Abstract
Package printing was one of the highlights at drupa 2016 with many venders focusing attention on the package manufacturing field. However, there are significant differences between the packaging field and other fields (ex. commercial printing). For example, in the packaging field, once the print process is complete, the work is not considered finished. The reason for this is there are many functions required in the packaging field, and those functions have to be maintained until a consumer determines that the other functions are necessary. It is important to recognize that the packaging field has risks that are distinctly different from the commercial printing field. I describe personal impressions of several issues that were observed at drupa 2016. In particular, it was observed that new technology where the plates and cutting dies are removed from the enhancement process are threatening former analog technology through digitization. Additionally, questions regarding the reproducibility of characteristic colors, the concern of the cost effectiveness of the investment in the expansion of equipment, as well as the fear of digitization from a package manufacturer's standpoint still remain.
