What this means for your products and labels
We’ve entered into some exciting times with respect to the printing industry. The introduction of the digital age forced the industry to re-invent itself, to prove itself worthy in this new era. With printer manufacturers being the back bone of the industry they have had to continually innovate to stay ahead of the times as well as their competitors. This, in turn, means that there have been some exciting developments, creating a range of opportunities for manufacturers and marketers alike. From method of choice to design elements, here are some label printing trends that have grown over the last few years.
Label Printing
1. Growing dominance of digital printing
There has been a steady increase in the use of digital printing as a method of choice. An important factor in the growing trend towards the use of digital printing is speed, getting products onto the shelf and into the hands of the consumer in a significantly shorter time span. This has been made possible mostly due to the minimal set up requirements, from start to finish going digital has optimised time, no more ink mixing and no more plates, from screen to a finished product in seconds.
There is also the added bonus of the digital process being more environmentally friendly due to the lower water usage and waste, which is a crucial factor for the new generation of consumers when considering a product. Together with the ever increasing innovation, this trend towards dominance will continue.
Read more about How Digital Printing makes Business Sense
2. Short-runs and on demand printing
Due to consumer demands, manufactures are increasingly pressured into producing limited edition niche items and products with a variety of options. Personalised, one of a kind pieces have become highly desirable. In the past, the labelling and packaging costs could be debilitating, but digital printing means that short to medium print runs have become cost-effective, as has the provision of on demand printing. Coupled with the opportunity of variable data, marketing departments are now in a position to test their branding in the market place, make required changes where necessary and ultimately feed the consumers appetite for custom items, all with relatively low cost implications.
3. Digitally textured label printing
The smell of freshly baked bread, the sound of a child’s laughter, the first glimpse of a loved one, a sip of fine wine or the touch of cool water on a hot summers day, we have 5 senses and the more senses that a product engages with, the more likely we are to covet it. For this very reason textured labelling is trending, setting products apart and giving them a competitive edge because it engages more than just sight or smell, but touch, we are tactile and delight in different textures and the thoughts and sentiment they provoke. The introduction of textured printing has provided a new avenue of branding to pursue, as well as a new element with which to captivate the consumer, producing a label that is the perfect ambassador for their product.
Read more about Label Design Trends for 2017
4. Utilisation of variable materials
As with textured label printing, the trend towards the use of variable materials for labels has provided manufactures with a further opportunity to develop their packaging into an endorsement of the product with the ability to add authenticity. From the grainy feel of a label for wholegrain rusks to the silky smoothness of a wine label, manufacturers are using materials that are a reflection of their product, a reflection of the promise of what is to come.
5. Increase in sleeve printing
The use of sleeve labels has seen the most significant growth in recent years, across all forms of tags and labels. There are many advantages to the use of sleeve printing. They offer complete coverage, a smooth finish, can be made to fit a variety of shapes and sizes and are water resistant, ensuring the product remains branded for a longer period of time. Conversely, the label is also easily removed without telltale adhesive residue making the packaging reusable which adds the additional benefit of being environmentally friendly.
In this day and age, consumers have a vast array of products to choose from, for a manufacturer to make their product, the product of choice, is no easy feat, the packaging and labelling are the first hurdle to ensuring it stands out next to its competitors. The printing industry is continually innovating and, by doing so, is providing the opportunity for marketers to make their mark, to set themselves apart, to ensure that their packaging of choice reflects their product and the promise of quality that they make to the consumer.
At the end of the day it will be worth putting in the time and effort to find the right label company that you can partner with that is up to date with all the latest label printing trends.
Rebsons Labels have been printing labels since 1953. We know all there is to know about labels and all our adhesive labels are produced to the highest quality and standard. To discuss your label manufacturing requirements contact one of our experts today on sales@rebsons.co.za or visit our website www.rebsons.co.za
