Advanced digital label printing is now more readily available to companies and small businesses in South Africa, with the launch of Epson’s SurePress digital label press.

The company says that the arrival of its digital label press supports growing demand across retail, packaging and business-to-business, or B2B, print environments for shorter runs, faster turnaround times and higher levels of customisation.

Epson regional sales director: Africa Gareth Jay says the introduction of the label press reflects a shift in market demand. “There is a marked increase in demand for short-run and personalised output across the print sector, and label production is no exception. SurePress enables customers to respond to that demand with greater flexibility, consistency and control, while maintaining high print quality across a wider range of substrates.”

“Crucially, it delivers true commercial viability for short runs, allowing local businesses to break away from massive volume requirements that spike upfront costs and limit operational flexibility. Instead of relying on rigid, overseas supply chains just to make a print run viable, providers can now produce high-quality labels right here in South Africa, matching demand exactly as it happens,” he continues. 

The model will be distributed through authorised reseller Altron Document Solutions and the launch follows the establishment of Epson’s Johannesburg Innovation Centre, designed to give partners and resellers direct access to the company’s latest industrial and commercial printing technologies.

Key capabilities include enhanced water-based inks designed to improve substrate versatility, increased drying efficiency for improved productivity on film materials, and an expanded colour range for high-quality output. Improved automated maintenance functions also support more efficient short-run production.

The company notes that the model is designed to be compact, efficient and precise, reducing energy use and material waste while improving operational efficiency.