Discovering Innovations at Viscom Italia 2024: What’s Next for Digital Label Printing? 

Innovative Materials

The demand for innovative materials is surging, with new substrates and finishes pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. Viscom showcased advancements in materials that enhance durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. From recyclable films to materials designed for direct printing, the industry is moving towards options that not only look great but also perform under diverse conditions. 

Polyester films, UV-resistant inks, and scratch-resistant laminates are some of the materials praised for their durability and longevity. Having this level of durability is crucial for retaining and maintaining customers, especially those in outdoors-based industries. In such cases, outdoor advertising, retail, and industrial labelling products are exposed to varying and possibly extreme environmental conditions. 

UV-resistant inks, such as those found in our ArrowJet Aqua 330R can maintain their colour vibrancy over time, despite prolonged sun exposure. The printer also has in-line lamination capability, adding yet an extra layer that prevents fading, scratches, and other weathering that the print composition remains sharp, clear, and indicative of the product’s high-quality.

By using materials that can withstand harsh conditions, companies can deliver long-lasting products, reducing replacement frequency for clients and thus building a reputation for quality and reliability. The consistency between high-quality labeling and packaging, is just as important as the quality of the product itself when it comes to attracting new customers and converting existing leads. Imminently, focusing on the quality of all product details translates into repeat business and strong client relationships.

Viscom is one of the many great places to explore the rise and evolutoin of new materials and trends, enabling expanded applications in sectors like food, beverage, industrial labeling, and packaging. These innovations are ideal for brands looking to create distinctive, high-quality products that stand out on shelves and maintain resilience across various environments.

Media, Substrates, Coatings, and Lamination 

In the world of digital printing and finishing, media versatility is key. Versatile media options—like paper, vinyl, and textured substrates—expand creative possibilities. The industry offers a wide range of substrates, from paper and cardboard to vinyl and polyester, allowing brands to experiment with textures, colors, and finishes. Coatings and laminations add another layer of customization, offering gloss, matte, and anti-scratch finishes that enhance the product's appearance and durability.

Metallic and holographic films, high-gloss laminates, and other textured substrates are amongst the finest choices for displaying attractive designs and aesthetics with high-quality finishes. These premium materials enable brands to produce eye-catching designs that enhance brand appeal, attracting clients in high-end markets where presentation is key.

High-gloss laminates and textured substrates create a tactile experience, which is especially popular in luxury goods, cosmetics, and food packaging, where appearance plays a critical role in consumer purchasing decisions. Such differentiation helps increase perceived product value, enabling companies to command premium pricing and boost profitability.

Viscom highlighted coatings and laminations designed to improve the tactile experience while providing added protection against wear and tear. This versatility ensures that companies can select the perfect combination of materials to meet specific customer demands and environmental conditions. Katun DPS™ offers a selection of high-quality printers and finishers that are capable of handling versatile media with ease and efficiency, available on the website’s product page.

Sustainable Practices in Digital Label Printing and Finishing

Eco-friendly practices, like using recyclable materials and water-based inks, are becoming standard. Brands are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, from using recyclable materials to minimizing waste and energy consumption. Viscom featured several workshops dedicated to sustainable practices, including topics like "Paper, Cardboard, Reuse" and "Packaging for E-commerce." Companies are now striving to comply with strict environmental criteria, integrating green materials and processes that reduce environmental impact.

Opting for water-based inks reduces toxic emissions, thereby helping both our environment, as well as a company’s energy-cost savings. Additionally, using recyclable papers and biodegradable films helps brands meet customer expectations, unifying their position as a leader in innovation and adaptability.

Offering sustainable products broadens the customer base to include eco-minded organizations and brands. Additionally, sustainable practices are often rewarded with positive brand sentiment, which can drive consumer loyalty and boost market share. Being eco-conscious also aligns with regulatory requirements, positioning companies favorably in the market, while implementing efficient production workflows minimizes waste and maximizes resource use.

Energy Consumption and Savings

Reducing energy consumption is critical for the industry, especially as businesses face rising energy costs. Energy-efficient equipment, with low power consumption or advanced energy management features, is becoming essential for companies focused on minimizing operational costs. Many Viscom exhibitors highlighted energy-efficient models designed to reduce power usage without compromising performance, a move that aligns with global sustainability goals.

Some of such materials include fast-drying inks and optimised laminates, which reduce production time and material waste, enabling a quicker turnaround. The impact of reducing production time tests a company’s effeciency. Here, companies who can handle more orders in a shorter time frame have an increased operational capacity, a leverage used to gain a competitive advantage in a demanding market. Beyond brute cost savings, the efficient use of materials allows companies the flexibility of passing those savings to clients, growing the customer base to include even more cost-attentive prospects.