The packaging industry is growing annually at the rate of 3.5 %. It is consuming roughly $150 billion annually for wrapping and presenting products before the audience. Moreover, there is increased competition among different businesses. There is a race of survival. They have to attract the public and elevate sales. They are developing custom boxes for packaging their commodities. They try to present them attractively before the audience. They use different materials such as cardboard, cardstock, and kraft for their production. They use recyclable and biodegradable substances so that they should not affect the environment. They develop their packaging according to their requirements and needs. They use CMYK and PMS color schemes. They make use of the latest printing techniques for creating enticing designs. Sometimes, they use additional features to enhance the beauty and appearance of their boxes. They may use the die-cutting, perforation, and scoring for the improved outlook. Sometimes, window cutouts increase their visual appeal.
Printing packaging solutions with beautiful images and graphics has become essential. There are many printing techniques. All the techniques have some weaknesses and strengths. We can only have a bird’s eye view of these techniques and choose according to our needs. Let’s explore some of the techniques for printing custom boxes.
Types of techniques
We have seen that with the advancement of the latest technology, printing has become efficient. Many techniques have come into the market. They have some pros and some cons. We cannot say that which one is perfect and the best. It is our requirement or criteria that can describe it as the best or the worst. For example, you need a cost-effective technique. Would you say the costly techniques the best? There are many techniques for printing. Different industries use them according to their budgets and needs. They include lithography, flexography, digital printing, rotogravure printing, and silkscreen printing. We will discuss the positive and negative aspects of these techniques. There will be a comparison of attributes that can help you understand which is the best. You may consider any of these for custom packaging.
Lithography
The short form of lithography is “litho” or offset. It provides retail print quality for consumer’s products. It produces high-quality prints with more than 4 color processes, such as 4 colors combined with 1 or 2 PMS colors. You can use specialty coatings for higher perception values. These coatings may include matte soft-touch or super high gloss. It provides smooth color gradients in graphics. They are not noticeable like other techniques. You need to print high volumes for optimum pricing. Many companies have high volumes. It requires longer lead times and flat surfaces for prints. Most people use it for folding cartons and labels. It provides photo-quality graphics. Color matching is essential for this method.
Flexography
Its short form is flexo. It is less expensive. It costs less per unit. It has lower tooling costs. It has a faster turnaround time. You can use both water and oil-based inks. Its print quality is lower as compared to litho. It faces trouble while printing smooth color gradients. It also has trouble with registration on 4 color process print jobs. It cannot produce photo-quality images convincingly. Most companies use it for stand up pouches and corrugated boxes. It also requires high volumes for reducing per-unit cost. It requires 3 or fewer colors. Color matching is not essential for this procedure.
Digital printing
It has minimum to zero toolings or set up costs. It has quick turnaround times, such as less than a week. Its print quality is comparable with litho. Its large volumes are more costly. PMS colors are difficult to match in this procedure. It scuffs easier and requires minimal coating protection. It does not offer as many coating options as litho. It cannot make use of metallic inks. It costs high per unit. It’s most typical uses include labels, prototypes, corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and films for flexible packaging. Low volumes are cost-effective. It requires small budgets. It requires photo-quality graphics.
Rotogravure printing
Its short form is “gravure.” It produces premium print quality. It can easily print photo images. It can easily add PMS colors to the 4 color process, similar to litho. Its printing cylinders last for a long time. It prints high volumes without deterioration in the quality of images. It does not have a lot of coating options. It requires high investment for tooling and set up. You need very high volumes to make sense. It takes long lead times. Most brands use it for stand up pouches and folding cartons. It produces photo-quality graphics. Color matching is essential for this procedure. You can print custom boxes wholesale by using this procedure.
Silkscreen printing
It is the best choice for pre-made packaging such as bottles and caps. It is also for promotional items such as mugs and shirts. It requires a low set up cost. You can use it for smaller volumes. It does not require a flat surface to print on. It has lower production as compared to litho. There are chances of human error during the process. It does not look clean. It cannot produce photo-quality images convincingly. It is not good for high volumes. Most people use it for prototypes, labels, folding cartons, and promotional items. It needs low volumes for lesser costs per unit. It has many advantages.
We have seen many advantages and disadvantages of different procedures. All of them have some drawbacks. Sit depends on the requirement and budget of the company that what is best. They can use either of them for printing their packaging boxes. You can print custom boxes by using any of these techniques. You should consider your print quality and print volumes while selecting the type of printing. Choosing the right type can help you stand out among others.
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