Packaging Sector

Digital printing in the packaging industry has fundamentally changed production logic because it requires no plates or dies. While offset and flexo systems need a separate plate for every job, digital printing transfers the design directly onto the material. This difference makes even a single sample economically viable.

Preferred in the production of cartons, labels, ready-made cups, egg trays and custom packaging, single pass systems use an architecture in which the printheads remain fixed and the material flows beneath them in one pass. Because the head does not travel back and forth, production speed is many times higher than on conventional scanning machines.

Advantages of digital printing in packaging production

Cost advantage in short runs

With no plate cost, the unit cost gap between a 100-piece job and a 10,000-piece job narrows significantly. This makes packaging accessible for seasonal products, regional campaigns and boutique brands.

Personalisation and variable data

Every print can differ from the last. Serial numbers, QR codes, region-specific artwork or named packaging can be produced within a single job. With conventional methods each variation would mean a separate plate.

Rapid prototyping

Taking a sample on the real material before design approval is possible within hours in digital printing. This shortens product development and removes post-print surprises.

Which machine suits which job

Machine selection in packaging is determined by the geometry of the product to be printed. Flatbed UV printing machines suit flat carton sheets, while roll to roll systems suit roll labels and flexible packaging. Ready formed items such as cups and trays require single pass machines configured for that specific product.

To compare the technologies in detail, see our digital printing machines guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Printing in the Packaging Industry

1. Can digital printing be used for food packaging?

It can, provided the ink stays on a surface that does not contact food directly, or a certified food-compliant ink is used. Consult our technical team for the correct ink choice for your application.

2. Is digital printing really more economical in short runs?

Yes. With no plate or setup cost, the unit cost at low quantities is significantly lower than offset. As volumes rise offset becomes advantageous; the break-even point varies by job type.

3. What is the difference between single pass and scanning machines?

In single pass systems the printheads are fixed and the material flows in one pass, giving very high speed but the machine is configured for a specific product. Scanning machines are more flexible and handle varied jobs, but are slower.

4. How durable is the print?

Because UV ink cures at the moment of printing it bonds strongly to the surface and resists abrasion and moisture. Varnish or lamination can be applied where extra protection is required.