The digital transition in the label industry has been marked by both promise and challenges, with adoption remaining uneven across the sector. A significant barrier to widespread digital adoption is the total cost of ownership (TCO), particularly for converters who are hesitant to invest in capital expenditure without immediate returns. This gap between the potential of digital solutions and the actual experiences of converters has been a persistent issue. To address this, Gallus has been evolving its approach, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and modularity to bridge the divide and drive realistic progress in the industry.
At the heart of Gallus’s strategy is the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, which opened in 2023. This center serves as both a physical and intellectual hub, hosting over 1,500 visitors, 30 technical training sessions, and 25 industry events. It is designed to be more than just a demonstration space; it fosters collaboration among OEMs, universities, and technology partners like ACTEGA to co-develop practical applications. The goal is to move beyond transactional sales and create an ecosystem-level innovation environment. This collaborative model has already yielded tangible results, such as the Gallus MatteJet, a digital mattifying process now commercially available on the Gallus One platform.
The MatteJet innovation is a significant advancement in digital finishing, enabling in-line matte finishing without the need to change inks or apply overprint varnish. This eliminates the need for separate finishing steps or machines, offering a simplified and cleaner alternative for industries like wine and spirits, where premium aesthetics and visual tactility are crucial. MatteJet aligns with Gallus’s broader “System to Compose” framework, which emphasizes modular platforms built for adaptability. This allows converters to configure systems based on their specific application needs. The technology runs at competitive digital speeds, supports both 340mm and 430mm web widths, and allows seamless switching between gloss and matte finishes with the push of a button.
The business case for MatteJet is compelling, particularly in the wine label market, which was valued at $3.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2033. This market is increasingly shaped by short-run demands and premium finishes, making MatteJet a strategic response to shifting packaging economics. However, Gallus recognizes that technological innovation alone is not enough. The company emphasizes the importance of rethinking how industry participants collaborate to drive meaningful progress.
Through its Experience Center, Gallus has observed both the benefits and limitations of cross-industry cooperation. Challenges such as intellectual property concerns, cultural alignment, and strategic priorities remain persistent. As Gallus’s leadership notes, collaboration cannot be dictated; it requires a shared vision and commitment. Despite these challenges, the potential payoff of collaborative innovation is clear. By designing modular and open systems, Gallus is addressing the label industry’s current state—mature, margin-pressured, and risk-averse—while recognizing that digital adoption is a process, not a product.
Gallus’s approach reflects a sober understanding of the industry’s realities. By confronting the cost-value equation head-on and investing in infrastructure to trial and refine new approaches, the company is not only closing the expectation gap but also recalibrating what realistic progress looks like in an industry built on precision. This strategy underscores the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and a long-term view in driving the digital transition in the label sector.
.
.
.
#TechTransition #DigitalInnovation #GallusEvolution #TCOInsights #MatteJetAdvancement #WineLabelTrends #PackagingInnovation #LabelIndustryInsights #CollaborationInTech #EcoSystemInnovation #PrecisionInLabels #BesideTheBoxThinking #LabelTechRevolution #EffectiveCollaboration #SmartLabelSolutions #MarketInsights2024
