The packaging and label market has undergone a huge transformation in recent years. Consumers have become more aware, manufacturers more demanding, and European Union regulations are imposing increasingly strict standards regarding packaging and recycling. In this reality, label printing takes on a whole new meaning.
In 2025, an attractive design alone is no longer enough. A label must be:
- compliant with regulations,
- functional,
- adapted to the recycling process,
- visually appealing and able to stand out on the shelf,
- a carrier of additional information (e.g., QR codes, RFID, serialization).
That’s why it’s so important to know which technologies work best for label printing in 2025 and how to choose a solution tailored to industry needs.
1. Flexographic label printing – a solid base for large runs
Technology characteristics
Flexography is a printing method where flexible plates transfer ink onto the substrate. Thanks to its versatility, flexography has long been dominant in the production of labels and packaging.
Advantages of flexography in 2025
- Efficiency: very high printing speeds – ideal for large runs.
- Versatility: ability to print on paper, films (PP, PE, PET), eco-friendly and biodegradable materials.
- Economy: low unit cost with large volumes.
- Finishing options: cold-stamping, hot-stamping, embossing, tactile varnishes, and lamination.
- Ecology: increasing use of water-based and low-migration inks, compliant with BRC and GMP requirements.
Examples of applications
- Food industry: labels for dairy, beverages, beer, and packaged food.
- Chemical industry: labels resistant to detergents, oils, and aggressive substances.
- Automotive: service stickers and car part markings.
2. Digital label printing – flexibility and personalization
Key Features
Digital label printing, particularly inkjet and toner technologies, is developing extremely fast. The biggest advantage is the lack of printing plates, which significantly reduces turnaround times.
Advantages of digital printing
- Short lead time: ideal for small runs and prototypes.
- Personalization: ability to print variable data – different graphics, serial numbers, languages, QR codes.
- No prepress costs: no need for plates or forms.
- Quality: comparable to flexo and offset for small runs.
Examples of applications
- E-commerce: personalized labels, unique graphics for customers.
- Marketing and promotions: short limited editions, campaigns with QR codes linking to dedicated sites.
- Premium cosmetics: special editions with individualized prints.
3. Hybrid label printing – combining two worlds
What is hybrid printing?
Hybrid technology combines flexography with digital label printing. This allows for both large-volume, low-cost flexo runs and personalized short digital runs – all in one process.
Advantages of hybrid printing
- Economy: large runs printed flexographically, personalization digitally.
- Versatility: ideal for brands that need to combine mass production with an individual approach.
- Inline finishing: hybrid printing enables premium effects and variable data printing in one go.
Examples of applications
- Craft beverages: beers and artisanal drinks with short runs and variable graphics.
- Pharmaceuticals: medicine batches with individual DataMatrix codes.
- Luxury industry: cosmetics and perfumes in limited editions.
4. How to choose the right label printing technology in 2025?
The decision depends on several factors:
- Run size: large runs – flexography; small – digital; medium – hybrid.
- Material type: eco-friendly papers and films require specific techniques.
- Turnaround time: digital printing enables almost immediate production.
- Budget: for small runs, digital eliminates prepress costs; for large runs, flexo is cheaper.
- Personalization: only digital and hybrid printing enable mass customization.
5. Industries using different label printing technologies
- Food industry
High volumes, resistance to moisture and temperature required. Flexography most common. - Cosmetics industry
Premium design focus, short runs, and limited editions – digital and hybrid printing. - Chemical and automotive
Durability, resistance to chemicals, compliance with CLP and GHS. Flexo with low-migration inks. - Pharmaceuticals
Strict regulations, DataMatrix codes, high readability. Hybrid printing with 100% vision inspection.
6. Key trends in label printing in 2025
Ecology and sustainability
- mono-material substrates for easier recycling,
- wash-off adhesives enabling packaging reuse,
- low-migration inks compliant with EU regulations.
Connected packaging
- QR codes linking to online content,
- NFC and RFID label technologies,
- serialization in pharma and food sectors.
Automation and AI
- vision inspection systems monitoring 100% of output,
- AI in prepress and color management,
- automated logistics in printing houses.
Premium finishing
- cold foil and hot-stamping,
- tactile spot varnishes,
- microembossing for 3D effects.
7. Practical case studies
- Craft beverage producer – short series with different graphics using digital printing. Result: shelf standout and 15% sales growth.
- Pharmaceutical company – hybrid label printing with DataMatrix codes, ensuring compliance. Result: meeting EU requirements and full batch traceability.
- Food concern – high-volume dairy labels in flexography, optimized unit costs. Result: 12% production cost reduction.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
1. Which technology is best for large label runs?
Flexographic printing – fast and economical.
2. Is digital printing expensive?
No – for small runs, digital is more cost-effective as it eliminates prepress costs.
3. What does hybrid printing offer?
It combines the economy of flexo with the flexibility of digital – ideal for medium runs.
4. What are the biggest trends in label printing in 2025?
Ecology, connected packaging, automation, and premium finishing.
5. Do all labels need finishing effects?
No, but in cosmetics and luxury industries they’re often standard.
6. Does digital printing offer the same durability as flexography?
In many cases yes, but for chemical- or oil-resistant labels, flexo still dominates.
7. How much does label printing cost in 2025?
Costs depend on run size, material, and finishing. Digital is cheaper for short runs, flexo for large volumes.
In 2025, there is no single perfect solution for label printing. Flexography remains the leader for high volumes, digital printing offers flexibility and personalization, and hybrid printing merges both worlds, delivering economy and creativity at once.
Modern technologies, automation, and rising ecological requirements make label printing not just a production process but also a vital element of brand building and consumer communication.