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By: Monica Harper
When it comes to packaging, none is more common than the corrugated box, which is used by businesses worldwide. Shipping, branding, everything, it is hard to think of anything they do not deliver in terms of durability and versatility.
However, the greatest possibilities are found in the types of printing on corrugated boxes which offer numerous choices. Explore the various types of printing done on corrugated boxes, the advantages of having those, and how you can take your packaging a notch higher in 2024-25.
Why Printing on Corrugated Boxes Matters?
Let us first take a brief on the types of printing for better understanding. The correct print process can turn an ordinary cardboard box into a promotional tool that is hard to beat. Printed packaging serves multiple purposes beyond just protecting the contents.
- It increases brand awareness because it helps your logo or the branding components have a sense of popping.
- It creates product appeal since the designs are likely to influence a consumer to purchase the product.
- It has the advantage of helping pass product information, hence giving the customer a chance to know more about the product they are purchasing.
Types of Printing on Corrugated Boxes
The printing techniques that you select for your corrugated boxes depend with the following factors. In the following section, look at some of the most common forms of printing.
1. Flexographic Printing
Flexography is one of the most popular types of printing on corrugated boxes. This production technique is cheaper and very ideal for large scale production.
How It Works?
Flexo printing uses plates that are flexible and because of this they press ink on the material used in the box. It is done like the letterpress print but employs rubber or plastic plates.
Advantages
Another advantage of flexo printing is that it has a fast production rate, so big batches are more than welcome. It is also cheap where the design is basic and suitable for mass production: Furthermore, it can accommodate many copies.
Challenges
While using this method, it will not be able to put the finest details when comparing it with other methods, with difficulties in depicting complex colors.
2. Lithographic Lamination (Litho-Laminated Printing)
Litho-laminated printing is a process where directly a printed paper cutting is laminated on the surface of corrugated board. This technique of printing offers a little more refined end result than the flexographic printing process.
How It Works?
The print is done on flat paper and is laminated on the corrugated cardboard which makes it unique and easy to be seen.
Advantages
This method yields high quality print resolution and clear image with highest colour resolution making it suitable for premium packaging services.
Challenges
Litho laminating is a bit more costly than straight lamination because of the lamination process and is not efficient for large-scale production.
3. Digital Printing
Digital printing is a more popular and effective form that seems to boost its popularity significantly when it comes to short runs or specialised packaging. And it is especially used by companies that want to print custom boxes or just a box with a unique design.
How Does It Work?
Digital printing employs automated equipment that prints directly onto the surface of the corrugated board as if the corrugated board were paper fed through a laser printer.
Advantages
It means fewer setup times and no need for plates so, it is cheaper if you are going to run short first quantities or prototypes only. Digital printing can also be customised especially where the number of sets to be printed is relatively small.
Challenges
It can sometimes be slightly costly when it comes to mass production and offers a limited choice of color.
4. Offset Printing
The other type is the offset printing which gives very high quality print. It is usually chosen for the corrugated boxes that require special or company logos to be printed on them.
How It Works?
Offset printing ink deposited on a metal plate is then rolled on a rubber cylinder or blanket. After that, it is finally transferred to the corrugated material.
Advantages
It provides high quality prints that are sharp with excellent detail for designs especially when undertaking medium-large production.
Challenges
There are higher setup costs and the process is slower than flexographic. It means that it is not ideal where quick turnaround is required.
5. Rotogravure Printing
This method is quite helpful in obtaining high quality printouts. It achieves consistency in terms of the prints especially when it comes to long run production of quality products.
How It Works?
The design is cut on a metallic cylinder which in turn transfers the ink on to the corrugated surface.
Advantages
It offers very good quality prints every time and good for highly detailed because the design does not fade. That is particularly useful when many copies are needed.
Challenges
Rotogravure printing requires a lot of initial preparations which is not recommended for bulk small scale production.
6. Screen Printing
Choose screen printing when you want to print a design on a particular section of the box or desire bright.
How It Works?
This process involves applying ink behind a mesh stencil (or screen) to come out and make a design on the box in this case.
Advantages
It is quite cost effective for printing high density designs. Therefore, it is suitable when there are few design applications allowed.
Challenges
This method is not suitable when one wants to create small details and is most suitable for flat designs.
Trends in Corrugated Box Printing for 2024-25
With the year 2024-25 looming nearer there are some major trends that are currently characterising the printing industry of corrugated boxes. Companies are now looking for efficient and less costly solutions.
Some of the key trends include:
Sustainability Focus
Concerns are now arising for environment friendly packaging materials. Increasingly used are aqueous inks, as well as recycled and recyclable components.
Customisation
Digital printing enables packaging companies to create unique and excellent packaging material. It will fit their brand as well as their promotional campaigns for different seasons.
Minimalist Design
Minimalism seems to be the buzzword of the year as many brands strive for minimalism with the occasional flourish.
Interactive Packaging
Some industries have incorporated the use of QR codes or augmented reality (AR) touches for packaging to engage the customers.
Choosing the Right Type of Printing for Your Business
Based on the above considerations, types of printing on corrugated boxes depend on four factors namely; the cost factor, the quantity of the order, the complexity of the design and the type of use.
Here is a quick guide to help you decide:
- High-Volume Orders: Flexographic printing is the cheapest and fastest of all the available choices.
- Premium Branding: Litho-laminated printing provides clear cut designs and brighter colors in the prints.
- Short Runs or Customisation: Digital printing is flexible and fast.
- Detailed and Complex Designs: Let’s look at some benefits of offset or rotogravure printing especially for complex and detailed designs.
Why Custom Corrugated Boxes Are the Future?
Packaging in the current world is not only a protective shield but a tool for creating competitive advantages on the market. It is the time that various organisations need to make sure that their customers have a certain experience to remember. Besides aiding in branding, custom corrugated boxes also put your product at a premium.
Here is why custom packaging is essential for your business:
Enhanced Branding
Custom packaging enables you to have the packaging box of your choice, which complements your brand.
Eco-Friendly Options
Most custom boxes that are produced are those that come from recyclable material which is something that will work well for those organisations who are environmentally conscious.
Perfect Fit
Full-color customised corrugated boxes come in handy since they provide the protection each of your products requires in transit.
Conclusion
Traditionally, the types of printing on corrugated boxes have evolved with different techniques giving opportunities to business such as versatility, affordability and usefulness of the prints. Depending on whether you are a boutique company and you are in the process of designing packages or you are a big company that requires large quantity printing, then the choice of a suitable method of printing plays a big role in this line.
As a packaging company, Packaging Bee recognises the significance of packaging and is ready to present you its services and specialties.
