In the past, digital printing was often a slow, arduous process that could not deliver the kind of quality exacting brands required. However, quality, color consistency, and speed have all made a considerable jump, to the point where some converters only tout digital printing. As quality has improved significantly, the process still offers benefits not found in flexo such as customization and ultra-fast turnaround times.
According to the Smithers Pira report, “The Future of Digital Printing to 2032,” by 2032, digital print will account for almost a quarter of the global value of all print and printed packaging, worth $230.5 billion. This is a significant increase from an estimated $136.7 billion in 2022, and the result of a CAGR of 5.7% to 2027 and then 5% from 2027 to 2032.
Converters have been tasked with navigating the pandemic and numerous supply chain obstacles, and digital printing has emerged as a vital tool – not just a luxury.
“Digital printing has undergone significant advancements in print quality, with higher resolutions, improved color accuracy, and enhanced capabilities,” states Matt Bennett, label zone business director, Bobst. “This has made it a viable choice for producing high-quality labels meeting industry standards. Over the past few years, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, digital printing has excelled in the market. More brands and retailers have come to recognize the importance of agility and rapid responsiveness in addressing current changing demand trends. Printers are dealing with cost pressures, tight deadlines, and, most notably, a shortage of skilled labor to handle the growing number of shorter prints runs each day.”
“The combination of increasing market demand for personalization, sustainability, and supply chain agility, alongside higher productivity with a digital print factory, has driven the growth of digital,” states Eli Mahal, head of marketing, labels and packaging, HP. “With a streamlined workflow, printing and converting is transforming digital print from a niche solution that enables high-value jobs into mainstream production that every label converter should own.”
Demand has always existed for customization and personalization. However, these are now possible with the latest digital printing assets on the market today. The digital print market has also been supported by a growing number of hybrid solutions, which utilize the best of both worlds – digital and analog. Finishing remains a key consideration for the digital label converter, too.