Digital Printing Gains Momentum For Speed, Performance In 2026 According to a report on Packaging Dive , digital printing for packaging has been slowly gaining steam the last few years and picking away at market share for analog sys- tems such as flexography, rotogravure and offset lithogra- phy. But 2026 could be notable for the sector’s maturation, according to a newly released report from consulting firm Keypoint Intelligence. Digital printing is “entering a more mature, disciplined phase of adoption,” the report says, and growth this year is expected to come from different avenues than in the past. The report notes that packaging converters are con- sidering these solutions “less as standalone innovations and more as components within broader production and manufacturing environments.” While other industries are ahead with digital adoption, “it has been a little bit slower on the packaging side be- cause of all of the aspects and the complexity with pack- aging. You’re kind of over that curve now,” said Marc Mas- cara, principal analyst for labels and packaging at Keypoint Intelligence. “All of a sudden, with the speed of AI and the way the brands are moving, and the way the economy is changing and moving ... [converters are] thinking, ‘OK, how do I do digital faster and better?’” The report presented several key themes predicting where digital printing for packaging is headed in 2026. Converters have realized the benefits of digital printing in their specialty applications and are beginning to adopt the technology for mainline production, according to the report. That’s projected to accelerate in 2026. “They already understand specialty printing — that high value, high graphics type — because that’s where they’re doing all the corrugated work, the labels and the embellishments,” said Mascara. “Now what they’re looking towards is ... where can I build those efficiencies into my mainline?” Versioning is one specialty application where the speed and efficiency of digital printing can translate well to mainline operations, he said. “That’s where the converters are really looking for that ability to answer the call of the designs and everything that’s coming from the brand side of the business.” The adoption of digital printing for packaging so far has mostly been driven by converter experimentation, not from customers specifically requesting the technology. But brands will play an increasing role in determining where adoption accelerates, according to the report. This “visi- ble shift toward brand-driven influence” is expected to be prominent in the corrugated packaging and label sectors. AI helps brands speed R&D for new products and mar- keting campaign development, and digital printing lets converters better keep up with customer demands com- pared with analog options. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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OHIO BLOW PIPE/ADVANCED AIRSYSTEMS www.obpairsystems.com For 85 years the Ohio Blow Pipe company and its whol- ly owned subsidiary, Advanced Airsystems, have provided the corrugated and folding carton industries with systems and products to process scrap. We engineer, fabricate, in- stall, service, provide system audits, and offer a wide range of scrap systems, dust collection systems and products to include cyclones, under roof AIR-SCREEN™ systems, pit belt systems, CLEANAIR dust collectors, Mist-Clone™ dust control systems for vacuum feeds, material handling fans, ductwork, switch valves, airveyors, balers, and shredders. OMP www.omp.com OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow and thrive by offering the best digitized sup- ply chain planning solution on the market. Its Unison Plan- ning concept has a unique approach. It handles all supply chain planning challenges in a unified way, synchronizing all planning stages, horizons, functions and roles. Hundreds of customers run OMP’s cloud-based solution to generate more value by making informed decisions. OMP invests one out of every three dollars earned into innovation.
PAPER AND DUST PROS, INC. www.paperanddustpros.com
We custom design, install and service air conveyed scrap and dust collection systems. Our unique APS® is smaller, lighter, and more reliable than current cyclones. Contact us to learn how the APS® System can enhance your operation.
PROFERO SYSTEMS, INC. www.ProferoSystems.com
Profero Systems the leader in double facer heating and traction section conversions and performance enhancing products. Featuring products from Contact Bars and Com- pensating Rolls to New Glue Machines and Double Facers. GF PUHL www.gfpuhl.com GF PUHL designs, manufactures and installs air conveyed scrap & dust collection systems for the packaging and cor- rugated industries. With 42 years of experience, USA and In- ternational. We offer below or above roof systems featuring cyclones OR screen separators with real time pressure bal- ancing for optimal dust control. High efficiency cyclones for sheet transfer exhaust systems eliminate water consump- tion and deliver dust directly to compactor or briquetter for low maintenance, long term sustainability and reliability.
QUEST7, INC. www.Quest7.us
Quest7, Inc. is focused on being a leading manufacturer and distributor of critical parts and materials required in the cor- rugated box industry. Our commitment of “Bringing the Best to You,” reflects the level of quality and customer response in what we do every day.
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