What is Inline Digital Printing?

Inline digital printing is a process where digital printers apply product information directly onto the packaging in a way that integrates various finishing steps seamlessly into the printing workflow. This technique, and the equipment that goes along with it, were created to fulfill the needs of retail markets that are facing a variety of new challenges, such as the expansion of new outlets, the increasing number of SKUs in the marketplace, constant changes in design, and the need to be able to track and trace various products back to their source.

To meet the demands of the ever-changing consumer market, inline digital printing offers a solution to optimize package printing, and eliminate disruption in the supply chain.

Inline Printing with Package Line Printers

A common thread with all types of packaging – whether used for retail or wholesale – is the need for packages to be labeled. This labeling can be used to identify what is in a package, showcase a consistent brand with your products, or provide ingredient and warning information. Inline printing allows you to put this information directly onto your packaging, avoiding the need to add steps before (e.g. pre-printing packaging) or after (e.g. applying a label). You can use inline digital printing at the three various stages of the supply chain process:

• During the Converting Process: At this stage, the carrier or packaging for the product is being created. The image, information, or SKU will be printed directly on the sleeve, craton, package, or label at this stage and go to the filling stage already properly labeled.
• During the Filling Stage: You can also utilize inline digital printing during the filling stage of your product. After the product is filled and sealed, it will continue on the line where the blank container or package will then be labeled.
• Upon Arrival to the Retailer: Retailers may use their own digital inline printing to add time-sensitive information such as sale prices or specials after they have received the product and before it goes onto the shelf.

Benefits of Inline Digital Printing

Aside from simplifying the packaging process and eliminating an additional step to creating your final product, inline printing also has several other benefits:

Late-Stage Customization

The ability to print pieces inline allows you to add customization or make changes later in the production process, providing you with greater flexibility. For example, instead of ordering a large number of preprinted packages, you can order blanks in bulk at a reduced cost and hold them until it is time to fill them. At the point of the fill, you can add the most up-to-date packaging customization allowing you to turn out product faster, since you will not have to wait for new packaging to be printed.

Better Versatility with Marketing

By using inline printing, your packaging can become one of your primary marketing tools. You can add advertising or promotional designs and verbiage directly on your packaging and you will have the ability to adjust that information as new promotions go into effect. Additionally, you will be able to personalize your products by being able to change designs throughout the process without incurring additional setup costs or wasting time by leaving equipment idle. This can help give you the edge on the competition.

No Prefabrication Needed

While inline printing can be used in both traditional and digital print environments, digital inline printing has the added benefit of requiring no additional fabrication to change designs. This allows manufacturers the flexibility to change designs more easily and to be able to print on unique surfaces with different textures. This provides for faster printing and shorter preparation time.

Ability to Create Thousands of Labeling Variations

In some industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, there is a need to print a wide range of languages, instructions, and data such as expiration dates and batch numbers. This quickly leads to thousands of different labeling variations for one product. These types of variations are not only on the product itself, but they also live on the packaging that these products arrive in. The agility and versatility that inline digital printing provides its users allow for these changes to happen without disrupting the supply chain process or requiring additional steps.

For companies looking for smart and lean packaging solutions, inline digital printing can help shorten their processes, reduce waste, and save time and money all while being able to provide customized and personalized packaging to supply the information and branding required.

Inline Printing with UV Inkjet Printers

If inline digital printing sounds like a game-changing solution for your operation, check out our Ultimate Guide to UV Inkjet Printers here to learn more. Still have questions, or interested in Inkcups’ solutions? Contact us via our website, or give our team a call at (978) 646-8980.