NCI Packaging has revealed plans to introduce digital metal decoration (DMD) technology to the Australian and New Zealand markets, with installation of a new digital printing press scheduled for the second half of 2025.
The company will integrate this technology at its Decoration Excellence and Innovation Centre in Sydney, marking the next stage in its long-standing investment in metal decoration advancements.
“Metal decoration has always been a core strength at NCI and a key part of our successful service offering to our customers, demonstrated over the decades through continued investment in the latest technologies available,” Frauke Tyrrell, NCI MD and CEO told PKN.
Over the years, the company has pioneered Computer-to-Plate (CTP) technology, workflow automation, and advanced quality monitoring across its Australian and New Zealand print operations.
“Investing in Digital Metal Decoration is a natural next step for us, and ensuring we bring the latest technologies and advantages to our customers,” Tyrrell said.
Market changes
The broader packaging industry is evolving towards greater agility, faster response times, and seamless integration of point-of-sale (PoS) packaging with marketing campaigns.
NCI’s adoption of DMD aligns with these trends, offering brands increased flexibility to run smaller production batches, customise designs, and introduce promotional packaging with shorter lead times.
According to NCI, the technology delivers high-quality metal decoration with precision, producing photo-realistic imagery, vibrant colours, and sharp text. By removing the need for traditional printing plates, it also reduces production steps, streamlines workflows, and enables faster turnaround times.
While the cost savings from DMD will vary depending on a customer’s specific needs, NCI says that it can reduce processing costs and inventory requirements.
“The ability to produce smaller runs makes high-quality metal decoration more accessible to brands that may have previously been limited by large-volume production requirements,” Tyrrell says. “We have already received strong interest in the technology and have secured commitments from brands eager to leverage its benefits.”
Proven technology
Although this will be the first DMD installation in the southern hemisphere, the technology has been in operation in Europe and the United States for over a year-and-a-half. NCI says it has been exploring digital decoration solutions since 2014 but has only recently found a breakthrough in Europe that meets its high standards for print quality.
Beyond its operational benefits, DMD also contributes to sustainability by reducing production waste and eliminating the need for printing plates. Metal packaging itself is highly recyclable, with approximately 60 per cent of all metal packaging recycled globally. NCI says it ensures that all inks and coatings used in the process are food-safe and suitable for food packaging applications.
The company’s broader sustainability strategy, launched under its “Acting Now” initiative in 2019, includes significant investments such as the installation of solar power across its Australian sites and upgrades to high-efficiency ovens and presses. These efforts have already led to a 20 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions, with the company targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
With its Sydney installation set for 2025, NCI expects DMD to unlock new opportunities for brands seeking innovative and efficient metal packaging solutions. Tyrrell concludes, “Whether for limited-edition products, promotional campaigns, or market testing, we believe the technology will offer brands greater flexibility and improved efficiency in their packaging strategies.”
