Digital print is remarkable, with applications from high-quality books to intricate labels

The PrintWeek Awards Jury Meet transpired from 9 to 12 September in Mumbai. 31 jury members scrutinised 200+ entries and almost a thousand samples from more than 100 companies. Totally 19 quality categories were under review; this editorial is about the digital print category.

I will focus on digital print samples because of the remarkable transformation. The advancements highlighted how digital print, when executed with precision, is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional offset and gravure, especially for complex and short-run jobs. One of the advancements caught my eye — this was a 3D rubberised matte embossing on polycarbonate for stickers for cricket bats.

In addition to the usual suspects (real estate brochures and premium invitations), one of the striking developments of PrintWeek’s Jury Meet was the ability of digital print to create a tactile, woody feel on standard medium-density fibreboard (MDF), providing a cost-effective and locally sourced alternative to imported materials for super brands. Similarly, the use of FBB whiteboard to achieve exceptional tactileness showcases the creative possibilities now available. The versatility of digital print was also evident in its application for children’s posters, where vintage looks and 3D depth was achieved. Beyond visual aesthetics, digital UV printing on fabric opened new avenues for brands, particularly in the jewelry and luxury retail brands plus sports brands. This facilitated nationwide campaigns (one lakh sq ft minimum).

Digital print also empowered B2B and local indigenous brands, offering a voice through innovative packaging and label solutions. Short-run jobs, like custom pouches for boutique companies. And so, lots of multilayer substrate structures, cartons and pouches, plus exemplary quality and quick turnaround times. The integration of smart software guarantees highly personalised packaging, even for small runs, reducing waste and simplifying the production process.

Innovative usage included menu cards in dimly lit bars, where screen printing combined with digital techniques illuminated the text, and the creation of extraordinary labels with heavy matte and raised spot UV finishes for smallquantity tube manufacturers. Digital embellishment produced stunning effects for body mist brands, with precise foiling and embossing that enhance visual allure.

The power of variable data printing (VDP) was evident in projects for dairy and Alcobev brands. For a dairy client, VDP enabled the customisation of jar sleeves for social media influencers, with names, photos, and unique background templates. This complex process, involving data hygiene and custom artwork, was completed in a mere three days, showcasing the speed and efficiency of digital print. Similarly, VDP was used for a collector’s item Alcobev canister, a 12,000-label job with an A-List artist that debuted at Cannes. This project required precise colour matching, multiple finishes, and intricate line work, demonstrating the high-stakes capabilities of digital printing for brand aesthetics.

The sheer variety and technical expertise demonstrated across the digital print samples on Day Two of PrintWeek’s Jury Meet underscored the formidable force that is digital printing.