Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS) is reporting strong growth in demand for automated direct-to-object (DTO) printing systems as manufacturers seek to reduce labour dependency, improve production consistency and integrate decoration more closely with manufacturing workflows.

The company has surpassed the milestone of 100 single-pass DTO systems installed, reflecting a broader shift in how manufacturers approach product decoration. Instead of treating printing as a separate finishing operation, businesses are increasingly looking for automated solutions that connect printing with robotics, inspection, material handling and production control systems.

Direct-to-object printing is evolving from a decoration technology into a fully integrated manufacturing process designed for higher efficiency and repeatable output.

Demand is growing across plastics, packaging, medical, industrial and promotional product markets. Manufacturers are prioritising systems that can deliver consistent print quality while also addressing wider operational challenges, including labour shortages, skills gaps and the need for scalable production models.

The move towards automation is part of a larger industrial trend. Many manufacturers are replacing labour-intensive decoration processes with production cells that combine digital printing, automated loading, surface treatment, curing and quality inspection. These systems help reduce manual intervention while improving repeatability across multiple shifts.

Labour availability remains a significant driver. According to industry surveys, nearly half of plastics manufacturing companies reported negative impacts from labour shortages in 2025, while a majority indicated plans to invest in robotics and automation equipment in 2026.

For packaging manufacturers, these pressures are particularly relevant. Packaging decoration often requires high volumes, strict visual standards and rapid product changes. Automated DTO systems can help companies maintain quality while reducing dependence on skilled operators for repetitive tasks.

• Single-pass printing enables faster decoration of products and components.
• Automation integration reduces manual handling and improves production flow.
• Vision inspection supports consistent quality control.
• Recipe-driven changeovers simplify switching between products and designs.
• Digital printing enables flexible decoration without traditional tooling requirements.

EPS highlights that the true value of DTO technology extends beyond print capability. In many production environments, labour represents a major component of the cost per decorated part. Training requirements, employee turnover, manual adjustments and variation between operators can significantly affect productivity.

By engineering more labour out of the decoration process, manufacturers can create more predictable production environments. EPS argues that single-pass UV inkjet technology can improve return on investment through lower setup costs, reduced labour requirements and faster production cycles in suitable applications.

The company has identified growing interest in semi-autonomous and lights-out production models. These systems allow products to move through printing, curing, inspection and tracking processes with limited human involvement.

According to EPS Executive Chairman Kenneth Stack, manufacturers are no longer simply looking for better printing technology. They are looking for improved production systems that address workforce challenges and integrate with broader automation strategies.

For packaging producers, this evolution could have a significant impact on how products are decorated in the future. As brands demand more personalised designs, shorter production runs and faster response times, automated DTO solutions offer a way to combine flexibility with industrial efficiency.

The continued adoption of direct-to-object printing demonstrates how packaging manufacturing is moving towards connected, data-driven production environments. By combining digital decoration with automation, inspection and traceability, companies can improve productivity while preparing for the next generation of smart manufacturing.

Image suggestion: an automated direct-to-object printing cell decorating plastic packaging containers with robotic handling, UV curing systems and vision inspection equipment in a modern manufacturing facility.