▲ Jamie Doogan, commercial manager at Baker Labels Another major trend shaping the market is the continual rise of digital printing technology, which Doogan says allows for shorter print runs, quicker turnaround times, and more customisation options, meeting the demand for personalised labels. Homing in on sectors where the most opportunities may lie, Doogan says that food and beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and personal care and cosmetics immediately come to mind. However, he also emphasises the need to keep a broad mind in order to capture more work. “Labels are needed in every market sector; once you start noticing them, you’ll see them everywhere,” he says, adding: “Key businesses to look for are the SMEs; those looking to grow their brand and build a presence within their market. Start-ups and mid-sized companies with scalable opportunities and a clear pride in their brand identity. “The market is heading towards increased customisation, shorter print runs, and more sustainable label solutions. Digital printing technologies will continue to play a crucial role in meeting these demands, allowing print companies to offer quicker turnaround times and cost-effective solutions for smaller runs. Brands are currently driving the demand for sustainable options but there does need to be a balance between the brands’ demands and the viable solutions suitable for consumers.” Baker Labels is very much in tune with the changing demands of the market and is adapting its processes to deliver what customers want. One of the most recent additions to its offering is digital embellishments, which Doogan says allows the company to deliver fast turnarounds on short runs of labels with spot varnish and cold foil without requiring any delay or cost of plates. New Investment Another specialist in labels is DecTek. Director Mike Beese explains that in order to keep up with demand and changing requirements, investment in new technology is important. The company recently took on a new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 and Titanium 330R reel-to-reel label cutter, with a sheeter to follow in the near future. “These additions to our existing wide-format capabilities have increased our capacity and enabled us to produce labels on rolls for the first time,” Beese says, adding: “We believe we are only scratching the surface of the labelling market opportunity. With our new technology investments, we are confident in capturing more market share through our innovative, technology-led, approach.” With this, Beese draws attention to how customers now expect labels to be more advanced and functional. He explains that 86 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2023 - Issue 344 the most significant trend in the market is the adoption of digital printing, with this opening up all manner of opportunities in label production. “Digital printing brings advantages such as the ability to include dynamic elements on labels including QR codes, bar codes, serial numbers, or personalised information, making labels more functional,” he says. “One area of great opportunity that we see is asset labelling. At its simplest, this can be achieved through barcodes. However, with the advancement of RFID and Bluetooth communication technology, which can be embedded into labels, we are witnessing the emergence of a 'smart label' revolution. “These labels work in conjunction with installed sensors and monitor where and how assets are being deployed. Dectek has expertise in designing and implementing such systems, along with the labelling requirements to ensure their success, providing brands with impressive returns on investment.” Aside from this, DecTek specialises in domed labels, which add a premium highgloss, 3D finish to the label, making it stand out from the crowd. Beese says many brands prefer this high-quality method to promote their products and services. “With our monthly capacity reaching the tens of millions, DecTek can offer opportunities to bring high-volume label work back from overseas suppliers, reducing reliance on Far East manufacturers,” he adds. Standing Out Next, AM Labels provides solutions for both labels and barcodes. Managing director Tony Mariani says demand for certain label types differs, picking out horticultural, food and drink, and pharmaceutical and healthcare labels as growth areas. However, demand is currently down for labels designed for luxury items due to rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis. “The food and drink market is extremely competitive and, as a result, brands are striving to stand out on crowded supermarket shelves,” Mariani says, adding: “Many companies are using labels and packaging to attract customers and increase brand recognition, providing a MARKET TRENDS / LABEL PRINTING ◄ DecTek recently took on a new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 to support label production AM Labels counts the OKI Pro1050 colour label printer 1050 as one of the solutions it offers to the market
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