M&S has embraced digital packaging printing with these fruit jellies
As the market for digitally-printed labels and packaging is poised for exponential growth, Digital Printer’s sister publication, Digital Labels & Packaging, is marking this threshold moment by hosting a conference on how to use this innovative technology for maximum brand success. With exclusive case studies from brands on the agenda, this event will speak to all stakeholders.
There is no doubt that the time is here and the time is now when it comes to digital print in the labels and packaging market. The growing awareness amongst designers and brand owners of the capabilities of the technology presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to congregate and learn more, discuss innovation and hear what printers can produce for them. And for printers not already using digital, it is a chance to investigate the market and listen to the voices of experience.
Organised by the Digital Labels & Packaging Industry Group, The Digital Print for Brand Success conference will take place on 6 November at Kings Place in London’s King’s Cross. The event is proving popular with brand owners, designers and printers alike, and not surprisingly so as the programme promises original content and thought provoking debate.
Several exclusive case studies of how digital is being used by brand owners are still under wraps, although Sharp Iris was able to confirm that one of their customers is Marks & Spencer.
John Nicholson, packaging development manager at TwiningsOvo, has been part of the DL&P group since its inception. He said: ‘The Digital Print for Brand Success conference is a fantastic opportunity for brands like Twinings and Ovaltine to meet with experts in the field of digital print. There is no denying the opportunities that digital print technology offers a brand in a number of areas. It is important that, as a brand, we understand and embrace these opportunities, and our collaborationwith DL&P is one of the enablers to our success.’
M&S embraces digitally printed packaging
One recent example of digital being used for packaging is the Summer of Flavour Fruit Jellies range from Marks and Spencer, which is available in M&S stores across the UK. The flexible packaging has been printed and laminated by Ultimate Packaging, which as an M&S Hero Printer has supported the retailer with the development of the design and print standards for a number of key ranges.
Andrew Speck, M&S commercial and environmental packaging manager, commented: ‘M&S and Ultimate have worked closely to develop food-approved digitally printed flexible packaging. Digital print allows small volumes of printed packaging to be produced, which enables new products to be trialled in store. With no need for printing plates and a reduced artwork process, this has opened the door to on-demand print, something that conventional print techniques cannot deliver.’
Ultimate Packaging has reverse printed the M&S Fruit Jellies design using only four process colours, plus white, to match the existing eight colour flexo specification. J&K Confectionery packed the bags using its standard packing line to process the digitally printed film.
Mark Trevethan, J&K Confectionery’s projects and development executive, commented: ‘The digitally printed film laminate supplied by Ultimate was excellent quality, and the packing process ran very smoothly.
M&S confectionery products are premium and require premium packaging. The rich colour and fine detail achieved using digital print means the packs will look fantastic on shelf.’
