Bottom Line Coexistence: Combining Flexo and Digital for Value, Profitability

Run volume reflects trends

Smith's and Heinl's experiences reflect broad industry trends where run volume, in terms of number of jobs, is growing 3 to 4 percent annually and order frequency is increasing. But that frequency usually translates into shorter run lengths. Many jobs that were once 100,000-foot runs (or longer) have shrunk to 10,000 feet or less, and now may be printed multiple times during a year. Driving this is the growing number of SKUs in virtually every product category, test marketing activities, the need to update ingredient listings, consumer warnings and nutritional information, along with brand owners' desire to reduce the waste associated with outdated labels that are often thrown away.