The future of label printing will depend on closer collaboration across the supply chain and the adoption of new technologies, according to speakers at a panel discussion held during Domino Printing Sciences’ “Driving Digital in Label Printing” event on 3 June at the British Motor Museum.
Bringing together label converters, industry experts, and technology providers from across the UK sector, the event focused on emerging trends and the role of digital technologies in supporting business growth and operational efficiency.
A panel discussion hosted by FuturePrint’s Frazer Chesterman explored what may lie ahead for the industry. Panellists included Camilla Young, programme lead at GS1 UK; Leigh Mann, managing director of Label Solutions; Chris Spooner, sales director at Hybrid Software; and Lee Metters, inkjet consultant.
The discussion covered a range of topics shaping the sector, including the growing adoption of 2D codes, production strategies aimed at improving efficiency, the impact of automation and artificial intelligence, and the challenge of attracting and retaining the workforce needed to support a rapidly evolving industry.
Panellists concluded that close collaboration between converters, suppliers, and brand owners will be critical in helping businesses navigate industry change. They also suggested that companies embracing the latest technologies are likely to be best positioned to respond to evolving customer requirements and market demands.
The event programme also featured presentations, discussions, and equipment demonstrations from Domino and industry partners, including GS1 UK, Hybrid Software, and GM Finishing.
Among the speakers was Ms Young, who outlined the retail sector’s transition to 2D codes and the implications for label converters.
“Ultimately the next generation of barcodes must be able to scan at point of sale without reducing the time it takes to check out,” she said. “Print quality is absolutely key to the successful delivery of 2D QR codes for retail.”
Rob Lorkins, managing director at Labelnet and winner of the 2025 Digital Labels & Packaging award for Excellence with Hybrid Printing, also shared his experience of introducing digital printing technology into a flexo-focused business during a Q&A session.
“Switching to digital with Domino transformed our business faster than I imagined”, he explained. “The ease of setup, combined with outstanding print performance and expert support, enabled us to shorten turnaround times, adapt quickly as a team, and unlock new market opportunities – delivering immediate value to our customers.”
Attendees were also able to view live demonstrations of the Domino N410 LED digital label press and the Domino K300 variable data printer.
The N410 is the latest addition to Domino’s colour printing portfolio and is designed as a compact LED digital label press, offering print speeds of up to 50 metres per minute and output at up to 600dpi resolution.
Meanwhile, the Domino K300 monochrome printer is designed for applying high-resolution variable data and GS1-compliant 2D codes to packaging and labels at speeds of up to 250 metres per minute. The system can be integrated into flexo-hybrid production lines or used as part of a stand-alone customisation process.
