Why Inkjet Printing is the Future of Envelope Printing

The print industry is constantly evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of envelope printing. As consumer demand for personalized, high-quality, and fast-turnaround print jobs grows, so does the need for advanced printing technologies. Among these, inkjet printing has emerged as a powerful contender, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods. Let’s explore why inkjet printing is revolutionizing the envelope printing industry, focusing on its technological advancements, comparisons with conventional methods, and the unique benefits it brings to the table.

1. Technological Advancements in Inkjet Printing

Craig Hofer, Vice President, Loris Printing - Sandusky, OH:
"With the iJetColor everything is print on demand, and we no longer have to stock anything. Set up takes 10 minutes and the order is out the door the next day. Definitely made us money, just buy it!"

Inkjet printing technology has made significant strides in recent years, transforming it from a niche option into a mainstream choice for commercial printing applications. Some of the key advancements include:

• High-Speed Printing: Today's inkjet printers are designed for speed without sacrificing quality. For example, the iJetColor inkjet presses can produce thousands of full-color envelopes per hour, allowing businesses to meet tight deadlines and deliver faster turnaround times to their customers.

• Enhanced Ink Formulations: Recent improvements in ink chemistry have led to faster-drying, durable inks that adhere well to a variety of paper stocks. This not only reduces smudging and ensures crisp prints but also allows for more versatility in choosing envelope materials. Recently, we partnered with Allegheny Envelopes to offer the iJet Envelope to our consumers. These envelopes are engineered to elevate your printing capabilities with unmatched color resolution. Available in sizes ranging from A2 to 10”x13” and in quantities from a single case to millions, the iJet Envelope is designed to deliver richer colors and clearer images, making every print count.

• Variable Data Printing (VDP): One of the biggest strengths of inkjet technology is its ability to print variable data. This allows for on-the-fly customization of each envelope, making it possible to produce personalized direct mail campaigns with names, addresses, and custom graphics for each recipient. This is a game-changer for marketing professionals looking to create targeted, high-impact mailers.

2. Inkjet vs. Traditional Printing Methods

Tim Preston, Ideal Printers - St. Paul, MN:
"We’re fairly astonished how the iJetColor 1175C was able to replace four presses, it is pretty impressive!"

While offset has long been the go-to method for large-scale envelope printing, inkjet technology has made substantial gains by offering a different set of advantages. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Cost-Efficiency for Short Runs: Traditional offset printing becomes cost-effective only with large runs due to the setup time and costs associated with creating printing plates. Inkjet printing, on the other hand, requires minimal setup, making it an ideal solution for short to medium runs. This allows print shops to take on a wider range of projects without worrying about high upfront costs.

• Flexibility and Versatility: Inkjet printers are highly adaptable when it comes to print size, substrate compatibility, and design changes. This flexibility makes them particularly suited for printing envelopes of various sizes and materials, from standard business envelopes to specialty mailers. Unlike offset presses, which may require extensive changes to accommodate different stocks, inkjet printers can switch jobs quickly and easily.

• Quality and Customization: While offset printing is known for its superior quality in certain contexts, the latest inkjet printers can produce results that are nearly indistinguishable, especially for the types of short-run, full-color prints commonly required in envelope printing. The ability to add unique touches, like personalized text and graphics, gives inkjet a distinct advantage in the era of customized direct mail.

3. Benefits of Inkjet Technology for Envelope Printing

Sam Mousavi, Dpi Direct - Poway, CA

“Last year we ran the living heck out of our first iJetColor1175Pro – and with our busy season we needed another one. Starting next week both will run 2+ shifts – they are on the only way to print envelopes!”

The features of inkjet printing directly translate into significant benefits for both print businesses and their customers. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why inkjet is shaping the future of envelope printing:

• Speed and Efficiency: With their rapid printing speeds, inkjet presses enable businesses to process jobs more quickly, reducing lead times and increasing overall productivity. This can be especially valuable for seasonal campaigns or last-minute orders where time is of the essence.

• Reduced Waste: Inkjet printing is generally more eco-friendly than traditional methods, as it uses less ink and produces less waste. Since it doesn’t require printing plates, there’s no need for the chemicals involved in plate-making processes. This makes inkjet a great choice for print businesses that want to reduce waste.

• Improved Profit Margins: By minimizing setup costs and reducing waste, inkjet technology allows print shops to operate more cost-effectively. This can translate into better pricing for customers and improved profit margins for the business. Additionally, the ability to handle variable data printing means that companies can tap into the lucrative personalized direct mail market.

• High-Quality Output: Modern inkjet presses, like those in the iJetColor series, are capable of producing high-resolution prints that rival those from offset presses. Whether it’s vibrant logos, detailed graphics, or crisp addresses, inkjet technology delivers a professional finish that enhances the overall appeal of direct mail pieces.

Inkjet as the Future of Envelope Printing

As the demand for faster, more personalized, and cost-effective printing solutions continues to grow, inkjet technology is well-positioned to lead the envelope printing industry into the future. Its ability to combine speed, quality, and flexibility gives print shops a competitive edge, allowing them to meet the evolving needs of their customers. For businesses looking to stay ahead in a dynamic market, investing in inkjet technology like the iJetColor series is not just a smart choice—it’s a strategic move towards a more efficient and innovative future.

Inkjet printing isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformation. With its versatility, advancements, and proven benefits, it’s clear that inkjet technology is set to become the new standard in envelope printing, reshaping how print businesses operate and serve their clients.