Digital print technology does not need a separate plate for each print run — unlike offset and flexo printing. Instead, all colors are printed in a single pass. Not having to constantly replace plates is a big cost and time saver. Printing on-demand has become one of the biggest trends in packaging. However, digital also plays nicely with offset printing and sometimes is necessary for the job at hand.
The global digital printing packaging market is estimated to reach $28 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of approximately 11% during 2018-2024, cites a recent Research and Markets report. Inkjet technology dominated more than half of the total market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of around 16% during the forecast period. Inkjet systems have a certain single-pass system with separate rows of different print heads for each color.