Few industries are unaffected by technological change, and the label manufacturing industry is no exception. A recent upswing in digital printing is changing the landscape of label manufacturing, with the expected market value of digital label printing to be nearly $12.2 billion by 2016. That is a compound annual growth rate of 20.6% between 2011-16. With this incredible market growth brings new label manufacturers in the digital marketing industry. Between 2001 and 2008, nearly 1,200 new narrow-web digital, print-on-demand color presses have been installed worldwide for the production of self-adhesive labels alone. However, as with any new technology there are complications, and the cost and time spent on making the switch to digital label manufacturing has left many manufacturers hesitant to take the next step.
There are many benefits to making the switch to digital label printing. First, digital printing helps manufacturers save on their supply chain costs while helping them meet lean manufacturing objectives. By switching to digital printing, manufacturers can decrease their inventory, which in turn, reduces their costs and maximizes profit. As this industry continues to grow, maximizing production value and decreasing costs will play a vital role inthe survival and success of label manufacturers. Another key benefit of digital label printing is its ability to offer customized packaging products. This plays a vital role in the changing landscape of product packaging as companies are looking to create unique labels for seasonal products, as well as target specific markets and languages. Customized packaging is becoming a common practice for brand managers to attract new customers, making the demand for customized label printing even greater.
However, there are some disadvantages of digital label manufacturing, as well. Digital label manufacturing is more geared towards short runs which, though ideal for customized packaging, is not as efficient for long runs of high volume, an advantage analog processes have. This has left many label manufactures hesitant to make the switch to digital printing, especially when the cost of equipment and challenges with rearranging their format and productivity are factored into the equation. One solution to this issue is hybrid technologies. By taking the advantages of both digital and analog printing technologies, label manufacturers are able to obtain faster results without sacrificing large volume workload requirements.
If you are planning on taking the leap into the digital printing age, Coast Controls’ All-Air web guides can help improve your new workflow process due to their precise edge-reading capability and reduced maintenance costs. The air web guide system is also ideal for the ever changing label manufacturing industry, as they can be customized to work in your unique production process. Whether you are planning on going full digital, incorporating both technologies with hybrid, or are looking to update your analog press, Coast Controls’ air web guides can fit into your new system seamlessly. No matter which direction the label manufacturing industry goes, Coast Controls’ All-Air web guides can adapt and help your label manufacturing business usher in a new era.
About the Author:
Thomas Marks, of Coast Controls Inc. in Sarasota, Florida, is a veteran of the converting industry. Mr. Marks began his career with Coast Controls in 2000 and worked his way through the ranks to his current position as president and owner. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, he also enjoys hunting, fishing, photography, and motorcycles in his spare time.