Why brand managers still love flexo
Despite the rise in the use of digital print processes, flexographic remains the most popular print method when it comes to producing high-quality product labels.
Here’s why:
1. Unrestricted variety of label substrates
Whereas you are generally restricted to gloss substrates when printing digitally, you can use just about any material when it comes to flexographic print. The label material used will have a significant impact on the final ‘look’ of your label and is, therefore, an important consideration for brand managers.
2. Wide variety of finishes
Some print finishes, such as graduated tints and metallic inks are likely to reproduce much better-using flexo. Graduated tints, for example, require variable dot sizes when printed, which is limited when you use digital print.
In addition, faster drying inks allow for additional finishes such as foils, laminates and varnishes to be undertaken at speed, and even using the same press. With digital print the ink needs sufficient time to dry before the labels are transferred to a separate machine for finishing, which can be time-consuming.
3. Accurate colour match and vibrancy
A wider range of colours can be accurately achieved when using flexographic print and inks can even be tweaked on the press to ensure an exact match.
Colours also hold their vibrancy for longer as flexo inks are absorbed into the label material rather than sitting on top of the substrate. This also gives your product label enhanced durability and longer shelf life.
4. More cost-effective on longer label print runs
The cost per thousand labels reduces as the volumes go up; therefore, flexographic print is more economical on medium to large print runs.
Take, for example, an average-sized beer bottle label, a print run of more than 40 thousand labels is the approximate point at which you can make savings by switching from digital print to flexo. You can read how the switch helped award-winning craft brewers Loch Lomond Brewery.
5. High definition plates for perfect quality
Since HD plates are now available for use with flexographic presses, the ‘quality gap’ which was once an issue is no longer relevant.
If you currently print your product labels digitally take a close look at them; could they represent your brand any better, is the look and feel as good as it could be? If you think there’s room for improvement, come and talk to us now.