Digitally Printed Packaging: Opportunity for Commercial Printers?
At HP, the focus on packaging is with HP Indigo digital presses. Christian Menegon, worldwide business development manager at HP Indigo, reports that "digital printing is not as well advanced in packaging as it is for labels because of the specification of the machines we had on the market until now. Digital presses were not the right size for the packaging applications where the print is the package." However, Menegon notes that "our new machines that we showed at drupa close that gap: 30˝ wide for web, and B2 format (750x530mm) for sheets." The Indigo 30000 will print on substrates up to 600 microns or 24-pt.
Jack Miller is founder and Principal Consultant at Market-Intell LLC, offering Need to Knowâ„¢ market intelligence in paper, print and packaging. Previously, he was senior consultant, North America, with Pira International.
Known as the Paper Guru, Jack is the former director of Market Intelligence with Domtar, where he also held positions as regional sales manager, territory sales manager and product manager. He has presented at On Demand, RISI’s Global Outlook, PRIMIR, SustainCom World and at various IntertechPira conferences. Jack has written for Printing Impressions, Canadian Printer, Paper 360, PaperTree Letter and Package Printing, along with publishing a monthly e-newsletter, MarketIntellibits.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross and has done graduate studies in Statistics and Finance.