Graphic finishing is a response to the needs of the modern consumer. It enables those who use it in their packaging to stand out from the crowd and appeal to new consumer niches. Many studies attest that 80% of purchases are impulse buys, and hence the purpose of marketing is to make an emotional, personal appeal to the consumer and generate this impulse.

Between artisan and industry
Graphic finishing has always been associated with the concept of the artisan with his extreme attention to materials and details, something that so far has been typical of traditional solutions. Today, the market is mature, digital technologies have overcome many of their limitations and stand next to traditional approaches as a valid alternative, for graphic finishing among others. Digital graphic finishing solutions are often chosen by screen printers, engravers, varnishers and printers who work in a traditional way and love to try out and discover new solutions. In this way, digital technology becomes an alternative rather than a substitute.

Adding value with graphics
Markets are always on the look out for the wow factor. In offset, we have seen the advent of flocking, the proliferation of varnishing, UV and otherwise, the use of overprinted cold foil, even perfumed and tactile varnishes. Digital technology enables graphic finishing in line with the new requirements for the product: short print runs and personalisation. The results are evident, for both printers and brands. They are continually confirmed by market surveys. Among these is one run by California Polytechnic University, which states that 81% of consumers pick up a product and turn it over in their hands before they purchase it, and 56% agree that higher quality products have more luxury packaging. Indeed, 46% of them think that more detailed packaging indicates that the product is of higher quality.

Today, digital machines have unlimited potential - so long as the user is skilled in the techniques, materials and processes they employ. Dialogue along the supply chain is essential, because many delicate technical factors must be kept under control, as early as in the specifications of supply. Enormous advances in materials and inks have made possible the most diverse formulas for graphic finishing, each of which may be best suited to a particular market segment. (Source: Libro Bianco del Package Printing 2017, ACIMGA – ARGI).