HP Explores Flexpack, Certifies Media Partners
- Published: June 23, 2010, By Yolanda Simonsis
If you've been following my visit to Israel as a guest of HP, you've learned the time spent at our Hilton base camp was packed with information regarding both the volume and growth of markets HP users serve. Our host also offered attendees the first-hand experience of four of its customers who had adopted HP Indigo technology. The audience was essentially allowed to let loose questions, observations, and share their own experiences. That takes guts because you never know what might pop up.
One attendee wasn't afraid to share criticism, particularly with regard to color matching issues. I followed up on his criticism as we were departing for home. The user admitted having some troubles which he shared privately, but he was equally impressed with the approach HP took to help resolve his problems. He believes he has the support he needs to eliminate, or at least improve, his color matching concerns.
A session featuring speaker Hans Poortinga, owner of IML expert, offered insight on the graphics industry and opportunities that open doors for personalized packaging. Brand owners, he explained need different products to target different audiences; frequent restyling of designs; shorter times to market; shorter product life cycles; and sustainability issues. He also stressed that customers want less suppliers and they are focused on total costs in the supply chain. Poortinga suggested that digital printing frequently can satisfy these concerns with shorter setup times; minimal waste without inital costs; high quality; the ability to downgrade the process to simulate a conventional process; the ability to deliver the quantity required on-demand; and uses the same substrates with the same finishing capabilities as conventional printing.
The closing session of the first day's program on June 15 finished with a panel of certified Media partners, moderated by Matthew Gindele, national account manager HP Indigo Digital Press. Panelists and their specialties included John Heckman of Avery Dennison, marketing communications manager, Roll Materials North America, offered expertise on p-s and non-adhesive coated papers, films and foils in roll form; Jaime Orozco of Wausau Coated Products, VP Intl. Business Development, addressed p-s products, label materials, and custom coating technologies;Christopher Guy of Michelman, global business manager Flexible Packaging, commented on water-based barrier and functional coatings for flexible film packaging, paperboard, corrugated and folding cartons; and Kirit Naik of Raflatac, product manager, Prime Film & Digital Products Americas, shared information regarding self-adhesive label materials.
Among the highlights of the day was a tour of the old city of Jaffa and dinner at Lauren's Gallery where everyone girrated to the beat of a different drum.
Still more tomorrow!
Left: Overlooking St. Peter's Church in Jaffa.
Right: A diversity of HP Indigo-printed end products.
