Read Labels & Packaging is installing a new HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, supplied by Currie Group, to print flexible pouches.
Owner of the business Ross Read has hailed it as the next leap forward for the print side of his business, as it is helping open up an entire new market in flexible packaging.
He said, “We looked at markets that were not being addressed, and digitally-printed flexibles were one of those.
“With the purchase of the HP Indigo 20000 and ancillary equipment, we are transitioning into a manufacturer of stand-up and centre-seal bags,” he said. “We have become a full-service company which produces flexible packaging, but not just in a rewind or print side – we make finished products. We are using digital technology to enable that.”
The company is one of the few companies in the world to have operated one of each generation of HP Indigo narrow-web presses. Ross Read says, “The main thing with the new HP Indigo 20000 is its ability to print on a 750mm wide web digitally,” he said. “It is a massive shift from our previous narrow-web machines, which could print on films of about 330mm. The web width is definitely the most critical thing in flexible packaging.”
Read is a long-term customer of HP Indigo supplier Currie Group, and is happy with the relationship he has developed over the decade or so they have worked together. “We have had plenty of support from Currie Group over the years,” said Read. “The ramp-up from any form of conventional to digital is a different mindset, and Currie Group has been with us all the way through.”
Mark Daws, Director - Labels & Packaging ANZ says, “We are pleased to have worked with Ross and his team at Read Labels & Packaging on their latest project in digital wide web flexible packaging. Read is a long-term customer, having journeyed through all four generations of HP Indigo digital presses. Ross is entrepreneurial, and it reflects in the innovation that Read Labels & Packaging provides its customer base.”
"The HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press is the perfect digital solution for flexible packaging converters, matching gravure quality print, whilst being completely safe for food and beverage applications.
“HP Indigo offers complimentary solutions for a more tailored, agile supply chain, particularly aimed at new launch, fast turnaround and end of life flexible packaging and label applications with the added advantage of printing variable imagery and text.”