Even though digital printing has become all the rage in the label and package printing industry, flexo is still king. A key contributor to the interest in digital is the newness of the technology. Most successful label converters already have proven flexo technology in their shops. They’re looking to supplement that equipment with digital. There is, of course, a place for both. In fact, converters would be best served to allocate the proper job to the ideal press.

While digital has garnered most of the headlines, the expected demise of flexo has been premature. Even with the surge in digital printing, flexo still accounts for north of 80% of label jobs. The data is there, too. A recent report from Smithers shows the global value of flexographic printing at $230.5 billion as of 2024. Looking ahead, the forecast is for flexo printing to increase at a 3.0% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through to 2029. Smithers’ new report, The Future of Flexographic Printing Markets to 2029, shows the growth will yield a total value of $267.2 billion in 2029 (based on constant 2023 pricing).

Flexo has evolved, though. This is not the same technology of 25 years ago. Conversely, modern flexo presses are categorized by automation, cloud connectivity, clean hand technology, data, and more.

“As the flexographic market continues to evolve and expand, many of the current innovations revolve around the digitalization of the production process,” explains Paul Teachout, marketing and technical content specialist, Harper Corporation of America. “Cloud-based production management tools, which include MIS and ERP data collection, are now the norm as printers and converters pursue efficiency gains. Real-time data collection on flexographic printing presses, including that of third-party integrations, are now providing intelligent platforms. This level of connectivity and data collection will support future implementations of AI predictive modeling for production management.”

With the current workforce challenges impacting the label manufacturing industry, flexo has been required to evolve. According to Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics, the fight for qualified labor will not slow down any time soon. Beaulieu anticipates labor costs rising by 28% near the end of the decade.
Meanwhile, expected deportations and changes to immigration policy will translate to a workforce diminished by 13%.

With flexo continuing to grow, many skilled operators approaching retirement age, and a shrinking workforce, converters have their work cut out for them. However, the newest technology will help. And while the return of Labelexpo Americas in 2022 featured no flexo presses, that trend was bucked in 2024. As the industry descends on Barcelona in September, attendees can only expect more interest in flexo.

Don’t miss out.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com