HP and ePac Flexible Packaging have announced the next phase of their strategic collaboration with the installation of a HP Indigo 200K digital press in Sheffield. The move comes as part of ePac’s European expansion plans announced at drupa 2024.

This installation marks the first HP Indigo 200K press at an ePac site in EMEA, building on the six HP Indigo 200K presses already operating successfully across ePac’s US network. This deployment reinforces ePac’s multiyear strategic agreement with HP to convert its flexible packaging fleet to HP’s Indigo 200K digital press. It represents a key milestone in the company’s expansion strategy for EMEA and highlights its role in leading the digital transformation of the flexible packaging market. 

Noam Zilbershtain, VP and general manager, HP Indigo, says, “The strategic agreement announced by ePac at drupa is more than a vision. It’s already becoming reality. The excitement around the first HP Indigo 200K installation in their European facilities underscores our strong collaboration and shared goal to redefine the flexible packaging industry. This milestone marks a significant leap forward, bringing advanced technology, innovation, and unparalleled service to customers across Europe.” 

ePac’s growth

Founded in the US in 2016 with a single HP Indigo press producing just 5,000 pouches per month, ePac has since grown into a global packaging innovator. ePac now delivers over one million pouches monthly and consistently achieves annual growth rates above 50%. ePac Silverstone, the company’s first UK site, opened in 2019, marking the beginning of its European expansion. Today, ePac operates five production sites across Europe and the UK, with locations in France, Poland, Austria and two in the UK. The latest addition, ePac Sheffield, further strengthens its regional presence and commitment to serving local brands with speed and flexibility. 

Central to that transformation is HP Indigo’s digital print technology. With the HP Indigo 200K, ePac Sheffield is able to meet dynamic brand demands with shorter turnaround times, richer customization, and stronger environmental credentials. The additional capacity and productivity will help ePac maintain its steady growth by continuing to deliver flexible, short lead time packaging solutions.

In addition, the expansion is designed with regional complexity in mind. Europe presents a uniquely fragmented flexible packaging landscape with linguistic diversity and varying regulatory frameworks. ePac’s centralized yet scalable model, powered by HP Indigo, offers the versatility needed to operate a cross-regional network with guaranteed color calibration and quality consistency across geographies.

The HP Indigo 200K delivers a 30% increase in speed and a 45% improvement in productivity compared to its predecessor, with gravure-matching quality, a broad ElectroInk portfolio, and enhanced agility in handling surface and reverse printing. These capabilities open the door to new applications and advanced brand protection features, enabling ePac to scale efficiently without compromising its core strengths.

Guidelines for sustainability

The European Union’s recent ratification of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has imposed new guidelines for sustainability. As a leader in responsible flexible packaging innovation, ePac has embraced the regulation as a catalyst for meaningful change.  The company has upgraded its packaging specifications to recommend recyclable flexible packaging structures and advises its customers on regulatory packaging compliance. 

One standout example is WestLab, a wellness brand based in the UK. As one of the first customers introduced to the new HP Indigo 200K press, WestLab has leveraged ePac’s European network for scale and agility. This strategic partnership ensures consistent, high-quality print across multiple locations while enabling the brand to respond swiftly to evolving market demands. 

Sean Daly, CEO of Westlab, states, “Working with ePac has been a game-changer for Westlab. Their fast turnaround times allow us to respond quickly to market demands, while their fee-free setup and ability to accommodate both large and short runs provides the flexibility we need to manage our stocks efficiently. The consistent print quality and color reproduction from the HP Indigo 200K digital press ensures our packaging always looks sharp and on-brand. We’re also proud to be ePac’s first customer to use the latest press of HP Indigo, another step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence.” 

Growing talent

A cornerstone of ePac’s success is its commitment to growing talent within the business. HP’s ongoing support, including on-site diagnostics and direct access to regional and global account teams, has empowered ePac employees to build technical expertise and deliver innovation-led results. 

Johnny Hobeika, managing director of ePac Holdings Europe, adds, “HP Indigo remains integral to our mission. Their technology has enabled us to grow from a single-site operation to a pan-European network. This latest investment is not just a tech upgrade. It’s a reaffirmation of our shared vision for high quality flexible packaging. We have witnessed first-hand the ways in which digital print has transformed communities and created new economies in recent years. Now, with our focus on expanding in the EMEA region, we’re building momentum and unlocking new opportunities for brands ready to embrace digital.”