printing in-house. The company was able to achieve a striking effect by utilising varnish on a glass bottle to create a cracked design, giving the effect of old glass with the design then printed on top. “The result is a tactile and unusual effect that makes people want to touch the bottle and creates a product with a premium feel,” Makrinos comments, adding: “Other effective print innovations include etching, lustre effects, mirror print, and stained glass effects using the Helix digital cylindrical printer. For etching, only white ink is used without varnish at a lower opacity on a glass application. “Our range of direct-to-object printing technology is constantly developing and evolving to meet the needs of our customers and those seeking new ways to diversify.” The Inkcups direct-to-object portfolio includes the flagship Helix range of cylindrical printers featuring Nano Pin Curing technology, as well as the entry-level benchtop Helix ONE cylindrical printer with recently launched updates that expand application capabilities and enhance print-on-demand and high-mix production environments. Other options are the flatbed X5-T High Throw direct-to-object printer, enabling printing onto a variety of products from sweet tins and mugs with handles to cool boxes and sporting equipment; and finally, the XJET Switch for printing onto reusable tote bags. Looking towards the future and what printers can expect in this sector in terms of changing trends and demands, Makrinos agrees with others in this piece that sustainability will be a primary focus moving forward. He says sustainability remains a key consideration amongst print buyers and brands in all spaces from cosmetics to drinkware. “Consumers are also seeking sustainable products with longer lifespans and as a result we are seeing a shift towards refillable and reusable products such as drinkware, beauty products, and bags,” Makrinos explains, continuing: “Direct-to-object printing lends itself perfectly to this as it is far more durable than traditional labels and its print-on-demand nature reduces unnecessary waste and excess stock. “For example, digitally printed gin bottle designs such as those created by Sterkstokers’ customers are often so beautiful and tactile that the bottles are kept and used in other ways such as limited-edition keepsakes or as vases or candle stick holders.” This feature throws up several key conclusions for printers to go away and think about. First, there is plenty of value in adding special effects services to your offering, with this allowing you to work with customers on all manner of projects and applications, particular within the packaging and customisation markets. However, within the overall rising demand for special effects are several, smaller trends that should also be considered in any future planning strategy. Sustainability is a huge consideration with those that focus on this area gaining access to those clients that want that extra sparkle on their print, but in a way that does not impact the planet negatively. SPECIAL EFFECTS | ROB FLETCHER Scented inks can release fragrance when rubbed, adding a multisensory element to printed pieces such as magazine advertisements Factoid ▼ Inkcups has noted a shift towards more premium finishes for applications. Image: Sterkstokers ► Sterkstokers used a Helix ONE cylindrical directto-object printer from Inkcups to bring bottle printing in-house. Image: Sterkstokers 46 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 357 - November | December 2025
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