Digital color printing in flexible packaging (DCP) -: Threat or opportunity?

Significant challenges are facing the packaging business and DCP might be one of the answers. DCP is a new way of thinking for the print-buyers and the print-producers and will or better is already affecting the packaging industry. But there are still many inquiries to do., First of all to understand the potential which this technology can offer and secondly to learn how to deal with it. All available systems on the market are not meeting the packaging requirements, yet. It was necessary to find partners which will share the interests to explore the suitability of the technology to develop a tailor made DCP process for the packaging industry. A lot of work has been investigated in the the workflow, print process and the toner requirements. Most of the printing problems caused by technical limitations, e.g., web guiding, fusing, feeding and finishing properties have to be solved. The packaging requirements are somewhat different as for papers therefore toner and material modifications are necessary. Together with software suppliers specific Colormanagement developments to improve print quality and also to simulate and transfer the different conventional print processes to a digital 4 color press have been started. DCP is a new business that opens markets with new rules and approaches and which is still in motion. Therefore we at LMPS believe to become an innovative and competend partner/supplier for our customers it is necessary to investigate in this technology the future.