During my more than 25 years covering the ink industry, I have seen many changes in printing. Back in 1998, when I started at Ink World, inkjet printing was more theory than reality. By 2004, we were starting to see inkjet in direct mail and other early applications. Now, digital printing is mainstream in some markets, for example labels, ceramic tiles and billboards, and moving into other segments at varying speeds.

Briefly, digital printing for packaging began as a complementary technology, being used to add codes or expiration dates on the package. As inkjet technology improved and became more cost-effective, it started making inroads in specific segments. The label and narrow web market is an excellent example, as most of the equipment attendees see at shows is digital, with HP, Durst, Domino Printing and Xeikon among the leaders in the field. 

We are also seeing a lot of growth in the corrugated segment, as key press manufacturers such as FUJIFILM, HP and EFI develop new digital presses for the market. Direct-to-object printing, for cans, bottles and other packages, is another growth area where INX, Epson, Roland DGA and other industry
leaders shine.

In my feature, “Digital Printing is Making Inroads in Packaging,” which starts on page 12, digital packaging ink leaders offer their insights into where the packaging market is heading. Perhaps most notably, there are some strong possibilities ahead, whether it is flexible packaging, metal decoration, direct printing on objects, and more. Digital printing’s strength has always been personalization and short runs, which fits perfectly in localized campaigns and just-in-time inventory practices.

As the digital packaging printing market expands into new segments, ink manufacturers are ready for these possibilities, and it will be interesting to see what the future will hold for packaging in the coming years.

David Savastano
Ink World Editor
dsavastano@rodmanmedia.com