Kalas Packaging installs UK’s first HP Indigo 30000

The digital folding carton press was delivered to the company’s Boston headquarters in late October, and is expected to be fully operational early next year when it is moved into the company’s new building extension.

The HP Indigo 30000 digital press will allow Kalas Packaging to move into new business areas, diversifying from horticultural labels which are, at present, the company’s primary source of business. ‘Our current core business of printed plastic horticultural care cards will be hugely complimented by this new addition to our portfolio,' explained Kalas Packaging sales director Matthew Evans. ‘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.

‘We know there are great opportunities to target and even create new markets in short runs, personalized and variable data packaging. With HP Indigo’s proven track record, we aim to effectively leverage this technology in the sheet-fed packaging arena.’

The HP Indigo 30000 will provide Kalas Packaging with an important competitive edge, offering zero set-up, minimal waste and easy versioning capabilities to deliver shorter runs and faster turnaround time. With a maximum sheet size of 75 x 53cm, the press covers the vast majority of folding carton jobs, and is also able to reach speeds of up to 4600 full-color sheets per hour in enhanced productivity mode.

Jonathan Padley, Kalas Packaging managing director, 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 maximize a host of new possibilities, including creating customized and personalized packaging, as well as incorporating virtual and augmented reality elements and track and trace capabilities that engage with cloud-based smartphone recognition apps.’

HP Indigo stated that it is this substrate versatility which makes the HP Indigo 30000 the ideal technology platform for Kalas Packaging, and John Harrison, account manager at HP Indigo, commented: ‘We have formed a close relationship with Kalas over recent months, working together to provide a unique short run digital solution that satisfies both its folding carton needs and the more extreme outdoor requirements for printing horticultural labels.

‘The HP Indigo 30000’s ability to print on a huge range of carton board, metallised and synthetic substrates, including PVC, polypropylene and PET, will open up a range of opportunities for their company.’

‘Brands are actively seeking new ways of engaging with their customers through traditional and new media, and the variable data capabilities, high print quality and cost-effective short runs make digital printing an attractive and sometimes the only proposition,’ added Oana Manolache, UK and Ireland marketing manager at HP Indigo. ‘Kalas Packaging has a great understanding of these market trends and with the new addition to their printing capabilities, they will successfully be able to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.’