In the ever changing and evolving
technological advancements in label printing and application processes, change
remains constant, leaving very little space to remain complacent. One needs to
remain abreast of evolution and stay updated and adopt new developments in
whatever way possible. Staying stuck to technologies that are undergoing change,
longer than necessary with chance of becoming obsolete, may bring in a feeling of uncertainty and
negativity. It does not mean one should immediately forget everything and start
changing, but it would be worthwhile to stay abreast and consider accepting
indulgence in evolution. In the early 1970s, the author was in process of
setting up a factory in the suburbs of Delhi to increase the production of
their popular fountain pen inks. Friends in those days cautioned that ball pens
are a disruption coming in, however countering that, it was felt fountain pens
are here to stay. But what happened is history now, fountain pens are just a
show of affluence for some, ball pens rule in mass usage, the fountain pen ink
business became negligent and miniscule. Printing technologies in India to
produce self-adhesive labels or stickers also transformed from the earliest
screen printing manually in sheet form to roll form by letter press, flexo to
digital and hybrid. The industry is in that transitional mode of contemplating
whether digital will takeover and disrupt. The general opinion in this phase is
that both digital and analogue will co-exist as of now. Even digital printing
technologies are evolving in multiple tangents. Labelexpo Europe 2025 at
Barcelona is around the corner, and it will be good indicator of how the
digital label printing and converting is evolving. The author interacted with
leading digital label printing equipment providers to understand their
presentations at this important show.
At the very outset it is important to understand that while the narrow
web label printing has evolved to wider width, it has in its advancement
entered the flexible packaging and carton converting arena as well. In the
foray into futuristic converting, the digital finishing, embellishment and
converting are also undergoing the digital path to evolution. Label printers while
considering investments, are not anymore investing into digital presses,
limiting themselves to only manufacturing labels, but also considering increasing
their capabilities to produce shrink sleeves, pouches, diverse forms of
flexible packaging and folding cartons.
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Domino will be at booth
3E91 displaying their latest digital label printing solutions. Ajay Raorane Vice
president Domino Printech India LLP says,” With the rise of e-commerce
and the government’s push to support startups, we expect Increased demand for
quick, high-quality label printing. While India still has a large installed
base of conventional printing, the percentage growth of digital appears higher
due to a smaller installed base. We feel the trend will grow as more
installations happen.” Ajay further expressed that with digital also expanding
into flexible packaging, it is a very exciting time for the entire packaging
industry. He firmly believes that this is a time of transformation. They will
exhibit; The Domino N730i, a high-performance 1200 DPI press using their
own Brother Bitstar printhead, capable of printing at speeds up to 90 meters
per minute. The Domino N610i, monochrome printers, the Domino K600i
and the Domino K300, which can print at impressive speeds of up to
150 and 250 meters per minute, respectively. According to Ajay, Digital
printing has come a long way. What started as a solution for short runs is now
being used for medium and even long runs, where the added value of digital,
like variable data printing and image-level personalization, brings real
benefits to brand owners. The presses
are getting faster, more reliable, and offer greater profitability for
converters. Digital printing can also support sustainability goals by reducing
waste, lowering excess inventory, and minimizing obsolescence due to regulatory
or consumer changes. This is a time of transformation.
Xeikon will be present in
Hall 3 at Labelexpo displaying their Xeikon Titon TX500 20” wide dry toner press, Xeikon PX3300 HD 1200dpi UV
Inkjet press, Xeikon LX3000 330mm wide dry toner press. It is a similar
range that they displayed at the last Drupa. Vikram Saxena Sales General manager
at Xeikon says, “In my opinion buyers for high end digital printing solutions
are less, as compared to Europe or North America. Most Indian Label convertors
seek low or mid budget digital printing solutions. Lower running cost plays
important role for Indian buyers instead of top quality or sustainable
solutions.” He further stated that the Indian label printing market will grow
by 13.29% CAGR upto 2030 according to Mordor intelligence report and will reach
$4.59 billion by 2030. He stressed the
need for awareness regarding sustainability; Indian Label convertors often
ignore this point.
Durst Group exhibiting at
Labelexpo Europe 2025 Booth E79, Hall 3 showcasing its next-generation digital
printing platforms, including both hybrid systems and roll-to-roll
configurations. As per the Labelexpo Europe 2025 website, Durst is keeping the
details of its new press G3 launch under wraps until the show, describing it as
a ‘compact, scalable’ 8-color LED-UV press. Hybrid presses can make use of an
almost unlimited combination of digital and conventional print, decoration, and
converting units. An example at the Durst stand will be the 9-color 420mm-wide
Durst KJET, incorporating the company’s LED-UV inkjet print engine, four flexo
units, two multi-purpose lamination units, turn-bar and semi-rotary die-cut. Durst
Indian agent Venkatesh Selvaraj mentions, “The technologies being unveiled are
both new and forward-looking, developed to meet the future demands of label
converters and the full details will be revealed exclusively at Labelexpo.”
Monotech Systems Ltd. will
be exhibiting at Booth E50 in Hall 5. Showcasing running live, their advanced
Track and trace solution – Tracesci® Loop a compact tabletop system for
variable data printing, code connected packaging, brand protection and consumer
engagement. In addition, they will display high-quality printed application
samples from their digital inkjet label press JETSCI® KolorSmart+ and the
dSpark digital embellishing and finishing system. T P Jain Managing Director
Monotech says, “Digital label printing in India is witnessing steady and
accelerated growth with increasing demand for shorter runs, personalization,
faster turnaround times, and high-quality output driving adoption across
multiple industries. While conventional printing will continue to dominate in
terms of overall volume, digital will outpace conventional in percentage
growth. Digital label printing is no longer just about speed and quality it’s
evolving into a platform for intelligence, security, and brand engagement.”
Arrow Digital will be exhibiting at stand 4A10. Showcasing Arrowjet water-based digital pigment ink label printer with in-line primer coater. It is a futuristic sustainable solution which printers are looking for. This press available in 330mm and 700mm can print at a speed up to 150 meters per minute.
While digital is now growing and
if we talk of percentage of growth, it looks robust because at the smaller base
number of about 70 to 80 presses from established brands a 15% growth rate
translates into just 10 to 12 presses in a year. However, it is interesting to
note that in a large customer base, not just the bare population of the country
but the printing companies that are operational in the packaging space, digital
once the adoption starts will grow fast. Already the widths have grown wider,
and the speeds have gone up to 120 meters per minute. The economies of scale may
eventually trigger the downward trend in cost of consumables. The preference of
going beyond the CMYK regime using Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing to reproduce a greater percentage of Pantone spot
colors, increases possibilities of catering to a wider range of package
printing needs. While it is a fact the digital is just a fraction of the
conventional or analogue printing but now that digital is finding acceptance,
it will remain an industry to watch.
