Unlocking the Benefits of Direct-to-Package Printing: A Guide to Choosing the Right Solution

In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, packaging is more than just a product container — it is a critical tool for branding, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. Direct-to-package printing is revolutionizing how businesses approach packaging, offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and customization.

When considering investing in an in-house solution, explore these insights into the benefits and key factors of selecting the right system.

The Benefits of Direct-to-Package Printing

1. Enhanced Customization
   Direct-to-package printing enables businesses to produce high-quality, full-color graphics, variable data, and personalized messages directly onto packaging materials. This capability supports seasonal promotions, limited-edition designs, or targeted campaigns, helping brands stand out and connect with their audience.For example, a Southeast Asian company leveraged AstroNova’s direct-to-package T3-OPX printer to add logos and custom artwork directly onto food packaging, meeting the demands of brand-conscious retail customers. Similarly, direct-to-package printing can create memorable unboxing experiences by adding customer names or regional-specific designs—a strategy famously employed by a global soft drink manufacturer with their personalized holiday labels.
2. Streamlined Operations
   By bringing printing in-house, companies can eliminate the need for third-party suppliers and reduce lead times. This flexibility facilitates on-demand printing, minimizes excess inventory, and allows for faster product launches.A leading U.S. bakery and delicatessen packaging manufacturer integrated the T3-OPX into their operations to handle custom print jobs without limitations on shapes, sizes, or minimum order quantities. This enabled faster fulfillment and greater adaptability to customer needs.
3. Cost Savings
   Investing in an in-house printer reduces dependency on external vendors, cutting costs associated with outsourcing, storage, and obsolete inventory. Systems with built-in cost calculators, such as the T3-OPX, provide businesses with tools to analyze and optimize printing expenses.
4. Sustainability and Efficiency
   Modern direct-to-package printers, like the MULTI 800, support eco-friendly initiatives through water-based inks and reduced material waste. These features align with growing consumer demand for sustainable practices while maintaining production efficiency.Direct-to-package printing also addresses top megatrends in packaging redesign: sustainability, brand experience, and supply chain agility. A division of a large packaging conglomerate integrated the T3-OPX to offer sustainable, customizable solutions while meeting rapid fulfillment demands in medium to short-run quantities.

Key Attributes to Consider

When selecting a direct-to-package printing solution, businesses should evaluate these critical attributes:

• Print Technology: Advanced technologies, such as water-based inkjet, deliver high-quality results.
• Ink Type: Pigment and dye inks should be chosen based on durability and color vibrancy requirements.
• Print Speed and Resolution: The system should balance speed with sharp image quality.
• Maximum Print Width and Height: The printer must accommodate the dimensions of the packaging being printed.
• Handling and Automation: Features like automatic height calibration, tilt adjustments, and pressure configuration simplify operations and improve accuracy.
• Software Capabilities: Robust print management software ensures seamless integration and operational control.
• Scalability: The printer should handle variable data printing and diverse materials as the business grows.

Leading Direct-to-Package Solutions

AstroNova offers two industry-leading direct-to-package printers designed to meet diverse business needs:

• MULTI 800

  The MULTI 800 is an entry-level digital printer for professional packaging, paper bags, and corrugated box production. Its Industry 4.0 readiness and water-based ink technology make it an excellent choice for eco-conscious businesses.

  • Applications: Corrugated boxes, food packaging, shopping bags, and more
  • Key Features:
    • Automatic suction-cup feeder
    • Belt with vacuum table
    • Dryer module for rapid processing
    • Print speed of up to 27 m/min
    • Maximum print width of 430 mm

  The MULTI 800’s versatility and user-friendly interface enable businesses to handle a variety of packaging needs efficiently and sustainably.

• T3-OPX

  The T3-OPX is a next-generation direct-to-package printer for wide-format applications and high-speed production. Its robust capabilities make it ideal for larger businesses or those requiring late-stage customization.

  • Applications: Postcards, boxes, wooden planks, blister envelopes, and more
  • Key Features:
    • Automatic height calibration for rapid changeovers
    • Print width up to 11.7” (297 mm)
    • Economical CMYK ink cartridges
    • Built-in cost calculator and remote diagnostics
    • Production-grade design for 24/7 operation

  The T3-OPX’s impact can be seen globally. A European paper bag printer successfully transitioned from traditional offset printing to digital by integrating the T3-OPX with a unique conveyor and feeding solution. Similarly, a wooden packaging company used the T3-OPX to meet increasing customer requests for detailed, high-quality branding on their products.

Take the Next Step: Direct-to-Package Printing

Direct-to-package printing is the future of packaging solutions. If the goal is greater customization, cost efficiency, or sustainability, direct-to-package printing offers transformative benefits for companies aiming to enhance their packaging strategies.

AstroNova’s MULTI 800 and T3-OPX are cutting-edge direct-to-package printing systems that drive operational success. Learn more, including seeing them in action with virtual online demos here.