Transcript

Every label project starts with a key print decision… Digital or Conventional printing? 

Hi, I’m Emily. Today we’re breaking down the differences between digital and conventional printing and when each one makes the most sense for your brand. Because choosing the right print method isn’t just technical. It affects cost, flexibility, speed and finish.

Let’s start with digital printing. Digital presses work directly from your artwork file - much like a desktop photocopier. There are no printing plates involved. The design is uploaded and printed straight onto the material. This means no tooling, no lengthy setup, and much more flexibility when it comes to changes. Even small artwork tweaks like updating a flavour, correcting text, or refreshing a design are quick and easy to implement.

Our Digital presses use an extended colour range: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black plus orange, violet and green. That allows us to match Pantone colours with precision. In simple terms, your brand colours stay consistent and accurate. Another major advantage is flexibility. We can run multiple SKUs and variable data within the same job without significant additional cost. That means shorter runs, faster changes and seasonal editions remain cost-effective.

But digital isn’t always the right choice for every job. Digital presses run slower than conventional presses. That’s fine for short runs, but as volumes grow and press time increases, the cost per label becomes less competitive compared to Flexo. And because finishes aren’t applied inline, labels always need to move to a separate machine for die cutting and embellishments.

That’s where conventional printing comes in. Flexo printing uses plates to transfer ink onto the material. Each colour in the design requires its own plate. Ink is delivered through an anilox roller, which applies a precise amount of ink, while a doctor blade removes any excess to keep the print clean and consistent. Because plates are involved, setup takes longer and artwork changes require new plates, even small edits. But once everything is set up, Flexo printing runs incredibly fast.

This makes it the ideal choice for larger volumes where efficiency and speed become essential. Flexo presses also allow for inline finishing. That means embellishments like foiling, embossing, varnishes and laminations can all be applied in one continuous process. For highly decorative labels, or projects with multiple finishes, this is a major advantage.

So, which one is better? The truth is: Both. They simply solve different problems. Digital printing offers flexibility, precision and agility, whilst Flexo printing offers speed, efficiency and advanced finishing in one seamless process.

At Label Apeel, we specialise in both digital and conventional printing, helping you choose the right process for every project. Whether you need flexibility, speed, or highly decorative finishes, you get the best option from the start. Get in touch and we’ll guide you to the smartest print solution for your next label.