Epson launches Africa’s first SurePress digital label press

SOUTH AFRICA – Epson has launched its SurePress digital label press in South Africa, marking the first installation on the African continent with Altron Document Solutions, enabling local print providers to profitably run jobs as small as 500 labels while reducing dependence on overseas supply chains through enhanced water-based inks and expanded substrate versatility.

The device, installed in April 2026 and fully operational after testing throughout May, is distributed through authorised reseller Altron Document Solutions. 

The launch follows Epson’s establishment of its Johannesburg Innovation Centre, designed to give partners and resellers direct access to the company’s latest industrial and commercial printing technologies as part of a broader strategy to strengthen local skills development. 

The SurePress platform delivers key capabilities including enhanced water-based inks for improved substrate versatility, increased drying efficiency on film materials, an expanded colour gamut for high-quality output, and automated maintenance functions supporting efficient short-run production. 

How Epson’s Sho-Sho-Sei Philosophy and 500-Label Minimums Transform Local Print Economics

Epson has grounded the SurePress model in its Sho-Sho-Sei philosophy of compact, efficient and precise design, reducing energy use and material waste while improving operational efficiency. 

Gareth Jay, Regional Sales Director for Africa at Epson, stated that there is a marked increase in demand for short-run and personalised output across the print sector, with the SurePress enabling customers to respond with greater flexibility, consistency and control while maintaining high print quality across a wider range of substrates. 

He explained that the press delivers true commercial viability for short runs, allowing local businesses to break away from massive volume requirements that spike upfront costs and limit operational flexibility, enabling providers to produce high-quality labels in South Africa matching demand exactly as it happens. 

Altron Document Solutions, Head of Production Systems, Keith Knott said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to enabling practical innovation for South African customers, with the platform allowing local print providers to profitably run jobs as small as 500 labels without the burden of massive volume minimums.

Why SurePress Positions Altron for Growing Retail, Packaging and B2B Print Demand

The arrival of the SurePress digital label press supports growing demand across retail, packaging and B2B print environments for shorter runs, faster turnaround times and higher levels of customisation. 

Key capabilities include enhanced water-based inks designed to improve substrate versatility, increased drying efficiency for improved productivity on film materials, and an expanded colour gamut for high-quality output. 

Improved automated maintenance functions also support more efficient short-run production. 

The launch expands on Altron Document Solutions’ six-decade legacy in the South African market, where the company’s partnership with Epson allows it to bring proven technology backed by local service expertise. 

The SurePress platform is positioned to support printers looking to expand into label production or scale existing capabilities, particularly in environments where flexibility and efficiency are increasingly critical.

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