As demand for personalized and customized packaging continues to rise, short-run and diversified flexible packaging orders are growing rapidly. Recent industry research highlights this trend:

• The global digital printing packaging market was valued at around USD 332.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 566.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.67% (Fortune Business Insights).
• According to MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to increase from USD 30.2 billion in 2024 to USD 46.2 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.9%.
• The Times of India reported that while traditional commercial printing declines by about 5% annually, the packaging sector continues to expand at 9%–11% per year, with growth in India even reaching 15%.

It is clear that packaging has become the key growth driver for the printing industry. However, traditional printing methods still struggle with the challenges of high plate-making costs and long lead times for short-run and customized orders. So, what changes will occur when flexible packaging meets digital printing?

1. Short-Run Demand on the Rise – Challenges for Traditional Printing

Flexible packaging orders, such as skincare pouches and tea bags, are shifting towards smaller volumes, more SKUs, and shorter lead times.

• Traditional advantage: mature and reliable for high-volume runs.
• Practical challenge: high plate-making costs and long production cycles make it inefficient for sampling and small runs.

Factories often face the dilemma of balancing cost efficiency with fast turnaround to satisfy client expectations.

2. Digital Printing: A Flexible Alternative

Digital printing offers a new way forward for short-run packaging.

• No plates required: designs are output directly from digital files, enabling “print from one piece, modify anytime.”
• Lower costs: more economical for sampling and small-batch production.
• Simplified Process, Seamless Workflow: designs are printed directly onto OPP or PET films, then laminated and converted into finished pouches through tightly integrated steps.

This makes digital printing an ideal choice for new product launches, seasonal editions, and customized packaging.

3. Key Advantages of Digital Printing

1. Speed and Quality Combined

Baosiwei PET/OPP film digital printers use 16 Epson i3200 printheads with a roller-feeding system, delivering 200–300 sqm/hour high-speed output while ensuring vivid colors and fine detail.

2. Unlimited Colors

Unlike traditional printing, digital printing does not require separate plates for each color. Multi-color output, gradients, and complex designs can be achieved in one pass.

3. Eco-Friendly and Safe

With eco-friendly PET inks, the packaging is odor-free, heavy-metal-free, and compliant with cosmetic and food packaging safety standards.

4. Conclusion

The rise of short-run and diversified packaging is reshaping the industry. Digital printing not only addresses cost and cycle-time challenges but also gives brands the flexibility to innovate and differentiate.

When flexible packaging meets digital printing, a new production model takes shape.

References

1. Fortune Business Insights： https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/digital-printing-packaging-market-105240

2. MarketsandMarkets Report： https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/digital-printing-packaging-market-249244591.html

3. Times of India： https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/printing-industry-would-have-been-dead-without-packaging-boom/articleshow/121446306.cms