Product labels do far more than display ingredients or instructions. They shape the first impressions of your brand, influence buying decisions and protect your reputation. As product ranges expand and customer expectations grow, many brands are taking a closer look at how their labels are made.
That’s why digital label printing has become an increasingly popular solution. For businesses that need flexibility, speed and consistent quality, digital printing offers clear advantages over more traditional methods.
In this guide, we explore how digital label printing works, where it fits best, and how it can make life easier for both brand owners and procurement teams.
Digital label printing is a modern printing method that transfers artwork directly from a digital file onto label material, without the need for printing plates.
Unlike traditional flexographic or lithographic printing, digital presses use advanced inkjet or toner-based technology to print designs exactly as supplied. This makes digital printing ideal for brands that need shorter runs, multiple designs or frequent updates.
At Premier Labels, digital printing is part of our wider end-to-end label solution, which allows customers to move from initial advice and material selection through to print and application support, all in one place.
Learn more about our full approach on our Label Printing Services page.
Understanding how digital label printing works can help businesses decide whether it’s the right solution for their products.
The process starts with a digital artwork file, usually supplied as a PDF. Because there are no plates involved, designs can be adjusted quickly and easily, making digital printing ideal for:
Our team can advise on artwork setup, helping to avoid issues during printing or application further down the line.
Once approved, the artwork is sent straight to a digital press. The press applies ink precisely to the label substrate, whether that’s paper, film or specialist materials designed for specific environments.
After printing, labels can be finished in a variety of ways, depending on the product and desired look, including:
Digital printing makes it easier to trial finishes and experiment creatively with visual effects without committing to large print runs.
Digital label printing offers several practical and commercial advantages, particularly for growing brands or those operating in fast-moving markets.
Cost-effective for short to medium runs
Traditional printing methods often become cost-efficient only at high volumes. Digital printing removes plate costs, making smaller print runs far more economical.
This is especially useful for:
Faster turnaround times
Without the need for plates or lengthy setup, digital printing can significantly shorten lead times, making it easier for brands to respond quickly when there are market changes. Labels can be updated without delays for compliance amendments, seasonal shifts or product tweaks, and ordered in smaller quantities to avoid holding unnecessary stock. For procurement managers working to tight deadlines, this flexibility helps to keep projects moving without creating avoidable bottlenecks.
Consistent, high-quality results
Modern digital presses deliver excellent colour accuracy and sharp detail, helping brands maintain consistency across multiple runs.
This is particularly important in sectors such as:
Efficiency is one of the main reasons brands are switching to label digital printing.
Reduced waste
With minimal setup and fewer test runs, digital printing produces less waste overall. This makes it:
For businesses focused on waste reduction, digital printing supports more responsible production without compromising quality.
Easier updates and compliance changes
Regulations change frequently, particularly in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.
Digital label printing allows businesses to:
This flexibility reduces both risk and cost.
Improved stock management
Shorter print runs help brands avoid over-ordering labels that may quickly become obsolete. By printing labels as they’re needed, businesses can cut back on storage space and keep label production better aligned with product manufacturing. This approach is particularly useful for brand owners managing multiple product lines or making frequent design updates.
Digital label printing isn’t always the best option for every project. Part of Premier Labels’ honest, advisory approach is helping customers choose the most suitable method.
Digital printing is typically ideal when:
For very high-volume, long-run projects, other printing methods may be more economical. Our role is to guide you towards the solution that works best for your product, timeline and budget.
Digital label printing supports a wide range of applications across a wide range of sectors.
Wine and spirits
Short runs, vintage changes and limited editions make digital printing ideal for wine and spirits labels, allowing producers to maintain premium quality while staying agile.
Food and beverage
Frequent recipe updates, seasonal products and compliance changes benefit from the speed and accuracy of digital printing.
Health and beauty
Brands can experiment with finishes and variations without committing to large volumes, supporting innovation and brand growth.
Pharma and nutraceuticals
Precision, legibility and compliance are essential. Digital printing ensures clarity while allowing fast updates as regulations evolve.
Choosing the right product label manufacturer is about more than print quality. It’s about reliability, guidance and long-term support.
Premier Labels offers:
We don’t push digital printing if it’s not the right fit. Instead, we focus on what makes the most sense for your product, your volumes and your budget.
Digital label printing has changed how many brands approach packaging, making it easier to stay flexible without compromising on quality.
If you’re launching new products, managing multiple SKUs or looking to reduce waste and lead times, digital printing may be the ideal solution.
If you’d like expert advice on digital label printing, or want to explore whether label digital printing is right for your next project, our team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and discover the best solution for your brand.
Premier Labels
Unit 4, Riverway Industrial
Estate
Old Portsmouth Road
Guildford, Surrey GU3 1LZ
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