Digital Printing

When Digital Beats Flexographic Printing

Digital label printing is the optimal choice for short to medium runs (100 to 50,000 labels), personalization (serial numbers, variable data, A/B testing), fast turnaround (5-7 day standard, 48h express), and multi-SKU production (print 10 different flavors in a single order). Flexographic printing only becomes cost-effective above 100,000 labels per variant because it requires printing plates (€300-1,500 per plate). Modern digital presses like HP Indigo and Epson SurePress deliver photographic-quality output at 1,200 dpi with full CMYK color plus spot colors (white, silver, gold, UV varnish). For startups, boutique brands, craft producers, and companies testing new products, digital printing provides production flexibility that flexographic cannot match.

Order Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Graphic Design. If you have a ready artwork file, send a PDF in CMYK with 3 mm bleed and safe area margins. If you don't have a design yet - our graphic designers can create it from scratch (€35-120 depending on complexity). Step 2: Color Proof. We send a digital proof (PDF) for color approval - especially important for cosmetic and food labels where brand colors must match exactly. For critical brand colors, we can provide a physical proof (printed on actual production material) for €15-30. Step 3: Production. Standard lead time 5-7 working days. Express 48h available with surcharge. Step 4: Delivery. Via tracked courier across the EU with insurance. For regular customers, we offer dedicated just-in-time delivery schedules.

File Preparation Requirements

To achieve professional results, your artwork file must meet these technical specifications: Format: PDF/X-4 preferred; also accept AI, EPS, PSD. Resolution: 300 dpi for raster images (photos). Color mode: CMYK only (not RGB - RGB causes color shifts on press). Fonts: converted to outlines/curves (to prevent missing font issues). Bleed: 3 mm on all sides. Safe area: 3 mm margin from edges for important content. Pantone colors: specify spot colors if exact brand color match is required (we mix spot ink from base pigments). White ink: for transparent film labels, a white underprint layer is required - we help customers prepare files correctly to avoid production issues. Our pre-press team checks every file for printability before production starts.

Materials and Finishes Available

We print on a wide range of materials: paper stocks (white, metallic, kraft, textured, pearl); PP films (white, clear, silver, pearlescent); PE films for flexible packaging; PET films for heat-resistant applications; tamper-evident security labels; fluorescent colors for safety and promotion. Finishes include: matte or gloss laminate (print protection), UV varnish (glossy accent zones), hot foil stamping (gold, silver, copper, holographic), embossing and debossing (3D texture), die-cutting to custom shapes, perforation, serial numbering, personalized QR codes (unique per label), and scratch-off panels for promotions and codes.

Industries We Serve

Our digital printing serves a diverse customer base. Cosmetics and personal care: skincare, hair care, fragrances - premium labels with metallic finishes and small-batch production. Food and beverage: artisan food producers, craft breweries, wineries, specialty sauces, olive oils - labels compliant with EU food contact regulations. Pharmaceutical and health: supplements, natural remedies, CBD products - with tamper-evident and serialization features. Craft and artisan: candles, soaps, honey, jams, small-batch spirits - short runs and seasonal variants. Private label and co-packing: retailers and co-packers requiring fast time-to-market. Cannabis and hemp: state-compliant labels with child-resistant warnings (where legal). All industries benefit from our short-run capability and fast turnaround.

Digital printing at Termedia combines 15+ years of experience with modern HP Indigo technology. We serve cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, wine, and consumer product brands across the EU. Request free artwork review and sample production. See also: custom printed labels with variable data, thermal labels for logistics and retail, and industrial thermal transfer labels.