Long associated with high volumes and long runs, new technology is making preprint suitable for smaller repeat orders on demand. 

By Jackie Schultz

Corrugated graphics continues to be a growth market in the U.S., however, as more U.S. converters enter this market, the potential for higher margins and differentiation decreases. Nevertheless, untapped opportunities do exist, specifically in the area of Preprint Volume on Demand (PPVoD).

Chip Schiffenhaus, Senior Marketing Manager at RockTenn, and Alexander Cartellieri, head of Product Management at Conprinta Printing Technology, presented several examples recently during a webinar hosted by the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC).

Their approach is somewhat contrary to the typical application of web fed printing and represents a paradigm shift. Often considered a high volume process, the introduction of new technology has made preprint attractive for small repeat order volumes on demand.

 “We call it ‘Preprint Volume on Demand’ because preprint isn’t typically an on demand process,” Cartellieri says.

The process provides corrugated converters an opportunity to serve the higher-end, valued added graphics market, also known as “Differentiated at Point-of-Sale (POS).” Cartellieri characterizes this market as having attractive margins, higher graphics and low competition, and he says it is largely untapped and an ideal candidate for PPVoD. ...

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