Short-Run Label Printing

Table of Contents

Short-Run Label Printing: What Every Converter Needs to Know in 2025

Introduction: The Shift to Short-Run Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Transformation

If you’ve been in the label business for any length of time, you’ve seen the signs.

SKUs are multiplying. Consumer preferences are evolving faster than ever. Brands are demanding smaller, more customized print runs. And timelines? They’re getting tighter by the day.

Welcome to 2025—the era of short-run label printing.

What once was considered a niche or specialty service has now become an essential part of a converter’s toolkit. And here’s the real kicker: short-run printing doesn’t compete with traditional flexo or offset setups—it complements them beautifully. It enables converters to serve more clients, fulfill faster turnarounds, reduce waste, and even open new revenue streams through prototyping and regionalized SKUs.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • Why short-run label printing is gaining ground in 2025
  • How converters can integrate it into their current operations
  • The growing demand from brands and startups
  • Real-world strategies to shift from prototype to production
  • Why the ArrowJet Bolt is making headlines as the fastest digital label solution on the market

Let’s get started.

What Is Short-Run Label Printing (And Why Now)?

Short-run label printing refers to the production of low-volume print jobs, often with quick turnaround times and high customization. Unlike traditional methods that require long setups and high minimum order quantities, short-run jobs can be produced on-demand with minimal waste.

According to Smithers Pira, the global market for digital print in packaging is expected to hit $31.6 billion by 2026, driven largely by shorter run lengths, SKU proliferation, and demand for personalization. Converters who adapt will not only survive—they’ll thrive.

Short-run printing is ideal for:

  • Prototypes and mock-ups
  • Seasonal or promotional SKUs
  • Product launches and rebrands
  • Regional language or compliance variations
  • Personalized or serialized labels

Why Short-Run Doesn’t Replace Flexo—It Complements It

Flexo is still king when it comes to long runs and standard designs, but in today’s dynamic packaging environment, it has its limitations.

Here’s how short-run digital printing fits into the bigger picture:

  • Fills the gaps between large runs—no more waiting to batch jobs
  • Speeds up prototyping—brands can test designs in-market before scaling
  • Handles last-minute changes with agility
  • Reduces plate and setup costs for smaller batches
  • Supports variable data printing for personalization or traceability

Think of short-run as your agile pressroom assistant, allowing your flexo lines to focus on high-efficiency production, while short-run presses take care of speed, flexibility, and experimentation.

From Prototype to Production: How Brands Are Using Short-Run in 2025

Modern brands are designing, testing, and launching products at unprecedented speeds. With consumer tastes constantly shifting, brands no longer want to commit to 100,000 labels before validating a product in-market.

Instead, they want:

  • 100 labels for a product photoshoot
  • 500 units for a soft launch on a retail shelf
  • 3,000 pieces with variable QR codes for a limited promotion
  • Real-time feedback from customers before scaling

Short-run printing makes all of this possible.

And when it’s time to scale, converters can switch to traditional presses for high-volume production—armed with proof that the product performs.

Why Converters Need to Embrace Short-Run Printing Now

The biggest myth around short-run printing? That it’s only for small converters or niche markets.

In reality, large and mid-sized converters are now actively investing in digital short-run systems to:

  • Expand their client base
  • Offer prototypes and quick-turn samples
  • Serve fast-moving startups and DTC brands
  • Unlock premium pricing for customized, short-quantity labels

A 2024 FINAT Radar Report found that over 60% of European label converters plan to increase their investment in digital printing technologies by 2026, citing flexibility and speed as the top drivers.

The takeaway? Waiting is riskier than evolving.

The ArrowJet Bolt: Setting the New Standard in Short-Run Production

For converters looking to future-proof their business, the ArrowJet Bolt is quickly becoming the go-to solution for digital short-run production. This isn’t just another desktop press—it’s an industrial-grade, high-speed label printer built for serious converters who want speed, precision, and profitability.

Here’s why it stands out:

ArrowJet Bolt
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Unmatched Speed

With blazing speeds up to 150 meters per minute, the ArrowJet Bolt is one of the fastest single-pass digital inkjet label printers on the market—making it ideal for converters who want to scale their short-run capacity without slowing down operations.

Exceptional Resolution

Print at 1600 x 1600 dpi, ensuring crisp barcodes, fine text, and brilliant color accuracy for both small prototype batches and larger, high-end short runs.

Sustainable Water-Based Pigment Inks

The ArrowJet Bolt uses Nestlé-compliant water-based inks, ideal for food, pharma, and beauty applications—ensuring safety without compromising on vibrancy or durability.

Inline and Modular Options

From unwinding to printing, varnishing, slitting, and rewinding—the ArrowJet Bolt supports inline finishing and can be customized to fit existing setups. It’s engineered for seamless integration into any modern converter’s workflow.

How to Take the First Step Into Short-Run Printing

You don’t need to overhaul your pressroom overnight. Here’s a phased strategy to help you get started:

  1. Evaluate Your Current Job Mix:
     Identify SKUs, prototypes, or clients that require smaller batches or faster turnarounds.

  2. Invest in a Dedicated Short-Run System:
     Start with a high-speed digital press like the ArrowJet Bolt to handle small and variable jobs without disrupting flexo lines.

  3. Train Your Sales Team:
     Educate your team on how short-run printing opens up new services—like rapid prototyping, variable data, and regional customization.

  4. Offer Short-Run Services as Premium Add-ons:
     Market short-run as a value-add, not a discount service. Position it as a smart, responsive option for fast-moving clients.

Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to Flexible Converters

In 2025, label converters must do more than just print—they must adapt, respond, and lead. Short-run Label Printing is no longer a niche—it’s a strategic advantage that opens doors to new clients, premium margins, and faster growth.

Integrating solutions like the ArrowJet Bolt, converters can bridge the gap between innovation and execution—delivering quality at speed, without compromising on cost or scale.

So the real question isn’t “Should we invest in short-run?”
 It’s “Can we afford not to?”

Ready to Future-Proof Your Label Business?

Let us help you evaluate your short-run strategy and explore how the ArrowJet Bolt can be tailored to your workflow.

Schedule a live demo today and experience the future of label printing—faster, sharper, and more profitable than ever.

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