The digital printing market is growing at an amazing rate. Industry experts are forecasting that the market will expand to $28.85 billion by 2023. To take advantage of that growth opportunity over the next five years, many commercial printers are upgrading to digital inkjet printing systems.
What’s driving that growth? Many in the industry are partially crediting a move toward environmentally-friendly, sustainable commercial printing practices.
Why? The answer is all around us. Sustainability has become a buzzword in our culture, and not only for consumers concerned about the environment. Leaders across industries, including those in commercial printing, are seeking ways to lower cost while lessening their impact on the environment in response to consumer demand.
Environmentally friendly printing practices are also the coin of the realm in certain industries. Consider that commercial enterprises that sell a product packaged in a glass bottle – such as beer, wine, and many other beverages – are increasingly demanding that the ink used on labels be compatible with glass recycling practices. (We’ll have more information for your about this in an upcoming post.)
Market demand across industries is driving the move toward digital inkjet printing systems using UV-cured ink for additional, context specific reasons. And as much as anything, digital inkjet printing systems are an update commercial printers need to produce the products their customers are asking for.
The move toward digital inkjet printing systems is also part of an overall savvy business model because it reduces cost per unit. What are some of the other benefits?
Benefits of digital inkjet printing systems
- Utilizes UV-resistant, water proof ink with no significant environmental impact that can be used on plastic, textile, and other materials
- Lower cost per unit
- Longer equipment life span (if analog equipment is upgraded to digital)
- More efficient printing processes
So, what are commercial printers doing to make the leap into the digital era?
Two main solutions for commercial printers entering the digital age
- Purchase new equipment
- Retrofit existing print systems
Many commercial printers are opting to update their analog printing systems to digital inkjet printing systems to meet both the demand for sustainable printing practices, and to lower their overhead cost. The move isn’t just smart for branding and marketing, but increases efficiency overall and leads to higher profitability.
Presses can be retrofitted with options such as the JFlexSD series of commercial print conversion systems that incorporate digital inkjet printing systems. Options include digital label conversion systems such as the JFlex870 and the JFlex1700.
How does it work? The JFlex series can be integrated into an existing press system or web control platform to receive commands. JFlex packages also power high-powered computer and touch screen HMI for efficient print file management.
Consider this testimonial: “With the new JFlex I am able to print 15,000 labels in less than an hour. The good thing about the JFlex is that I can use my own equipment, my own machine. I retrofitted with the new Memjet. I’m using the same floor space and it gives me a great advantage because I can run with Memjet’s 240 feet a minute.
The feedback I got from my customer was they liked my fast response to their label needs. The print quality on the Memjet is always constant. I am able to get labels out if I receive them early in the morning almost the same day,” said Michael Bartole of Graphic Labels.
Are you searching for more information about how to utilize digital systems and update your analog equipment? We have a wealth of material for you to read on our website at IPT Digital. You’ll also find testimonials from commercial printers that have upgraded their infrastructure here. We also share case studies.