The printing industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, and the future of digital print promises even more innovative developments. As technology continues to advance, digital printing machines are at the forefront of an evolving industry that promises better results for more cost-efficient prices in future.
So, what are the key trends that will revolutionise the printing landscape in years to come?
Advanced print technologies
The future of digital print is marked by the continual development of more advanced printing technologies, with high-speed inkjet printing and improved toner-based systems leading the way. As well as offering faster printing speeds, advanced technologies deliver enhanced print quality, making them ideal for a multitude of applications, from marketing materials to labels and packaging.
Personalisation and customisation
Digital print is well-known for its ability to deliver personalised or customised content, without the restrictions of printing plates or long-runs. Variable data printing and digital workflows are enabling businesses to integrate customer-specific information into their printed materials, for example, to tailor marketing materials, direct mail campaigns, and specialised product packaging & labelling for a desired audience. Customisation enables businesses to test campaigns before committing to large-scale production, optimising their marketing efforts and reducing losses.
On-demand publishing
Digital solutions have made on-demand printing a realistic alternative to maintaining large inventories of stock and has helped businesses to optimise their budgets instead of having to pay for long print-runs in advance. For example, on-demand printing is popular in the world of bookselling, where printers can run off a single copy of a novel at a low price as soon as it is ordered by a customer. Even product labels can be personalised for a unique distributer or region. On-demand printing also supports more efficient distribution models, ensuring that businesses can produce only what they need when they need it, putting an end to excess inventory that consumes money and space.
Production on different sites
Digital solutions are making it possible for companies to produce the same campaigns in local markets or even different countries, without needed centralised printing. Not only does this allow for enhanced customisation based on regional preferences or regulations, but also significantly reduces transportation costs. Also, it contributes to a lower carbon footprint, ensuring that digital printing is sustainable.
Integration with digital technologies
As the future unfolds, the integration of digital and analogue print elements will create new opportunities for innovative marketing campaigns and brand experiences. The ability to seamlessly blend online and offline marketing efforts exposes many possibilities: for instance, offline finishing techniques combined with digital print technology create unique and eye-catching print materials. Additionally, the increasing acceptance of hybrid print and finishing equipment allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the printing process.
Find out more about the future of digital & Hybrid printing
For more information about how digital printing can be used to produce labels and packaging, please download our free guide or call our helpful team on 01949 836223.