Domino Printing Sciences brought together converters, suppliers and industry representatives at the British Motor Museum on earlier this month to focus on developments in digital label printing.
The event, titled Driving Digital in Label Printing, included presentations, panel discussions and equipment demonstrations, with contributions from GS1 UK, Hybrid Software and GM Finishing.
Packaging technology formed a central part of the programme, including demonstrations of the Domino N410 LED digital label press and the Domino K300 variable data printer.
The N410 is an LED digital label press designed for colour printing, offering output of up to 600 dpi and print speeds of up to 50 metres per minute. The Domino K300 monochrome printer applies variable data and GS1-compliant 2D codes to packaging and labels at speeds of up to 250 metres per minute, either as part of a hybrid line or as a standalone late-stage customisation process.
Camilla Young, programme lead at GS1 UK, addressed the transition to 2D codes in retail and the implications for converters. “Ultimately, the next generation of barcodes must be able to scan at point of sale without reducing the time it takes to check out. Print quality is absolutely key to the successful delivery of 2D QR codes for retail,” she said.
Rob Lorkins, managing director at Labelnet, discussed the company’s move from flexo to digital printing during a Q&A session with FuturePrint’s Frazer Chesterman. “Switching to digital with Domino transformed our business faster than I imagined,” he said. “The ease of setup, combined with outstanding print performance and expert support, enabled us to shorten turnaround times, adapt quickly as a team, and unlock new market opportunities, delivering immediate value to our customers.”
A panel discussion hosted by Chesterman also featured Young, Leigh Mann, managing director at Label Solutions, Chris Spooner, sales director at Hybrid Software, and Lee Metters, inkjet consultant. The discussion covered the adoption of 2D codes, production efficiency, automation and AI, and workforce challenges in the sector.
Panellists pointed to collaboration between converters, suppliers and brand owners as a key factor in responding to industry changes, with those adopting newer technologies positioned to lead.
The event concluded with a tour of the museum’s collection of historic British cars.