Guest blog by Ian Schofield, Packaging and Sustainability Specialist

Are end-users making the most out of the new water-based digital printing technology?

Understanding the benefits is vital and there are a number to consider. For example, on these presses you can confidently achieve what is required in terms of:

• Colour gamut.
• Run speeds.
• Customisation of elements.
• Run length flexibility.

All these advancements are now starting to happen and are shaping some production approaches that are set to be defining.

Connective packaging is one fast-growing trend and is now massive for the digital market. The ability to print unique bar codes on individual packs is going to continue to be huge for many markets. However, you cannot do that conventionally.

Another key advantage of digital printing lies in run-length flexibility. Whether you run 1, 2, 10, or 10,000 sheets, the process remains seamless. You can print an individual customized piece or execute a full production run of 10,000 with equal ease. High-volume runs are no longer a challenge for modern digital presses.

In addition to operational flexibility, resource-optimized production processes play an increasingly important role for converters.

Water-based digital printing provides clear process-related advantages over conventional analog methods: By printing directly onto the substrate, it entirely eliminates the need for physical printing plates and chemical prepress processing. Furthermore, printing strictly on-demand minimizes setup paper waste, while water-based inks eliminate solvent emissions in the pressroom.

I was delighted to share these benefits – and more – with important stakeholders from the packaging industry at a recent exclusive Corrugated Workshop hosted by Koenig & Bauer Durst to discuss the future and role of digital printing from a converter’s point of view.

You can find out more on which digital printing benefits could help define a successful future for your operation by talking directly to Koenig & Bauer Durst.