Esko unveils AI-powered packaging cloud and XPS Spark at Esko World 2026

Esko opened Esko World 2026 in New Orleans with the introduction of several new innovations aimed at advancing its “Spec to Pack” vision, connecting packaging workflows from specification through production within a unified digital ecosystem.

At the center of the announcement is an expanded, AI-enabled packaging cloud built on Esko’s S2 platform, designed to improve collaboration, automation, and speed-to-market across packaging operations.

“Packaging today is no longer a collection of disconnected workflows,” says Srinivas Kuppa, Esko chief product officer. “With the Esko AI-enabled packaging cloud, we are creating a connected digital foundation where intelligence permeates every capability layer, helping customers move faster, ensure compliance, and deliver uncompromising quality from packaging concept to print.”

New AI-driven tools introduced include SmartSelect in ArtPro+, ReArt for automating complex prepress tasks, and Comply for AI-assisted artwork reviews within WebCenter. Esko also revealed its upcoming Packaging Artwork Suite for Adobe Illustrator, designed to streamline artwork creation using agentic AI while maintaining operator control.

A key highlight of the event is the debut of the Packaging Hub, a new asset- and specification-driven capability that centralizes packaging data and relationships across the production lifecycle. Built on the S2 platform, the Packaging Hub enables teams to manage packaging components, track changes, and optimize reuse with greater visibility and control.

“The Packaging Hub provides a deep understanding of packaging components, variants, and dependencies, as well as visibility into relationships across assets, specifications, and packaging workflows,” said Jan De Roeck, Esko director of marketing. “It enables AI-driven discovery and recommendations for reuse and optimization, while delivering faster adaptation and scalable portfolio management.”

In addition to its software innovations, Esko announced the commercial availability of the XPS Spark 4835, a new LED-based flexo plate exposure system designed for label converters, tradeshops, and flexible packaging producers. The system replaces traditional UV tube exposure with LED technology, delivering consistent plate quality while reducing energy consumption and eliminating mercury-based lamps.

“The launch of the XPS Spark underlines our commitment to helping flexo customers modernize plate production with solutions that combine quality, simplicity, sustainability and operational efficiency,” De Roeck added.

The XPS Spark 4835 is now available globally and is being showcased throughout Esko World 2026.