A can’s artwork is its first impression, but the printing method you choose dictates your operating costs.

Your selection between traditional, digital, or shrink-sleeve printing sets your minimum order quantities and your total lead time. At ALNA, we work through these trade-offs every day. Here is a breakdown of how these three methods fit different production scales.

At a glance

While it might seem obvious that volume dictates the printing method, there are other technical factors to consider. E.g. many digital inks are sensitive to high-heat pasteurization and retort, so if you use heat treatment, thorough testing is necessary to ensure the design doesn't peel off.

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 (Dry Offset) Printing is the standard for high-volume production. Once the plates are made and the press is running, it offers the fastest speeds and the lowest unit costs. It is the best choice for core products where you are ordering by the truckload and need the highest possible margins.

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 in the store, 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 use a plastic film that is heat-shrunk onto the can. It offers 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…

The right printing method usually comes down to your production volume and how much capital you want tied up in inventory.

Digital printing is often discussed as a flexible modern solution, but it comes with technical hurdles. Even with recent technological advancements, the print quality can vary significantly depending on the specific machine and the speeds used during production. Generally, higher quality requires slower speeds, which drives up the cost. Many digital inks also struggle with heat, so if your product requires pasteurization or high-heat treatment, those inks can peel or fail. So sometimes blank cans with labels can be a more reliable starting point for low volumes too.

Traditional printing remains the most efficient option for your core, year-round products. Once you are moving high volumes consistently, the low unit cost of dry offset printing is impossible to beat.

Shrink sleeves remain a niche for those who need a specific "premium" look or textured finish, provided you are comfortable navigating the recycling regulations in provinces like Quebec.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a craft brewery running a limited release or a large-scale producer needing millions of units, there is a technical solution that fits your budget. At ALNA, we help you navigate these minimums and lead times so you can focus on what’s inside the can.

If you are planning your next production run and want to compare options for blank or printed cans, send us a note at info@alnapackagingco.com. We will help you find the most reliable way to get your brand on the shelf.
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