by Cassandra Balentine
Packaging is a growth area for digital print. The potential for folding cartons continues to expand. According to a report by Straits Research, Folding Carton Packaging Market Size, Share, Trends, Forecast Analysis, 2031, the global folding carton packaging market size was valued at USD 141.43 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 208.73 billion by 2031, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.42 percent during the forecast period.
Above: The HP Indigo 35K Digital Press is designed for B2 sized carton production. Photo courtesy of HP.
Growth Trends
Several trends influence the use of digital print technologies for folding cartons. “Owing to recent advancements in digital printing technology, several retailers, brands, and their supply chain partners of household products are experiencing a rise in demand for folding cartons that may offer appealing graphics to help them attract more consumers,” states the Straits report.
Among these trends is improvements in digital print technologies. “Digital printing technology ensures exceptional print quality, meeting the demanding standards of various industries, including luxury goods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals,” says Shahar Lev-Ari , product marketing manager, HP Indigo Folding Cartons.
“The advancement of technology is leading to the development of high-speed digital solutions, driving an increased adoption rate and growth. Linked to that, the technology available is demonstrating year on year offset-like quality and cost-effective prices,” says Matt Brooks, head of packaging, Digital Printing Solutions, Agfa.
Linked to technology and quality is the ability to now print volume at speed, making digital solutions viable for mainstream production. “This provides a digital alternative capable of handling both large-volume and short-run jobs—including versioning, which have become an expected feature,” adds Brooks.
Logistics also play a role as digital print supports an agile supply chain. “We’ve seen just-in-time production and reduction of inventory back in full swing, both for operational reasons as well as the need to be proactive and up to date with product marketing on-pack,” shares Amir Shalev, market development director, Landa Digital Printing.
“Modern supply chains prioritize flexibility, with a focus on just-in-time production and on-demand printing. Digital printing supports this by allowing companies to minimize inventory and reduce lead times, ensuring products are delivered swiftly and efficiently,” comments Lev-Ari.
“Runs keep getting shorter and delivery times are shrinking, as such, more of the market realizes that digital flexibility is key,” points out Shalev.
Near-shoring and/or re-shoring is driving product and package production back to developed markets, which Shalev notes are typically the first to introduce high-end digital printing systems.
“Digital printing allows for rapid production and quick turnaround times, enabling brands to respond swiftly to market trends and consumer demands,” adds Lev-Ari.
The demand for personalized packaging continues to grow, with businesses seeking to create unique consumer experiences through multi-SKU and shorter print runs. “Digital printing technology enables brands to tailor packaging to specific audiences, resulting in more engaging and memorable products,” explains Lev-Ari.
Customer loyalty is positively impacted by more engaging and personalized design made possible by digital printing—e.g., quick response codes, contests/special events, story-telling, adds Shalev.
Sustainability is another consideration. “Consumers are driving brands toward more earth-friendly packaging and overall sustainability conformance,” comments Shalev.
Brooks agrees, noting that there is a strong focus on sustainability with increasing discussions about the shift toward sustainable practices as well as the circular economy. “This includes the use of lighter weight, paper-based materials that are more suited to digital printing processes.”
As environmental concerns become more prominent, Lev-Ari says businesses are adopting sustainable practices. “Digital printing offers minimal waste compared to traditional offset printing, aligning with eco-friendly initiatives and reducing the carbon footprint. Decreasing waste and inventory costs, allowing brands to produce only what is needed with almost no waste.”
Further, Shalev points out that cartonboard, including recyclable options, can replace less sustainable, plastic packaging in consumer packaged goods and fast moving consumer goods markets; and is therefore more attractive to brands, their distributors, and customers.
Regulatory restrictions are also driving demand for sustainable packaging. “Many businesses want to have all of their packaging recyclable or compostable by 2025,” adds Shalev.
Digital Challenges
There are challenges to navigate when it comes to the digital production of folding cartons.
Time to market, price point, and automation challenges are currently being worked out for digital print in the folding carton space. “Sometimes digital is perceived to be excellent technology but slow in being introduced to the market. Challenges are posed around price point and running costs versus analog and now ink price must be factored into the return on investment. And then there is the topic of automation, continuous feeding, and automatic job changeover. We have seen analogue in the ascendancy here but partnering with third-party OEMs can allow digital to catch up and mitigate some of the challenges associated with automation,” says Brooks.
Competition for market share among converters is high. “The macro-economic situation is uncertain; and these organizations are nevertheless being pushed on pricing while costs remain elevated. To make matters more challenging, packaging companies seeking to differentiate themselves are compelled to offer higher levels of service—including the assurance of supply and short lead times,” shares Shalev.
Further, the adoption of innovative technology—transitioning from analog to digital—requires a shift in work methods and mindset. “Companies need to invest in training and development to ensure seamless integration of digital technology,” suggests Lev-Ari.
Digital Expands
The use of digital print technologies for folding carton production is expected to continue to grow. The demand for just-in-time production and environmental sustainable solutions attract new segments of packaging to this maturing technology. Read more on folding cartons at dpsmagaaine.com.
Oct2024, DPS Magazine
