CS Labels today announced that the flexible stand-up pouches they produce for Graze snacks has won the award for Innovation at the 2015 Digital Printer Awards.

Managing Director Simon Smith said: “On behalf of the whole team, I’m really delighted to collect this award from Digital Printer. It is the second year we have won, but the first time we have won an award for our new flexible pouches product which we launched earlier this year. We worked hard to push the boundaries of digital print yet again, and it has paid off. I have seen an unprecedented demand for the pouches in 2015 and this is set to continue into next year.”

The pouches printed for Graze is a fascinating story. Printing stand-up pouches digitally is traditionally known as being very challenging. Graze asked CS if they could do it. In the face of adversity and against the advice of experts, CS Labels believed that stand-up pouches could be digitally printed on a Xeikon press, and spent 6-8 months testing and proofing the concept. They then launched a range of pouches on various substrates in February this year.

Production Director Adam James explains why Graze wanted digital: “Graze wanted digital technology because they had learned the unique benefits from the label work they already did with CS Labels. They knew the quality was up to scratch and would do their brand justice as well as actually adding value to it. They need multiple sorts (over 100) based on what their customers order and this fluctuates immensely based on trends and tastes. Short lead times are key and the idea of no stock was an attractive aspect. Order only what you need, and go – like the boxes themselves!”

The market is changing!
The demand for digital pouches and global flexible packaging has grown significantly and the Industry is set to reach $231 billion by 2018 according to Smithers Pira. Smith concludes: “More and more companies are looking at moving to digital for their pouches, particularly for multiple sorts / SKUs and short run work. As with what we have seen with labels this will soon turn into the longer runs now the market knows what’s possible. Exciting times.”