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One technology that has gained global attention is late-stage customization, a process enabled by digital printing. This method offers various benefits of digital printing, which is why it can be a game-changer in the packaging industry.
Especially with the global digital package printing industry predicted to reach around $36 billion in 2026, digital printing is a huge business, and many converters are thus considering investing in this technology.
What is Late-Stage Customization?
Briefly speaking, late-stage customization is the process of personalizing product packaging and labels during the final production stages.
As you might already know, companies traditionally ordered pre-printed packaging that included essential information like batch numbers, ingredients, and best-before dates.
Meanwhile, late-stage customization adds this information at the end of manufacturing, utilizing the benefits of digital printing technology.
So, this method is ideal for businesses needing to swiftly adjust to market shifts, introduce seasonal products, or handle various product versions.
The Benefits of Late-Stage Customization
There are numerous benefits of digital printing if you adopt late-stage customization in manufacturing, particularly when it comes to packaging and label printing, such as:
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Reduced Costs
Eliminating the need to stockpile extra pre-printed packaging helps companies save money via late-stage customization.
Generic packaging may be purchased in large quantities by manufacturers, who can then add particular details, such as ingredient lists or product codes, right before shipment.
This reduces the expenses connected to ordering and keeping many packaging variants for different markets or goods.
By avoiding the minimum order numbers often required by conventional techniques, businesses may also save money on short-run printing as it allows manufacturers to make smaller batches of tailored packaging flexibly and affordably.
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Increased Flexibility
Among the benefits of digital printing in late-stage customization is flexibility. It enables companies to quickly adjust to customer wants and market changes as well as to follow local laws and maintain seamless manufacturing.
Should a new regulation call for a modification in the components of a product’s packaging, manufacturers may promptly update the data without procurement of fresh packaging materials.
Also, late-stage customization simplifies the production of seasonal or promotional packaging. Brands can customize their packaging in-house for holidays or special events, avoiding third-party suppliers and extra lead times.
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Reduced Waste
Packaging processes frequently lead to surplus materials, particularly when a company alters designs or information during production. With the benefits of digital printing in this late-stage customization technology, you can reduce waste.
The customization allows manufacturers to print only the necessary amount of packaging, minimizing large print runs and overstock risks.
Short-run, on-demand printing is made possible by digital printing, which lets companies manufacture only what they need, therefore reducing waste. So, this approach benefits the environment and helps to save expenses as well.
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Improved Consumer Engagement
One of the most exciting benefits of digital printing in late-stage customization is the possibility to build customized packaging that improves the user experience
By allowing companies to include variable data such as names, messages, or QR codes into their packaging, digital printing technology helps to increase consumer involvement and interaction.
A brand could place a unique QR code on each package that, when scanned, directs the consumer to a personalized website or promotional offer to help brands differentiate themselves in the market and foster stronger customer connections.
Considerations for Implementing Late-Stage Customization
For sure, late-stage customization has its advantages, but businesses should weigh several factors before adopting this technology:
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Launching New or Experimental Products
Creating multiple SKUs for various languages and formats can take time when launching a new product line. So, prepare the artwork in advance since packaging design may require up to twelve months for market readiness.
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Seasonal Products
Keeping up with market trends is crucial for making products attractive on supermarket shelves and setting them apart from competitors. Brands can create engaging variations of product packaging through late-stage customization.
Packs feature vibrant summer colors, special editions for occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, and images of champion teams during sporting events, all independent of outside packaging suppliers.
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Security Aspects
High-end consumer goods can be protected from counterfeiting through variable data on 2D codes, such as QR codes, allowing consumers and supply chain partners to verify authenticity. So, you can print these data on your labels as well.
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Regional Language Customization
Engaging with the audience in their native language fosters a stronger emotional and cultural connection with end users. Meanwhile, late-stage customization allows for distinct language versions for each region, rather than multiple languages on a label.
You should therefore take this into account as this gives a greater area on the package for design and branding.
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Customized Packaging
Then, you can try adding personalized components like consumer names, tailored messages, or unique QR codes for feedback collecting. It can help you to create packaging that truly interacts with customers.
Can Late-Stage Customization Benefit Your Business?
Although it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, late-stage customization may provide major benefits for companies needing flexibility, cost savings, and better customer engagement.
Late-stage customizing might therefore be the ideal choice for you if your business generates many product variants or often changes its packaging.
Now, if you would like more information on how late-stage customization may improve your manufacturing line, consider our products on Markcom Global. We offer solutions designed to help businesses take full benefits of digital printing in late-stage customization methods.
Read About: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: The Benefits of Coding and Marking in the Chemical Industry
Referensi:
https://www.domino-printing.com/en/blog/2024/advantages-of-inkjet-printing-for-labels
https://www.domino-printing.com/en/blog/2024/what-is-late-stage-customisation
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