by Cassandra Balentine
Toner/eletrophotographic (EP)—including liquid EP like HP Indigo—is a mature digital print market that plays an important role in the overall print industry. Advancements continue in this segment, especially in terms of media options.
One timely trend involves the need for COVID-19 messaging. “Some of the latest media trends involve the need for products that help businesses communicate messages on how to do business with them through the pandemic. We have seen an increase in requests for products and applications that are not traditionally run on these presses, like pressure-sensitive vinyls, for example. We also experienced many people looking for products that can be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly such as our SYNAPS XM—perfect for menus in restaurants,” shares Aaron Bares, product manager, Nekoosa. “Many of these trends are coming from people adapting to the current state of the market and looking at other applications or products that they may not have needed to consider prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shifting the way we live, work, and socialize.”
Greg Kestler, product manager, General Formulations, also sees a significant trend for application-driven products, expanding beyond the traditional low-peel and permanent adhesive options to things like high-tack permanent vinyl, floor graphics and laminates, or repositionable wall graphics. This is driven by market demand for more options, differentiation, and a way to keep a press running.
Print providers benefit from looking past traditional applications. For example, products like Nekoosa’s ThermaTac pressure-sensitive vinyl can be used for temporary window signage and run on existing equipment, points out Bares.
Check out our Digital Substrate Media Guide for more media options suited to toner/EP-based digital print platforms.
May2021, DPS Magazine
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