Smurfit Kappa and HP bring first digital post-print corrugated press to Europe

Smurfit Kappa is installing a revolutionary new industrial-scale HP PageWide C500 digital press for corrugated printing which will provide greater customisation and flexibility for customers.
The HP PageWide C500 Press, which will be the first commercial HP single pass press in Europe, is HP’s most technologically advanced digital press for corrugated application. The press will be installed in Smurfit Kappa’s Interwell plant in Austria.

With a fully integrated stack-to-stack workflow, the press combines digital simplicity with off-set replaceable print quality on both coated and uncoated paper. The cutting-edge technology will provide brand owners with customised packaging solutions that can drive sales across both online and traditional sales channels.

Smurfit Kappa is the European leader in shelf-ready and eCommerce packaging development which are delivered through its ShelfSmart and eSmart services. The graphic flexibility and quality  of the new HP PageWide C500 Press will further enhance the company’s service to drive brand recognition and provide fit-for-purpose packaging.

Furthermore, the HP water-based inks facilitate printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without an additional barrier which can comply with even the most stringent global food safety regulations.

Speaking about the investment Saverio Mayer, Smurfit Kappa CEO of Europe, said: “This new press is the perfect solution for our Interwell plant. It comes after a successful collaboration between Smurfit Kappa and HP.

“We are both early adopters in our respective industries and constantly strive to provide pioneering, market-leading solutions for our customers.”

“We are delighted that Smurfit Kappa will be the first in Europe to install the C500 Press which showcases brand new technology and offers all the flexibility of digital printing. This press is going to fundamentally change the corrugated industry by digitalising it,” said Cristóbal Macedo, Director, EMEA Corrugated Business Director, HP Inc.

The press will be installed in April and will support Smurfit Kappa’s extensive customer base in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector by strengthening the power of their brands in an increasingly competitive, consumer-focused world.