GOpak, a new flexible packaging manufacturer, has turned to the HP Indigo 20000 digital press, along with EBeam curing technology, to supply the growing demand for pouches. The technologies will assist in delivering more sustainable products, including compostable and recyclable packaging options.

The Delafield, WI-based company commenced operations in June in its modern 10,000 square-foot facility.

GOpak was established to meet the growing demand for small and medium-sized volumes, speed-to-market in flexible packaging, and improved sustainability. As the digital market within flexible packaging started to grow, co-founders AJ Buran and David Hotchkiss created a business plan, based on the HP Indigo 20000 digital press and EBeam curing technology.

Buran has 25 years of printing and packaging experience, while Hotchkiss is a 27-year veteran in the plastics machinery business, primarily as a business owner specializing in all types of extrusion (blown film, sheet, profile) and injection molding.

“Many container packaging segments are moving more to flexible packaging, including food and beverage, health and beauty, and other consumer products. However, smaller brands are not able to get high-quality printed pouches due to large minimums and plate costs,” says Buran. “Smaller brands are typically forced to buy blank pouches and label them, and now with the HP Indigo 20000 the emerging brands can eliminate the label and compete with the bigger brands and gain shelf appeal.”

HP Indigo 20000 digital press provides converters the freedom to produce nearly any flexible packaging application with a wide variation thanks to its high-powered digital front end for variable graphics.

The production concept at GOpak is surface printing on pre-laminated structures followed by EBeam curing. This allows GOpak to ship printed rolls in a few days. The durability of EBeam curing, which cross-links the varnish, inks and material as one, can eliminate a lamination layer providing sustainability advantages. Since EBeam technology cures instantly using no photoinitiators, the process is ultra-safe for food applications and there is no set-aside time like in the traditional lamination process, so it is fast, according to Buran.

GOpak provides stand-up pouches and roll stock packaging with speed-to-market to printing and packaging companies and select CPG companies. The EBeam finish comes in gloss, matte, and soft-touch producing durable and striking effects and stand-out packaging possibilities.