Digital Printing

Cosmetic containers come in all shapes and materials. From coextruded PE cosmetic tubesto PP airless dispensers. But to turn a product into an eye-catcher, there is one thing missing – the print.

For decades self-adhesive labels and one or two-colour direct printing have been the dominating way to print. The first product that made the move away from this was the cosmetic tube with multi-colour offset or screenprinting technology. Due to these printing technologies, tubes became colourful pieces of art. Designs ranging from images of fruits, oils and other ingredients to abstract shapes and gradients created a look that was both appealing and informative. But this change came with a price. To print a multi-colour image cost-efficiently, high quantities are mandatory.

Digital printing for cosmetic packaging

Now it is time for the next change. With digital printing technology the printing of smaller quantities with photographic elements or just colourful artworks became affordable. Moreover, the first brands realised that this technology can be used to create unique products with a certain goal: To target very specific groups with matching designs. The most popular examples are white labeller and private label cosmetics branded with the face of the latest trending influencer. Other variances are special editions for a sports event or just a colourful, bold style for the young. Moreover, digital printing opens the market for small brands and start-ups without cutting back on the products design.

Digital heat transfer printing

One very specific technology is the digital heat transfer printing. Unlike other digital printing technologies, this one stands out due to the separation of printing and decorating. While heat transfer printing in general is a common technology for mascara bottles and products alike, especially in America and Asia, it is less popular in Europe. To print a product with digital heat transfer technology the first step is to send the artwork to a specialised company. There the artwork will be inspected and optimised for the printing press. Following this, the files will be sent to the digital press, where they will be printed. This is done on a special carrier material, which allows for the print to release from it during the application process. After this adhesion modifiers can be added. By this adhesion to untreated PP as well as to other plastics, metals, glass, and wood can be achieved. Last, the prints will be slit and wound to handy rolls that can be easily shipped to the decorator. For the decorating part, all that is needed is a heat transfer machine and the rolls with the pre-printed heat transfers. Once inserted the images get registered and positioned over the to be decorated item. As soon as the position is reached a heated rubber roller drops down and presses the print against the products. Due to the applied heat and pressure the image bonds with the product’s surface. Right after that the carrier foil will be peeled of resulting in a printed product.

There is no need for curing or solvents to evaporate. Once the print is applied, the decoration process is done and the product can be packed, filled, and shipped.

Benefits for printers, brands, and customers

Not only is this an easy-to-use printing technology, it offers even greater benefits for everyone that is involved:

• First, the costs. When implementing an automatic heat transfer machine for cosmetic tubes, shells and other mandrel carried items, the investment is a fraction of what a comparable direct printing solution would cost.
• Furthermore, as the operator will not have to deal will colours at all, it takes less training to run a heat transfer machine.
• Another benefit lies in the wearing parts. As the heated rubber roller is the only machine part that has to do the work, this is also the only one that needs replacement.
• Equally important is the print itself. As the transfer is free from UV curing monomers, VOCs or any solvents at all it can be safely used without any additional protection. This has further positive effects as on migration, smell, and storage conditions.
• Also, due to being pre-printed there is no risk for out of register colours.
• Moreover, it adds flexibility to the production. As you only pay for what you need, the fixed costs of ownership can be reduced.

More Flexibility

By adding digital heat transfer printing capabilities to the printing department, the way will be cleared for many different applications. From small runs to target a specific niche, create a limited edition, or testing new designs. To personalised or serialised designs with different names, languages, numbers, or codes on them  All in all, it is a printing technology worth looking into when thinking about digital printing solutions.