Which Type of Printing Method is Best for Packaging Boxes?

Which Type of Printing Method is Best for Packaging Boxes?

Your product is likely to get ignored if it’s packaged in a dull packaging box with no designs or colors whatsoever. Brands pay special attention to custom packaging when it comes to marketing their product. One integral factor in getting attractive packaging is the type of printing used on the boxes. Custom packaging allows you to get different types of prints based on your brand’s needs and customer demand. Read this blog to find out which printing method is best suited for your packaging. 

• Digital Printing 

If you’ve come across cute sticker packs in a shop, chances are they were produced using digital printing. This type of printing uses digital images to transfer the images directly to the boxes without needing any plates in between. 

Most businesses use this type of printing as it offers a quick turnaround time. What many businesses find useful is that this printing type uses digital images to transfer the images directly to the boxes. Digital printing not only works best on packaging boxes but several other materials. You can use digital printing when using the following materials:

• Cardboard
• Paper
• Glass
• Metal 

Pros of Digital Printing 

Digital printing serves best when there’s a limited production. So, if you are thinking of coming with a limited-edition packaging, digital printing is a wise choice. This printing method works best for small businesses where the packaging does not exceed a certain number. 

Most businesses choose digital printing because it does not take much time to print the packaging. If you are short on time and need boxes for a bulk order, digital printing will save your day. It offers no setup costs as well, which makes it more favorable. 

Cons of Digital Printing 

If you are running a large-scale business where you have a lot of orders every day, choosing digital printing may not be a wise decision. The reason is very simple; it can get very costly with the increasing number of packaging boxes. 

While digital offers a lot of customization options, it can still give a very muted look. The prints can try to replicate Pantone, but they are never an exact color match. If you want your packaging to have a more muted look, this may not affect you. Otherwise, it’s best to choose another method. 

Screen Printing 

Screen printing is a type of printing that uses mesh and stencils to transfer the images to the substrate. This printing method is also known as silkscreen because it uses woven silk for transferring images. Most manufacturers use stencils made of terylene these days instead of silk. The mesh transfers the image while the stencils are used to block the ink from transferring to the parts that need no design. Screen printing works best when the following materials are used:

• Paper
• Fabric
• Glass
• Metal 

Pros of Screen Printing 

Screen printing offers vibrant and bold colors, which helps a lot when you are using a lot of bold colors. Each color is applied in a separate layer, which helps in getting vivid and brighter shades on the packaging. 

Another advantage that screen printing packaging offers is its ability to print the designs on a lot of materials. This method is usually used when businesses are choosing unconventional materials for printing, even 3-dimensional objects. 

Cons of Screen Printing 

Screen printing offers slower production, and it can cause supply chain issues. This printing type is not a good idea if a bulk order comes knocking at your business's doorstep all of a sudden. When you need rushed orders, it’s a wise choice to avoid this printing. 

Screen printing also uses a lot of water to clean the screens and mix the inks, which makes it less eco-friendly. When choosing to be a sustainable brand in the market, it’s best to avoid the use of screen printing. 

• Flexography Printing 

Flexography is the type of printing that involves the use of plates to print on different surfaces. This method uses a light-sensitive polymer to transfer the images to the substrate. The polymer on rotating cylinders offers continuous roll-to-roll printing. 

Businesses have been using flexographic printing for a very long time because of its compatibility with a lot of ink types. You can use water-based and solvent-based inks for printing with this method. Choose flexographic printing when using one of the following materials:

• Paper
• Plastic
• Cardboard 
• Aluminum Foil 

Pros of Flexographic Printing 

Flexographic printing offers quick during times, which aids in high-speed production. This printing type is best used when you need bulk orders in a short span of time. This option is best suited when you are working within a limited budget. 

Custom packaging, at times, can cost more than conventional one, and it can help brands if they choose this printing to save costs. You should choose this type of printing when there are several colors involved in the designs, as the printing will use fewer plates. 

Cons of Flexographic Printing 

Flexographic printing requires a lot of time to set up and has complex equipment. This printing time needs high maintenance and can cost a lot of money if not taken care of properly. Since flexographic printing needs a bigger setup, it becomes imperative to maintain the equipment regularly. 

When you are working with a variety of colors, the production costs can increase as each color needs a separate plate. Analyze whether the cons affect your business more than the pros before finalizing this printing method for your packaging boxes. 

Get High-End Printed Boxes for Your Business!

Now that you have different printing method types, it’s time to decide which one suits your business the best. Whether you are using different types of paper for printing or a sturdy packaging material, choose the printing type that provides you with high-quality prints. Weigh in the pros and cons and then choose the method that will offer you high-quality printing to boost sales. You can contact OXO Packaging to get a free custom quote for your custom packaging needs.