The Missing Link

Despite these advantages, and despite the yeoman work of the CIP4 organization’s JDF Packaging and Labels Workgroup to refine JDF specifications for packaging applications, package printers have been slow to implement JDF-enhanced design, preproduction, and production workflows. The reasons why this may be are among the findings of a 2007’s “Trends and Innovations in Packaging,” a white paper published by Ryerson University (Toronto, Canada). The report examines, in part, the effect of the JDF standard on packaging workflows and technology; describes how JDF is currently being applied in the packaging industry; and highlights areas of the JDF standard requiring additional development to address the requirements of the packaging sector “in a more practical and complete fashion.”