State of the Industry: Labels, Digital Printing Making Significant Inroads
Digital labels are virtually all narrow web printed and two press manufacturers dominate: HP Indigo and Xeikon. Printfuture estimates that Indigo has a 70 percent share of the EP market.
Christian Menegon, HP Indigo worldwide business development manager, explains that "digital has its specs and is not designed to fully replace analog; both coexist and each has its place." Menegon points out that the tradeoffs between digital and flexo are more complex than just run length: "Flexo can do printing and converting of any kind in one pass." This includes PMS spot colors, embossing, foil stamping, and in-line finishing, but Menegon points out, "this means longer set-up times and higher waste, hence flexo is more appropriate for longer runs. The whole chain efficiency has to be considered, not only one element."
Jack Miller is founder and Principal Consultant at Market-Intell LLC, offering Need to Know™ market intelligence in paper, print and packaging. Previously, he was senior consultant, North America, with Pira International.
Known as the Paper Guru, Jack is the former director of Market Intelligence with Domtar, where he also held positions as regional sales manager, territory sales manager and product manager. He has presented at On Demand, RISI’s Global Outlook, PRIMIR, SustainCom World and at various IntertechPira conferences. Jack has written for Printing Impressions, Canadian Printer, Paper 360, PaperTree Letter and Package Printing, along with publishing a monthly e-newsletter, MarketIntellibits.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross and has done graduate studies in Statistics and Finance.
