Oxford-based printer, Seacourt, has extended into the wide-format market with the addition of an HP Latex 365, creating a new branch to its business - Seacourt XL - while retaining its green credentials.
Seacourt, founded in 1946, is renowned for sustainable printing solutions. An exponent of ‘Planet Positive Printing', its stance on environmental concerns has always been central to its operations and purchasing decisions. This approach has resulted in numerous awards, year after year, including three Queen's awards for sustainable development, and - in 2017 - being recognised as Europe's most sustainable SME by the European Union.
This forward-thinking company looked to the wide format print market to add another string to its bow last year. When considering which printer to opt for, the decision was a ‘no-brainer' for Head of Seacourt XL, Paul Gardner: "When it came to the large format print options, there was no question in my mind that we were buying an HP Latex printer. At the time, there were no other machines that offered the same environmental credentials. The water-based inks were exactly what we needed to complete our sustainable service offering.
"Our customer base has been built around our eco-conscious thinking; it is at the heart of every decision we make. We're proud to be a net zero company - our factory runs on renewable technology, all our materials are recyclable/recycled, we offer zero waste to landfill - it's an intrinsic value which has had the dual benefit of continual growth in our market."
The HP Latex 365 is available in widths up to 64 inches and prints to a wide selection of substrates including the sustainable options Seacourt was looking to utilise. The water-based Latex inks are virtually odourless, removing any concerns of toxicity. The high print speed and instant drying and durable output increases efficiency, allowing for same day print and finishing and thereby boosting productivity. Effectively, continuous print is enabled, enhancing ROI potential.
This new addition has created the ‘XL' segment of Seacourt's business, allowing the printers to create ‘everything you can think of in the wide format market', according to Paul Gardener. So far, using the HP Latex 365, the team have created all manner of items for both external and internal applications including window graphics, posters, pop up banners, floor graphics, stickers and exhibition graphics.
Seacourt purchased the HP Latex 365 in July 2019 from HP reseller, ADAPT. "Adam Booth and the team are brilliant; their support and advice - not only during the purchasing process, but also with after-sales support - has been second to none," says Paul Gardner.
ADAPT is part of the Amari Plastics family, which also includes Vink and Europoint. Customers such as Seacourt are able to buy their preferred products from what is effectively a single supplier, and to get agreed discount levels across all of them - including HP hardware.
Paul Gardner continues: "ADAPT's support and advice have been second to none and to date, we've had no need for further HP support as the machine is extremely reliable and easy to use. That said, an additional consideration in purchasing the HP Latex was the impressive reputation HP and ADAPT have for customer service, so I have no concerns that when an issue does arise, they will be by our side."
With thoughts turning to the future, Seacourt's Paul Gardner adds: "When considering a project, I always ask myself ‘Is this the right thing to do'? The new HP printer has added to our sustainable approach whilst extending our product offering, so the answer has been a clear yes.
"We do have future plans for expansion; it's my job to find the next opportunity. I've noticed fast progression in the market for eco-friendly inks and materials, so it will certainly be interesting to see what the future holds for planet positive printing."
For more information on Seacourt, please visit: www.seacourt.net
For more information on the HP Latex 365, please visit https://www.hpvirtualbooth.com/uk/printer/hp-latex-365-printer
To find out more about HP Latex printing, click here
