The flexible packaging industry faces mounting pressure to enhance its sustainability driven by consumer demands and new European legislation (i.e. Plastic Tax). Inkjet digital printing serves as a circular economy enabler to reduce the environmental footprint in flexible packaging compared to traditional analogue printing processes.
 
Sustainability Trends and Drivers:
Today’s competitive landscape necessitates shorter flexible packaging runs with increased product diversification, driving the need for short runs. Brand owners seek rapid sample production, reduced inventories, and agility for urgent jobs. Consumer and legislative preferences for ethical and sustainable packaging further promote eco-friendly production methods.
 
Inkjet Digital Printing Innovations:
Traditional analogue printing methods (i.e. flexo, gravure) are resource-intensive and generate significant waste, primarily suitable for long runs. However, the industry trend towards shorter print runs and customization challenges analogues methods’ sustainability. Inkjet digital printing offers a solution with water-based food compliant inks, reducing waste and energy consumption for short to medium production.
 
Digitally Printed Paper-Based Packaging:
The push for reduced plastic use in packaging aligns with consumer preferences for paper as an eco-friendly substrate. Single-layer paper with barrier coatings is gaining traction, particularly kraft/uncoated paper due to its natural look and eco-friendly aspect. Compact, low-energy inkjet digital presses can facilitate the adoption of local printed barrier paper, promoting recycling and reducing CO2 emissions during transportation.
 
Future Readiness with the Right Printing Technology:
Printing interchangeability between digital and analogue processes is vital to meet varying packaging format demands. Brand owners require consistent colour fidelity but are less concerned about the printing technology used. Striking a balance between these demands, existing technologies, and profitability is key. Futureproofing companies involves adopting agile Inkjet Digital presses for short runs, complementing existing analogue presses for medium and long runs, enhancing capacity and utilization rate.

Source:  https://packagingeurope.com/sustainable-inkjet-digital-printing-solutions-for-paper-based-packaging-as-a-circular-economy-enabler/10410.article