The technology is licensed from Polytype Converting AG of Friborg, Switzerland. Melbourne-based Pact Group Holdings Ltd has exclusive rights to the technology in Australia and New Zealand.
Mark Nothnagel, general manager of technology at Pact Group, told Plastics News that this process of printing directly on the container is more efficient and flexible than traditional printing and in-mold labeling (IML) methods, eliminating the need to separate printing plates and colors and reducing color variations.
The $1.2 million digital technology platform prints images and designs directly onto polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene packaging, reducing turnaround time.
The company is currently conducting quality trials on PET products.
Nothnagel said: "This decoration technology will help customers quickly change packaging designs and seize one-time promotional opportunities. Direct digital printing is a new generation of decoration technology. It will not only bring customers flexible and better branding opportunities, but will also greatly shorten the supply chain and streamline the manufacturing process."
Digital technology marks the beginning of a major shift in branding of plastic products. Benefits include high-definition, lifelike images; the ability to decorate the entire container; fast response times; and the ability to print small runs or individual packages.
"Traditional printing methods take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to set up before you start production, depending on the method you use," Nothnagel said. "If you want to change the design, you have to start the entire process all over again. Digital printing takes less than an hour to print the design onto the container and start producing the finished product. It opens up a wide range of possibilities for businesses that use plastic containers."
Pact Group has commercialized the technology on a small scale and is trialling it with several companies in Australia and New Zealand.
Digital printing does not replace other printing methods such as IML, offset printing or DuoSmart (plastic containers with a paper outer layer).
It will become an alternative process that provides a more flexible option for manufacturers requiring small batches or targeted packaging.
Digital technology can personalize packaging "instantly," Nothnagel said.
"We anticipate that this technology will allow customers to respond very quickly to seasonal or location-based promotions, online marketing campaigns and sponsorships," he said.
Pact Group is to launch a second digital printing platform specifically for bottle caps. The printing press is currently being commissioned and will be put into use in mid-2015.
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