fantastic opportunity for print companies to produce vibrant, informative, and appealing food and drink labels so their customers’ products stand out from the competition.” As for the trends PSPs should be aware of, Mariani also picks up on sustainability. However, despite the market recovering from material supply chain issues caused by strikes in Finland and the Covid-19 pandemic, the key issues now are with the supply of environmentally friendly materials. As for other challenges, Mariani explains significant labour shortages impacting companies across industries including warehousing, hospitality, and agriculture are leading businesses to look for labour-saving equipment. “Consequently, we’ve witnessed increased demand for label finishing solutions, robotics, label applicators, and print-and-apply systems, all of which can help save time and resources,” he says. Solutions available from AM Labels include the OKI Pro1050 colour label printer, which Mariani says is ideal for creating vibrant, professional, and high-quality labels. AM Labels recently supplied the printer to a fish processor that exports shellfish overseas, enabling the company to print quality, durable, full-colour labels that can withstand freezer temperatures and transportation. “This model stands out from others in the market as it offers white as a fifth colour, providing greater design flexibility, as white can be used as a background on transparent and dark materials, such as metallics,” Mariani says. Also supplied by AM Labels is the Epson C6000 colour label printer, which it recently sold to a trading card grading company, enabling it to create vibrant and eye-catching trading card labels for customers. Move To Digital Rounding off the discussion is Bobst, which supplies solutions to both the labelling and packaging sectors. Steve Lakin, sales manager for labels and narrow web at Bobst UK and Ireland, says when it comes to the trends that are shaping the market, there are a wide range of macro and micro market trends involved. “Digitalisation in print and processes is accelerating the speed, quality, costs, and response times of the label industry,” he says, adding: “There is also increasing demand for fast turnaround, short-run work as brands seek to compete in ever more competitive global markets. This is driving demand for digital presses and digitalisation. “PSPs should also consider shifting consumer purchasing behaviours, with demand for mass customisation, personalisation, and product experiences; and engagement is driving demand for different label types with variable data and connectivity. “There is also the issue of sustainability as brands and consumers seek sustainable label types backed by sustainable supply chains. In addition, increasing regulatory requirements are emerging for issues such as compliance, traceability, allergens, and provenance, which is placing pressure on label designs.” Having identified that the labels market is rapidly accelerating towards digital printing and converting, Lakin says Bobst is in a strong position to support label printers with its range of solutions. This includes the Bobst Digital Master line, an all-in-one system that digitalises and automates production, encompassing printing, embellishing, and cutting. The machine is capable of up to 100m/min at full native resolution of 1200dpi, in four or six colours with the option for digital white. “Built to be modular and upgradable, the Digital Master range demonstrates our long-term commitment to building strong customer relationships and providing solutions that will continue serving market needs for years to come,” Lakin says. “The technology is designed to reduce waste in production, and with automation features operating alongside cutting-edge technologies, it enables our customers to achieve high performance without compromising on sustainability.” From speaking with market specialists, it is clear that there are plenty of opportunities for growth and expansion in the labels sector. Ensuring you have the right sort of kit in place and are targeting the areas with the most potential will likely put you on the path to a profitable future. Digitalisation in print and processes is accelerating the speed, quality, costs, and response times of the label industry Studies suggest the global labels market will grow to $41.75bn (£32.94bn) by the year 2026 Factoid 87 September / October 2023 - Issue 344 www.printmonthly.co.uk ▲ AM Labels recently opened a new Technical Experience Centre, where businesses can view and trial labelling, barcoding, robotics, automation, and RFID equipment MARKET TRENDS / LABEL PRINTING ► Steve Lakin, sales manager for labels and narrow web at Bobst UK and Ireland, says digital print has opened up new opportunities in labels
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