Noel D'Cunha (NMD): How have the first few months of the year been for HP’s large-format business?
Xavier Regue (XR): The past few months have been exceptionally intense for us. Over the last year, we have executed what is effectively the largest portfolio refresh in our history, with new product introductions across almost every segment of the business.
At the centre of this is the launch of the R530, which we see as a new category altogether. It is an all-in-one platform that allows customers to handle both flexible and rigid applications within a single system. Alongside that, we have completed our FS series with the introduction of the FS70, which represents the high-end of our scalable platform.
What has been particularly rewarding is the market response. Print service providers are recognising the value of this innovation, and that validation is important. For us, this is not just about launching products but about enabling customers to expand their application range and grow their businesses.
India plays a critical role in this vision. We see it as the single largest growth opportunity for our large-format business, which is why we are investing heavily in the market and strengthening our engagement with partners here.
NMD:
The R530 is being positioned as a new category. What is the thinking behind it?
XR: The idea behind the R530 is to simplify operations while expanding capability. Traditionally, customers would require separate systems for rigid and flexible media. What we are offering is a unified platform that can handle both, reducing complexity and increasing utilisation.
This is particularly relevant in markets where space, capital investment and operational efficiency are key considerations. By combining these capabilities into one system, customers can diversify their offerings without significantly increasing their footprint or cost base.
It also reflects a broader shift in customer expectations. They are no longer looking for single-purpose machines. They want versatility, adaptability and the ability to respond quickly to changing application demands. The R530 is designed with that reality in mind.
NMD:
Can you elaborate on the FS series and its upgrade-driven model?
XR: The FS series has been designed as a flexible and scalable platform that grows with the customer. We offer three configurations: FS50, FS60 and FS70, with the ability to upgrade from one level to another through defined upgrade kits.
These upgrades primarily enhance productivity and expand feature sets. The key point is that customers retain the same core architecture. They are not replacing the machine but evolving it.
This is what we describe as a safe investment. Customers can enter at a lower level and scale up as their business grows, without the disruption or capital expense of replacing equipment. It aligns with how print businesses actually evolve, which is incrementally rather than in large jumps.
In terms of lifecycle, our machines are built for durability. Many customers continue to operate them for more than ten years while maintaining performance. The upgrade path complements this longevity by ensuring that the technology remains relevant over time.
NMD: We are seeing significant shifts in substrates, including a move away from PVC. How is HP responding?
XR: Substrate innovation is a major area of evolution in the industry, and it is closely linked to both creativity and sustainability.
One of the core strengths of our Latex technology is its versatility. Being water-based, it allows printing on a very wide range of materials without requiring complex pre-treatment processes. This gives customers the freedom to experiment with new substrates and applications.
We are seeing some fascinating use cases emerge. For example, customers are printing on materials like carpets for customised event applications. These are not traditional use cases, but they demonstrate how the technology enables new forms of value creation.
As the industry moves away from materials like PVC, this flexibility becomes even more important. Customers need technologies that can adapt to new substrates without compromising quality or efficiency. That is exactly where Latex delivers.
NMD:
How does Latex technology achieve this level of adaptability across substrates?
XR: The key lies in the chemistry. Latex inks are water-based and include components that allow them to sit effectively on the surface of a wide variety of materials.
During the printing process, the ink is cured in a way that ensures strong adhesion without the need for extensive pre-treatment. This is what enables printing on diverse substrates, from traditional media to more unconventional materials.
While there are other technologies such as dye sublimation, Latex operates differently in terms of how the ink interacts with the substrate. The advantage is that it provides a combination of versatility, ease of use and consistency across applications.
NMD: What should the industry expect in terms of future ink development?
XR: We remain fully committed to Latex technology and will continue to invest in its evolution. There is still significant scope for innovation, particularly in areas such as performance, sustainability and application range.
Ink development is a complex and long-term process. It involves multiple disciplines, including chemistry, colour science and materials engineering. At HP, this work is carried out entirely in-house, primarily at our R&D centre in Barcelona, with additional expertise from our teams in San Diego.
This integrated approach allows us to control the entire development process and ensure that our inks are optimised for our hardware and applications. Customers can expect continued advancements in Latex rather than a shift to a completely new platform.
NMD: Who are the people and teams behind Latex innovation?
XR: We have a large and highly specialised R&D team based in Barcelona, which serves as our global headquarters for this business. This includes chemists, colour scientists and engineers working on different aspects of ink and print technology. In addition, we have a specialised team in San Diego that focuses on the fundamental development of ink chemistry. These teams work closely together to drive innovation.
Developing new inks is not a short-term effort. It can take several years to bring a new formulation to market. The fact that all of this work is done in-house gives us a strong advantage in terms of consistency, quality and integration.
NMD: India is often described as fragmented and complex. How do you approach such a market?
XR: India is indeed a very diverse market, with a wide range of customer segments. You have small jobbers, copy shops and photo studios on one end, and larger print service providers and enterprise-focused businesses on the other.
Our approach is not to focus on one segment at the expense of others. Instead, we aim to address the full spectrum of customer needs with a comprehensive portfolio.
This also means recognising that certain solutions need to be tailored specifically for the Indian market. What works in one geography may not be directly applicable here.
The opportunity, however, is significant. The industry is growing at around 6–7% annually, and when you look at broader economic indicators such as infrastructure development and urban expansion, the demand for print applications is only going to increase.
NMD: HP has built strong brand and ecosystem partnerships in India. How is that evolving?
XR: Partnerships are central to our go-to-market strategy. We work closely with our channel partners, who play a crucial role in delivering our value proposition to customers.
One of the key themes in these engagements is sustainability. Enterprise customers, particularly those operating in public environments, are increasingly prioritising solutions that are environmentally responsible and safe for indoor use.
Our Latex technology addresses these requirements, being water-based and odourless. This makes it particularly suitable for applications in sensitive environments such as retail spaces, transportation hubs and offices. By combining our technology with a strong partner ecosystem, we are able to engage effectively with both enterprise and mid-market customers.
NMD: Is the industry ready for measurable sustainability standards similar to offset printing?
XR: In offset printing, there are well-established benchmarks and measurement systems that allow printers to quantify their environmental performance.
In wide-format printing, we are making progress but there is still a gap. Through our Amplify programme, we have introduced a sustainability track that certifies partners based on defined criteria.
However, more granular tools such as carbon footprint dashboards or standardised certification systems are not yet fully developed. There is clearly demand for such frameworks, especially as brands increasingly ask for measurable sustainability data.
This is an important direction for the industry, and it is something we continue to evaluate.
NMD: What role does sustainability play in customer conversations today?
XR: Sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration. It is a central part of the conversation, particularly with enterprise customers.
Many of these organisations have their own sustainability goals and are looking for partners who can support those objectives. This includes using environmentally friendly inks, reducing waste and ensuring that printed materials are safe for public environments.
At HP, sustainability is a core pillar of our value proposition, alongside security and performance. Every interaction with enterprise customers includes a discussion on these aspects.
As awareness continues to grow, we expect sustainability to become an even more important differentiator in the market.
NMD: What keeps you focused in your role?
XR: My primary focus is on identifying growth opportunities and ensuring that we are aligned with customer needs. This involves spending time in key markets, engaging directly with customers and partners, and understanding their specific challenges and requirements. India is a good example of this approach, given its scale and diversity.
By staying close to the market, we can ensure that our strategy is grounded in reality and that we are able to support our customers effectively as they grow.