(L-R) Sales director Matthew Evans and managing director Jonathan Padley with John Harrison, account manager HP Indigo

 

Lincolnshire-based Kalas Packaging has purchased the first HP Indigo 30000 digital press in the UK and will be using the new capability to diversify into the sheetfed packaging arena. Currently, the company specialises in horticultural labels.

‘Our current core business of printed plastic horticultural care cards will be hugely complemented by this new addition to our portfolio. The HP Indigo 30000 will allow us to move into other niche commercial packaging markets and print on a vast array of synthetic and specialist board substrates requiring only small make readies,’ commented sales director Matthew Evans.

Managing director Jonathan Padley, added, ‘We have always operated in niche sectors, and the unique capabilities of this equipment offer limitless opportunities for our customers to engage with their consumers. With the latest HP technology we’ll be able to maximise a host of new possibilities, including creating customised and personalised packaging, as well as incorporating virtual and augmented reality elements and track and trace capabilities that engage with cloud-based smartphone recognition apps.’

Equipped with an inline priming system, the press is able to print on substrates from 250 to 600 microns. According to HP, it is this substrate versatility that makes the press the ideal solution for Kalas Packaging. ‘We have formed a close relationship with Kalas over recent months, working together to provide a unique short run digital solution that satisfies both their folding carton needs and the more extreme outdoor requirements for printing horticultural labels,’ explained account manager John Harrison. ‘The HP Indigo 30000’s ability to print on a huge range of cartonboard, metallised and synthetic substrates, including PVC, polypropylene and PET, will open up a range of opportunities for the company.’

The new press was delivered last week, and is expected to be fully operational early next year, when it will be housed in a new extension to the company’s facility in Boston.