HP and Esko have entered into a partnership to deliver an integrated system for the production of digitally printed packaging.

This software-based development leverages the Esko suite of packaging tools and the HP PrintOS Suite, meaning third-party systems can be ‘seamlessly connected’ into the production workflow. With the integration of HP Smartstream Designer and Composer in Esko WebCenter, ‘customisation and versioning of each and every new packaging project is within reach,’ so said Esko president Joel Depernet.

Using an integrated web portal, brand owners will be able to order their packages from converters on-demand, reducing order delivery times from weeks to days, decrease stocks and reduce overall cost. The integrated platform has been designed to manage content and data across the value chain, allowing contributors to collaborate on packaging projects and reduce the overall lead time from months to weeks. Further, it will enhance visibility and control to the brand owners and increase press capacity of packaging converters, so it is claimed.

With established packaging production lines involving multiple stakeholders, meaning final delivery timelines can take several months, this result of this new partnership is claimed to, ‘help packaging converters streamline and automate the packaging value chain and enable brand owners to leverage the unique capabilities of digital print for packaging and reap the benefits of true consumer engagement.’

Throughout drupa 2024, HP and Esko will showcase the integrated mass customisation capability of the system, which will enable customisation at scale through automated artwork creation, as well as personalisation at scale through integrated workflows, including e-commerce portals.

Noam Zilbershtain, vice president and general manager of HP Indigo and Scitex, said, ‘The new partnership between Esko and HP will help brand owners and converters to make digital print production more efficient, and packaging customisation to become a mainstream practice within the digital print landscape.’

This system will be demonstrated by both HP and Esko during drupa 2024, which takes place 28 May to 7 June in Düsseldorf, Germany. It will also feature in drupa’s own touchpoint packaging area.

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