HP unveils high-speed printing press for corrugated packaging to alleviate supply chain pressures

16 Feb 2023 --- HP is launching a high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press branded PageWide C550 Corrugated Press. The advanced single-pass platform is designed to help converters optimize manufacturing costs, reduce supply chain pressure, facilitate digital transformation and improve operational efficiency for the production of corrugated packaging.

“The press uses true water-based inks, which are free from harmful chemicals and solvents and significantly reduce the environmental impact of printing. Water-based inks have a lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) content, compared to other printing technologies, reducing air pollution and minimizing harmful emissions,” David Tomer, general manager at HP post-print corrugated solutions, tells PackagingInsights. 

“Additionally, the digital printing process reduces waste and eliminates the need for traditional printing plates, reducing the amount of material and resources required for production. This can help to minimize the environmental impact of packaging production and support brands in their [environmental] sustainability goals.” 

Relieving supply chain pressure
Tomer highlights that HP’s C550 can minimize supply chain pressure in several ways. “First, the speed of digital printing allows for faster turnaround times, which is critical in today’s fast-paced business environment,” he says.

Quick production time enables packaging converters to offer just-in-time delivery to their brand customers.The quick production time enables packaging converters to offer just-in-time delivery to their brand customers, reducing the need for large inventories and freeing up valuable storage space.

Furthermore, Tomer says the press allows for greater flexibility in design and personalization, enabling packaging converters to meet the specific needs of their brand customers. “This flexibility can reduce the risk of overproduction and wasted resources,” he explains.

“The press is designed to be highly efficient. This increased efficiency can help to mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by unexpected delays, ensuring that production timelines are met and products are delivered on time.”

“In summary, the new HP PageWide C550 Corrugated Press for corrugated packaging applications can help to address supply chain pressure by improving turnaround times, reducing overproduction and waste and increasing overall productivity and efficiency,” Tomer continues.

Supporting consumers with digital transformation
The new press supports consumers with digital transformation, explains HP’s general manager.

“First, the press enables packaging converters to quickly and easily produce customized packaging designs, including personalized branding, messaging and graphics. This supports digital transformation by allowing brands to take advantage of digital marketing techniques and trends, such as e-commerce, social media and personalized advertising,” he says.

Additionally, the digital printing press offers increased agility and flexibility, allowing packaging converters to respond quickly to changing market demands and consumer preferences. This flexibility can help brands to stay competitive in the fast-moving digital landscape, where consumer trends and preferences can change rapidly, asserts Tomer.

“The press also offers advanced automation capabilities, which can help packaging converters to optimize their operations and streamline their workflows, reducing waste and improving overall quality,” he adds.

Speedy production 
With a speed of 90 linear meters per minute (295 linear feet per minute), the C550 press is capable of producing high-quality Flexo and Litho boxes at a constant speed without slowing. It will also help converters to optimize inventories, reduce obsolescence and accelerate turnaround times through digital printing technology.

Available for installation later this year, the new press runs at a constant speed of 90 linear meters per minute (295 linear feet per minute). Furthermore, the press supports increased plant capacity and helps reduce manufacturing costs for corrugated packaging production.

The company says corrugated packaging specialist Saica Group has ordered the C550 for their operations in Viana, Spain. The company is committed to digital transformation and using innovative technologies to respond to the growing demand for shorter, customized runs. The press will be installed later this year and support increased plant capacity for corrugated packaging production.

HP will present at the CCE International 2023 industry exhibition, March 14-16, at Messe München, Munich, Germany.

By Natalie Schwertheim