DUBLIN, Ireland (RTT News) -- Computer hardware maker HP Inc. announced this week that it has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Smurfit Kappa Group to further develop the recently announced digital corrugated post-print solution, the HP PageWide C500 Press.

Smurfit Kappa is a provider of paper-based packaging solutions with over 100 converting plants in Europe.

Smurfit Kappa will collaborate with HP to revolutionize the way high-value boxes are produced. With the HP PageWide C500 Press, Smurfit Kappa will be able to print direct-to-board with quality to substitute lithography, and deliver faster turnarounds with just-in-time production.

HP is planning to start testing the HP PageWide C500 Press at customer sites in 2017, and the press is expected to be commercially available in 2018.