Packaging on cardboard is much more than a simple method of containment. It can become a powerful marketing tool when supported by high-quality print production. It conveys professionalism and builds customer trust by using the most suitable printing techniques for your business. Below, we outline the main options.
Main printing techniques for packaging
Packaging printing is typically carried out on corrugated board, which requires specific techniques. The main ones are:
Offset printing
This technique uses CMYK (4-colour process) and works by transferring the design onto a rubber plate before applying it to the paper. This process ensures sharp, high-quality results, as the rubber absorbs excess ink.
It is ideal for limited and premium print runs.
Flexography
Flexographic printing is highly suitable for flexible packaging and corrugated cardboard. It offers a low cost per unit and supports both water-based and oil-based inks.
However, print quality is lower compared to other techniques, especially for soft tones or four-colour designs, as colours may appear less vibrant on the surface.
It is recommended for shipping boxes, logo printing or urgent production needs, as it is both cost-effective and fast.
Digital printing
This is one of the fastest-growing techniques. It allows printing on a wide range of materials, including labels, corrugated boxes, laminates and films for flexible packaging.
It is not particularly expensive and offers fast turnaround times. Minimum print runs are low, making it suitable for small quantities. However, large volumes may be more costly compared to other methods.
We recommend this option when your business does not require high-volume production.
Rotogravure
Rotogravure offers very high print quality and works well for flexible packaging and laminated materials.
However, it is less versatile in terms of compatible materials and requires large print runs to be cost-effective. Production times are also longer.
Screen printing
This technique can be applied to almost any material and does not require large volumes to be cost-effective. It is also not limited to flat surfaces.
However, it is slower than other techniques and less suitable for high-resolution photographic images.
Now that your business is familiar with the main packaging printing techniques, you can choose the most appropriate option for each project while balancing quality, cost and production requirements.
