The packaging is the key factor in any manufacturing industry. It is not possible to market the product without packing it in a suitable material. Therefore, manufacturers pay attention to the packaging of products but do you thing a package with no prints can seek the attention of your viewers? Or the package without a label is useful to improve your sale?

The answer will be definitely no. So, to utilize the benefits of the package in the right way try to apply some latest printing techniques that will be the enticing effect on the users.

Lithography Technique

If we have a glance at modern packages we see the bold impressions it is all because of the lithography printing technique. In this method, the manufacturers use the printing lithographic plates. Previously manufacturers use the rollers but now plates are used that give more definite results with quality.

Mainly labels and folding cartons are printed with this method. We see this type of print on cosmetics, food packaging, and electronic product boxes. The best thing is that this technique uses more than four colors. It means the blend of shades will help to create a unique and impressive printing on the carton.

For an upmarket look, an extra coating is applied. It gives a carton an extra shine that is persuasive. Moreover, an extra coating is also applied to provide a soft matte finish. The application of the final coat depends on the requirement of the inside product. This useful technique forms color gradients that are smooth and lack banding that adds a positive point to this type of printing technique.

Besides its enticing appeal, the technique is a bit pricy. The entrepreneurs can use some other technique if their budget won’t allow them to use this method for their product packaging.

Flexography For Packaging Printing

Corrugated boxes and standup pouches are usually given an appealing effect via flexographic printing techniques. The technique resembles the lithographic method but differs in its machine design. Lithography uses the plates while the flexography uses the light-sensitive polymer. A 3D film is added that s mounted on the roller that then prin the graphic on the carton. The advantage that manufacturers get from this technique is its cost-effective nature. It is much economical as compared to litho type.

It uses both water and oil base for printing purpose. it is good for printing with two colors but with 4 colors it does not offer smooth blending and create banding that lowers the quality of prints.

Silkscreen Or Screen

For those who are looking for custom printing packaging techniques, for them, the silkscreen technique is a wonderful option. It is the method that is applied for printing of folding cartons, prototype printing, and promotional items. The blend of vibrant colors produces fascinating prints that grab the attention of viewers.

The best thing is that the setup cost s much economical as compared to other techniques. Don’t think if it is economical your package quality may be less. This not true, although it is economical yet it produces high quality long lasting printing. It uses the mesh technique to transfer the prints on the substrate.

One drawback that is linked with this technique is that the process is slow. It is not a complete machine effect rather manual effort is required that is slow as well as there are chances of errors. It is not good for high volume printing as it creates the low-quality printing.

Digital Or Inkjet Printing

For the small scale printing of boxes, digital printing is in trend these days. It is ideal to print corrugated boxes, foldable cartons, and labels. The best thing that makes digital printing an ideal printing technique is that it needs zero tooling cost. There is no need for any setup and offer exact configuration.

Another plus point is that its quality matches to lithographic type. Thus, you will find no banding rather the smooth color gradient is formed to give your package a perfect look.

One drawback that prevents manufacturers to use this type of printing is that it is not suitable for printing large volumes of cartons. Because it requires color calibration and does not come with an extra coating that makes it inadequate for the most environment. Moreover, the per-unit cost is much higher as compared to flex or lithographic techniques.

Rotogravure

For folding cartons and standup pouches as rotogravure is an ideal option. This method uses the engraved cylinder that transfers the ink to the substrate. The engraved rollers press the film or paper to the gravure cylinder thus forms the smear on that. It is the best option for commercial printing. It offers high-quality printing and provides 4 colors process. The important aspect that makes it a choice for most brands is that the PMS color blend creates long-lasting prints with premium quality.

In this process the tooling cost is very much high, to keep it cost-effective it is good to order high volume plus it also increases the lead time.

Things To Remember

These are the latest printing methods that are widely used in the packaging industry. To choose the technique for your packaging all depends on your type of product, quantity, budget, and printing requirements. For the high quality and quantity of the printing, you can refer to the flexography and lithography technique. For lower setups, the digital and silkscreen technique is an ideal option. Moreover, you should know your budget too, if you can afford some extra for packaging then lithographic will be the perfect match.

Final verdict Choose the printing colors, and techniques according to your brand requirement. Remember printing on the package is your silent marketing agent so design it in a way that user ultimately attract your brand. So be wise in choosing a color scheme, font style, plus the design so that your product gets high ranking among the consumers. Pick the printing layout to know and give your product a long life.