WHILE traditional finishing methods continue to hold their ground, it’s the symbiotic relationship between digital and analogue that’s igniting a new era of packaging prowess.
The confluence of digital and analogue technologies presents a paradigm shift in packaging production, particularly for small batch projects. Pantec’s senior area sales manager, Roger Meierhofer, highlights this synergy as a gateway to producing high-quality packaging in limited quantities. While digital applications excel in small batch production with their precision and efficiency, analogue methods reign supreme in achieving intricate tactile effects and embossing shapes beyond the capabilities of digital solutions.
‘Gone are the days of dichotomy between digital and analogue realms,’ comments Roger. ‘“Analogue meets digital” heralds a new dawn, where the strengths of each technology complement the other, elevating the quality and recognition value of the final product.’
Yet, as packaging design evolves to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning consumer base, a delicate balance must be struck between aesthetics and sustainability. Roger points to a shift towards sustainable embellishment techniques, such as blind embossing and foil-saving systems, as a response to evolving consumer preferences. ‘However, integrating embellishment techniques into production processes isn’t without its challenges. Print service providers (PSPs) must navigate a terrain fraught with technical nuances and operational complexities. From mastering the intricacies of foil properties to streamlining the production workflow, PSPs are tasked with delivering exceptional results efficiently,’ he states.
Central to this endeavour are effective collaboration and meticulous planning. He underscores the importance of a professional design briefing, where key stakeholders align on project parameters and feasibility. ‘A harmonious partnership between designers, printers and tool manufacturers is paramount for success.’
According to Roger, the selection of materials and embellishment technologies plays a pivotal role in achieving desired outcomes. From substrate selection to refining techniques, every decision impacts the final product’s quality and cost-effectiveness.
Ultimately, the adoption of foiling and embossing techniques isn’t merely a matter of aesthetics, it’s a strategic imperative for brand differentiation and appeal,’ he enthuses.
Roger emphasises the role of brand owners and retailers as enablers of innovation, driving the adoption of embellishment technologies to create captivating brand experiences.
Pantec recently marked a significant milestone in South Africa. The pioneering RHINO foil embossing system will soon be installed at a ROTOCON customer in the Western Cape. For the complete story, stay tuned to upcoming editions of PPM.
