HP’s water-based corrugated packaging printing on HP PageWide digital presses is easily recyclable using standard industry recycling technology, Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) of Germany has verified, adding to the environmental responsibility profile of HP digital production printing. Positive recyclability assessment results from PTS, an independent testing laboratory, confirm corrugated converters can use HP PageWide corrugated presses to supply packaging products suitable for production of new recycled fibre-based paper for packaging, with no need for extra steps or costly processes, according to the PTS testing report.
The HP PageWide C500 Press, HP PageWide T1100 Press Series and HP PageWide T400S Press serve the corrugated packaging market based on HP Thermal Inkjet technology and true water-based inks, delivering vibrant graphics, offset-quality and food-safe applications.
Italy’s Ghelfi Ondulati S.p.A. operates a six-colour HP PageWide T1170 Press for corrugated packaging to supply an innovative solution to leading brands in Southern Europe, while using national recycling processes.
“Our customers require sustainable solutions, leading us to choose a water-based solution that meets our recycling requirements. HP digital presses operating alongside analog presses enable seamless recycling of materials to our recycling stream,” said Luca Simoncini, digital program manager, Ghelfi Ondulati S.p.A. “We are pleased to get this confirmation for water-based digital print to ensure the recyclability of digital print for our customers.”
Reducing inventory
HP’s digital corrugated printing solutions also help corrugated converters reduced inventory and waste with just- in-time printing in exact quantities and printing from a digital file with no need for make-ready and long setups. HP’s water-based inks are odorless and free of UV-reactive chemistries, enabling a wide range of packaging applications, including primary and secondary packaging for sensitive uses such as food and personal care while requiring no additional barriers. HP has fulfilled the Intertek Guidelines for the Safe Use of Printing Inks to provide safety requirements in accordance with global regulatory and industry guidance, including Swiss Ordinance, Nestlé Guidance, FDA, EU Framework and others.
“Demand for corrugated packaging is increasing rapidly, along with increasingly stringent requirements for environmental safety, including supporting a circular economy with recyclability. HP is committed to helping our customers recycle responsibly,” said Eric Wiesner, General Manager, HP PageWide Industrial Division, HP Inc. “The PTS recyclability results for HP PageWide corrugated print further reinforce the HP sustainability mission to support environmental responsibility.”
Successful recyclying
PTS performed laboratory tests on HP PageWide coated and uncoated printed samples with water-based inks on corrugated board, according to PTS method RH 021/97. This method addresses recyclability of paper, paperboard and board for packaging materials and packages for generally accepted procedures for trouble-free production of recovered paper-based materials for packaging.
The sample prints with HP PageWide C500’s HP CV150 water-based inks and HP PageWide Web Press series’ HP A30 water-based inks on both coated and uncoated media added “no optical disturbing inhomogeneities,” to recycled pulp, according to the PTS report. (Test reports 34 148 and 092).
Moreover, testing found equal or lower levels of fibre flakes in the digitally printed samples compared to non-printed control media, indicating that printing with HP PageWide’s water-based inks has no negative impact on increasing the amount of coarse rejects of corrugated packaging.
