Digital printing has been a game changer for the label and packaging industries, offering fast turnaround times for small to medium sized print runs. With no need for etching plates, prepress, or waste, this printing technique eliminates costly setup costs and allows the printer to deliver high-quality results quickly.
Unlike traditional offset printing, which relies on giant metal sheets to host the image, digital printing uses high-resolution, digital-based files. This digital-based method allows the printer to be highly flexible, producing custom labels and designs for a wide variety of products and packages. There are two leading digital printing technologies, inkjet and xerography, both of which are widely used in the label and packaging industry.
To achieve high-quality printed images, both the software and hardware need to be able to interpret the digital files and render them correctly on paper. This is achieved by using a color management system that supports the ISO standard. The system enables the user to create and maintain ICC profiles, which are essential for ensuring that colors displayed on the computer monitor match those produced by the digital print system. A spectrophotometer is the key tool for this process, which can be used to perform linearization and profiling of the digital printer and paper, optimizing output according to the system’s specifications.
With the increasing demand for customization, digital printing offers the ability to produce unique labels and packaging that can be personalized to each individual customer. This capability is known as variable data printing, or VDP. This type of personalization can increase response rates and boost brand awareness. VDP is becoming a popular option for marketers, who can utilize this technology to improve their customer relationships and drive revenue.
Despite its recent popularity, digital printing is still only a fraction of the total market for labels and packaging. As a result, the label industry is currently being challenged by a number of new megatrends that will significantly impact its future evolution. These include workforce retention, automation, and sustainability. These trends will make it necessary for label and packaging producers to invest in more advanced, digital equipment that is easier for younger workers to use.
During this time of disruption, industrial print providers who can adapt their capabilities to meet the evolving needs of their clients will emerge as leaders and ensure their survival for years to come. By focusing on value-added services like Brands Innovation and deploying digital infrastructure, they will be positioned to offer a wider range of marketing and communication solutions to their customers. In order to do this, they will need to adopt a more flexible business model, invest in higher margin design and production services, and embrace automation to support growth. In addition, they will need to take a holistic approach to their production processes from pixel to print, and leverage smart and simple software solutions that simplify the process. Contact the best Orlando print shop today to learn more about how digital printing can help your business succeed.