Impact Labels Expands Capabilities with Canon LabelStream 4000

Impact Labels’ Luke Ramsey and Ben Reinmuth with the Canon LabelStream 4000

Two years ago, Impact Labels made a significant investment in its production capabilities by installing the Canon LabelStream 4000—their first digital press and Canon’s first LabelStream installation in Australia.

For both parties, commissioning the press was a learning process, but once it went live, it quickly became what Sales Director Ben Reinmuth describes as their “short-run workhorse.” The decision to bring digital technology into a traditionally flexographic environment was driven by a need for greater versatility, speed, and quality. “We wanted a press that complemented our flexo fleet with a wide web and the ability to produce high-quality work with more flexibility,” says Ben. “Having now run literal millions of lineal meters through the LabelStream, we feel our expectations have been met.”

The impact on the business has been tangible. Our company can now accept jobs that were previously beyond its scope, such as short-run embellished labels and projects requiring versioning.

This has opened doors to new markets—including a growing portfolio of craft beer clients, something the team, many of whom are beer enthusiasts themselves, particularly enjoy. Job turnaround times have also improved, thanks to reduced setup requirements and the elimination of plate-making. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the output as “super vibrant” and praising the high-gloss finish.

Equally important to Impact Labels was Canon’s service and support. The decision to partner with Canon Production Printing Australia was influenced heavily by their local presence. “Having a locally based service team and parts available in Australia was imperative for us,” says Ben. “When we need them, they respond—and that responsiveness was a big part of why we partnered with Canon.” Although the service model was new to Impact Labels initially, it has since provided a more predictable cost base, simplifying operational planning.

Sustainability is another area where the LabelStream has delivered clear benefits. Its ability to run jobs back-to-back has significantly reduced material waste, aligning with Impact Labels’ carbon reduction goals. Clients are increasingly aware of environmental responsibility, but Ben emphasizes that quality, service, and price remain essential. “Our environmental strategies carry weight, but without excellence in output and service, sustainability alone isn’t enough. Being able to deliver on both fronts positions us strongly.”

Beyond operational efficiency, the LabelStream has allowed Impact Labels to explore creative possibilities. The team has experimented with high-build textures to achieve tactile, three-dimensional effects that customers love. With versioned and personalized packaging becoming more common, Ben sees digital technology playing an even greater role in the future. “We are always investing in new technologies,” he says. “You can’t expect to meet industry demands without doing so.”

From Canon’s perspective, the partnership reflects the value of adopting digital printing solutions to drive growth. “We are proud to see how Impact Labels has used the LabelStream 4000 to expand its capabilities and win new markets,” says Craig Nethercott, Managing Director of Canon Production Printing Oceania. “Their success shows how digital technology can unlock both operational efficiency and creative possibilities.”

Looking ahead, Impact Labels intends to continue its collaboration with Canon. “We look forward to a long-term business relationship with Canon and remain very comfortable with our buying decision.”