Today at interpack 2014, HP announced the expansion of its Graphics Solutions portfolio, opening the door to the corrugated, flexible-packaging and
folding-carton markets previously not addressed by digital printing technologies.
An $11 billion market opportunity, the packaging industry has been traditionally ruled by analog printing equipment, with only 7 percent of these
materials currently printed with digital technology.(1) However, shorter product life cycles, demand for faster time to market and a decline in average
run length are accelerating the need for digital print. Furthermore, brand owners are seeking the versioning, short runs and reduced environmental
impact(2) that are only available with digital printing technology.
To help packaging converters and manufacturers take advantage of the digital opportunity, HP is introducing the HP Scitex 15000 Corrugated Press
for production of corrugated displays and short-run packaging. HP also announced general availability and a new lamination partner for its HP Indigo
20000 and 30000 Digital Presses.
After leading the shift to digital in label printing, HP is again driving an unstoppable analog-to-digital transformation in the package printing industry,
said Stephen Nigro, senior vice president, Graphics and Inkjet Solutions Business, HP. 揥ith HP solutions, packaging converters can capture the
benefits of digital printing to diversify business models, reach new customers and explore new profit areas.
HP Scitex 15000 automates corrugated application production
The HP Scitex 15000 Corrugated Press simplifies and streamlines corrugated printing on an industrial scale. With the new large-format digital press梕xpected
to be available Nov. 1(3) 梒onverters and display makers can print direct to corrugated media as well as add short-run and versioning capabilities to their
existing flexographic or lithographic-lamination operations. The press features:
? HP Scitex High Dynamic Range (HDR) Printing Technology, enabling a unique combination of high-quality output at industrial volumes.
? Easy setup and operation as well as speeds up to 600 m2/hour (6,456 ft2/hour), helping to maximize productivity.
? An integrated automatic media loader that handles up to four media stacks side by side, optimized for use with corrugated sheets without operator
intervention.
? HP HDR240 Scitex Inks, which are GREENGUARD GOLDSM Certified and meet AgBB criteria,(4) making them ideal for indoor point-of-purchase
displays, bulk bins and freestanding display units.
HP Indigo 20000 and 30000 forge packaging market transformation
HP is extending its digital expertise to packaging after establishing a leadership position in pressure-sensitive labels, printing more than 24 billion labels in
2013(5) using digital presses like the HP Indigo WS6600 series.
At drupa 2012, HP unveiled the 30-inch-wide Indigo 20000 and 30000 Digital Presses, designed to transform the label, flexible packaging and folding
carton markets with wider-format production digital presses. The presses are successfully operating at six customer sites and are shipping this quarter to
meet demand from leading packaging printers and converters worldwide, including:
California-based Emerald Packaging has signed an agreement to install the first HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press for flexible packaging in North
America, allowing the company to enter the snack food, candy, health care and cosmetics markets.
Netherlands-based Flach Packaging, a producer of folding cartons, labels and disposables, will be an early customer for the HP Indigo 30000 Digital
Press, expanding its ability to deliver high-quality folding cartons with a quick turnaround.
揟he HP Indigo 20000 will bring a speed-to-market advantage as well as the ability to offer customized short runs, which will be important differentiators for
us,said Kevin Kelly, chief executive officer, Emerald Packaging. other manufacturer is close when it comes to offering a digital press for flexible
packaging, especially for use with food products.
Extending its end-to-end packaging solution partner network, HP also announced an agreement with Comexi Group, a leading flexible packaging
machinery manufacturer, to develop a dedicated lamination solution. Optimized for the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, the Comexi NEXUS L20000
will offer advanced solvent-free lamination, delivering shorter time to market with reduced waste and environmental impact.
HP Inkjet Web Press solutions for growing packaging segment
HP also intends to enter the growing packaging segment with its inkjet web press solutions. HP Inkjet Web Presses, built upon proven HP Scalable
Thermal Inkjet Technology, have delivered innovation and business transformation in other segments, including publishing, production mail and
commercial print.
HP is developing new solutions configured for packaging that will help converters produce cost-effective short to medium runs and digital customization,
deliver faster turnaround times and reduce inventory at industry-leading production speeds of up to 12,000 m2 per hour.(6) HP is working with leading
packaging converters to validate the technology in terms of quality, flexibility and economics. As an example, HP is conducting trials with its own
consumer printer boxes using this technology.
HP SPS thermal inkjet reaches more package coding applications
The HP 45si print cartridge and HP Black 2580 Solvent Ink eveloped by HP Specialty Printing Systems (SPS)unable original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) and ink partners to deliver primary package coding applications on substrates including flexible films and coated folding cartons.
Since introducing the ink at Pack Expo 2013, HP has signed more than 25 OEM partners to test the HP 2580 solvent ink in various applications.
Additionally, ink partners are using the HP 45si cartridge to print on a wider range of substrates with their proprietary inks.
with the HP 45si technology and Collins ink, we will be able to address the needs of a large installed base that is tired of dealing with the spare parts and
service costs of continuous inkjet printers,said Chris Rogers, director, Sales and Business Development, Collins Inkjet.
The expanded HP Graphics Solutions portfolio will be on display at interpack, May 8-13, in HP stand C77, hall 13. More information is available in an
online press kit at www.hp.com/go/HPatInterpack. Videos and updates on the new products are available on the HP for Designers Facebook page,
the HP Graphic Arts YouTube channel and on Twitter using the #interpack hashtag.