The increasing demand of customisation among consumers is also causing an evolution in the printing and labeling sectors. The market can now offer cutting edge solutions such as intelligent tags, digital processes or surface effects. Also new coating technologies allow the print to minimalism the scuffing issues in PET bottles.

One of the main trends that most consumers prefer is a clean aesthetic and minimalist decoration as well as the combination of matte and gloss solutions, tactile print and texturing and also vintage look. 

Direct print and effects

We can highlight three major trends in the direct-to-container processes. 

Lower temperature UV LED: this technology enables more temperature control over process water and constant UV output regardless of temperature. Therefore, UV LED is reducing material distortion and also energy while delivering a more durable print. 

Digital print is a trend that can be a very good option for very low or very high runs, or where speed-to-market is important, thanks to its lower cost it is easier to create package samples with digital printing. Another strength is the ability to generate graphics of photographic quality that can also beat flexography printing and other conventional forms. But on the other hand, it is quite an expensive technology for mid-size print runs and is also a challenge when used in surfaces that are curved and not flat or when used in certain paper materials. 

Hot-stamping onto metal and glass: The latest techniques of hot-stamping lay before the foil a UV, this change allows the company to gain a much better adherence and finish to the decoration than before. 

Also in closures there are dip technologies that provide innovative and creative options on caps like rendering each one unique and different. This is a very attractive effect at the point of sales for customers. 

Labels vs Print

In markets such as cosmetics or super-premium wines and spirits, paper labels are a key element to represent authenticity, artisanal and even handmade. The choice of materials has to be coherent with the brands narrative in order to create the proper experience and brand image. 

Labels are a great opportunity to offer a better experience to consumers through touch by choosing the correct materials to attract our customer to touch our package. Either way, brands can also choose a “no-label look” by using transparent materials for their labels with ultra-clear polypropylene (PP) which is also a predominant trend in the sector. 

Other technologies that the label sector offers in order to construct a proper brand image, is the use of multilabel pages: though it may not seem the most sustainable solution, there are labels with sustainable layers that facilitate waste management at recyclers’ plants. An example of a sustainable layer is Avery Dennisons’ bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) which works extremely well on PET containers such as personal care products. During the recycling process at the plastics flotation stage, when the container and label have been shredded, the higher-density PET sinks to the bottom of the tank while the lower-density BOPP floats.

Invisible intelligence

Though these type of labels are not considered as decoration, they can add value to the brand and the consumer, therefore brands should also take into consideration invisible intelligence as an option to decorate their packaging. 

These type of labels increase brand awareness since they offer new opportunities. According to technology specialist Databac, the company’s Managing Director, Charles Balcomb, says: “Connected packaging is on the rise and brand authentication is just one facet of that. That’s why chip manufacturers like NXP are starting to target their products to the beauty sector. We are at the start of a boom in this area and it will be interesting to see how it evolves”.

Sleeve notes

Shrink sleeves are a new solution in response to sustainability. A shrink sleeve label consists of a heat-sensitive material that is seamed with openings on the top and bottom to create a sleeve. Once heat is applied, the sleeve will shrink. These thinner films allow to reduce the carbon footprint of the package as well as reduce material and energy. 

RPC M&H offers in-house shrink sleeveling and says that when it comes to graphic effects matte, shiny, texture, tactile, metallic and holographic effects can be combined and also be printed in complex shapes.