The future of beverage can printing

NOMOQ, digital can printing specialist, discusses its expertise, design challenges and the European market

Born from a passion for craft beverages and a commitment to innovation, NOMOQ’s mission is to transform how drinks are packaged. CEO, Peter Stein, together with passionate packaging and beverage professionals, identified a gap for premium packaging without the constraints of large production runs. NOMOQ was created to remove these barriers, offering digitally printed aluminium cans with no minimum order quantity, allowing beverage makers of all sizes to bring their creative visions to life. The company’s name stands for ‘No Minimum Order Quantity’ – reflecting this philosophy, championing flexibility, creativity and sustainability.

NOMOQ creates high-quality digital print technology, enabling vibrant designs that maintain their impact through pasteurisation and high- speed production lines. Unlike labels that risk peeling or fading, the company’s direct-to-can printing ensures a consistent, professional look. Since joining the Ardagh Group in 2023, NOMOQ has continued to strengthen its market presence, leveraging the expertise of one of the world’s leading metal packaging providers.

A growing market in Europe

The digital can printing market is expanding rapidly across Europe, driven by regulatory changes, sustainability efforts and demand for variety. With more brands competing for consumer attention, packaging must be as dynamic as the products themselves.  Traditional  large-scale printing  often  fails  to  accommodate  the agility required for seasonal releases, special editions, and innovative batches. Printed to aluminium cans, NOMOQ boasts one of the most affordable, creative and sustainable solutions on the market.

New EU regulations are reducing plastic waste, increasing  demand  for  fully  recyclable  cans. Larger brands are leveraging digital printing for  promotional  campaigns, while smaller producers benefit from lower minimums and rapid turnaround times. The rise of e-commerce is also shaping demand, as brands seek high-impact visuals that stand out both on shelves and online.

NOMOQ established its first production site in Germany in 2022, supplying multiple regions, before expanding to the UK with a facility in Leamington Spa to serve UK beverage makers.

Peter Stein, the company’s chief executive officer, said, “At NOMOQ, we see a future where every beverage brand – no matter its size – has the freedom to bring its creative vision to life with premium, sustainable packaging. Digital can printing is not just a technological advancement; it’s a shift towards greater flexibility, reduced waste, and more impactful branding.

“As we continue to grow, our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and empowering our customers to stand out in an ever-evolving market. We are excited to play a key role in shaping the future of beverage packaging and driving positive change in the industry.”

Cutting-edge technology

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, NOMOQ’s production facilities in Germany and the UK deliver exceptional print quality, ensuring high-resolution visuals with superior durability. A self-service platform allows customers to place orders 24/7, eliminating traditional lead-time constraints.

While offset printing can produce 2,000 to 3,500 cans per minute, digital printing provides greater agility, allowing brands to modify designs quickly without costly setup fees or large order commitments.

NOMOQ offers a range of can sizes, including 200ml, 250ml slim, 330ml sleek, 330ml standard, 440ml standard, 500ml standard and more on request, ensuring compatibility across beverage categories.

Pushing boundaries

Personalisation and customisation are reshaping packaging  expectations.  NOMOQ  enables brands to explore creative possibilities through collaborations with artists and designers, elevating can design to new levels.

A standout example is NOMOQ’s work with Goodness Brewery for the London Craft Beer Festival, producing two striking designs (pictured left). One featured a 3D effect visible with red-blue glasses, while another  incorporated a mirror finish, reflecting its surroundings and catching the eye. Created in collaboration with artists Matt Martin and Benny Payne, these designs showcased the potential of digital printing for innovative branding.

Navigating design challenges

Consumer demand for limited edition, high- impact designs continues to grow. Digital printing allows beverage makers to introduce seasonal, event-driven, and collaboration-based packaging with flexibility unavailable in traditional printing. NOMOQ  supports  customers  through  a structured sampling process, allowing brands to test designs before full production. The sample program assigns a unique ‘sample ID,’ helping customers refine their artwork. Also offered are ‘Design Bootcamps,’ led by head of design, Konstantin Schwarzkopf, to help customers maximise the technology’s potential.

Sustainability: a core focus

Sustainability is central to NOMOQ’s mission. As the beverage industry shifts away from plastic sleeves and labels, digitally printed cans provide a fully recyclable solution, eliminating unnecessary waste.

NOMOQ works in collaboration with Novelis, Europe’s largest aluminium recycler, and Ardagh Metal Packaging, to ensure its packaging solutions align with  industry sustainability goals. By enabling brands to print only the quantities they need, NOMOQ helps reduce excess stock and minimise environmental impact.

Patrick Schweizer, chief commercial officer and co-founder, commented, “We believe digital printing is a transformative force in the industry, providing premium packaging without large- scale production constraints. By removing these barriers, NOMOQ makes high-quality, sustainable can printing accessible to beverage makers of all sizes. By combining cutting-edge technology with a seamless customer experience, we are making premium can printing more accessible than ever before.”

The future of digital can printing

As consumer preferences shift toward personalisation, limited editions, and eco- friendly packaging, NOMOQ aims to stand at the forefront of this evolution. By continuously innovating in design, technology, and customer experience, the company ensures that beverage producers can bring their boldest ideas to life without limitations.