Variable Data Printing

We've touched on variable data printing briefly across product pages and in previous blog posts. However, we wanted to break it down a little further to emphasize how many possibilities it can open up for your labels and packaging.

What is Variable Data Printing?

Variable data printing (VDP) is a form of digital printing that allows you to change elements of your packaging from one printed piece to the next. This means you can print different patterns, number sequences, designs, and more on the printing run. With applications such as HP Mosaic, which can generate virtually unlimited variations of a seed pattern, and HP Collage, which is similar to Mosaic but users can define the basic components of their packaging that will be part of each and every variation, variable data printing can be done with ease and without added artwork fees. 

What Can VDP Do For My Packaging?

With variable data printing, your packaging design is truly only limited by your imagination. Here are a few of the ways you can use VDP:

• Unique Barcodes: VDP allows you to change barcodes, QR codes or numbering on every printed piece while keeping everything else the same. 
• Endless Designs: HP Mosaic can create as many unique designs as you need from one seed pattern, which can create a huge impact on the store shelf! 
• Mass Personalization: Personalized packaging continues to rise in popularity, and VDP allows brands to capitalize on this trend with the ability to tailor each piece of packaging to segments of an audience. For example, if you sell a lot of your product in Vancouver and include a local landmark (like the Gastown Steam Clock) somewhere on your label/packaging, customers in Vancouver are likely to feel much more connected and engaged with your brand. This can be one on a much larger (or smaller scale) - the possibilities are truly endless! 
• Security Features: Through watermarks, micro text, QR codes, and other anti-counterfeiting solutions, variable data printing offers an authentication option to companies with customers who may need that extra level of verification. This is particularly relevant to companies in the food and beverage, beauty, nutraceutical, and technology industries.
• Multiple Variations: For products that have multiple variations, variable data printing is ideal. For example, labels for hand soaps with multiple scents can all be printed on the same run and the names, colors, ingredients, and so on, to be adapted for each variation will be updated as it prints.
• International Products: If you're selling your products in more than one country, you'll likely need to create packaging in different languages. Variable data printing allows you to do this with ease; keeping the logo and images the same and only changing the text! 

This post touches on some of the basics of variable data printing, and it can do so much more. Find out how it can elevate your labels and/or packaging by contacting us or requesting a quote online!