In the largest deal to date for the HP Graphics packaging business, ePac Flexible Packaging is investing US$100m in 20 new HP Indigo 20000 digital presses, including hardware, supplies and services.
The 30 inch (76 cm) HP Indigo 20000 can digitally print virtually any sized flexible packaging application, with unlimited variation. It is available in Australia and New Zealand through Currie Group. Read Labels & Packaging in Melbourne is one of the local printers to have installed the 20000, in order to print pouches.
The ePac Flexible Packaging business is a full-service provider offering pre-media, digital printing, laminating, and pouch making services through its network of United States based locations. Focused on short and medium run length jobs for brands of all sizes, ePac says it dramatically simplifies the process of buying flexible packaging, while enabling customers to harness the full power of digital printing.
The business was only founded in 2016 and is the first North American all-digital, all Indigo full service, printer/converter providing economical short and medium run length jobs, to brands of all sizes, with rapid time to market and high definition quality graphics.
ePac says it is currently enjoying triple-digit growth by delivering high-quality packaging with the fastest turnaround possible to benefit brands, especially its main customer base of SMBs.
The 20 new HP Indigo 20000 presses are scheduled to be installed at sites throughout the US by 2020, as it expands its business model to 15 locations.
Jack Knott, CEO, ePac Flexible Packaging said, “ePac’s collaboration with HP Indigo is a huge success and we believe this can easily turn into a billion-dollar business.
“Thanks to HP Indigo digital printing and our business model, our customers are benefitting from an improved experience, including completing orders within 10 business days – compared with six to twelve weeks for conventional printing – as well as reduced environmental impact and on-demand customisation.”
Carl Joachim, ePac’s CMO says, “ePac is experiencing strong demand from many market segments, including the rapidly growing the natural/organic food and sports nutrition markets. SMBs benefit from quick time to market and ordering to demand, while larger brands are working with us on medium run length multi-SKU orders, and variable data/imagery for innovative marketing campaigns, he said.
Enrique Lores, president, Imaging, Printing and Solutions, HP Inc says, “In two years, ePac has become a force in digital flexible packaging with HP Indigo at the centre of its visionary business model. We look forward to building on this momentum as more companies like ePac unleash the versatility and power of HP digital print.”
The digital disruption now gaining a foothold in the packaging arena can be evidenced by the nearly 160 HP Indigo 20000 digital presses that have been purchased by converters around the world.
The HP Indigo 20000 can print virtually any sized flexible packaging application with unlimited variation and support demand for growing SKUs, alongside benefits of reduced waste from minimal setup and production of only the quantities needed. The solution provides converters the freedom to produce nearly any flexible packaging application, in addition to labels, and shrink sleeves on film or paper – all with the proven quality to help meet strict brand requirements.
The HP Indigo 20000 is connected to HP PrintOS, allowing printers to monitor the press performance in real time anywhere and anytime, and continuously optimise operations. Apps running on the cloud-based PrintOS platform offer capabilities that simplify and automate the print operations. In addition, by connecting their brands directly to PrintOS, PSPs can efficiently produce large volumes and be part of a global print network.
The HP flexible packaging ecosystem has grown to include end-to-end solutions including HP Indigo Pack Ready Lamination for immediate time-to-market with high-performance laminates. The system consists of the Pack Ready Laminator, supplied by Karlville, and Pack Ready Film.
