Windmöller & Hölscher ONEFLEX: the new CI flexo press explained for flexible packaging converters
The W&H ONEFLEX is a central-impression (CI) flexo press from Windmöller & Hölscher for flexible packaging. It offers 8 or 10 colour decks, printing widths from 1000 mm to 1650 mm and speeds up to 600 m/min, and W&H states its drying concept reduces electrical energy consumption by up to 25 percent, depending on configuration and production conditions.
This guide explains what the press is, what W&H says is new, which inline units it takes, and where it fits for a converter in Pakistan. Every figure and claim comes from W&H's own ONEFLEX product sheets, launch website and customer case study, and is attributed to W&H.
What is the W&H ONEFLEX?
ONEFLEX is W&H's newest CI flexo press, carrying the strapline “The One for Flexible Packaging”. It is configured around each plant's application, job mix and production targets, and W&H says it can be expanded as requirements change. A converter can order the configuration it needs now and add capability later. It joins the MIRAFLEX II, VISTAFLEX II, NOVOFLEX II and ALPHAFLEX in W&H's CI flexo range.
What are the ONEFLEX specifications?
| Specification | Standard ONEFLEX | ONEFLEX Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Colour decks | 8 or 10 | 8 or 10 |
| Printing width | 1000, 1270, 1450 or 1650 mm | 1000, 1270, 1450 or 1650 mm |
| Repeat length | 800 or 1050 mm | 800, 1050 or 1250 mm |
| Press speed | 500 or 600 m/min | 600 or 700 m/min |
Source: W&H ONEFLEX product sheet (standard) and W&H's ONEFLEX launch page (Ultimate).
What is new on the ONEFLEX?
Energy. According to W&H, the drying concept is designed to reduce electrical energy consumption by up to 25 percent, depending on configuration and production conditions, with a smaller CO₂ footprint. For a press running several shifts a day, this is the first figure to ask about.
Print stability. W&H describes a rigid, stable printing unit that delivers repeatable print quality — “No bounce”, in the words of its launch page.
Safety and handling. W&H calls ONEFLEX “the safest CI flexo press we have ever built”. It combines current safety standards with an operator-oriented design, with less lifting and fewer manual steps for the crew.
Automation. W&H lists an automatic CI drum cleaner, a motorised thread-up chain that carries the web from unwind, around the CI drum and up to print inspection, a drop-down platform with chamber lift, and the fully integrated VISION 100 percent inspection system. Machine status, process and alarm data are available through W&H's RUBY IoT system.
Which inline printing and coating units can be added?
ONEFLEX can be combined with inline units for single flexo, double flexo or rotogravure. W&H lists these applications: barrier coatings, anti-fog, heat-seal lacquers and cold-seal adhesives, effect coatings (paper touch, soft touch, matte, high gloss), release coatings, protective coatings (heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, anti-slip, anti-static) and white. The units carry high-capacity drying for solvent-based, water-based, UV and EB coatings, integrated register control with automatic pre-setting, and TURBOCLEAN automatic wash-up.
Who is the first European ONEFLEX customer?
W&H reports that the first European customer for ONEFLEX is alesco Folien, a German film converter, which took its investment decision in December 2025 with delivery planned for January 2027. The press is configured for speeds up to 500 m/min and printing widths up to 1270 mm.
What does ONEFLEX mean for flexible packaging converters in Pakistan?
Three things stand out.
Energy cost. Electricity is a running cost every converter in Pakistan watches closely. A press that W&H designs to use up to 25 percent less electrical energy in drying, depending on configuration and production conditions, changes the running-cost picture over the life of the press, not just the purchase price. The right question for a supplier is what that figure looks like for your substrates and job mix.
Width. The 1270 mm and 1450 mm options cover a wide range of flexible packaging jobs, so ONEFLEX is not only a wide-web press for the largest plants.
Modularity. Converters here often grow in steps. A press that W&H says can be expanded as requirements evolve matches how capacity is bought in practice.
Where to find out more
K Group is the authorized agent for Windmöller & Hölscher in Pakistan. Full specifications, inline unit options and an enquiry form are on the ONEFLEX product page. See also our flexo printing machines overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CI flexo press?
A central-impression (CI) flexo press mounts all its colour decks around one large central drum, so the web stays in contact with the drum while each colour is printed. This holds register between colours on thin, stretchable films, which is why CI presses are the standard for flexible packaging printing.
How fast is the ONEFLEX?
W&H lists press speeds of 500 or 600 m/min for the standard ONEFLEX, and up to 700 m/min for the ONEFLEX Ultimate variant. Actual production speed depends on the substrate, ink system, repeat length and drying configuration, so the figure for a specific job should be confirmed with W&H or K Group.
How much energy does the ONEFLEX save?
W&H states that the ONEFLEX drying concept is designed to reduce electrical energy consumption by up to 25 percent, depending on configuration and production conditions. The figure applies to the drying system, and W&H says the lower consumption supports a smaller CO₂ footprint. Ask W&H or K Group for the figure that applies to your configuration.
What is the difference between ONEFLEX and ONEFLEX Ultimate?
Both share the same colour-deck options and printing widths. According to W&H's website, the Ultimate variant adds a 1250 mm repeat length to the standard 800 mm and 1050 mm, and raises the speed options to 600 or 700 m/min from 500 or 600 m/min. The standard ONEFLEX figures are those in the table above.
Is the W&H ONEFLEX available in Pakistan?
K Group is the authorized agent for Windmöller & Hölscher in Pakistan and handles ONEFLEX enquiries, configuration discussions and after-sales support. Specifications, inline unit options and an enquiry form are on the ONEFLEX product page on kgroup.com.pk, and K Group's specialists can discuss a configuration for your line.
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Sources
- Windmöller & Hölscher, ONEFLEX launch page
- Windmöller & Hölscher, ONEFLEX product sheet and Inline Printing Units product sheet
- Windmöller & Hölscher, ONEFLEX customer case study, alesco Folien