Is now the perfect time to invest in HP Latex?

Comment provided by Mike Lewis, Latex Channel Account Manager, HP.

We are experiencing a period of change. The temporary shutdown or restricted operations of businesses, educational facilities and transport hubs have led most of us to consider how things may be different when life gets back to normal - but it's likely to be 'the new normal'. The print industry has been handed an opportunity to refresh and regenerate, to meet the modern demands of our markets.

Health will of course be a major consideration of print buyers going forward. In healthcare environments, but also in schools, homes and workplaces, people will want to ensure spaces are clean, safe and healthy. There are likely to be more stringent rules and guidelines in place to improve hygiene and, after several weeks of quiet roads, people are more aware than ever of the health effects of air pollution. Sustainability and environmental issues in general are at the forefront of discussion, with influencers, business leaders and politicians calling for a permanent change to industry for a greener future.

For print service providers, investing in cleaner, greener technology can help win new business while transitioning to the new normal. HP Latex printers and water-based HP Latex inks have transformed PSPs around the globe, both in terms of what they can offer their customers and their workspaces. Latex ink is 70% water, which dries immediately with no odour, making print rooms a pleasant space in which to work. Special ventilation such as air filtration systems are not required for printer setup (but always refer to the site preparation guide for specific recommendations). Printer operators can also be reassured that HP's newest Latex inks have no hazard labels, unlike UV, UV gel, solvent and eco-solvent ink products.

The water-based formulation of Latex has achieved GREENGUARD GOLD certification for unrestricted coverage and no waiting time needed from printing to installing (nor to laminate). This certifies ‘low' emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allowing the installation of Latex prints in sensitive environments including hospitals, schools and children's bedrooms. Latex is therefore suitable for any customer prioritising clean air.

Like any tangible product, the lifecycle of printing supplies needs to be taken into consideration when weighing up environmental credentials. HP Latex ink cartridges (which contain nearly 40% recycled plastic) and printheads are recyclable via the free HP Planet Partners programme, while the HP Large Format Media Take-Back programme is also offered free of charge for substrate recycling. Furthermore, materials printed with HP Latex inks are non-hazardous and safe for standard disposal (contact your local waste management authority for specific regulations). They can be recycled in the same stream as a non-printed substrate - including paper-based materials, which can even be recycled locally in your carton/mixed-paper stream - ticking another box for sustainability.

Some lower volume HP Latex systems are Energy Star rated. This is a voluntary programme from the United States Environmental Protection Agency that certifies products for superior energy efficiency, and is broadly recognised by governments, businesses and customers around the world.

Offering products with public health and the environment in mind - without compromising on quality - means PSPs can target a wide range of potential customers. For instance, through using HP Latex, businesses can demonstrate full standards compliance in wallcoverings in the rapidly growing domestic home décor market. The ability to say yes to any customer, in any market, could be transformative.

HP has back-to-work offers available to help PSPs to switch to future-proofed printing processes, today. These include discounts of up to £2,500 across the Latex production printer range and trade-in offers of up to £3,000 off HP Latex 365, HP Latex 560 and HP Latex 570 printer models. Now is a golden opportunity to refresh your business by trading in and upgrading old print technology to HP Latex. For more details on the HP Latex offers click here.