08/13/2026
Within the growing packaging market, the finishing sector is playing an increasingly important role. It is precisely here that significant efficiency gains can still be realized to improve profitability. To achieve this, packaging printers need a higher degree of automation, greater productivity, and more transparency in individual processes in order to further optimize production. As an end-to-end system integrator, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) works with partners to develop integrated solutions for the entire value chain in packaging production, from design through to shipping.
MK Duopress Power combines hot foil stamping and die-cutting in a single machine
In the area of folding carton finishing, customers benefit from the long-standing partnership between HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork. The most recent example is the further development of the MK Duopress Power. What makes this system unique is the combination of die-cutting and hot foil stamping in a single machine. In addition, the individual panels are separated and die-cut from the sheet. This is made possible by two die-cutting units arranged in series, which can be used in different ways: the first for hot foil stamping and the second for die-cutting only. However, both stations can also be used solely for hot foil stamping or die-cutting to create particularly creative packaging designs.
“Today’s customers don’t expect individual machines, but rather integrated production solutions. As a system integrator, we have the expertise to work with industry specialists and partners such as MK Masterwork to develop end-to-end solutions and successfully implement them in practice,” says Dr. David Schmedding, CSO at HEIDELBERG, explaining the company’s strategy.
Thanks to the high register accuracy achieved through the optimized gripper structure, the company has succeeded in raising hot foil stamping to a new level of quality while simultaneously increasing the maximum production speed, depending on the substrate, to 7,000 sheets per hour. The new gripper structure ensures precision and stability throughout the entire process, even at maximum production speed. The MK Duopress Power concept helps meet the market’s rising quality demands, particularly for sophisticated cosmetics and luxury food packaging, as well as for confectionery and spirits packaging.
Pilot user Cardbox Packaging boosts efficiency and continues to invest
The packaging manufacturer Cardbox Packaging is one of the pilot users of the enhanced system; the company recognized the potential of the MK Duopress Power early on and decided to install the system at its facility in Wolfsberg, Austria. This investment decision was based on the company’s long-standing partnership with HEIDELBERG as well as the company’s service commitment.
This is further underscored by the fact that, at its five locations in Europe and the U.S., the company relies almost exclusively on technology and expertise from HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork for its post-press operations. “We value the open and solution-oriented dialogue we have with HEIDELBERG. This enables us time and again to master the challenges we face as a packaging printer and to resolve them in the best interests of our customers,” emphasizes Roland Schöberl, Managing Director of Cardbox Packaging Holding.
Cardbox benefits from greater flexibility, transparency, and productivity through system integration
In light of limited production capacity at Cardbox Packaging in the die-cutting area, the MK Duopress Power eliminated production bottlenecks while simultaneously setting new standards in hot foil stamping. Chris Düringer, Director of Cardbox Packaging, assures us that highly demanding customers in the cosmetics, food, and beverage industries particularly appreciate the capabilities of the MK Duopress Power due to its creative application options. “The increase in our die-cutting capacities, combined with hot foil stamping, is therefore an ideal complement to our production from a technical standpoint as well.” Cardbox also emphasizes the importance of the global HEIDELBERG service network, which all five Cardbox Packaging locations rely on. “This lays the foundation for stable processes, high equipment availability, and sustainable optimization of finishing processes,” adds Schöberl.
At its Wolfsberg location, the company already operates two Speedmaster XL 106 presses for folding carton production, one of which has a printing speed of 21,000 sheets per hour in combination with three high-performance MK Mastermatrix 106 CSB die-cutters. At the Cardbox facility in the U.S., a Speedmaster XL 106 operates alongside an MK Promatrix 106 CSB die-cutter and an MK Diany Easy folding carton gluer. Another MK Promatrix 106 CB will be installed there shortly to increase die-cutting capacity. HEIDELBERG thus underscores its approach as a system integrator in packaging printing, through which customers benefit overall from higher productivity and greater transparency.
Integration into the HEIDELBERG Prinect workflow
HEIDELBERG is gradually integrating MK Masterwork’s portfolio of finishing systems, including the MK Duopress Power, into the Prinect workflow, enabling customers to benefit even more from the advantages of an end-to-end solution. “Through this workflow integration, we are driving greater automation, transparency, and productivity in industrial packaging printing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of our customers in the packaging sector,” David Schmedding concluded.
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has stood for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for more than 175 years. With a clear focus on growth, HEIDELBERG—as a full-service provider and systems integrator—is driving further development in its core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and the lifecycle business with service and consumables, enabling customers to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. Building on decades of industry and systems expertise, the company is also strategically tapping into new markets in the fields of security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions—with clear scaling capabilities and attractive growth prospects. Thanks to a strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creativity and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the U.S., and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is well positioned globally.
Image 1: With the upgraded MK Duopress Power, HEIDELBERG is boosting efficiency in packaging finishing.
Image 2: Pilot user Cardbox Packaging is expanding its die-cutting capacity with the MK Duopress Power and benefiting from greater flexibility, transparency, and productivity.
Image material, and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates made by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Although management believes these assumptions and estimates to be accurate, actual future developments and results may differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors may include, for example, changes in the overall economic situation, exchange rates, and interest rates, as well as changes within the graphic arts industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft makes no warranty and assumes no liability that future developments and actual results will correspond to the assumptions and estimates expressed in this press release.
