HP has announced that Staples Print Solutions, the printing division of Staples Advantage, has transformed its printed label and packaging offerings with the installation of two HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Presses.

Growth in Staples’ prime label and flexible packaging business has fueled greater demand for digital production from customers interested in shorter printing runs and higher levels of customization. To meet this demand, Staples is expanding its label and packaging manufacturing beyond the conventional flexographic presses in place today to include a fully digital workflow that reduces waste, decreases turnaround times and improves color consistency.

“Staples is a leading US print manufacturer and solutions provider with a growing label and packaging business,” says Jeff Crump, vice president and general manager, Staples Print Solutions. “HP’s dominant position in the digital press industry and the quality of HP Indigo output enables Staples Print Solutions to confidently extend its digital label and packaging offerings, exceeding customer expectations.”

The HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Presses are installed in Staples Print Solutions manufacturing facilities in Wichita, KS, USA, and Fresno, CA, USA. The new digital solutions expand Staples’ product and service offering, which currently includes labels, flexible packaging, commercial print, corporate brand identity, custom forms, digital copy and print, prepress and design services, kitting and fulfillment, as well as nationwide distribution.

“The HP Indigo presses are important to our strategic plan to drive growth within the prime label and packaging categories,” adds Crump. “With the installation of the new presses now complete, our label and packaging output provides flexibility and added value to Staples Print Solutions’ customers.”

The web-fed HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press prints at a top speed of 130 linear feet per minute in Enhanced Productivity Mode, generating labels and packaging with outstanding quality at the highest crossover point versus analog for most jobs. The press also supports a broad media range, so Staples can print on a variety of synthetic and paper substrates from 0.5 to 18 points thick. Additionally, HP Indigo matches up to 97% of the PANTONE color gamut with a maximum of seven ink stations on the press, enabling it to produce eye-catching and distinctive labels and packaging applications that meet the demands of the world’s leading brands.

“The label industry is quickly moving to a digital printing environment, bringing the benefits of short runs and customization to clients, while maintaining a high level of quality,” says Jan Riecher, vice president and general manager, Americas Graphics Solutions Business, HP. “With the installation of two HP Indigo WS6600s, Staples can broaden its label and packaging offerings to meet the needs of its customers and further expand its reputation as a top print provider.”

New HP Indigo presses expand relationship
The HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Presses expand HP and Staples’ existing relationship, bringing Staples’ customers a broad variety of high-quality printed output. Staples currently uses HP Designjet large-format printing equipment, including the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer, in many of its print operations across the United States and Europe. Staples also uses the HP Latex 260 Printer (formerly the HP Designjet L26500 Printer) at its production center in the Netherlands for outdoor printing needs.