Printing used to follow a simple rule: the bigger the run, the cheaper each copy. Small quantities were expensive or simply uneconomical. Digital printing has changed this fundamentally. Today, small and medium runs are affordable in high quality too. That opens up new opportunities for start-ups, medium-sized companies and established brands alike.
In digital printing, the data goes straight to the press. Printing plates and long set-up times are eliminated. As a result, there are hardly any fixed costs to spread across the run. Whether 100 or 1,000 copies, the price depends mainly on the actual quantity. Our article Offset or digital printing explains how digital differs from offset printing.
New products and test markets: Test new packaging or a new product with a small run before investing in large quantities. If the design goes down well, the series follows.
Many variants, small quantities: Several flavours, scents or language versions? Digital printing lets you print different designs in one job without new set-up costs for each variant.
Personalisation: Names, numbering, QR codes or individual designs can change from copy to copy. That is ideal for mailings, corporate gifts, event packaging or serial numbers.
Seasonal and limited editions: Christmas, Easter, anniversaries or collaborations: small runs let you respond flexibly to occasions without risking leftover stock.
Samples and prototypes: Before a large offset run, a digitally printed sample shows how the packaging and design look in reality.
Demand-driven reprints: Instead of printing large quantities for stock, you only print what you need in the foreseeable future. That saves storage costs and capital. And you can update content faster.
Modern digital presses deliver very high quality with sharp details and strong colours. For most applications, the difference from offset printing is barely visible. The main limits are exact spot colours, because digital printing usually simulates them from CMYK. Some special materials can also be restricted. More in our article CMYK and Pantone.
A small run does not mean doing without impact. Digitally printed packaging can also be finished with soft-touch, UV coating or hot foil and custom die-cut. More in our article Finishing that works.
If your run grows or you regularly reorder the same packaging in large quantities, offset printing becomes cheaper at some point. The quantity at which this happens depends on format, material and finishing. We will be happy to calculate both options for you.
Whether a short run, a test run or a personalised edition: we produce our packaging from 500 units, in our own production and delivered free to your door. Send us the dimensions, quantity and design. You will receive a binding quote within 24 hours.
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