Matthias Hartung
Press Officer – Corporate, Print Systems, and Technology
Tel.: +49 (0)6222 82 67174
Email: matthias.hartung@heidelberg.com
08/13/2026
Within the growing packaging market, the finishing sector is playing an increasingly important role. It is precisely here that significant efficiency gains can still be realized to improve profitability. To achieve this, packaging printers need a higher degree of automation, greater productivity, and more transparency in individual processes in order to further optimize production. As an end-to-end system integrator, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) works with partners to develop integrated solutions for the entire value chain in packaging production, from design through to shipping.
MK Duopress Power combines hot foil stamping and die-cutting in a single machine
In the area of folding carton finishing, customers benefit from the long-standing partnership between HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork. The most recent example is the further development of the MK Duopress Power. What makes this system unique is the combination of die-cutting and hot foil stamping in a single machine. In addition, the individual panels are separated and die-cut from the sheet. This is made possible by two die-cutting units arranged in series, which can be used in different ways: the first for hot foil stamping and the second for die-cutting only. However, both stations can also be used solely for hot foil stamping or die-cutting to create particularly creative packaging designs.
“Today’s customers don’t expect individual machines, but rather integrated production solutions. As a system integrator, we have the expertise to work with industry specialists and partners such as MK Masterwork to develop end-to-end solutions and successfully implement them in practice,” says Dr. David Schmedding, CSO at HEIDELBERG, explaining the company’s strategy.
Thanks to the high register accuracy achieved through the optimized gripper structure, the company has succeeded in raising hot foil stamping to a new level of quality while simultaneously increasing the maximum production speed, depending on the substrate, to 7,000 sheets per hour. The new gripper structure ensures precision and stability throughout the entire process, even at maximum production speed. The MK Duopress Power concept helps meet the market’s rising quality demands, particularly for sophisticated cosmetics and luxury food packaging, as well as for confectionery and spirits packaging.
Pilot user Cardbox Packaging boosts efficiency and continues to invest
The packaging manufacturer Cardbox Packaging is one of the pilot users of the enhanced system; the company recognized the potential of the MK Duopress Power early on and decided to install the system at its facility in Wolfsberg, Austria. This investment decision was based on the company’s long-standing partnership with HEIDELBERG as well as the company’s service commitment.
This is further underscored by the fact that, at its five locations in Europe and the U.S., the company relies almost exclusively on technology and expertise from HEIDELBERG and MK Masterwork for its post-press operations. “We value the open and solution-oriented dialogue we have with HEIDELBERG. This enables us time and again to master the challenges we face as a packaging printer and to resolve them in the best interests of our customers,” emphasizes Roland Schöberl, Managing Director of Cardbox Packaging Holding.
Cardbox benefits from greater flexibility, transparency, and productivity through system integration
In light of limited production capacity at Cardbox Packaging in the die-cutting area, the MK Duopress Power eliminated production bottlenecks while simultaneously setting new standards in hot foil stamping. Chris Düringer, Director of Cardbox Packaging, assures us that highly demanding customers in the cosmetics, food, and beverage industries particularly appreciate the capabilities of the MK Duopress Power due to its creative application options. “The increase in our die-cutting capacities, combined with hot foil stamping, is therefore an ideal complement to our production from a technical standpoint as well.” Cardbox also emphasizes the importance of the global HEIDELBERG service network, which all five Cardbox Packaging locations rely on. “This lays the foundation for stable processes, high equipment availability, and sustainable optimization of finishing processes,” adds Schöberl.
At its Wolfsberg location, the company already operates two Speedmaster XL 106 presses for folding carton production, one of which has a printing speed of 21,000 sheets per hour in combination with three high-performance MK Mastermatrix 106 CSB die-cutters. At the Cardbox facility in the U.S., a Speedmaster XL 106 operates alongside an MK Promatrix 106 CSB die-cutter and an MK Diany Easy folding carton gluer. Another MK Promatrix 106 CB will be installed there shortly to increase die-cutting capacity. HEIDELBERG thus underscores its approach as a system integrator in packaging printing, through which customers benefit overall from higher productivity and greater transparency.
Integration into the HEIDELBERG Prinect workflow
HEIDELBERG is gradually integrating MK Masterwork’s portfolio of finishing systems, including the MK Duopress Power, into the Prinect workflow, enabling customers to benefit even more from the advantages of an end-to-end solution. “Through this workflow integration, we are driving greater automation, transparency, and productivity in industrial packaging printing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of our customers in the packaging sector,” David Schmedding concluded.
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has stood for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for more than 175 years. With a clear focus on growth, HEIDELBERG—as a full-service provider and systems integrator—is driving further development in its core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and the lifecycle business with service and consumables, enabling customers to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. Building on decades of industry and systems expertise, the company is also strategically tapping into new markets in the fields of security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions—with clear scaling capabilities and attractive growth prospects. Thanks to a strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creativity and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the U.S., and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is well positioned globally.
Image 1: With the upgraded MK Duopress Power, HEIDELBERG is boosting efficiency in packaging finishing.
Image 2: Pilot user Cardbox Packaging is expanding its die-cutting capacity with the MK Duopress Power and benefiting from greater flexibility, transparency, and productivity.
Image material, and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates made by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Although management believes these assumptions and estimates to be accurate, actual future developments and results may differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors may include, for example, changes in the overall economic situation, exchange rates, and interest rates, as well as changes within the graphic arts industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft makes no warranty and assumes no liability that future developments and actual results will correspond to the assumptions and estimates expressed in this press release.
Press Officer – Corporate, Print Systems, and Technology
Tel.: +49 (0)6222 82 67174
