Innovation and Efficiency in Corrugated Displays and Packaging

How Holbox Enhanced Efficiency and Expanded Short-run Packaging and Display Capabilities with Canon's UVgel and Arizona Technology
Managing Director of Holbox with UVgel Packaging Factory for pre-print corrugated packaging

Objectives

Holbox, a leading producer of corrugated displays and POS materials, faced growing demand for smaller, more varied print runs and quicker production times. Traditional methods like offset were no longer able to offer the flexibility and efficiency needed.

Challenges

Holbox faced the challenge of adapting to smaller, customised print runs driven by market demand for personalised packaging, all while maintaining efficiency and controlling labour costs.

Approach

Holbox, already experiencing success with the Arizona printer, decided to further expand their capabilities by investing in the UVgel Packaging Factory. This solution offered them the ability to produce high-quality prints with exceptional flexibility, all while handling smaller, more diverse print runs.

Benefits

With the Arizona and Colorado M-series, Holbox is now able to operate continuously with greater precision, reduced costs, less waste and energy consumption and the ability to tap into new markets. These technologies have significantly improved both efficiency and profitability.

Holbox, established in 1976, is a prominent manufacturer of corrugated displays and POS materials, primarily serving major brand manufacturers in the retail and supermarket sectors. As the market's demand shifted towards smaller print runs, greater customisation, and quicker production times, Holbox recognised that traditional offset methods were no longer sufficient. They needed a digital solution that could adapt to these evolving requirements.

The Right Print Technology for Every Application

Having already achieved success with their Arizona flatbed printer—perfect for high-quality direct-to-substrate printing on rigid materials like Re-board—Holbox was confident in the reliability of Canon technology. Re-board, a sustainable honeycomb-structured board, requires the precision of a flatbed printer, making the Arizona a crucial part of their production. To complement this setup and further enhance efficiency, Holbox sought a solution that would streamline roll-to-sheet production for packaging applications. Building on their positive experience, they invested in the UVgel Packaging Factory with the Colorado M-series, expanding their capabilities with flexible, high-quality finishes, including matte and gloss effects in a single pass.

With Canon's digital printing solutions, we can easily handle smaller, customised runs that were once challenging with traditional methods.”

Holbox headquarters in Venlo

Enhancing Capabilities with UVgel Technology

The Colorado M-series, alongside the Arizona, brought even greater efficiency to Holbox’s operations. The printers can now run continuously, enabling Holbox to fulfill even the most complex orders with speed and precision.

The transition from printed rolls to sheets that can then be laminated integrates seamlessly with Holbox's existing processes, improving productivity even further. Whether they are producing small quantities or working with new designs, these machines offer the flexibility Holbox needs to meet the demands of today's market without compromising on quality.

Moreover, the UVgel technology allows Holbox to produce prints with a premium look, while also making it easier to handle smaller batches, prototypes, and seasonal packaging runs. This capability provides them with an edge in an increasingly competitive market where personalised and high-quality packaging is essential.

The UVgel technology offers unmatched versatility and quality, allowing us to combine matte and gloss finishes in a single print effortlessly.”

Less Waste and Reducing Energy Consumption

As sustainability is a priority for Holbox, their digital print investments were made with environmental impact in mind. One of the major advantages of digital printing is the ability to print only what is needed, significantly reducing material waste. Additionally, the Colorado’s UVgel technology eliminates peaks in energy consumption. Holbox further minimises its environmental footprint by operating over 3,000 solar panels on its facility, ensuring that production runs on renewable energy whenever possible.

With production facilities in the Netherlands and Poland, Holbox strategically serves the European market, distributing displays efficiently across the region. Reducing transport emissions is a key factor for brands looking to optimise logistics and lower their environmental impact.

Impressive Results: Meeting New Market Demands

The results have been impressive. Holbox can now offer even more customised and high-quality solutions for their clients, improving their ability to cater to the growing demand for personalised and smaller packaging runs. This investment has not only enhanced their production capabilities but also opened up new opportunities for growth.

We can run the Colorado non-stop, which is a huge advantage.”

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