Ever found yourself pondering at the grocery store not just what’s inside the can but the can itself? At ALNA, we do – all the time. So let’s pop the lid off the vibrant world of can printing.
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In the beverage industry, the choice between traditional, digital, and shrink-sleeved can printing is becoming as pivotal as the contents they hold. Let’s uncork this topic and see what’s brewing with these diverse printing techniques.

At a glance

The Details Behind the Prints

Shrink-Sleeved Cans: Both sleeves captivate, but vector art (right) truly maximizes the medium's potential.

Traditional Printed Cans (left) vs. Digital Printed Cans (right). Both cans look good, but from this test, even using vector design on digital cans, we can notice the subtle blurring at high magnification.

Traditional Printing is all about reliability for large runs. Tested and trusted, it delivers high-quality results. Although the most advanced digital printing can come close, it often requires navigating a sea of trial and error and staying prepared for constant upgrades.

Digital Printing has introduced a world of flexibility with lower MOQs and the ability to swiftly change designs. In today's world, with tools like MidJourney and generative AI, creativity is at everyone's fingertips. Given that most consumers won't scrutinize a can for minutes on end in the store (unless they’re us!), the minor differences in print quality between traditional and digital are often less critical than we might think. People are drawn to what’s sparkly and colorful, making digital a strong contender.

Shrink-Sleeved Cans offer full-color graphics that are particularly suited for vibrant vector designs, which maximize the visual impact better than high-resolution photos. While they have moderate minimum order quantities and require less trial and error than digital options, their use of plastic is a significant drawback. This environmental concern has led to usage restrictions, including a ban in Quebec.

Which to Choose? It Depends…

It’s the classic marketer’s answer but hear us out.

Digital printing is the cool kid on the block – flexible, modern, and perfect for brands that thrive on customization. Think about your mobile data plan. Sure, $45 for 50GB sounds great, but what if you only use 10GB? That's where digital printing shines. It’s like opting for a lower usage plan that perfectly fits your needs – no more, no less. If you don’t need a gazillion cans, why pay for them? Digital printing lets brands order just what they need, making it a go-to for anyone from startups to big players looking to jazz up their seasonal promotions.

Yet, traditional printing isn’t going anywhere. It’s reliable, cost-effective for large batches, and has a certain je ne sais quoi that many established brands still trust. Shrink-sleeved cans, while offering unmatched design possibilities, remind us of the balance we must strike between aesthetics and environmental impact.

Let's Wrap It Up

Whether you’re a craft brewery looking to stand out with a limited-edition design, a startup experimenting with dynamic market strategies, or a beverage giant needing millions of cans, there’s a printing solution that fits. At ALNA, we’re here to guide you through these choices, ensuring your cans look as good as the beverages inside taste.

Ready to explore more about how your brand can benefit from the latest in can printing technology? Contact us today at info@alnapackagingco.com and let's make your can the canniest on the shelf.
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