On-demand colour label printing: A more sustainable choice with Epson’s new ColorWorks C8000e

In a new era of digital industrial label printing, sustainability and efficiency have become paramount. Epson's latest innovation, the ColorWorks C8000e, is a testament to this shift. This new compact industrial colour label printer is designed to meet the high-volume demands of various sectors while significantly reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.

Reducing waste and environmental footprint

The ColorWorks C8000e leverages advanced technology to minimize the environmental impact traditionally associated with label printing. Unlike conventional analogue label production processes, which often result in substantial waste due to overstocked inventory and pre-printing errors, the C8000e allows for on-demand, high-quality colour label printing. This capability eliminates the need for large batches of pre-printed labels, thereby reducing waste.

Epson's PrecisionCore printhead technology ensures detailed, consistent, and accurate colour labels, achieving an impressive resolution of 1200 x 600dpi. This precision, combined with a print speed of 300 mm/sec, supports efficient on-demand production, reducing both run times and resource consumption.

The printer’s ability to handle a variety of media types and thicknesses further enhances its versatility and reduces waste. Whether printing on matt and gloss paper, film, or synthetic materials, the C8000e ensures high-quality output without the need for multiple print runs.

Energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction

Independent research by Smithers highlights the significant energy savings that on-demand inkjet labelling can achieve. The switch to on-demand inkjet printing could save European businesses up to 28.7[1] million kWh annually, equivalent to the energy needed to light 95,960 homes. More importantly, this transition would result in a reduction of 6.7 million[2] tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, significantly contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

The ColorWorks C8000e’s efficient use of high-capacity ink pouches, which contain 75% less plastic than traditional cartridges, further underscores its environmental benefits. These pouches provide 1.65 times more volume compared to its predecessor, the CW-C7500, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated waste.

Enhancing operational efficiency

The C8000e’s design prioritizes ease of use and maintenance, with a 35% smaller footprint compared to its predecessor. This compact design allows for better placement in space-restricted environments, while the one-side access design simplifies operations such as paper loading and ink replacement.

Integration with existing systems is seamless, thanks to a range of connectivity options including USB 3.0, high-speed Ethernet, and optional Wi-Fi. This flexibility ensures that the C8000e can be easily incorporated into new and legacy infrastructures, enhancing workflow efficiency without the need for extensive reconfiguration.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Smithers' report outlines how on-demand inkjet label printing aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Inkjet printing is far less energy-intensive than traditional methods.

- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Inkjet printing offers cost efficiencies and margin improvements.

- SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure: Innovative inkjet technology reduces waste and stock obsolescence.

- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Inkjet printing significantly reduces waste materials compared to thermal transfer printing.

The broader impact

The environmental benefits of switching to on-demand inkjet printing are profound. Smithers estimates that this transition could eliminate 180 million square meters of label waste annually, equivalent to covering 25,264 football pitches. Additionally, it could reduce ink waste by 619 tonnes, the weight of 41 double-decker buses.

Selecting the right label printing process can lead to significant commercial and environmental benefits. By adopting the ColorWorks C8000e, businesses can improve their operational efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, Epson's ColorWorks C8000e is more than just a high-speed, high-quality label printer. It represents a significant step towards sustainable industrial printing, offering businesses a powerful tool to reduce waste, save energy, and lower carbon emissions. As the market continues to evolve, on-demand colour label printing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and efficient future for the printing industry.

[1] See Smithers, White Paper ‘Sustainability in Label Printing’ dated May 2021.

[2] Calculated using standard conversion of 0.233 kg of CO2e per kWh of electricity.