Episode 261 Health, Hope and Inkjet: How Dursun Acun’s Eco-Driven Innovation is Unlocking New Markets for Digital Print

Show Notes: 

Breakthrough innovations often come from unexpected places. In this fascinating conversation, Dursun Acun of O&PM Europa reveals how a customer request to print directly onto bottles launched him on a journey that could transform flexible packaging printing forever.

What began as a search for better primers has evolved into a revolutionary solution that solves one of the industry's most persistent challenges: enabling water-based inkjet printing on virtually any substrate. Unlike existing technologies that require thick, expensive primer layers and specific materials, Dursun's innovation uses an extremely thin coating that dramatically reduces costs while expanding possibilities.

"Nobody sees water-based inkjet as a product on its own," Dursun explains, highlighting how the industry often misunderstands this technology's unique advantages. While competitors struggle with limited material compatibility, O&PM Europa's solution works with any substrate – from various plastics to metals and papers – allowing converters to use their own preferred materials rather than switching to costly alternatives.

The potential market impact is staggering. With an estimated €30 billion market for digitized flexible packaging currently underserved, this technology could unlock vast new opportunities. What makes this innovation particularly valuable is its alignment with growing demands for sustainability and safety. Dursun's commitment to developing non-toxic, environmentally friendly solutions stems from personal experience witnessing the tragic consequences of hazardous industrial chemicals in his community.

Now seeking industry partners to help scale this technology, Dursun envisions complete printing systems costing under €1 million that could print wider formats than current alternatives while maintaining total material flexibility. For converters, material manufacturers, and equipment developers looking to participate in the next wave of packaging innovation, this represents a chance to collaborate on something truly transformative.

Connect with Dursun via LinkedIn or email at da@opm-europa.com to explore how this game-changing primer technology could fit your business needs.

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany