Printing and Packaging: a Tale as Old as Time
What Does It Really Mean to Print Digitally?
Integrated Digital Printing Solutions
Packaging is one of the most crucial aspects of marketing a product, it catches the consumer's eye and entices them to make a purchase. It's essential to create effective packaging to stand out on the shelf.
Digital printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and lower price point, We'll look at the benefits of using digital printing in your packaging process and explore its advantages over other printing methods.
Packaging has been an essential part of human civilisation for centuries. The packaging industry has roots in the early days of trade and commerce when merchants needed ways to transport and store their goods.
Wooden barrels were the most common storage in the Middle Ages. In the 1900s, people switched from self-made wooden crates and boxes and relied instead on paper and cardboard.
Before the industrial revolution, manufacturers often did packaging by hand. This was time-consuming and expensive and brought about several labour issues. However, new packaging technologies enabled companies to mass produce their products, dramatically reducing costs.
While packaging was primarily used to protect products from damage during transport, the industrial revolution paved the way for mass production and mass marketing. Marketing products to a broad audience became the norm, and as a result, packaging became an essential tool for branding.
Printing and Packaging: a Tale as Old as Time
In the early days of printing, product packaging was often simple and functional, with little focus on aesthetic appeal. It was initially for practical purposes, such as identifying the content of a package or providing instructions for use.
Early examples of printed packaging date back to the 15th century, when block printing was used to decorate cloth bags and sacks. In the 17th century, lithography was developed to print large-scale images. It soon became famous for printing pictures on paper sheets which workers then glued to containers.
It wasn't until the 19th century that advances in printing technology made it possible to print diectly onto glass, metal, and other materials. The introduction of colour printing in the early 20th century transformed packaging design, making it more eye-catching and effective at conveying information about the product.
Packaging has come a long way since the days of simply wrapping products in paper or cloth. Over time, packaging has evolved to meet the needs of both consumers and businesses. It is now an integral part of the manufacturing process, and the packaging industry is a major player in the global economy.
Packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving products. Additionally, you can also use it to enhance the marketing and branding of a product. Packaging has become increasingly sophisticated; manufacturers now use new materials such as plastic and aluminium. It can be highly specialised, with different designs for various products and purposes.
Technological advancements, particularly digital printing, make all of these possible.
Packaging is now an integral part of the manufacturing process, and the packaging industry is a major player in the global economy.
What Does It Mean to Print Digitally?
Digital printing is a versatile and convenient option that is perfect for businesses of all sizes. Here are a few reasons you should consider digital printing for your next printing project:
- Digital printing is fast and efficient.
- Digital printing offers high-quality results.
- Digital printing is cost-effective.
- Digital printing is environmentally friendly.
- Digital printing is versatile and can efficiently handle short runs or personalisation.
To create modern, forward thinking packaging we have seen the drive of digital printing with the following.
Embellishment Printers
Embellishment printers such as DuSense create intricate textures and finishes to enhance the engagement of print materials like boxes, carton, bags or labels.
Cutting and Creasing Machines
Cut paper, cardstock and more into almost any shape, also creating creases for fold lines. Machines like the PFi Blade are are a staple in any print shop but are proving particularly popular do ton their digital nature lending them to speed, short runs and personalisation.
Digital Printing in Packaging
In a world where consumers are bombarded with advertising messages, it is more important than ever for brands to make their products stand out on the shelves. One way to do this is to use digital printing for product packaging.
Efficiency and Affordability
Unlike traditional printing methods, digital printing offers businesses greater flexibility in terms of design and cost. Digital printing generally requires less setup time and labour costs, making it more affordable for small businesses. It doesn't require the use of plates, making it much faster and more efficient.
This means that brands can now order smaller runs of customised packaging, which is ideal for limited edition products or test marketing campaigns.
One-of-a-Kind Designs
But digital printing isn't just about speed and efficiency–it also offers brands a range of creative possibilities. With digital printing, brands can now create truly unique packaging designs that set them apart.
The latest advances in inkjet technology let brands print in full colour on almost any type of material. As a result, businesses can create highly customised packaging that will grab shoppers' attention.
However, digital printing is not just for businesses — you can also use it for personal projects, such as wedding favours or customised gifts. Whether you're looking to save money or add a personal touch, digital printing is the way to go.
Accuracy and Precision
Another advantage of digital printing is that it offers a much higher degree of accuracy and precision than other printing methods. This means that images are less likely to be blurred or smeared, and you can reproduce colours with greater fidelity.
Finishes and Effects
Digital printing can also produce custom finishes and effects that add value and aesthetic appeal to your packaging. From high-gloss UV coatings to soft-touch laminates, there are endless ways to give your packaging the extra pizzazz it needs to stand out.
One of the many advantages of digital printing is the speed and quantity with which businesses and manufacturers can produce high-quality prints. With a digital printing system, you can print materials on demand, eliminating the need for costly inventory and ensuring that every print job is of the highest quality.
Digital printing is one of the most disruptive technologies to hit the packaging industry in recent years. As businesses increasingly turn to digital printing for their product packaging needs, it's clear that this technology is here to stay.
The benefits of digital printing are simply too hard to ignore, and with more innovations coming, it will even be easier and more cost-effective to produce top-notch, beautiful, and distinct packaging. Promoting eco-friendly and biodegradable materials is necessary as companies look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Integrated Digital Printing Solutions
At Duplo International, we offer a reliable product line of digital printers and workflow and connectivity software that equips our clients with a fully integrated printing system. Our high-precision equipment will revolutionise the product packaging industry.
We hope this article has given you more insight into digital printing and its relation to product packaging. Visit our website or fill out the contact form to learn more about us.
