At Labelexpo India 2024, HP had a robust display of its digital printing solutions and technologies aimed at transforming the label and packaging industry. A Appadurai, country manager, Indigo and inkjet business solutions, HP India, emphasized the company’s holistic approach to printing, offering not just products but a comprehensive package of solutions that cater to evolving industry demands.
The Digital Supermarket
HP’s stand featured the ‘Digital Supermarket’, a creative exhibit showcasing real-life applications of digital printing. “85% of these samples represent applications implemented in India, reflecting local market needs,” said Appadurai. Each sample illustrated how brands have leveraged HP’s digital printing technologies to enhance their products, from labels to pouches.
The exhibit highlighted a significant industry trend – the diversification beyond self-adhesive labels into shrink sleeves, in-mold labels (IMLs), and flexible packaging. “Our goal here is to educate label converters about how a single investment in HP technology can expand their offerings across multiple formats,” he explained.
Breakthrough technologies
HP showcased a range of cutting-edge machines designed to cater to diverse printing needs, including the HP Indigo 6K, 200K, and V12. The HP Indigo 6K, renowned for its versatility, sets a benchmark in label printing with unmatched color matching achieved within five minutes. Making its global debut, the HP Indigo 200K offers a wider web for improved economies of scale and seamless adaptability, enabling businesses to transition from labels to flexible packaging. The HP Indigo V12, virtually demonstrated, runs at an impressive speed of 120 meters per minute, offering high-volume, cost-effective solutions. Appadurai highlighted that the V12 provides converters with the flexibility to start with digital printing and integrate flexography as needed.
AI, automation and sustainability
HP is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to revolutionize service and maintenance. Using Microsoft XR lenses, operators can troubleshoot and resolve 85% of machine downtime issues remotely. This innovation is set to redefine machine usage in the printing industry.
On sustainability, HP addressed growing demands from brands and governments. From no-chemical, no-water printing processes to zero-migration inks suitable for high-safety applications like ophthalmology labels, HP reinforced its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Empowering startups and MSMEs
A significant portion of HP’s growth is driven by India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. “India is transforming into the startup capital of the world,” Appadurai remarked, citing over 1.5 lakh registered startups and 5 million MSMEs.
Digital printing has become indispensable for startups, enabling them to produce short-run packaging and labels at affordable costs. “Startups typically require less than 1,000 linear meters per batch, translating to about 25,000 labels,” he explained. HP’s solutions allow startups to scale rapidly while introducing product variations that cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Appadurai concluded, “Labels and packaging are the next growth engines for digital printing, and India is at the forefront of this transformation.”