Kent print group The Meliora Group has launched a new on-demand packaging business, called Boxable, for boutique and small enterprises.

An e-commerce platform that allows clients to select their required dimensions, weight tolerance, and upload their own artwork, Boxable was launched from beta on 22 May.

Boxes ordered through the new business are automatically printed on an HP Indigo 12000HD at The Meliora Group’s Rochester factory, which Boxable shares with sister companies Delga Press and Delga Labels, before being cut on its Highcon Euclid III cutter-creaser.

The platform was in development for more than 10 months prior to its May release.

“We have a lot of ambition for the site,” said Oliver Kleinman, The Meliora Group’s head of marketing.

He told Printweek: “There’s going to be a lot of additional development. 

“Over the next 12 months, it will look like a different site: we have a couple members of the team that are working continuously to develop it.”

Delga Press has recently installed a refurbished Scodix Ultra 2000 Pro embellishing press. Purchased in March and running since May, the press – Kleinman hoped – will soon add to the options available through the Boxable site.

“[The Scodix] is something that we haven’t had before, and we’re hoping to dip our toes in,” he added.

The decision to set up the site was inspired by seeing the market trend towards automated ordering.

Kleinman said: “There is clearly a trend towards e-commerce platforms. 

“We have done a lot of market research to understand [the best] utilisation of the Highcon and HP Indigo technology, too: it all leans towards SME, sole trader, and artisanal businesses.”

He added that Delga Press had had prospective clients that could not afford, and did not need, a full service with an account manager for short runs of packaging.

“We now cater for both ends of the market,” Kleinman said.

The 120 staff group employs 60 at its Rochester manufacturing site.

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