Can digital print improve time-to-market ?

Akshat Pardiwala, director, Nippon Color

Can digital print improve time-to-market?
Yes, as we eliminate platemaking and reduce the set-up time in digital presses, labels can start printing quicker. The main drivers for the growth of digital printing in labels and packaging would be personalisation/variable data printing. India is a vast and diverse country with so diverse languages. Label manufacturers can offer labels in regionalised languages in every state. Then you add seasonal products, group-specific products, prototyping, test marketing, and more in the mix. All these will act as a new revenue stream which will not only help them serve their existing customers, but help them reach out to new ones.

Ensure traceability of the original file to the press, to the job validation and final storage of data generated from the final printed label
I believe using the JDF standard developed by CIP4 that automates the digital workflow can ensure this. It will bridge the communication gap between production and management information systems.

Guaranteeing green for the brands
It does not “guarantee”, but it does help in the green movement. Faster makeready means less makeready waste, which means a reduction in waste of paper and ink. Water-based inkjet inks have been developed, reducing toxins in the waste stream. With platemaking eliminated in digital printing, you are eliminating a step that produces waste in terms of chemicals and VOCs. Moreover, lesser machines required and lower footprint of digital machines means more efficient use of space, reduce labour, materials and electricity required as compared to a conventional flexo set-up.