Blog:Bespoke Printed Boxes- What are the options?

Your brand is the lifeblood of your business. The perception of your brand plays a crucial role in attracting new customers, maintaining relationships with existing ones, and setting your products apart in a competitive market. In a world where first impressions matter more than ever, your choice of printed boxes can make a significant impact on your brand’s image. In this blog post, we’ll explore various printing methods for cardboard packaging and help you make an informed decision on which one suits your specific needs.

Understanding Your Options

When it comes to bespoke printed boxes, you have three print types to choose from. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, and your choice should align with your brand’s objectives and budget. Here are the options:

1. Flexographic (Flexo) Print

 Flexographic printing is perfect for bold and striking graphics on boxes making it a good choice for transit packaging. It’s cost-effective for most print runs, but the expense of the plates may not justify its use for very low volumes.

Benefits

– Suitable for a wide range of materials.

– Vibrant image production.

– Fast-drying inks for faster production.

– Cost-effective for large-volume runs.

– Safe for use on flexible food packaging.

Drawbacks

– Limited for intricate artwork.

– Newer techniques may offer quicker and crisper results.

– Not suitable for low-volume runs.

– May produce poor shadows, bleeding, or pin-holing.

2. Litho Laminated Print (Lithographic)

Litho-laminated printing offers the highest quality print and can accurately reproduce photos and intricate graphics. This makes it ideal for retail packaging and point-of-sale displays. However, the setup costs and lead times are relatively longer, and it’s not cost-effective for low-volume runs.

Benefits

– Consistently high-quality images.

– Ideal for photographic quality imagery.

– Cost-effective for high volumes.

– Maintains quality for long production runs.

– Can produce specialist finishes like Pantone colours and metallic effects.

Drawbacks

– Expensive setup.

– Longer lead times due to complex setup.

– No option to amend designs once printing starts.

– Limited colour gamut.

– Not cost-effective for short runs.

3. Digital Print

Digital printing is a versatile option that is cost-effective for low-volume runs. It doesn’t require printing plates or complex setups. While it may not be suitable for high-volume production, it can produce results comparable to lithographic printing, including photographic imagery. Additionally, it’s well-suited for personalisation and variable elements within individual prints.

Benefits

– No plates or complicated setup, resulting in fast order turnaround.

– Easy to generate proofs and make amendments.

– Artwork can be amended during production without new plates or setup.

– Produces bright, vibrant images on various materials.

– Cost-effective for low-volume printing jobs.

– Allows for personalisation and variable elements.

Drawbacks

– Difficulty matching Pantone colours.

– Limited support for specialist finishes like metallic effects.

– Inconsistent quality on some materials.

– More expensive on longer runs due to print times.

– Less control over printed colours.

Choosing the Right Printing Method

Deciding which printing method to choose for your cardboard packaging can be challenging. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following:

– Flexographic Printing: Ideal for bold and striking graphics, making it suitable for transit packaging.

– Litho Laminated Printing: The best choice for high-quality, intricate graphics, perfect for retail packaging.

– Digital Printing: A versatile option, cost-effective for low-volume runs, and suitable for personalisation.

Remember that the choice you make will impact your brand’s image and the perception of your products. It’s essential to align your packaging with your brand’s objectives, budget, and the unique qualities you want to convey to your customers. By understanding the pros and cons of each method, you can make an informed decision that enhances your brand’s identity and sets your products apart in a crowded market. At Cotswold, we will help guide you through the decision making. Our experts will suggest the best options for your unique requirements and take care of the process.

Your printed cardboard packaging is more than just a container; it’s a representation of your brand. Make the choice that speaks volumes about your business and its commitment to quality and innovation.