ePac makes huge commitment to HP tech

ePac's Virag Patel (left) and HP's Haim Levit seal the deal
ePac's Virag Patel (left) and HP's Haim Levit seal the deal

ePac Flexible Packaging has placed the biggest single order yet for HP Indigo presses as it moves to radically scale up its operations worldwide.

During the summer US-headquartered ePac said it was planning to “transition to a global enterprise” over the next 18 months. 

This includes a second site in the UK as well as at least five new operations in Europe. 

The business specialises in short- and medium-run digitally printed flexible packaging such as pouches, and has been using HP Indigo kit since it began life six years ago. 

It has now committed to a further 50 HP Indigo digital presses, to be installed at 36 new and existing sites spanning five continents. 

The firm’s existing machine park includes multiple HP Indigo 20000 and 25K flexible packaging presses. 

ePac chief operating officer Virag Patel commented: “Our 50-press acquisition will enhance ePac’s record breaking flexible packaging production on HP Indigo Digital Presses, further rooting our longstanding collaboration with HP.”

He said the investment would “leverage ePac’s vast market experience” in combination with HP’s “unique digital printing technology”.

Haim Levit, general manager of HP’s Industrial Print Business, described ePac as “leading the global digital flexible packaging movement”.

“ePac’s vision to utilise digital print to give a voice to small and medium brands and revitalise local communities exemplifies our joint values and demonstrates the power of digital to have a meaningful global impact,” he said. 

The bulk of ePac’s operations are currently in North America, followed by Europe. It also has sites in Ghana, Indonesia and Australia. 

Packaging giant Amcor has a minority stake in ePac, and last month confirmed that it would make a further strategic investment of up to $45m (£40.5m) in the fast-growing business.