When does inkjet postprint pay for corrugated converters?

  • By Domino Printing Sciences
  • April 29, 2022
  • Digital Printing
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If you are a corrugated converter wanting to know the answer to this topical question, download the latest White Paper from Domino Digital printing solutions.

Written by respected Print & Packaging Analyst & Consultant, Dr Sean Smyth, this White Paper examines the latest corrugated industry trends and is designed to educate and inform corrugated converters about the new capabilities provided by the latest technology developments in printing and finishing.

Dr Sean Smyth says, “As consumption of corrugated packaging continues to grow across the world, printing production efficiency has never been more important to cope with the increased demands from brands and retailers, in response to the latest consumer preferences and the continued growth in e-commerce.”

This White Paper examines the corrugated industry structure looking at the different print technologies available and explains how converters select the most appropriate print technology depending on their work mix with flexo, gravure and litholam being increasingly challenged by inkjet technology.

It looks at the drivers and trends that are impacting packaging including growing sustainability concerns, with all companies looking at ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Digital printing has demonstrated the ability to efficiently and cost effectively address the increased demand for small and medium run lengths, multiple versions, ever-shortening lead times, and with reduced inventory and warehouse costs, helps to lessen the risk of obsolescence and redundant stock, all of which provide sustainability benefits and help to attract new customers.

Sean continues, “Inkjet is the fastest growing technology used to print corrugated packaging. It complements flexo and litho in a corrugated plant by reducing the number of flexo or litho set-ups, letting those presses print the longest runs, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of the operation. And it opens new opportunities for innovation, creating new business streams.”

The White Paper looks at the total cost of ownership (TCO) using a cost model to compare the cost of producing corrugated boxes using inkjet postprint, flexo folder-gluer and litholamination enabling the economic crossover point to be determined.

Economics of production remains the main driver for converters to use an inkjet press. Investing in technology enables them to print jobs profitably in a very competitive marketplace and provides value for their customers allowing both of them to grow.

Unit cost of boxes per run lenght of 700x1200mm boxes Corrugated White Paper

Sean continues, “Inkjet is the fastest growing technology used to print corrugated packaging. It complements flexo and litho in a corrugated plant by reducing the number of flexo or litho set-ups, letting those presses print the longest runs, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of the operation. And it opens new opportunities for innovation, creating new business streams.”

The White Paper looks at the total cost of ownership (TCO) using a cost model to compare the cost of producing corrugated boxes using inkjet postprint, flexo folder-gluer and litholamination enabling the economic crossover point to be determined.

Economics of production remains the main driver for converters to use an inkjet press. Investing in technology enables them to print jobs profitably in a very competitive marketplace and provides value for their customers allowing both of them to grow.

Finn MacDonald, President of Independent II, the first user of the Domino X630i in the United States, remarks: “It takes 1 to 3 business days to receive and mount flexo plates, and over 15 days to source and laminate litho sheets. With inkjet it is incredibly easier to produce jobs with multiple versions. There is both demand and plenty of room to educate and inspire the Customer to consider versioning. The visual and functional benefits of versioning and digital flexibility are dynamic to say the least. Customers who benefit from this are Customers for Life.”

So, if you are a corrugated converter looking to make your production plant more efficient while also saving you time, cost and reducing waste, download this White Paper at:

https://go.domino-printing.com/PRApr22DownloadWP and discover when inkjet postprint pays.

The X630i is based on Domino’s proven and reliable Generation 6 inkjet technology, of which there are approaching 1000 global installations. To find out more about this versatile, single-pass, aqueous inkjet corrugated press, visit the X630i product page at:
https://go.domino-printing.com/PRApr22WPX630iPage

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