As we wrap up what has been a tumultuous year, we’re also looking ahead to what the future might bring. Digital printing has played a pivotal role during 2020, and that trend should only increase going forward into 2021 and beyond. This printing method, which continues to see increased adoption, has emerged as quite a useful tool for many converters during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they have been faced with overnight demands for essential goods. Our final issue of 2020 takes a deep dive into the world of digital printing, highlighting the various platforms – from inkjet and hybrids to retrofits and finishing.

As Domino’s Bill Myers says, “With the onset of COVID-19, the need for quick turnaround, just-in-time deliveries – and being able to provide them on-demand – falls right in line with the value of digital printing. Digital printing allows label manufacturers to produce jobs quicker and more efficiently.”

This entire issue will highlight digital printing, too. Take, for example, this month’s Narrow Web Profile on Quality Tape & Label (QTL) (page 46). At QTL, Rob Daniels and his team have immersed themselves in digital printing, to the point where this burgeoning technology now makes up 96% of their business. What the company considered a steady flow of business in 2007 has exploded since then – with the help of HP – to the point where QTL is now generating north of $10 million annually. Digital has helped QTL explore growing segments like flexible packaging and shrink sleeves while still meeting demand for its pressure sensitive label business.

Major brands are enjoying the benefits of digital printing, as well. This month’s Packaging Spotlight (page 44) details a partnership between Cadbury and Liverpool FC, the UK soccer/football team. HP is assisting Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury, in producing more than 60,000 personalized chocolate bars. HP, of course, has been front and center in digitally-printed promotions, namely the now-iconic Share A Coke campaign. In fact, this global endeavor featured the printing prowess of QTL.

While this issue of L&NW tackles digital printing, flexo printers should not fret. Not only is flexo still the dominant form of label printing today, it remains the ideal process for long-run jobs. The two technologies are more complementary than anyone might have imagined. The quest for enhanced quality and greater efficiency weaves through digital and flexo.

The benefits of digital printing have been on full display over the course of the pandemic. During the initial surge, converters were required to move more product out the door, and in some cases more than ever before. The requests for 1,500 hand sanitizer labels are best suited for digital printers and presses, which frees up space for the big jobs to be run flexographically. And on page 54, we explore a partnership between International Label & Printing and Marathon Labels, in which a digital press enabled an urgent overnight order to meet the customer’s just-in-time requirement.

The examples of digital printing successes are many, and it will be fascinating to see how the technology evolves amidst the global challenges sure to continue over the next year.


Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]