63 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 361- July | August 2026 Rather than competing directly in commodity label production, many print businesses are successfully targeting applications where responsiveness and creativity matter most LABEL PRINTING | ROB FLETCHER CMYK and white as standard, alongside optional orange and violet inks. Operating at a native resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi, the machine also offers automated features such as nozzle compensation, inline quality control, and variable data printing to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Natural Extension Also weighing in is Andy Gregory, sales director at Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Irish distributor of Mimaki. Gregory says while label print can “definitely” be considered a growth market, growth is not confined to traditional high-volume label production. “We’re seeing increasing demand for shorter runs, faster turnaround, and more personalised output, particularly from businesses wanting to produce multiple variants, seasonal packaging, promotional labels, or highly targeted campaigns, without committing to large print volumes. “Typically, those requirements are creating opportunities beyond the conventional label press environment and bringing wide-format offerings into consideration. We’re also seeing that many print businesses are now looking at labels as part of a broader diversification strategy, producing them alongside applications such as signage, packaging prototypes, promotional graphics, and branded materials on the same device.” With this, Gregory says printers should consider adding labels to their offering, particularly those looking for accessible routes into new revenue streams without the ▼HEIDELBERG says its Gallus Alpha is competitively priced compared to other label printing solutions on themarket investment associated with dedicated label production equipment. He explains label production can be a natural extension of existing capabilities across areas such as graphics, decals, or packaging-related work – and investment in a single Mimaki machine allows users to take on work in all these markets. “The Mimaki UCJV330-160 UV printer and cutter is well suited to creative label and sticker production,” he says, continuing: “Its LED UV curing allows prints to be finished immediately, while white ink, layered printing, and textured effects generate opportunities for premium applications on clear and coloured media.” On the solvent side, Gregory recommends the Mimaki CJV200 Series, saying it continues to be popular because it provides an accessible route into integrated print and cut production. As for higher production environments, he says the Mimaki CJV330-160 offers increased productivity and quality while retaining the flexibility that many businesses now prioritise. “Importantly, the market for labels is
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