Konica Minolta has identified the role digital will play in the future of the print industry, especially in the production of labels.

Sharing his views and predictions for 2021, Edoardo Cotichini, senior manager, professional print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said, ‘Whatever happens in the overall economy at large, the printing industry – digital labels and packing in particular – will remain resilient and continue to play an important role in our everyday lives.

‘Any crisis such as coronavirus will accelerate trends that were already under way. They include the drive towards automation, online print purchasing and webshops, plus, of course, the unstoppable analogue to digital transition.’

Citing IDC’s ‘Western Europe Digital Label and Packaging Printer Forecast, 2020-2024’ report, Mr Cotichini stated that brand owners will play a ‘pivotal’ role in a changing world from analogue to digital printing of labels. Specifically, he noted the report’s statement that, ‘Digital print enables brands and manufacturers to respond quickly to customer demands. It also enables brands to improve manufacturing and the supply chain, reduce warehousing cost and waste, and helping brands achieve faster time to market.’ Toner-based devices will continue to drive most shipments, remarked Mr Cotichini

The report has also revealed that, by vendor, Konica Minolta captured 19.1% marketshare in Western Europe for digital label and packaging printers in terms of shipments and value in 2019. Growth in digital will continue according to Mr Cotichini, again noting the report’s statement that, ‘Label and packaging converters will be forced to expand digital service offerings as traditional offset/flexo volumes slowly erode over time.’

Mr Cotichini said, ‘That also reflects our own experience as increasing numbers of traditional label printers are asking for advice on the shift to digital. And we remain confident heading into 2021 because digital printing is the only technology capable of delivering short to medium runs, with a quick turnaround time.’

The same IDC report highlighted an anticipated slowdown in sales activities due to factors such as the postponement of drupa in 2020 and the impact of Covid-19. Although digital label and packaging press shipments in the past year in Western Europe dropped by almost a third to just over 200 units, the market is still expected to be selling around 450 units a year in 2024, a figure not far short of the predicted levels prior to the pandemic.

‘We see growing demands for a complete start-to-finish manufacturing process, as well as a need for production devices that need fewer and less skilled operators,’ added Mr Cotichini.

‘Looking to the future, we know that labels will continue to form the supply chains of basic necessities and provide a vital tool to convey information. Healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food and drink sectors are among the sectors that will continue to be growth areas for digital label printing in the future.

‘Digital label technology will continue to expand into traditional flexo territory. From discussions with customers, it’s clear that label and packaging converters are being forced to expand their digital print service offerings as traditional offset/flexo volumes erode over time.

‘In the first lockdown in spring of 2020, our own research showed that page volumes in terms of linear metres printed on Konica Minolta AccurioLabel presses across Europe jumped to 150% in March 2020 – at the peak of the lockdown – compared to the previous month.’

Recent developments at Konica Minolta in digital label printing have included the introduction of hybrid printing capability for its AccurioLabel platform, and installing more than 500 label presses. This trend towards digital will continue ‘unabated’, he stated.

‘It’s a market that will continue to grow sustainably, particularly as consumer behaviour continues to develop. More working from home or from regional offices, low numbers or individualised offers are increasingly in demand. One example is the development in the food trade, from regional manufactures to micro-breweries. The trend will continue unabated. Labels will play an increasingly significant role.

‘As a global technology provider with a local service structure, we still see significant opportunities in the years ahead for digital printing with our toner technology. Labels is a market we entered barely four years ago, yet already we’ve captured virtually a fifth of the printer shipments in value in the digital label market for labels and packaging.’

Mr Cotichini concluded, ‘We all recognise that the ongoing Covid-19 situation has created unprecedented challenges, but there is hope for a return to a ‘new normal’ with vaccines now on the horizon. As always, we will ensure that our supplies and services to our customers will remain constant and secure into 2021 and beyond.’

Comments from Mr Cotichini are included in the detailed Digital Labels & Packaging 2021 industry trends and predictions article, which can be read here and includes the thoughts of a wide array of suppliers, converters and print industry event organisers