The vehicle branding specialist said the new HP Latex 800W has had a major impact on drive for Net Zero and has allowed it to offer more sustainable print services.
West Sussex-based company PVL UK has revealed that its recent purchase of a new HP Latex 800W printer has allowed it to advance its carbon reduction strategy and offer a more sustainable service to customers.
Established in 1999 by CEO Nick Broom, PVL manufactures high visibility safety markings and corporate branding for emergency service and commercial fleets.
PVL has established a far-reaching customer base working with a wide range of clients throughout the UK, as well as Europe, being the sole livery supply partner to Eurovia and supporting Jet2 in their brand rollout across their European fleet of vehicles. Their work in the Middle East and beyond, includes supplying the livery for the United Arab Emirates National Ambulance vehicles and the Qatari Ambulance fleet.
Having witnessed growth in their commercial fleet, wall graphics, window and glass requirements during 2023, due in part to several large contract wins, PVL took the decision to add another printer to their production setup. After looking into several options, PVL soon identified that a Latex machine would be the most effective way to support continuing growth in these areas.
PVL opted for the HP Latex 800W printer, a machine that offers a top speed of 36sq m/hr in outdoor mode and can run materials up to 1.63m wide. The printer, installed in January 2024, also offers a white ink option, a useful tool that enables PVL to produce a wide range of graphics for both their commercial and emergency fleet clients.
Crucially for PVL, the machine runs water-based HP Latex inks, which are much kinder to the environment than their solvent, eco-solvent and UV counterparts. PVL’s Managing Director Craig Berresford said that this was a major factor when it came to investment, with the company seeking ways to become a more sustainable business.
“The HP Latex 800W seemed to be the logical choice for us,” Craig Berresford said. “It took up a similar footprint to our existing printers, operators were familiar with the operating system, and the HP Gen 4 inks have really advanced.
“The whole environmental message of the machine was also a major seller to us and our carbon reduction plan. The environmental story is a good one that we can substantiate and track as part of our drive for Net Zero.”
Whilst the sustainable features of the HP Latex 800W are hugely beneficial to PVL, Craig added that the machine also excels in operational performance. He said the team at PVL has already seen a marked improvement in production, with the extra capacity allowing the company to turn work round faster.
“We have put the machine’s capacity to support our fleet wrapping, manifestation and wall graphics side of the business,” Craig said. “The new printer is comfortably doing the job of two of the other machines in the print department, opening at least 65% capacity in the area.
“The extra capacity is really helping our sales team to be confident in offering quick turnaround work for our clients. The fitting team also love the way gassing out isn’t a problem with the work of the machine, speeding up our whole workflow.
“Additionally, Print OS enables us to track jobs, costs, and benchmark performance.”
Such has been the success of the new purchase that Craig said PVL are already considering bringing in more print equipment to support its long-term growth plans.
“The machine came in with great support, and the operators felt they had a smooth install and training period,” Craig said. “During the coming year, we will be looking to strengthen our print offering with further similar investment.”
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