Digital Inline Printing for Flexible, Sustainable and On-Demand Packaging
Late stage customization allows manufacturers to print variable information directly onto packaging at the latest possible stage of production. Instead of preparing large quantities of pre-printed labels or packaging in advance, companies can print product-specific data, codes, promotional content and customer information inline, exactly when needed.
REA JET supports this process with digital inline printing of variable data, helping manufacturers move from standard product marking to flexible late stage customization.
Application Overview
Late stage customization is suitable for companies that need more flexibility in packaging, labeling and customer-specific printing.
Typical applications include:
- Variable data printing
- Personalized packaging
- Promotional codes and sweepstake codes
- Loyalty program support
- Backside numbering applications
- E-commerce packaging printing
- 2D codes for retail and material identification
- Replacement of tracking labels on cardboard shipping envelopes
The flyer highlights personalization, loyalty programs and backside numbering as important late stage customization applications. It also mentions e-commerce packaging printing and replacement of tracking labels on cardboard shipping envelopes.
Hybrid Printing Concept
In many production environments, static packaging design is still printed using analog methods such as flexographic or offset printing. The variable data can then be added later using digital REA systems.
This hybrid concept combines the efficiency of analog printing for fixed content with the flexibility of digital coding and marking for variable content. The flyer specifically mentions that the static content can remain printed with analog systems, while the variable part is printed digitally using REA JET HR 2.0 and REA JET UP.
Sustainability and Waste Reduction
Late stage customization can also support more sustainable production. Instead of storing many versions of labels or packaging, manufacturers can print what they need, when they need it.
The flyer highlights several sustainability benefits, including product identification for pure recycling, 2D codes for material identification, solvent reduction through water-based inks and reduction of excess material to avoid waste.
This makes late stage customization especially useful for companies looking to reduce waste, simplify packaging management and support modern recycling requirements.
REA JET Technologies Used
REA JET provides different technologies for late stage customization depending on the packaging material, print content, speed and production setup.
REA JET HR 2.0
High-resolution inkjet printer based on TIJ technology. Suitable for sharp text, codes, variable data and compact packaging applications.
REA JET UP
High-resolution piezo inkjet printer for resource-saving direct printing, including multi-lane applications.
REA LABEL ColorJet 2
Color label printer suitable for small and medium print volumes and print-on-demand applications.
REA VERIFIER
Code verification system used to check label content and code quality for high first-read rates.
Main Advantages for Manufacturers
Late stage customization with REA JET coding and marking systems helps manufacturers respond quickly to changing market needs and customer requirements.
Key advantages include:
- Fast change of print layout
- Lower investment compared to fully digital printing presses
- Higher throughput for high-speed applications
- Easy integration of single or multi-lane applications
- Modular solution packages with up to 32 print heads
- Optional camera code verification for 360° process monitoring
- Expansion of product portfolio through customized coding and marking services
The flyer mentions these advantages as part of REA’s marking system benefits, including fast layout changes, high-speed applications, multi-lane integration and optional camera code verification.
Why It Matters
Packaging requirements are changing quickly. Brands need shorter production runs, faster response times, more personalization and better traceability.
With late stage customization, manufacturers can avoid unnecessary label stock, reduce waste and react faster to short-notice orders. The flyer also presents print-on-demand as an entry point into e-commerce packaging.
This gives manufacturers more flexibility while keeping production efficient and traceable.
Suitable Industries and Applications
This solution is suitable for:
- Packaging manufacturers
- E-commerce packaging lines
- Food and beverage packaging
- Consumer goods
- Retail packaging
- Logistics and shipping packaging
- Label printing operations
- Promotional and personalized packaging
It can be used wherever packaging requires variable data, personalization, traceability codes or flexible short-run printing.
LCMP Printing Machinery Trading L.L.C is the Official Distributor of REA JET Germany in the UAE.
LCMP supports manufacturers with industrial coding and marking solutions, including application review, technology selection, installation support, operator guidance and after-sales service.
For late stage customization applications, LCMP can help evaluate the correct REA JET solution based on packaging material, production speed, print size, number of lanes, data requirements, verification needs and integration with existing production lines.
Conclusion
Late stage customization gives manufacturers the flexibility to print variable data directly onto packaging at the right time, without depending only on pre-printed labels or fixed packaging designs.
With REA JET HR 2.0, REA JET UP, REA LABEL ColorJet 2 and REA VERIFIER, manufacturers can build a flexible coding and marking process for sustainable, traceable and on-demand packaging production.
LCMP – Official Distributor of REA JET Germany in the UAE
PRINT | MARK | VERIFY | TRACK
