Rippl & Onpack deliver custom water cans with digital printing

Onpack has partnered with Melbourne-based water solutions provider Rippl to facilitate the growth of Rippl's custom-branded mineral water business through the use of advanced digital direct-to-can printing technology.

Rippl, founded in 2023, supplies custom-branded aluminium mineral water cans to businesses across Australia, offering both still and sparkling options alongside bottled solutions and water filtration products.

The company's approach enables Australian businesses to promote their image by providing sustainable and health-conscious hydration options without needing to commit to high minimum order quantities.

Bade Hilton, Chief Executive Officer of Rippl, described the value proposition for businesses and the need for a production partner capable of supporting the company's requirements. "Rippl offers high-quality, digitally printed slimline aluminium cans filled with high-alkaline, mineral-rich water in both sparkling and still. It's a product people actually want to drink and share. From day one, we set out to disrupt the water industry by offering the most cost-effective way to put your brand directly into your customers' hands, while also being healthy and sustainable," said Hilton.

"Every can needed to be completely tailored to the customer, which is what makes it such a powerful brand tool. That meant we needed a partner who could move quickly without compromising quality. Onpack made that possible."

Rippl's collaboration with Onpack centres on the use of Hinterkopf digital printing machinery - technology supplied and supported by Jet Technologies. This solution enables graphics and branding to be printed directly onto the aluminium cans, eliminating the traditional need for labels or sleeves. Colourful, high-resolution artwork can now be printed straight onto cans, accommodating short-run, seasonal, or campaign-based branding with reduced material usage and energy requirements.

To date, Rippl has produced over 716 unique can designs and supplied more than 300,000 units to clients nationwide. The efficiency of Onpack's digital process is core to this achievement.

Michael Nankervis, Managing Director at Onpack, emphasised the agility and benefits of the printing system. "Rippl's business model demands agility, precision and speed. Because our process is entirely digital, we can transform a blank can into a fully branded product within 48 hours. Our solution requires no tooling, no plate costs and delivers no waste. From design to filling, we can help brands move from concept to shelf in as little as two weeks, something traditional printing methods just can't match," he explained.

Rippl manages production using a four-week cycle in which customer orders are aggregated. Upon completion of each cycle, Onpack prints up to 30,000 cans across 40 to 70 individual designs within a 48-hour window. The cans are then filled in Melbourne two days later and shipped to customers across Australia. This system enables the company to manage variable order volumes while maintaining efficiency and product quality.

One of the distinguishing aspects of Onpack's service is the reduction in waste and energy use compared to more conventional packaging approaches. Digital printing eliminates the requirement for labels or sleeves and enables sharp, full-colour results with no fixed setup costs. Onpack is reported to be one of only two providers in Australia able to offer this capability at present.

Hilton noted the importance of branding and sustainability to clients who choose the custom-branded cans. "We set out to create a product that businesses would be proud to put their name on. Something premium, sustainable, and truly distinctive. That vision demanded more than just great mineral water, it required packaging that could carry a brand. Onpack's technology has allowed us to deliver completely custom cans at speed and scale, without compromising on quality or environmental values," he said.

The custom can solution is being used by a diverse set of customers, including corporate offices and event organisers. Cans are available in both matte and gloss finishes, with minimum order quantities starting at 240 units and lead times ranging between two and five weeks.