5 Key Takeaways from Labelexpo
1. Digital Finishing to the Forefront
Digital printing has been a major topic in recent years, but Labelexpo Americas featured more digital finishing, converting and embellishing capabilities than in previous editions. As digital printing has become highly regarded for its ability to print short, variable runs of packaging, one of the top challenges in maintaining these production advantages has been finding the right finishing process tailored to these runs. Digital finishing, converting and embellishment systems will help solve this problem.
2. All About Automation
From flexo presses to color control and changeovers, automation is impacting the label industry at just about every level. Labelexpo Americas 2018 demonstrated some of the latest advancements in flexography that have made presses more user-friendly, faster, and able to make the changeover process more intuitive.
3. A Digital Solution for Everyone
The variety of digital press solutions on display at Labelexpo Americas demonstrated that the right press is out there for any company’s specific needs. From affordable, entry-level digital presses to high-tech hybrids, digital printing has become an accessible technology for everyone.
4. Hybrid’s Continued Emergence
Hybrid label presses that incorporated digital and conventional capabilities were a major topic at Labelexpo Americas 2016. Two years later and these solutions continue to evolve, providing the best of both worlds to label printers. With each system offering its own unique features and configurability, label printers seeking to enter the hybrid printing world have plenty of options to choose from.
5. More than Just Labels
As convergence continues to impact the printing industry, package printers have sought ways to expand their product offerings. This was evident at Labelexpo Americas with in-line flexo presses able to print flexible packaging and even a digital press designed for folding cartons and light-weight corrugated.
Cory Francer is an Analyst with NAPCO Research, where he leads the team’s coverage of the dynamic and growing packaging market. Cory also is the former editor-in-chief of Packaging Impressions and is still an active contributor to its print magazines, blogs, and events. With a decade of experience as a professional journalist and editor, Cory brings an eye for storytelling to his packaging research, providing compelling insight into the industry's most pressing business issues. He is an active participant in many of the industry's associations and has played an essential role in the development of the annual Digital Packaging Summit. Cory can be reached at cfrancer@napco.com
