More than ten years ago, Konica Minolta stepped into the label printing market ready to embrace its immense opportunity and intense competition. Fast forward to today, and the company has installed over 1,700 digital label presses across the globe. It’s a remarkable milestone, one that underscores Konica Minolta’s steady rise as a trusted partner in digital label production.
This collaborative approach supports operations as they navigate the transformation being undertaken by the global label printing market. Trends such as shorter runs, variable data printing, and the demand for sustainable, on-demand packaging, are shaping business demands, customer expectations and operational needs.
Developing the right response is vital. It is also set to be rewarding with analysts at Smithers Pira predicting that the booming market will surge nearly 60% over the next decade, reaching $20 billion by 2032.
The industry’s growth is being encouraged by:
- Consumer Goods Boom: The continuous growth in consumer goods production and consumption across Europe has led to an increased demand for packaging and labelling solutions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stringent regulations, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, have necessitated more detailed and informative labelling, driving demand for advanced labelling solutions.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in printing technologies and materials have opened new avenues for customisation and efficiency in label production.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Growing environmental consciousness among consumers and businesses has spurred demand for eco-friendly labelling solutions.
Konica Minolta is determined to play a prominent role this growth.
Purpose-built innovation for today’s label producers
Analysts at IDC attribute this success to the company’s unique ‘sweet spot’ of balancing quality with productivity. This formula has resonated with converters and print providers seeking reliable, efficient solutions without compromising on the visual impact and precision today’s label applications demand.
This momentum has been driven by Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel series, which has brought high-quality digital label production within reach for small to medium-sized businesses, while giving larger operations scalable digital capability to supplement traditional systems better suited for long run production. Konica Minolta’s approach combines cutting-edge toner technology, intuitive operation and seamless workflow integration, making it easier for businesses to pivot into digital or expand their current offering.
The AccurioLabel 230 has been a cornerstone of this success, offering an accessible, high-quality entry point into digital label production for converters, commercial printers and packaging companies. Designed for fast, efficient short run output with minimal setup and processing time, it helps operations expand capacity, reduce waste and bring more jobs in-house.
The AccurioLabel 400, commercially available since 2023, provides more productivity with higher print speeds and run lengths. It offers benefits of automated colour and density control and widens the range of print applications through the 5th colour station with white toner.
With label volumes rising and SKUs multiplying, Konica Minolta is focused on delivering the technology print providers need to scale confidently. Businesses can expect technology previews of a new AccurioLabel model at Loupe Americas – an advancement designed to help customers keep pace with a rapidly expanding market through advanced automation, optional Intelligent Quality Optimiser (IQ), and higher resolution.
Continued investment in innovation, service and customer partnership ensures Konica Minolta is positioned to help operations to expand their label opportunities. Whether you’re just entering the world of digital labels, or looking to scale your production, Konica Minolta’s decade of experience offers a proven path forward.
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The AccurioLabel 400 provides more productivity with higher print speeds and run lengths