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Shelf-Ready in Days: How Digital Direct-to-Can Printing Speeds Up Your Launch Without Compromising Quality 

By JP Purcell – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-purcell/  

Need to move fast? Learn how East Coast’s digital can printing helps beverage brands get to market quicker with a premium finish — no long lead times, no label waste. 

In the beverage game, timing is everything 

If your product’s ready but your packaging isn’t, you’re stuck waiting; losing shelf opportunities, or watching seasonal trends pass you by.  
 
That’s where digital direct-to-can printing from East Coast comes in.  

We help beverage brands skip the long queues and get shelf-ready in days or weeks, not months, and all while delivering our best quality product.  

And now, with our new Bulletproof cans, you don’t have to choose between speed, cost and durability either.  

The Problem with Traditional Printed Cans 

Australia has a strong local supply of decorated cans, thanks to big players like Visy and Orora.  

But when you’re launching a new product, getting your cans printed through these channels isn’t quick, or flexible. 
 
Here’s the reality: 

  • You’ll need at least 8 weeks to get through the NPD process and artwork setup. 
  • Then you’re waiting months to secure a production slot and have your cans delivered. 
  • And to top it off, minimum order quantities (MOQs) often start at tens of thousands of units. That’s a huge commitment in both cash and storage, especially if your product hasn’t even launched yet. 

So if you’re launching a small batch, trialling a seasonal product, or just want to move quickly, traditional printed cans can slow you down or even shut you out entirely. 

Our Digital Printing Advantage 

We’ve built our model around speed, flexibility, and Australian beverage makers.  

With East Coast, we digitally print direct to the can, onshore, and on demand. 
 

  • No labels, no sleeves, no delays. 
  • Artwork changes? No problem — we don’t need plates. 
  • Launching something small? Great — we specialise in low-volume, high-impact runs. 

And best of all? Shelf-ready cans in a matter of days or weeks, not months!  

Faster to Market, Without Sacrificing Quality 

Fast doesn’t mean inferior.  
 
Thanks to our Bulletproof can innovation — exclusive to us in Australia — you now get the durability and finish that rivals traditional offset printed cans from Visy and Orora.  
 
For years, digitally printed cans had some limitations with abrasion and scuff resistance.  

But East Coast has spent years in R&D to solve that.  

The result?  

The world’s most durable digitally printed can — available only through East Coast. 
 
This level of resilience is unmatched by other digital printers in Australia, and it means your cans arrive on shelf looking just as good as they left the line. 
 
East Coast cans also come with: 

  • Premium matte, gloss, and spot finishes 
  • Sustainable design — no plastic, no labels, no shrink sleeves 
  • Print quality that amplifies your brand story 

Why This Matters for Brands 

Whether you’re a startup launching your first SKU or an established brand trialling a limited run, digital direct-to-can printing gives you: 

  • More control over inventory 
  • Faster test-and-learn cycles 
  • Less waste from outdated designs or over-ordering 
  • More breathing room for your team 
  • And now, with Bulletproof durability — true peace of mind on quality 

In a category as competitive as beverages, those advantages can make all the difference. 

Got a new product or seasonal launch coming up? 

Let’s get you shelf-ready — fast, flexible, and Bulletproof.  
 
Contact Us here and we’ll get rolling with you.  

*Note: Bulletproof cans launch first with 375ml Classic variant in June 2025, with other can sizes and shapes to follow throughout 2025. Please check with your Customer Partner if your can size and shape is now Bulletproof.