When it comes to packaging your products, there are a number of factors to consider. From the material and structural design, to the graphics and print method, one choice may influence another. Quality counts when it comes to packaging, and, in the competitive world of retail, many customers will initially judge a brand based on the way they design and package their goods.
Traditionally, lithographic (litho) printing is the most popular go-to solution for printed packaging such as labels and folding boxes. This is because, until recently, it was the only method that could print at a high quality for high-volume runs. However, there are other innovative print methods, such as digital printing, that can compete with litho.
We're going to look at the pros and cons of both printing methods to help you understand which print will best suit the needs of your packaging...
Digital printing is when the artwork is directly printed onto your chosen substrate using a four-colour process. Using electronic files and dots of colour, a digital printer will produce your image using toner or ink.
Litho uses printing plates and wet ink. Each colour in the artwork will require its own individual plate which will be loaded into the printing press. The image is then transferred onto a sheet before being transferred onto your packaging.
You will normally be charged for your printing plates. This cost will depend on the amount of colours used in your design and the size of the plate.
When it comes to choosing between digital and litho printing for your packaging, there are a number of questions to ask, such as what quantity do you wish to print? Is the artwork the same across all of your packaging? How complex is the artwork? And do you require photo quality print? The best solution for your packaging will depend on your overall requirements and budget.
Here at Perfect Colours, we have a range of printers, software and finishing items that will ensure you receive high quality printing that will show off your packaging in the best possible way. If you would like to find out more about how you can print your artwork using our high-quality products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
We're here to help. Whether you're looking to get started with a large format printer or you've been in the industry for years, our team of qualified specialists are always happy to lend a hand. Give us a call on 0845 680 9000.
Our doors are open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, but you can drop us an email at anytime and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.