HP sets its sights on an $8 billion market, as it gathers steam in its push towards digital print for flexible packaging and folding cartons. The technology giant partners up with leading machinery manufacturer Comexi Group to develop a dedicated lamination solution for its new Indigo 20000 flexible packaging press.
Collaboration on the new Comexi Nexus L20000 is a sign of HP’s commitment to pioneering this market, with packaging tipped to make up over 50% of the company’s Indigo business in as little as five years. Alon Bar-Shany (pictured), HP Indigo, vice president and general manager, tells Print21 that strategic partnerships like this will set the way for digital to capture as much as 10% of total packaging work volume.
“As we drive the digital revolution in flexible packaging, it’s important that our customers benefit from the full advantage of digital across the printing, converting and lamination process. With the Comexi Nexus L20000, converters will be able to increase speed to market to further maximise the benefits of digital printing with the HP Indigo 20000,” said Bar-Shany.
The Comexi Nexus L20000 will be the first dedicated end-to-end lamination and coating solution for digitally printed flexible packaging. It offers solvent-free lamination to help converters shorten turnarounds and reduce waste and environmental impact. It will be available in inline and offline configurations. According to Ramon Xifra, Comexi Group, vice president, it is aimed at capturing the emerging shor-run market suited for digital print.
“Shorter product life cycles and customised packaging are driving growth in short-run jobs that demand fast turnaround times. The new Comexi Nexus L20000 will enable flexible packaging converters to meet these demands and grow their business,” said Xifra.
The Nexus L20000 will be showcased by the Comexi Group this spring, and be available to market early next year. The HP Indigo 20000 is now in beta phase, producing commercial work at a select number of customer sites in the US, Europe and Asia. It is set to begin shipping to Australia mid-2014.
Announced at drupa 2012, the HP Indigo 20000 is a 30-inch wide, mid-web digital press with the ability to print on a wide variety of substrates and film, from 10 to 250 microns.