Watch: Why Digital Embellishments Are Reshaping Print

In a DSCOOP webinar Paul Furse of Harris & Bruno shared how digital embellishments are evolving into one of the most exciting opportunities in print today. The focus was not on product pitches, but on educating printers, designers, and brands about why embellishment matters, how the technology is advancing, and where it is headed.

The evolution of embellishment: from analog to digital

For over a century, embellishment in print has meant hot stamping with metal dies and screen-applied spot-coatings for about half that time. The results are striking but the process is slow, costly, and requires multiple pieces of equipment with a mixed skillset of intensive, journeyed labor. Today, digital embellishment is tackling one of the last great frontiers in print to be digitized. By combining foil, coatings, and raised textures in a single platform, digital technology makes effects that were once reserved for long runs and deep budgets available on demand to everyone.

In the same way that digital presses enabled short-run CMYK, and wide format devices made signage accessible to every printer, digital embellishment brings automation to high-margin finishing. Instead of multiple machines, dies, and days of coordination, digital platforms like the Harris & Bruno ZRX use inkjet-applied UV polymers and foil to create tactile finishes directly from a PDF. This reduces labor, floor space, and turnaround time while opening new creative options for designers and brands.

Digital embellishment 3.0

The first generation of digital embellishment relied on sleeking and toner. The second made polymer-based spot coatings and foils mainstream. Today, we are entering what we are starting to refer to as “Digital Embellishment 3.0.” This stage includes:

• Uncoated media: New hybrid approaches allow embellishment on uncoated stocks without lamination.

• Finer details: Digital textures now rival the precision of conventional stamping.

• AI-driven tools: Registration systems that auto-correct in real time and design platforms that integrate with web-to-print will democratize embellishments even further.

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Embellishments influence behaviors

Embellishments do more than decorate. They influence behavior. Studies by FSEA and Sappi show that consumers are more likely to pick up, connect, and purchase products in embellished packaging. The power of touch makes print feel premium, which justifies higher margins for printers and delivers stronger results for brands. Whether it is a business card, a direct mail piece, or a toothpaste box, embellished print influences at the point of decision.

Sustainability as a driver

Sustainability is becoming one of the strongest forces shaping the future of print finishing. Traditional embellishment methods often rely on dies made from precious metals, high energy consumption, and waste-intensive processes. Digital embellishment reduces that impact dramatically, consuming significantly less energy and water while producing a smaller carbon footprint per sheet.

Equally important is recyclability. Research from the FSEA confirms that digitally embellished sheets pass through recycling facilities without disruption. Foil and polymer coatings are successfully removed during processing, leaving the base fibers fully recyclable. For printers, this means premium finishes can be delivered without compromising environmental goals. For brands, it provides a way to meet consumer demand for packaging that is both visually engaging and eco-friendly.

As consumers and brands continue to demand greener packaging and faster speed to market, digital embellishment provides a clear advantage. It reduces waste, streamlines production, and delivers the tactile experiences that consumers value most. For printers, it is a path beyond commodity CMYK into higher-margin, premium products that build loyalty and drive growth.

Ready to learn more?

Paul’s presentation dives further into these topics, and expands on how digital embellishment is not just a finishing process, but  it is a tool for driving engagement and creating premium print experiences. Watch the full video at the top of this page, or connect with us to learn how digital embellishment can enhance your workflow.

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