo Bodies

Up to 3 extra units for solid & spot colors.

Rotary Die-Cutting

Inline die-cutting for box-ready single-pass output.

OPV / Varnish

Inline varnish for premium finish & protection.

Primer Module

Pre-treatment for optimal ink adhesion on any substrate.

Drying Module

Enhanced curing for higher throughput & speeds.

Business Impact by Segment

No HQ Converter

  • Access high-graphic market
  • Serve brand-owner demands

Offset Converter

  • Eliminate lamination step
  • Lighter liner configurations

Flexo HQ Converter

  • Reduce production complexity
  • Improve uptime on existing lines

Digital Converter

  • Dramatically reduce ink costs
  • Hybrid mode for medium+ runs

Custom business cases with detailed cost analysis available upon request — tailored to your specific production profile and order mix.

Technical Specifications

Built for industrial production

Every parameter engineered for corrugated production at industrial scale. Kento Hybrid® specifications based on Explorer configuration.

Download Technical BrochureRequest CAD Files
Print width2,100 mm
Feed lengths1,300 mm / 1,600 mm
Maximum speed80 linear meters/minute
ProductivityUp to 8,000 sheets/hour
Total line length< 30 meters (Explorer)
Plug & Play

Built to fit any existing plant.

Kento Hybrid is engineered to install alongside what you already run. Standard footprint, standard interfaces, standard operator profile — no civil works, no specialised pre-feeders, no oversized control rooms.

The line is delivered, integrated, and producing within weeks of arrival on site.

29m

Total line length

From feeder to stacker — fits any existing corrugated plant.

2.1m

Print width

Cross-printing direction, consistent across all configurations.

0

Special pre-feeders

Standard industry pre-feeders are supported as-is.

2

Operators per shift

1 shift × 2 operators delivers ~32,000 m² per day.

Ink System & Sustainability

Digital inks. Open system. Measurable impact.

An open ink architecture with full food-contact compliance, aligned with the industry's shift to sustainable digital formulations — not as an afterthought, but by design.

Digital Ink Technology

Advanced digital inks as standard — compatible with recycling streams, no special handling. Becoming a purchasing requirement for major groups and end brands.

Food Contact Approved

Compliant with Nestlé Guidance on Packaging Inks and Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21. Full regulatory traceability for food and beverage packaging.

Open Ink System

Compatible with major ink brands — no vendor lock-in. Freedom of supplier choice keeps your supply chain flexible and costs under control.

Environmental Impact
5×less water & waste vs flexo HQ
20%lower energy consumption
100%recyclable & repulpable output

Aligned with ESG objectives and carbon-reduction targets. Digital inks fully compatible with standard paper recycling streams.

Certifications & compliance

Full documentation available for your quality and regulatory teams.

Nestlé Guidance on Packaging InksSwiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21Food Contact Compliance100% Recyclable OutputRepulpable Materials

Open architecture — No vendor lock-in

EmmepiPeripherals
Valco MeltonAdhesives
INX InternationalInks
ItacaSoftware
SiemensAutomation
ColorGateColor & RIP
AG StackerStacking
Learn more about our ecosystem →

Kento Hybrid — industrial production environment

Kento Hybrid producing corrugated packaging in an industrial facility
Lifecycle Service Solutions

Complete service from day one — and beyond.

Step 1

Pre-installation

  • Site survey and facility assessment
  • Utility and infrastructure specs
  • Timeline coordination
  • Layout planning and approval
Step 2

Installation

  • Factory acceptance test (FAT)
  • On-site installation (2–3 weeks)
  • System commissioning
  • Performance validation
Step 3

Training 360°

  • Operator training (5 days) — machine operation, daily maintenance
  • Maintenance training (3 days) — preventive routines, diagnostics
  • Production management — workflow optimisation, KPI setup
  • Certification programme for all trained profiles
Step 4

Remote Support 4.0

  • 24/7 technical hotline (phone, chat, video)
  • Remote diagnostics via MS Dynamics 365
  • Multimedia documentation in cloud
  • Proactive monitoring and alerts
Step 5

Parts & Logistics

  • Spare parts inventory by region
  • Priority shipping for critical components
  • Preventive replacement schedules
  • Local service partners network
Step 6

Optimisation & Growth

  • Periodic production KPI reviews
  • Software updates and feature releases
  • Modular upgrade planning
  • Ongoing operator skill development

Demo Center

Visit our demo center near Valencia, Spain — available for in-person and remote demonstrations. See the Kento Hybrid in full production with your own substrates and designs.

Complete lifecycle service — from pre-installation to ongoing optimisation and growth.

Lifecycle Solutions

Beyond installation.

We support our customers along their journey with a 360° Lifecycle Solutions approach — a full ecosystem of services designed to keep your line running at peak performance.

Five modules · one ecosystem

Built around how converters actually run.

KENTO OEE

Operational excellence

  • OEE support by Kento specialist
  • Process audit & best practices
  • Machinery audit & OEM maintenance support
KENTO PARTS

Spare parts management

  • Pick-and-pay consumable parts
  • OEM parts integrated in our maintenance support activity
  • Strategic parts for 1–3 years of normal maintenance
KENTO REMOTE

Remote monitoring

  • Condition monitoring with periodical reporting and follow-up call
KENTO SERVICE

Field service

  • Local technicians across main market areas
  • Parts in stock in Americas and EMEA
  • Classic service and parts price list
KENTO TRAINING

Advanced training

  • Process, pre-press and press
LCS Agreements

A modular approach, adjusted to how you operate.

Two ways to engage. Both build on the same five modules.

KENTO OEE+Pre-configured

Standard package

OEE + PARTS + REMOTE + Service Hours

A pre-configured agreement combining the four core modules with a defined block of service hours. Predictable scope, predictable cost.

KENTO OEE BESPOKECustom scope

Tailor-made

Custom scope · custom terms

A bespoke agreement built around your plant's specific operating profile, shift pattern, and growth plan. Adjusts as your line scales.

Not sure which configuration fits your plant?

Our team will help you evaluate the right setup for your production needs and investment goals. From initial assessment to full line specification.

Request a DemoContact Technical Team

Response within 24 hours