Digital-offset printing has certainly come a long way in the past 10 years. The Worldwide Digital Label Experience, HP Indigo's name for the combination technical conference, tabletop exhibition and panel discussions held June 14–16 in Tel Aviv, Israel, not only demonstrated the latest inline systems. It helped prove a solid business case for the technology, which is poised to grow tenfold in the next few years, by some estimates.

On the 10th anniversary of HP Indigo's introduction of its first Omnius One-Shot press for the packaging market, more than 150 labelmaking professionals from around the world were on hand for the program. As the only trade publication from North America in attendance, Converting gained special insight into what lies ahead for this segment of the industry.

"We intend to take the package-printing market from analog to digital," says Ronen Samuel, HP Indigo strategic marketing manager, "and become the No. 1 pressmaker for the label market." He already ranks the company third [behind Mark Andy and Gallus] in terms of units sold last year.

The equipment star of the show was HP Indigo's ws4050 press. The upgraded system adds automated workflow and finishing options for an all-digital solution to labelmaking. Up to 7-color printing and speeds of 52 fpm in 4-color mode are possible. Additionally, AB Graphic Intl. demonstrated its Omega Digicon series of finishing machines, and Esko-Graphics detailed its Kaleidoscope color-management software for digital labels.

Informal panel discussions by a trio of print buyers and a quartet of label converters highlighted the program.

While Gary Fitch, managing director of Southhampton, UK-based Amberley Labels, basically took a "leap of faith" when his company jumped on the digital-label bandwagon two years ago, the three other converter-panel members set out to prove the business case first.

"We went after new business, not just to switch analog customers to digital," explains John McDowell, president of McDowell Label & Screen Printing (Dallas). His company owns seven UV-flexo presses as well as one HP Indigo ws4050 installed last fall. Now, 50 percent of the company's new label business is digital.

The technology appeals to the big brand-owner customers of Guadalajara, Mexico's Flexo Print, says president Fernando Aranguren. "It lets us propose better solutions than offering only flexo or gravure," he says.

Advances in inline embossing, stamping and laser diecutting will only serve to push digital labelmaking forward, adds Peter Overbeek, managing director of Eshuis BV (The Netherlands).

McDowell summed up the converters' advice: "Examine the business model to be sure that digital is right for your company to invest in. The improved velocity with 6- to 8-color jobs in terms of makeready and prepress costs equals digital as the best solution."