ePac Flexible Packaging (epackllc.com), an all-digital flexible packaging converter, purchased 10 HP Indigo 20000 digital presses to expand operations across the U.S. through mid-2019. The order quadruples production capacity for ePac and is the largest packaging deal for HP to date. 

The purchase is ePac’s second expansion with the high-capacity HP Indigo 20000 flexible packaging press since launching 18 months ago with one HP Indigo unit. ePac now uses three HP Indigo 20000 digital presses in Madison, Wisc., and Boulder, Colo., and the 10 new units will be deployed coast-to-coast in new facilities opening in Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Miami.

“ePac helps simplify how brands of all sizes buy flexible packaging. Rapid turnaround time, low minimums, customization, graphics quality, and the ability to print to demand differentiate ePac from conventional flex pack converters,” said Jack Knott, CEO, ePac Flexible Packaging. “Printing is the core enabling technology we have built ePac on, with the HP Indigo 20000 serving as the foundation of our manufacturing platform. ePac’s  collaboration with HP is fundamental to our growth strategy, as we look to adding ePac sites in the months ahead.”

The HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press provides converters the freedom to produce nearly any flexible packaging application--in addition to labels, and shrink sleeves on film or paper – all with the proven quality to help meet strict brand requirements.

“HP Indigo digital printing technology means greater flexibility for brands and entrepreneurs, and a more meaningful connection for their consumers,” said Santi Morera, global head of graphics solutions business, HP Inc. “HP is thrilled to play an integral role in ePac’s rapid rise to success over the past two years – and with today’s purchase, it’s a  relationship we support proudly in the months and years to come.”

Since the HP Indigo 20000 release in 2014, more than 115 have been purchased by converters. The 30-inch digital press can print virtually any size flexible packaging application with unlimited variation and support demand for growing SKUs, alongside benefits of reduced waste from minimal setup and production of only the quantities needed.

The HP Indigo 20000 is connected to HP PrintOS, allowing PSPs to monitor the press performance in real time anywhere and anytime, and thus continuously optimize operations. Powerful apps running on the cloud-based PrintOS platform offer advanced capabilities that simplify and automate the print operations. In addition, by connecting their brands directly to PrintOS, PSPs can efficiently produce large jobs’ volume and be part of a global print network.

The HP flexible packaging ecosystem has grown to include end-to-end solutions including HP Indigo Pack Ready Lamination for immediate time-to-market with high-performance laminates. The system consists of the Pack Ready Laminator, supplied by Karlville, and Pack Ready Film. In addition, eBeam is offering a solution for surface print protection.