The Rise of Digitally Printed Craft Beer Cans
When you think about craft beer, the first things that probably come to mind are the unique flavours, limited releases and rare tasting notes. However, another equally important element of craft beer that often goes unnoticed is its packaging. Gone are the days when consumers picked their brew based solely on what’s inside. Now, a canned beer’s aesthetic appeal significantly influences purchasing decisions. Sparking a new trend in the industry – digital printing on craft beer cans.
What is a Digitally Printed Can?
As the name implies, digitally printed cans are aluminium beer cans that have been printed upon digitally. This innovative method of printing allows for personalisation and detailed artistry that’s much more advanced than traditional printing methods. The transformative technology enables brewers to send digital files to a printer to be directly transferred onto the can, promising more vibrant colours, intricate designs and shorter turnaround times.
Why is It Gaining Popularity?
The Benefits of Digitally Printed Cans
First and foremost, let’s talk about the obvious – they just look cool! The can comes alive through compelling visuals that demonstrate the personality of the brewery and the beer within. But beyond that, there are several other practical advantages that make digital printing the future of craft beer packaging.
Vibrancy and Detail
Digital printing offers a higher resolution than either traditional lithographic printing or heat transfer labelling. Brewers can now showcase not only their artistic abilities but their penchant for details – with every element of the design being crystal clear. The vibrant colours and sharp, detailed designs are appealing and draw attention, helping craft beer stand out on the supermarket shelf.
Flexibility in Design
Unlike traditional printing methods which require the purchase of expensive plates for each design, digital printing lets brewers experiment with their can designs freely, with no minimum order quantities. This enables small-batch brewers to keep their packaging just as unique and ever-changing as their beers.
Quick Turnaround Times
In the conventional method of printing, it could take weeks to go from designing to production. However, digital printing substantially reduces the time to market since the digital files can be directly integrated into the printing machine. This enables breweries to have a faster reaction to market changes and to release new beers more often.
Sustainability
Also worth noting is the environmental aspect. Digital printing results in less waste and fewer chemicals being used during the process compared to traditional methods. Plus, aluminium cans are 100% recyclable.
Moving Forward: The Future is Here
The shift towards digital printing of craft beer cans is more than just a passing fad, it’s indicative of a future where creative design and craft beer go hand in hand. With the ability to capture greater details, flexibility, speedier time to market, and a more eco-friendly process, digital printing is undeniably the future of craft beer.
Remember, while the look of your beer can is an important part of your brand strategy, it should always be supported by the quality of the beverage inside. Ultimately, it is the combination of taste and presentation that creates a memorable craft beer experience.
This article provides an engaging insight into the rise of digitally printed craft beer cans. The combination of personalized, detailed artistry and quicker production times is a game-changer for the beer industry. Not only do these cans look visually appealing, they offer practical benefits such as more vibrant and detailed designs, offering a new avenue for breweries to express their individuality and creativity. The shift towards digitally printed cans is a fascinating trend that adds a fresh dynamic to craft beer culture.