Digital Printing: NOT Just for Short Runs

Stop us if you’ve heard this: “only small businesses use digital printing.”

That big companies’ print runs must be done with plates, and every tried-and-true method of printing flexible packaging is written in stone. 

Here’s the thing, that’s totally false. Any company can harness digital power when printing custom resealable bags. 

Think about how you’re reading this – digitally. 

Think about how every facet of our lives has been reshaped by going digital. 

Printing is no different. Digital printing can produce large orders with quality, sharp and consistent graphics for a superior package.

It’s no secret that the right package goes a long way to boost your brand’s success. 

This involves collaborating with great artists to craft the best design, source the right materials, and figure out the printing process to get the job done right. 

Whether you’re a small business just starting out in the garage or basement, pumping out the chips that could conceivably take on Doritos, or a Fortune 500 brand trying to behave like a small, agile brand, you know how important it is to work with a supplier that can deliver high-quality work while delivering record turnaround times.

Finding the perfect partner is the trick. 

Innovative businesses should work with a collaborator that can leverage their digital printing prowess to work for businesses of all sizes. 

When looking for the X-factor in resealable pouch packaging, working with the right company is one of the critical keys to forging a long-run flexible packaging partnership that leverages innovative technology paired with best-in-class customer service.

The Power of Digital Print for Brands of All Sizes

The technology that is already disrupting the consumer-packaged goods space is none other than digital printing. With digital printing, you get unmatched accuracy, and the highest print quality available, all with fast turnaround. Whether you’re a small business looking to print small orders, or a large company looking to print large runs on a consistent basis, digital printing offers an ideal solution. But, the first things first, what is digital printing and how does it work?

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media (or packaging substrates). Digital printing offers a solution for small to medium-sized businesses looking to do shorter runs, or larger businesses looking to utilize the power of digital for unique campaigns and promotions.

Conventional printing involves creating a printing plate for each design, SKU or offering. 

Offset, gravure, and flexography are the most common types of conventional printing in the packaging space, and each involves transferring the image from a plate to the surface. 

Because of this, these techniques leave you with lengthy plate set-up time and fees, large order minimums, and a slow turnaround. 

And what do all these things equate to? Time and money. Going old school can’t compete with digital printing. And here’s why:

Benefits of Long Run Digital Printing

With long run digital printing, all of that is avoided, and orders are delivered – fast. And, with digital printing, you control the quantity. Some months it may be high, others lower; you pick the quantity based on demand, seasonal packaging, a specific campaign, or target markets. With digital printing, the complexity is removed from the flexible packaging ordering, streamlining the process, and getting you back to running your business. 

Whatever the demand of the market or the business, utilizing digital printing for your resealable pouches could see some breakthroughs for whatever it is that you’re selling.

Beyond the Convenience of Digital Print For Long Runs

Large and small companies alike know that great design can make or break the promotion of your product. Because of that, long run packaging printing consistently creates high-quality, clear and colorful graphics, be it with small, medium or large runs. The quality of graphics exceeds that of conventional printing methods, is capable of matching existing product lines, and registers perfectly for every image printed. What’s more, digital printing technology gives you the freedom of personalization for customized packaging and messaging for your brand to reach target markets.

Customization and personalization opportunities that aren’t possible with conventional print give brands, large and small, the chance to set their packaging apart with consumers. One can’t not smile when seeing their name of a Coca Cola bottle, and digital print makes this level of personalization available.

Variable printing, brand authentication, track and trace, augmented reality, and customer engagement imaging is all possible with digital print. The potential is nearly endless when it comes to digital, especially for large brands looking to broaden their reach and market in new, innovative ways. Low minimum orders also allow for such shorter-run packaging campaigns, promotions, and seasonal specials with the concern of excess or unneeded inventory or large cash flow being tied up in specialty packaging.

Short Run Vs Long Run Digital Printing

Customization and personalization opportunities that aren’t possible with conventional print give brands, large and small, the chance to set their packaging apart with consumers. 

One can’t not smile when seeing their name splashed across a Coca Cola bottle – digital printing makes this level of personalization available. That’s why it’s so alluring: anything is possible. 

Because changes can happen on the fly, or making a name change or a tweak isn’t a major expense, companies can shoot to the moon with their creativity.

Variable printing, brand authentication, track and trace, augmented reality, and customer engagement imaging is all doable with digital print. 

The potential is endless when it comes to businesses changing how they print, especially for large brands looking to broaden their reach and market in new, innovative ways. 

Low minimum orders also allow for such shorter-run packaging campaigns, promotions, and seasonal specials (everyone loves Christmas and Halloween packaging) keeping in mind the concern of excess or unneeded inventory or large cash flow being tied up in specialty packaging.

Digital Print is Clean & Simple

And while digital may seem more complex than the conventional route, digital is the simpler and cleaner method of package printing. In fact, our digital workflow paired with the efficiency of the digital press has finished packaging in your hands quickly (5-15 business days) and with a significantly lower environmental impact.

Are you a large company that hasn’t yet considered that digital printing could press the gas on how fast your order quantities can be released? 

Or inversely, maybe you’re a small company that didn’t think you could afford the quality that digital printing technology offers? 

Let us help you change your resealable pouch game. Either way, if you’re still not sure that digital is right for you, let’s talk.

Our sales team has seen it all. They’re pros at working within budgets, no matter the size of the company or the location where the company sits. 

Plus, you’ll get a free quote with no strings attached. Let us show you how ePac Flexibles can partner with you to help you start, or grow, your brand today.

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