P&G looks to digital print for future packaging

“Anyone who wants to work with us should definitely buy a digital press, or they will find it an uphill struggle in the future,” said Paul France, principal entrepreneur in printing and decoration for global packaging at Procter & Gamble (P&G), at the event in Barcelona, Spain last week.

France said P&G was looking at digital printing for packaging ranging from labels to cartons across a range of products.

He said possibilities included using digital print to fill shops the day after a major sports tournament with packs celebrating the winning team.

Another area being investigated was sending out nappies to new mothers, digitally printed with the name of their baby.

The company already uses digital printing for printing directly on to tissues and Pringles. “If we can digitally print individual Pringles, why not the tube,” he added.

France said P&G was currently using a Connect and Develop strategy for innovation. “Before we were technology scouts, we would do whatever we needed to get the technology for ourselves. Now we are much more open to packaging printers being involved in the early stages of development.”

France made the comments at HP’s Barcelona headquarters, where the company officially launched its HP Indigo WS6000 press, which can print on labels and flexible packaging and was previewed at Drupa last year.

The company is in the process of rationalising its roster of more than 500 printers.

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