Before embarking on your custom packaging journey, understanding the fundamental packaging printing techniques is essential for making informed decisions. Whether you’re seeking custom boxes for a product launch or wanting to elevate your brand presence, the printing technique you choose will significantly impact the final appearance and functionality of your packaging.

1. Flexographic Printing

Flexographic printing is a rotary printing method commonly used for printing corrugated cardboard, plastic bags, labels, and films for packaging materials. It is fast and suitable for long-run printing on various substrates.

Advantages:

• Fast and efficient for large volume runs
• Applicable to various substrates, including flexible materials
• Relatively low cost per unit

Disadvantages:

• Print quality is typically lower compared to other methods like offset printing
• Requires the production of plates or sleeves for printing

2. Offset Printing

Offset printing is commonly used for carton packaging or books. It can produce high-quality printed products in large quantities, making it ideal for packaging with extensive content. It is one of the most popular printing methods today.

Advantages:

• Excellent print quality, very suitable for packaging with complex graphics
• Ideal for large-scale mass production

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs for small batch production
• Requires more preparation time before production begins

3. Gravure Printing

Gravure printing is an engraving printing technique used for high-quality packaging such as flexible packaging, labels, and plastic films. It can reproduce very detailed images but is expensive.

Advantages:

• High print quality with fine detail reproduction
• Suitable for long-term use

Disadvantages:

• High cost, especially for small batch production
• Complex process requiring production of engraved cylinders

4. Screen Printing

Screen printing can be applied to various materials including paper, cardboard, wood, metal, textiles, etc. Therefore, besides industrial printing, screen printing is widely used in dyeing, clothing, signage, radio, electronics, ceramics, and packaging industries.

Advantages:

• Low plate-making cost
• Simple and convenient equipment operation, flexible production, no high quantity requirements
• Wide range of printable materials, thick ink layer with texture, rich printing materials, strong expressiveness

Disadvantages:

• Suitable for single-color printing, low registration accuracy, difficult color registration
• Not suitable for color printing, relatively low precision, not refined layers, not suitable for gradient color printing

5. Digital Printing

Digital printing is increasingly used for customized packaging or small batch printing. It offers great flexibility for customization, allows quick job changes, and doesn’t require printing plates.

Advantages:

• Great flexibility for small batches and customization
• No plates required for printing

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost compared to traditional methods for large batches
• Print quality may be limited compared to other methods

6. Relief Printing

Relief printing is an ancient printing method that has largely been replaced by more modern technologies. However, it is sometimes used for printing special patterns on luxury packaging or creating artistic effects.

Advantages:

• Suitable for small-scale runs
• Unique embossed printing effect

Disadvantages:

• Less common and less efficient compared to other modern methods
• Limited in quality and complexity of designs

7. Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing is a complementary printing technology. It is fast, suitable for customized and small batch packaging, and commonly used for printing barcodes, expiration dates, and other variable information.

Advantages:

• Great flexibility for customization and variable data
• Relatively low cost for small batch production

Disadvantages:

• Print quality may be limited compared to other methods
• Print speed may be lower for large batch printing

Ready to transform your brand presentation? Partner with KALI for luxury packaging that truly represents your brand’s essence. Our expertise in packaging printing ensures that every custom box we create meets the highest standards of quality and design. Our luxury packaging solutions are crafted to create memorable unboxing experiences that resonate with your customers. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated aesthetics, functional designs, or sustainable options, KALI delivers custom boxes that exceed expectations.

Writted By: KALI Luxury Boxes

17 Years+ | Paper Box Manufacturer | Powerful Design Team

▶

Custom Packaging

▶