Portuguese converter Fábrica de Papel e Cartão da Zarrinha is installing an HP PageWide C550 digital press, its first digital press and forming part of the company’s commitment to producing high-quality boxes while being environmentally responsible.
Established in 1956 and located in Rio Meão, Zarrinha specialises in producing recycled paper reels, corrugated cardboard and corrugated packaging.
Noted as having identified the value in digital print for packaging for a while, Zarrinha had waited for a mature technology to become available. Whilst the HP PageWide C55o was only introduced earlier this year, it is based on the established C500 model. Zarrinha’s decision to purchase the HP PageWide C550 digital press came after a visit to a technology open house event in June 2023.
The event convinced Zarrinha that the HP PageWide C550 was the right fit for the business, as the company noted: ‘With the HP PageWide C550 Press, we anticipate a game-changing shift in our production capabilities.’ This will extended from variable data printing to the production of more cost-effective medium runs. ‘Plus, the elimination of a minimum order quantity will greatly benefit our clientele,’ the company stated.
The addition of the HP PageWide C550 to Zarrinha’s production mix, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of October, is anticipated to tackle multiple business challenges. This includes the high costs associated with paper as the press will enable the company to maintain print quality without resorting to very high paper grades, which was occasionally a requirement of the company’s high-quality flexo machine.
Zarrinha envisions further enriching the customer experience specifically for the wine and beer markets. The company aims to replicate VDP labels often seen on bottles on boxes, utilising the 90 linear m/min speed of the HP PageWide press to deliver this.
Moreover, Zarrinha’s commitment to sustainability and its mission to preserve the environment is further underscored by the integration of the C550’s water-based inks. Approximately 85% of Zarrinha’s customer’s applications are related to food and as such the company firmly believes in using water-based inks.
Mark Dempsey, HP PageWide Industrial worldwide go-to-market director, said, ‘In talking to Zarrinha we could immediately see that the C550’s true water-based inkjet technology met with the company’s sustainability strategy. The C550 will allow Zarrinha to offer customers even greater value and service.’
