Graph Expo 2015 may not have displayed the most popular technologies in the label and packing industry, but it definitely highlighted what could be the next wave of trends. Digital inkjet printing, automated workflows, higher throughput and lower costs were the themes discussed in and around the show, which took place September 13-16, 2015, in Chicago, IL, USA. Several companies, including HP and EFI, held press conferences to detail their latest offerings.

According to these companies, inkjet printing is running at faster speeds and producing higher-quality graphics. HP introduced HDNA (High Definition Nozzle Architecture), a printhead technology that runs at a 33% speed increase with a resolution of 2400 nozzles per inch. Kodak explained how drop-on demand (DOD) and continuous printing have evolved significantly over the years, eliminating waste and unnecessary testing steps.

At the TLMI Technical Conference, Terry Jones, founder and former CEO of Travelocity, emphasized that “change is inevitable but growth is not.” In an “evolve or get left behind,” type of keynote presentation, Jones discussed how new technologies can become the norm, seemingly overnight.

At the Colter & Peterson booth, Sean Solomon, regional sales manager, explained how his company’s paper cutting equipment offers automated options for labels. The operator only needs to select labels and type in the dimensions, and the job takes care of itself.

The same could be true of Labelexpo Europe, which takes place from September 29 to October 2 in Brussels, Belgium. Nilpeter will be showcasing its digital offering, Panorama, while other flexo press manufacturers like Mark Andy will display the Digital Series.

Colordyne, a manufacturer of digital inkjet printing systems and inline finishing components, offers the Mini Press, a cost-effective digital solution. The press features a smaller footprint, designed for those seeking short run options at an affordable price. “What I’m hearing is things like color matching, resolution and print quality are exceptionally high,” says Bill Brumone, general manager of Commercial Presses at Memjet.

Whether or not the trends materialize, traditional flexo companies are acknowledging the technology’s benefit to the industry. At TLMI’s Tech Conference, Jones also discussed the importance of fostering a culture that seeks new trends and innovations, without the fear of failure.

“Many companies are easily accepting inkjet over the old flexo press processes,” explains Brumone. “Some of the retrofit business is a kind of hybrid where they print some flexo and some inkjet. It gives those companies all kinds of flexibility.

“We see the label business continuing to increase in digital printing for years to come,” he adds. “We don’t think it’s going to completely overtake traditional printing, but there could be a move into other packaging materials like flexible packaging–sooner rather than later.”