From a single ambitious dream in 2018 to becoming a North American leader in digital can printing, the journey of Hart Print has been anything but ordinary. With The Hart Print Story, we’re pulling back the curtain on the "Hartmosphere" to show you the humans, the hustle, and the high-tech innovation that make every can possible.

The Origins of Hart Print:
From Montreal MBA Students to Industry Pioneers

Hart Print didn’t start in a boardroom. It began with three Concordia University MBA students chasing the idea of the “perfect can”. Infinitely recyclable, no order minimums, and an explosion of color. When co-founders Stephanie Hart, JP Paradis, and Alex Anishin set out in 2018, they weren’t just launching a product. They were designing a solution for brands of every size.

Those early days in Montreal were bare bones, but the vision was clear. Before the first printer even arrived in October 2019, JP and Alex were already out in the world, doing the groundwork the right way. Visiting breweries, festivals, and customers face-to-face, gathering real insight and proving there was a market for digital cans. Not guessing. Testing.

When that first printer, Jolene, finally landed, it became a two-man operation built on intention and problem-solving. JP and Alex ran back-to-back shifts, pushing through midnight and showing up again at 5:00 AM, handling everything from machine operation to invoicing to customer relationships. Not just grinding, but constantly figuring out how to do it better.

That mindset is still one of our core values today. Because design isn’t just how something looks, it’s how it works. It’s thoughtful decisions, made on purpose. It’s goals in mind, solutions forward, and a constant drive to improve what exists.

Strategic Expansion:
Partnering with Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP)

“That relentless drive to improve wasn't just about the technology; it was about the scale of our impact. We quickly realized that to truly revolutionize the industry, we needed to bring our "Hartmosphere" directly to the doorstep of the brands we were inspired by. Moving from a two-person operation to a multi-site network meant taking that original Montreal spark and scaling it into a strategic partnership that could support bold ideas across the entire continent.” 

— Stephanie Hart

Hart Print knew from the start that a single location in Montreal wouldn't be enough to fulfill their mission of challenging the status quo in beverage packaging. Montreal is where they found their first "fans"; local brands who saw them as the solution to their most frustrating packaging hurdles. Their support gave them the proof of concept they needed to dream bigger. They realized that to truly support their customers across North America, they had to be close to them, which eventually led to their pivotal partnership with AMP (Ardagh Metal Packaging).

With AMP's support, they gained the momentum to take their "Can-Do" attitude across the border. This expansion wasn't just about logistics; they saw a massive need in the U.S. beverage industry and wanted to be closer to the brands and communities they serve. By finding synergies with their parent company in Chicago, they successfully expanded their footprint to Carol Stream, IL, and built a facility from the ground up in Elkton, MD.

The future of Hart Print:
Innovation, Customization, and Growth

In a recent sit-down, we explored what lies ahead for Hart Print. From technological advancements to a thriving company culture, the future looks bright. It isn’t just about getting bigger; it’s about getting better. Here’s how we’re poised to make a massive impact across four key pillars.

Elevating the Can: The core of Hart Print’s business is the evolution of the beverage can. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and refining printing techniques, the company is set to deliver even higher surface quality. As we like to say: "There’s a lot coming very soon on that, that we can’t wait to share with the world."

Mass Customization & Hybrid Printing: We are leaning into the demand for personalized products by exploring mass customization and a unique hybrid print model slated for the future. This is a "down the road" innovation for Hart Print, but one we are already excited to champion. It will allow large-scale players to take an offset printed can and layer on digital elements; a perfect bridge for major brands looking to enter the digital space without losing their established footprint.

Strategic Expansion: With a "growth spurt" on the horizon, Hart Print is eyeing several new locations. While the specific details are still under wraps, we are preparing for a significant increase in our global footprint, ensuring our "Can-Do" attitude reaches even more partners.

People and Culture: Beyond the tech, Hart Print’s strength lies in its people.

• Strong Culture: Investing in a collaborative environment has built a solid foundation.
• Optimized Processes: Continuous improvement ensures the consistent "Hart Print quality" customers expect.
• Team Connection: A focus on building amazing things together remains our top priority.

The "menu" for the future is packed with innovation. Whether it’s through digital printing breakthroughs or expanding into new markets, Hart Print is just getting started!