Label converters have continued to adopt digital print technology in order to spur growth. SKU proliferation, faster turnaround times, quality demands, sustainable attributes and a host of other factors have driven the growth of digital label printing. According to Paul Edwards, vice president, Digital division, INX International Ink Co., this trend will continue in both the short and long term.

Digital printing now allows for a level of quality that was not available at one time. The ability to deliver high-quality labels in a range of applications has served as a boon for the industry.

“Many of the recent developments in digital printing technology related to labels and narrow web are focused upon adding value to the final product,” notes Edwards. “Digital technology has developed such that high speeds and great print quality are achievable, so much of the focus has been on how to add value to the printed product. The ability to add embellishments to create a higher value final product has been enhanced, and digital print being in a hybrid printing line allows for most embellishments to be achieved with a mix of digital and analog technology.”

In order to make the right investment, converters seeking digital solutions should know what to look for. The technology has evolved significantly in recent years, making education key.

Focusing on printheads

Some of the main improvements involve printheads. “There have been some ink technology developments to address the use of faster and higher definition printheads that are driving a few of the newer fast digital devices,” explains Edwards. “In many cases this has required developing lower viscosity inks, which can still achieve the application requirements such as high-speed printing, low odor, adhesion, and good scratch resistance.

“The use of clear varnishes to create a variety of features has been enhanced by the developments in printhead technology, which allows for high viscosity and laydown options for the creation of more impactful effects,” adds Edwards. “Digital foil embellishments are an example of just one of the advancements.”

From a migration perspective, INX has also created an LED low migration platform with ink technology to allow low migration performance on the latest LED curing printers.

Promoting sustainability

With brands and consumers alike demanding sustainability from their products, digital printing also presents a substantial advantage. Without the make-ready time associated with flexographic printing, converters can lean into the environmental friendliness of their products.

“The use of digital printing initially provides sustainability improvements from a basic efficiency perspective, reducing waste materials and the energy required to produce those waste materials,” states Edwards. “However, it is just the start of the impact.”

Curing is pivotal in digital printing, as well. Low heat LED curing allows for both a reduction in energy and the ability to use thinner substrates with lower heat tolerances.

“Water-based inks are being developed to reduce VOCs, as well as chemical waste,” says Edwards. “New substrates are being created that are bio-degradable and have a higher renewable content. Inks and coatings are being created to improve the recyclability of final products.”

Smart labeling can assist with quality and sustainability, too, as product tracking is more readily available. “RFID and QR integration enables traceability, supply chain transparency, and consumer engagement without extra packaging,” says Edwards. “Finally, Variable Data Printing (VDP) allows for unique barcodes, batch info or sustainability certifications on each label, thereby reducing the need for multiple designs.”

A bright future

Continued trends will push the adoption of digital printing in the future, says Edwards. “I believe there will be a continued focus on two areas. The first is in terms of differentiation, where there is an ability to provide embellishments to enhance the product. Therefore, brand owners or customers will be provided with more options. That trend is likely to continue. It will provide converters with higher margin business.

Plus, sustainability is likely to serve as a significant subject. Importantly, digital printing will continue to foster a lower carbon footprint. Converters should consider every aspect of their supply chain, too.  

“There will be a focus coming to bear on all aspects of the circular economy,” says Edwards. “This includes product safety, renewable materials, recyclability, compost ability, and new substrate structures all being looked at for future implementation.”