HP is to invest $200 million in the next generation of water-based ink products, to further sustainable printing options in corrugated packaging and textile applications.
The company has committed $200 million over five or more years to develop water-based ink technologies for printing digitally on corrugated packaging and textiles. This commitment complements ongoing HP investments in other printing technologies and markets aimed at creating sustainable digital printing options.
While HP’s existing water-based inks for corrugated packaging have already been proven for sensitive applications such as food packaging, the company identified traditional textile colouration as making use of technologies that can be problematic from a water emissions perspective. World Resources Institute estimates that about 20% of industrial water pollution comes from garment manufacturing.
As such, HP is committing resources to enable the next major generation of ink, printhead and press technology, with improved quality, performance and sustainability, and based on the belief that, ‘water-based solutions are the long-term future of this market.’
Santi Morera, general manager and global head of graphics solutions, HP Inc, said, ‘We will be dedicating resources toward continued innovation and industry disruption to accelerate safer, simpler and more sustainable water-based printing technologies that meet the quality, performance and economics needed by these markets.’
HP customers have ratified this this mission statement. Ruediger Lindner, general manager at DS Smith, said, ‘HP’s continuing investment in advancing water-based ink technology gives DS Smith confidence that we will meet the health and safety demands of our customers, along with our own high standards for the work environment of our employees.’
Robert Seay, general manager, Georgia-Pacific Hummingbird, said, ‘Water-based inkjet inks are a technology differentiator in corrugated packaging, enabling us to confidently address a broader range of applications from food and beverage to personal care products.’
