Post-processing : Origin and Development

From bookbinding and paper product processing to the development of processing technologies including film packaging and plastic molding

DNP has been involved not only in printing, but also in post-processes such as stacking, folding, binding, and cutting required for book binding. This experience and commitment have helped us open the door to subsequent post-processing technologies. These technologies are used to shape products so that they can be easily used for different purposes. They have been applied in many processing technologies, including production of pop-up picture books, manufacture of paper boxes, molding and printing of plastic products and the aseptic filling of PET bottles. Technology for laminating multiple layers of film together is another example of post-processing.

Since the 1970s, products processed in cans have been replaced by those in retort pouches that not only preserve their contents, but satisfy the demand for easy opening.
DNP successfully developed retort pouches thanks to its lamination technology cultivated in post-processing. We now use this lamination technology for other purposes besides packaging.

Our post-processing technology, which began with processes used on three-dimensional products in bookbinding, die-cutting and assembly, has led to the development of food and beverage packaging, systems for aseptic filling and the inspection, measurement, and analysis of many different products. We will continue to develop and expand this technology in a number of new fields.

Aseptic filling system

Filling containers in an aseptic environment. The delicate flavors are sealed intact!

Aseptic filling technology

DNP has developed an aseptic filling system for filling sterilized packaging materials with beverages and foods in an aseptic environment, improving food safety and reducing environmental impact. During the development of this system, we have leveraged a wide range of technologies including mechanical design, control and sensing technologies for filling machines and packaging material design technology, in addition to food preservation and sterilization technologies.

Aseptic filling systems in different configurations

DNP's aseptic filling systems can be used with a broad range of packaging formats and filling quantities and are capable of filling containers with high-quality contents. In the field of paper containers, which have been attracting attention due to increasing environmental awareness, DNP has introduced a new aseptic filling system in collaboration with SIG Combibloc of Switzerland. This system enables aseptic filling of beverage containing small solids and liquid food products. It is highly efficient, minimizes the loss of food and packaging materials, and allows the filling quantities to be changed, which has to date been difficult with aseptic liquid paper containers. In addition, the aseptic filling system for PET bottles makes it possible to fill bottles at room temperature instead of high temperatures, allowing us to reduce the weight and thickness of the bottles, thereby reducing environmental impact.

Film for vacuum insulation material

Sealed in a vacuum to prevent heat conduction.

Multifunctional insulation box

Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are widely used as thin, high-performance insulation materials in large household refrigerators, beverage vending machines and other applications. DNP provides a laminated barrier film that wraps the VIP core material (glass wool, silica particles, etc.) and maintains a vacuum. We expect VIPs to be used more widely in the future, given the increasing importance of energy conservation and global warming countermeasures. We believe that providing the logistics sector with the DNP’s multifunctional insulation box, which uses high-performance VIPs, can contribute to solving social issues in such as power conservation, CO2 emissions reduction, food loss reduction and truck driver shortage.

The multifunctional insulation box can be folded to save space when stored and/or returned, and if an appropriate amount of heat storage material is inserted, the box can also act like a thermos to maintain a constant temperature for a long period without consuming electricity. This product was met with critical acclaim and won the grand prize of the 28th Global Environment Awards.

Synergizing different converting technologies

Laminated barrier film, which determines the performance of the VIP, is composed of multiple materials laminated according to a unique design concept. A typical example is DNP's transparent high barrier film (IB Film), which has gas barrier properties that prevent the passage of oxygen and water vapor. It is one of the key materials for creating highly heat-insulating, durable and reliable VIPs. The manufacturing process of this film combines coating, laminating, bag-making and other converting technologies that DNP has developed over the years.
Moving forward, DNP will further improve the performance and quality of its VIPs and expand into new areas including factory equipment and housing and construction materials, helping to create an environmentally friendly society and realizing its brand statement: Creating future standards

Printing technology expansion and enhancement