Ben Markens, PPC President
For years, digital technology has been slowly changing the ways our industry makes folding cartons. While it doesn’t represent an immediate, groundbreaking change, I do believe that all converters should keep up with trends and advancements in digital printing.
PPC sponsored the recent Digital Packaging Summit where industry executives convened to learn about the latest in all things digital. I had the opportunity to attend, speak on a panel, and engage with converters from all across the country.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Never Say Never
Some people say that digital will never eliminate traditional offset printing. Never is a long time. Looking far into the future, it’s conceivable that we will operate in a fully digital environment. However, the consensus at the summit (and I agree) was that there is room for both offset and digital in the near term. They are complementary technologies.
2. Alternatives to the “Click Charge” Model
Some OEMs are looking for alternatives to the “click charge” model. Click charges denote the contracted price per sheet that runs through the machine. Some converters tell me they find this expensive. The option of buying consumables in bulk at a lower price point sounds attractive, depending on the final details.
3. Easing Investment Woes
Digital technology can be cost-effective (and sometimes necessary) for certain jobs. Yet the equipment isn’t cheap. At the Summit I learned that some OEMs think the solution to investment woes is locked-in residual equipment value. Knowing that, at a set date in the future, the OEM would buy the equipment back at a guaranteed value might make for an easier purchasing decision. Again, the buyer would want to understand all the details for it to make sense to them
4. More at Drupa 2020
Drupa 2020 will feature some exciting upgrades and breakthroughs. Several of the sponsoring companies promised some new offerings in digital that will be introduced in Dusseldorf. I plan to be there between June 19-23. Give me a jingle if you would like to meet me there.
My takeaways only scratch the surface—the Digital Packaging Summit offered much to learn. Head to Packaging Impressions, the Summit’s media partner, to read all the event coverage.