Unveiled at the start of December, houp.com is the Rotherham company’s latest venture, making use of its Screen Truepress Jet L350UV-LM UV inkjet label press to produce short-run custom pouches and sachets.

The products are digitally printed using low-migration inks for a premium standard that is compliant with food safety requirements.

Managing director Bill Hine said: “We have identified a gap in the market for digitally printed short-run pouches.

“Our clients are looking to achieve professional packaging without the commitment of ordering larger volumes, and they are looking for multiple applications from the same provider.”

The firm made concerted efforts to ensure its new short-run, plastic-based output would be as sustainable as possible, taking a close look at the amount of plastic used and surface printing using inks that do not require laminating.

“We are all aware of the environmental concerns with regards to plastic packaging and the counterbalance of the need for a circular plastic economy,” Hine continued. “We’ve managed to reduce the amount of manufacturing waste significantly – 30% or more. Our solution offers a very attractive option when compared to other digital solutions.”

Using its Screen device, purchased last year, Hine Labels can produce the pouches for its houp.com service at speeds up to 60m/min.

Hine Labels employs 35 members of staff, with long-time team member Richard Warne now appointed as general manager for the houp.com brand.