By Cassandra Balentine
Part two of three
For commercial, wide format, or in plant printers already well versed in digital, adding label products could be the next step.
Paul Edwards, VP, digital division, INX International Ink Co., feels that this transition is many ways it is easier that adding digital to a convention environment, for instance. The challenges he describes in part one are related to the differences in technology and in the implementation of a digital workflow are likely significantly reduced by having this experience already set
“Digital print providers entering the label market face a different set of challenges—primarily around materials, finishing, and regulatory compliance,” says Taylor Buckthorpe, director of sales and marketing, Colordyne Technologies. “Unlike commercial or wide format work, label production often involves self-adhesive materials, specific coatings, and die-cut finishing. Understanding liner compatibility, adhesive behavior, and compliance for food or chemical labeling is key.”
Amanda Bacon-Davis, VP, ink and influence, SnapPress, also feels materials and finishing are two key areas that require a learning curve. “Labels behave differently than flat sheets—they curl, stretch, and need to be die-cut or finished precisely.”
Solutions lie all-in-one label and tape press help, as they are designed to flatten that learning curve. “Users coming from wide format or commercial print tell us it feels familiar but purpose-built for the challenges of labeling. You don’t need a label background to look like a label pro,” says Bacon-Davis.
Edwards also sees challenges are related to the business aspects of labels. “Learning the label industry in detail—the needs of the customers, the customers themselves, and the channels to market—will all have to be learned in order to successfully implement adding labels to a portfolio of other digital products.”
James Thomas, head of sales and business development, Focus Label, says it is essential that print providers understanding the costs to market and the correct product to invest in.
The initial investment and the workflow adjustment are the biggest challenges to ensure optimal performance of that machine. “We recommend print shops develop a strong business plan in an already competitive market. Many established competitors will already have digital presses, and a well-organized workflow, giving them a productivity advantage. Print shops entering this market will need to carefully evaluate their positioning, production capacity, and go-to-market strategy to compete effectively.”
Juan Kim, CEO, Valloy Incorporated, says roll logistics, durability and compliance, finishing integration, and quality assurance and variable data integrity on continuous media are all factors that should be considered.
John-Paul Burton, managing director, Eclipse Label Equipment, attests that overall, there are actually surprisingly few barriers to entry for providers that are already using inkjet or laser technology to service their customers. “Inkjet, LED, and Laser technologies operate fundamentally the same, Color matching can be a challenge but with advances in technology even this reduces in consideration, so learning the print side should be simple. And the label finishing systems that come with training are easy to operate. The only real challenge is choosing a marketing strategy to add extra revenues and flexibility to a business.”
Feb2026, DPS Magazine
