David Savastano, Editor07.26.23
It is interesting to watch how digital printing continues to grow in key markets. At first, digital is a complementary technology, in that it is used in conjunction with conventional printing processes, in order to add elements of personalization such as the customer’s name. The next step is short run printing, where digital initially thrives. As digital printers become more efficient, longer runs become more cost effective.
We are seeing this model now unfold in the packaging space. Digital printing is well suited for adding coding and expiration dates to packaging, which was its first mainstream application. Next, we saw inkjet printing being used for short runs, such as special promotions, regional products or holiday gifts.
Now, digital printing continues to grow in usage in packaging. The label and narrow web segment has been the most successful example, as I have heard estimates of at least 20% of the label market is produced digitally. One can see how the leading conventional press manufacturers, including Mark Andy and Gallus, have developed their own digital presses to compete with inkjet leaders such as HP Indigo. It is easy to imagine that digital will eventually hold the majority share.
Digital printing is making headway in other packaging segments as well. HP, EFI and FUJIFILM are among the global companies that have developed corrugated printers and inks, and Epson is active in the flexible packaging market along with HP.
In speaking with digital ink specialists for “The Digital Packaging Market is Continuing to Grow,” which starts on page 13, these executives report that digital printing is indeed becoming more cost efficient, with packaging run lengths increasing all the time. It is virtually certain that inkjet will continue to expand in the packaging market in the coming years.
We are seeing this model now unfold in the packaging space. Digital printing is well suited for adding coding and expiration dates to packaging, which was its first mainstream application. Next, we saw inkjet printing being used for short runs, such as special promotions, regional products or holiday gifts.
Now, digital printing continues to grow in usage in packaging. The label and narrow web segment has been the most successful example, as I have heard estimates of at least 20% of the label market is produced digitally. One can see how the leading conventional press manufacturers, including Mark Andy and Gallus, have developed their own digital presses to compete with inkjet leaders such as HP Indigo. It is easy to imagine that digital will eventually hold the majority share.
Digital printing is making headway in other packaging segments as well. HP, EFI and FUJIFILM are among the global companies that have developed corrugated printers and inks, and Epson is active in the flexible packaging market along with HP.
In speaking with digital ink specialists for “The Digital Packaging Market is Continuing to Grow,” which starts on page 13, these executives report that digital printing is indeed becoming more cost efficient, with packaging run lengths increasing all the time. It is virtually certain that inkjet will continue to expand in the packaging market in the coming years.