Best 4 Packaging Printing Methods: Easy to Choose
Packaging is huge for a product because it’s the first thing the customer touches. If you want your packaging to stand out and show off your brand, high-quality printing on packaging is essential.
Typically, there are four common packaging printing methods: offset printing, flexo printing, screen printing, and digital printing. Each printing technique has its own characteristics and specialties.
Choosing the right printing method for your packaging can have a big impact on your brand, the cost and quality of your product.
You might be confused and overwhelmed by all of the choices. Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll combine various custom paper bags to make it easier for you to understand the differences. From there, you can make the best choice.
Offset Printing
Offset printing, also known as lithography, is a widely-used technique for high-volume printing.
It transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the paper surface. This method is called “offset”.
Offset printing is perfect for custom printing of luxury paper bags. Why?
Because it can print vibrant and intricate designs. Offset printing produces patterns with fine detail and very high color fidelity. You can see that the offset printing can make beautiful colors on the paper bags.
So, what is the highest quality printing method? Of course that’s offset printing. It is the best way to print on different cardboard.
If you want to customize high-end jewelry paper bags or apparel paper bags, offset printing is definitely the first choice!
Advantages
1. Provide a great print quality. Can print bright colors and complex designs.
2. Cost-effective for large order printing.
3. Ideal for high paper grade and cardboard materials.
Disadvantages
1. Initial setup costs are high because plate production requires a setup fee. This will have cost pressure for short-term production or smaller projects.
2. Require plate preparation and long turnaround time.
Read more about what is offset printing.
Flexo Printing
Flexo printing, short for flexographic printing, is a widely used printing method in packaging.
In flexo printing, photopolymer printing plates get wound on a web press. Each plate gets inked with a single color. When the paper goes through the press, the inked plates spin fast to transfer the ink to the paper.
The inks used in flexo printing dry quickly, so it’s good for rapid production of large quantities.
However, it is not suitable for multi-color printing because each color is applied to a separate plate.
You can see that the colors in flexo printing aren’t as bright as offset printing. If you want deeper colors, you can only make a second overlay of colors. But this way, you’ll see visible overlay marks on the edges of the pattern.
Advantages
1. High speed and great efficiency for large runs.
2. Cost least for large orders in four printing methods.
3. Good for flexible materials, mostly used for kraft paper bags.
Disadvantages
1. Limited color accuracy compared to other printing methods.
2. Can’t print bright color images or complex design details.
3. highly cost for short runs and small custom projects.
Learn about difference between flexo vs offset printing.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is versatile printing technique. It involves pushing ink through a mesh screen to create designs on various materials.
The ink is first put on the top of the screen. Then a squeegee is used to push the ink through the screen and onto the material. Finally the material is removed from under the screen and fed into a dryer to cure the ink.
This method makes a lot of ink, so the color of the printout will be more vibrant.
Advantages
1. No start costs or custom plates, so it’s great for short runs.
2. Print vibrant colors.
3. Used on various materials such as fabrics, corrugated packaging and plastics.
4. You can change requirements during printing, so it is suitable for variable prints.
Disadvantages
1. The screens used can’t create complex details and designs.
2. Printing speed is slow and cost is high for large printing because the printing process needs manual intervention.
3. Screen printed colors are brushed on in a single layer, as gradients are not possible.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a modern printing technique. It takes digital images and put them right on different materials.
Instead of using plates like traditional printing, digital printing uses big laser or inkjet printers to get the job done.
Digital printing is great for making great and bright prints. Because of the easily adjustments between prints, it’s especially suitable for smaller print runs.
Digital printing has excellent color and pattern definition. It’s our great choice for printing custom labels.
Advantages
1. Digital printing speeds up the printing process by eliminating the need for printing plates.
2. Cost-effective for low-volume orders as there are no set-up costs.
3. Printed details are accurate and suitable for complex designs.
Disadvantages
1. Higher cost per piece for large quantities.
2. Digital printers often have thickness limitations, which may not apply to all types of packaging materials.
3. Some prints may not be as durable as traditional printing.
Click to learn more about what is digital printing.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Business？
After learning about these four printing methods in packaging, I think you can make a good choice for your brands.
As someone who has been in the custom packaging for a long time, i want to give you a few suggestions from my point of view.
For all kinds of luxury paper bags and cardboard paper bags, offset printing is the first choice.
If you want to customize carry bags or kraft paper bags, both offset printing and flexo printing can be achieved.
Screen printing has a wide range of application. But it is not suitable for complex designs and colors. So screen printing can only be used for single color or simple design printing.
Finally, customized labels can use digital printing to get good products.
If you can’t make a final decision, feel free to consult the experts at Lipack Packaging. As a manufacturer specializing in custom paper bags and boxes, we are committed to helping you find the best packaging solution.
Whenever you have a need for custom paper bags, contact us now! Let’s build your exclusive brand together!
