Despite the pandemic & subsequent supply chain earthquake in many industries, research indicates that the digital printing market is successfully weathering the storm, with an Allied Market Research report predicting growth in excess of 200% by 2027. Three key factors are playing their part in securing the textile print industry’s future:
1. On-Demand Business Models
Firstly, Internet based on-demand business models facilitate a rapid response to need, with print delivered on-time, whenever and wherever it is required. High-quality products can be produced without the need for large inventories, while rapid shipping networks enable timely delivery. A number of new business opportunities have taken advantage of this over the past 5 Years, such as personalised greeting cards.
2. The Sustainability Agenda
Secondly, the growing importance of the sustainability agenda, and consumers’ awareness of it, is changing the way that businesses operate when commissioning print products. Digital printing fits the bill, consuming less water and energy compared to other methods, such as screen printing, and a much smaller carbon footprint. It also eliminates many of the tasks that, in analogue production, tend to drain time and energy. For example, digital printing eliminates the need to methodically create Printing plates or screens, which need large floor spaces on which to be stored, while the accurate mixing of high volumes of flexo printing inks and the subsequent washing of rotary screens is no longer necessary – activities that, previously, were demanding on time and energy.
3. Efficient And Cost-Effective Practice
Finally, for low volumes on-demand digital printing is incredibly efficient and cost-effective, optimising workflows, reducing inefficient and expensive practices, and increasing profit margins, while still producing high-quality printed products.
The Implications For The Labels & Packaging Industry
What are the implications for the labels & Packaging industry of moving to on-demand digital printing?
Power To The Consumer: With on-demand printing, the balance of power is shifting back to the consumer as analogue production methods are phased out or hybridised with digital technologies. Freed from the constraints of mass production required by traditional flexo printing, the design community is empowered to order short turnaround, low volume runs, and the consumer can play a more active role too, so it’s vital that each sector reconsiders its methods in order to meet its clients’ needs & stay afloat.
Sustainability: As print technologies continue to advance, the opportunities for the industry are unlimited. However, the print & manufacturing industry must play catch-up, as many of the methods used in printing are the same as they were a century ago. The question of sustainability isn’t just one for printers but also product manufacturers & retailers, as vast quantities of carbon emissions are produced in over production.
Increased Visibility: Demand for visibility and traceability is higher than ever, from the farks to the shop floor, and on-demand printing will facilitate supply chain transparency. Analogue printing involves multiple machines and many processes, making on-demand services difficult, whereas digital printing removes much of the equipment and creates a simpler, more responsive solution.
With many of the layers of production eliminated, focus can be given to creating high-quality products that are not only printed well, but also offer performance and durability. Partnership with businesses offering complete supply chain traceability will make available the tools required to view a product at every step of its production lifecycle.
Are You Ready For The On-Demand Printing Revolution?
Ultimately, manufacturers will need to adapt and harness the latest on-demand print technology to deliver the high-quality goods that consumers demand. Digital printing will greatly simplify the process, being able to consider the contrasting ways that different fabrics react without extensive and costly equipment and processes.
If you would like to find out more about the digital printing presses from Focus Label, why not request a free, no-obligation demonstration or get in touch!
Image source: Canva
