Digital vs. Flexographic Label Printing: Which Is Better for Your Production Run?
Choosing between digital and flexographic label printing is not simply a matter of picking the “newer” technology or choosing whichever process sounds cheaper. The right method depends on the complete production specification: quantity, number of SKUs, artwork versions, colors, material, finishing, repeat frequency and how the label will be applied.
Richards Label offers both digital and flexographic label printing, which allows the production method to be selected around the job rather than forcing every project through one workflow.
When digital label printing makes sense
Digital printing can be especially useful for shorter runs, product launches, multiple-SKU programs and projects where artwork changes frequently. Because there is no conventional plate setup for each design, digital production can reduce setup friction when the order is divided among several versions.
- Shorter or medium-size production quantities
- Multiple designs or SKUs in one program
- Frequent artwork changes
- Launch quantities before a product moves into larger recurring production
- Projects where setup flexibility matters
When flexographic label printing makes sense
Flexographic printing is a proven roll-to-roll process widely used for pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging. It is often evaluated for larger repeat quantities, spot-color work, specialty constructions and programs where established tooling and repeatability support ongoing production.
- Larger or recurring production runs
- Established brand colors and spot-color requirements
- Specialty materials or finishing requirements
- Repeat orders where a stable production setup is valuable
- Programs that benefit from conventional roll-to-roll efficiency
Quantity matters, but it is not the only variable
A useful printing recommendation should include label size, number of designs, substrate, adhesive, number of colors, finishing, container type and expected reorder pattern. A lower quantity with specialty requirements may still favor one process over another, while a larger order split across many designs may change the economics in the opposite direction.
Richards Label production capabilities
Richards Label’s current pressure-sensitive label capabilities include process and spot colors totaling up to eight colors, or seven colors on labels requiring varnish, subject to the individual job. Maximum web width is 10 inches. Material options include paper, white film, clear film, kraft, metallic and other specialty constructions.
How to request an accurate quote
Send the finished label dimensions, estimated quantity, SKU count, artwork status, number of colors, material preference, finishing requirements, container details and any performance conditions. Richards Label can then evaluate whether digital or flexographic printing better fits the project.
Compare Richards Label’s digital and flexographic printing capabilities or request a project quote.