HP Expands Portfolio of Sign and Display Printing Solutions at FESPA

In conjunction with the creation of JDF features and specifications for wide-format applications, HP is rolling out a new certification program that allows partner workflow solutions to be “HP Certified for Wide Format Printing JDF Exchange.” HP certification assures that workflow solutions exchanging JDF will interoperate properly with each other, allowing PSPs to easily build an e-storefront to market their services, take advantage of production automation tools to reduce costs and differentiate their service offerings through automated customer relationship management tools.

“At Gardners, we strive to remove as many operational inefficiencies as possible so our employees can concentrate on high-value activities for our customers and our business,” said Richard Gardner, managing director at Gardners, a large-format digital print shop based in Cardiff, U.K. “The leadership role HP has taken to improve workflow interoperability for digital wide-format printing will provide print service providers with more opportunities to streamline and automate their operations.”

Alliance partners collaborating closely with HP in the certification program include Caldera, ColorGATE, EFI, EskoArtwork, Four Pees, GMG, ONYX and Printable Technologies. HP and these partners are working to improve the wide-format printing experience for customers by using HP-certified definitions in their products.

Continued growth in large-format recycling efforts
The HP Large-format Media take-back program for recyclable printing materials(7) – which provides free return and recycling of eligible media – has added six new media compatible with HP Designjet printers: HP Durable Banner with DuPont Tyvek®, HP Clear Film, HP Matte Film, HP Premium Vivid Color Backlit Film, HP Matte Polypropylene and HP Everyday Matte Polypropylene. These media join the five signage materials compatible with HP Designjet and HP Scitex Latex Ink printers already included in the take-back program.

Seven additional European countries – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal – have recently joined the HP Large-format Media take-back program, bringing the total to 17 European countries. In North America, Canada is scheduled to join the United States in the take-back program this month.