The worldwide switch to digital is in full flow. Even flexographic printing machines – the stalwart and reliable workhorses of the packaging industry – have been given a 21st Century makeover in the latest generation of hybrid presses. However, when moving forwards, it helps to have the information to make good investment choices. Today, we answer four of the most frequently asked questions about balancing quality and cost in digital upgrades.

Making a business investment in flexographic printing equipment is not a decision to be made overnight. In general, companies don't invest in new kit unless it is necessary, so it can sometimes be a challenge to persuade directors/shareholders to release the capital. However, the technological changes that have taken place in flexo machines over recent years make a compelling business case for not delaying your investment.

2017 has been a hectic and interesting year for the labels/Packaging and textile label printing business. Trends have developed and a lot has changed, often in surprising directions. The long heralded decline of flexographic printing has not only failed to materialise, but the opposite has in fact occurred. Wedded to digital printing technologies in a new generation of hybrid printing presses, flexographic methodologies and technologies are still going strong – offering unparalleled flexibility and productivity to enterprising businesses. Whatever else can be said of this year, whether uncertainty in the market due to Brexit, fluctuating currency prices, and pressure from Chinese manufacturers; it is the companies who have been bold enough to invest in new technological solutions that have reaped the most benefit from these changes.

Most printing businesses are keen to reduce label printing costs. A quick way to do this is to cut corners by reducing label size, Using an alternative substrate, offer cheaper alternative Inks. However, there is only so much you can do to cut costs & it doesn’t make good business sense for most companies to adopt this approach, as customers will simply go elsewhere if their needs are not met.

Many businesses who are looking to choose the right manufacturer for the textile label printing equipment they need will consult a search engine and then visit the top sites on the first page of results. But is this really enough to find the best manufacturer for you? The truth is that a website can only tell you so much about a manufacturer and their products.