Valgroup, a plastic packaging manufacturer with 44 plants in seven countries, has announced the installation of an HP Indigo 200K in Brazil, marking the 400^th HP Indigo digital press for flexible packaging to be installed worldwide, and the first in South America. The installation of the 400^th digital press is a significant milestone for HP’s flexible packaging offering, solidifying its position as the industry leader of choice for analog converters looking to expand their digital offerings.

The flexible packaging market is evolving, and mega converters are realizing the ability of digital print to tap CPG evolving needs. By installing the HP Indigo 200K, Valgroup recognizes HP Indigo as the only proven technology for sustainable, food packaging-safe, digitally printed flexible packaging.

Acquiring the HP Indigo 200K has catalyzed innovation for the business, leading to the inauguration of a new digital vertical enabling Valgroup to scale the offering across other areas of the business and increase services to its customers at speed.

Valgroup focuses on volume production of flexible packaging. However, as CPG brand needs evolve, the company looked to tap the growing demand for the benefits brought by digital print, and the HP Indigo 200K was the only solution capable to address it. Now, as the only converter equipped with the technology in the South America region, the Indigo 200K press enables diversification into new areas such as labels and shrink sleeves. Designed to integrate into production floors lamination and pouch making equipment, the HP Indigo 200K will streamline Valgroup’s production, increase efficiency and expand its flexible packaging portfolio. The enhanced automation of digital print empowers the print of dozens of jobs per day, while ensuring faster delivery times. Following the fast ramp-up, 12 new projects already accelerated.

“At Valgroup we always install the best machines for our business,” says Marcus Vinicius, business manager, Valgroup. “One of our main drivers to collaborate with HP and install the HP Indigo 200K was the need to respond to evolving market demands for flexible packaging. Installing the new digital press means we are empowered to enter new markets and offer superior print quality that meets the needs of our customers, and, at the same time, gain expertise in digital print that will set us apart from our competitors.”

Noam Zilbershtain, VP and general manager, HP Indigo, comments, “At HP Indigo, we have always been at the forefront of innovation, developing solutions that address the dynamic needs of the printing industry. The installation of our 400th flexible packaging press globally represents a historic achievement and reinforces our position as the pioneer and the only proven solution in digital flexible packaging. Through our proven LEP technology, we’re helping customers enhance their operational efficiency, deliver superior quality, and advance their sustainability goals. Our commitment remains unwavering – partnering with customers to uncover new business opportunities and drive their profitability in an evolving market landscape.”

Vinicius continues, “Digital print has given Valgroup the opportunity to develop a dedicated digital business vertical, expanding into offer new diverse possibilities to our clients, increase our market approach in new special categories where service is a key importance, specially to the retail, as well as support other Valgroup’s packaging portfolio, driving business and profitability for our company.”

The HP Indigo 200K is a digital press specifically designed for the flexible packaging market delivering a 30% increase in speed and a 45% boost in productivity compared to its predecessors, according to HP. Powered by HP’s Liquid Electrophotography (LEP) technology, the HP Indigo 200K is touted as being able to offer high-resolution printing with exceptional color vibrancy and consistency.

The HP Indigo 200K Digital Press is a sustainable solution for the flexible packaging market to meet the needs of customers and brands. Its efficient production with HP Indigo’s PrintOS software automation capabilities for batching, ganging, and variable data, as well as faster, accurate color match and workflow. Automation tools for operator efficiency, coupled with sustainable production, circular packaging and food packaging safety, all amount to an outstanding digital solution for Valgroup, the company says.

Valgroup leverages HP SpotMaster which enables converters to deliver accurate color precision, within minutes, maintaining high color consistency and uniformity across each label or package. Valgroup aims to scale the use of the HP Indigo 200K with the intension to add value to its entire value chain from 2025.

As a global leader in sustainable plastic packaging solutions, Valgroup has further enhanced its environmental footprint by coupling the sustainability of the HP Indigo 200K with industry-leading mechanical recycling and advanced recycling processes, that offer the most sustainable packaging in Brazil adding value throughout the entire value chain.