Best Printing Options In Custom Food Packaging

The type of printing you select (flexographic or digital) will also play an important role when it comes to custom food packaging and branding. This can be confounding as there are options galore to try out the best one. In this food packaging guide, we are going to be taking a look at the key printing methods that can used within the industry and what these options offer in terms of strengths & weaknesses when it comes to using them for your type/mode of package. When a business understands the intricacies of each option, they are better equipped to make decisions that help them design both packaging that sees their product safely transported and boxes or containers that consumers find captivating.

Flexography

Flexography (suitable for high-volume production) enables printing on a wide range of substrates, with bright colors being cost-effective.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is great for short runs, customization, and turnaround times by providing versatility of design at a reduced wastage.

Rotogravure

When you need to print tens of thousands or more copies on packaging, then Rotogravure will deliver high-quality images consistently across a range of materials.

What print options are favorable for fast food packaging? 

Flexography

Vibrant colors and high-speed production combined with cost-efficiency make flexography an easy choice for custom fast food boxes  such as custom pizza boxes, burger boxes and custom hot dog boxes.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is the best option when it comes to quality and you have to print in large quantities with complex designs.

List Of Some Cheap Printing Options in the USA 

• Printing services online: There are a plethora of platforms providing affordable print jobs
• Buy in Bulk Rule: Some of the biggest savings come from buying more over less.
• Black and White (B&W) vs Color: The choice of B/W will save you money, particularly on large print runs.
• Lower Paper Quality: Selecting normal paper over fancy ones can bring on the overall cost.
• Think Before You DIY Print at Home: If you have the equipment, printing in some quantities can be cost-effective for smaller projects.

Advanced Printing Options for Food Packaging

• HD Flexography: Provides images and color of superior quality, at costs that compete on a national level.
• Direct Mail: Digital printing allows for flexibility of short runs and customization or versioning.
• Gravure Printing: Large-volume production of consistent quality, long print runs.
• Offset Lithography: Image quality and broad application on package diverse substrates.
• Inkjet Printing: High-resolution print, form on irregular surfaces, and personalization.

Best Option For Printing Photos On The Food Boxes

• Offset Lithography: Delivers superior image quality (great for high-quality, full-color photos) it is commonly used in custom cone sleeves.
• Flexography: Relatively inexpensive, works well with many box materials, suitable for photos.
• Flexographic: Economical for large quantities, medium image quality (photo-like reproduction).
• Ink Jet Print: High-resolution, great on unusual surfaces but can be expensive.

Where to Find Printing Options?

• Online Research: This is one of the appropriate methods to explore printing and services provided by them online.
• Request Copies: Get hard copies to review print quality and materials.
• Meet with Printers: Talk about your project needs and get a few pointers from the expert.
• Price Comparison: Examine cost proposition and any concealed fees.
• Think of Turnaround Time: Confirm the printer can meet your production schedules.

Explore Color Printing Options In Custom Packaging 

• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black): Standard print color model with a large gamut of colors are effective and in demand in custom packaging
• Pantone Matching System (PMS): Offers the PANTONE color match for true replication of a logo.
• Spot Colors: Employing unique inks for accurate color reproduction and cost saving.
• Metallic Inks: A Premium & Stunning Packaging Solution.
• Fluorescent Inks: Create bright and eye-catching colors.

List Of Digital Printing Options

• Inkjet Printing: Can be used with a wide range of materials and produces high-quality images.
• Digital Offset Printing: This is a faster combination of digital technology and the principles of offset.
• Digital Large Format Printing: Perfect for big packaging and displays.
• UV Curing Digital Printing: It offers fast drying and long-lasting prints.
• Electrostatic Printing: You can create original textures and apply elements in 3D format.

Pros and Cons Of the Sided Printing Option

Environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness both play into another strong offering at double-sided printing also referred to as duplex. It can utilize both sides of a paper sheet which decreases the enormous amount of paper, leading to a green work culture. It can also save a lot of money on paper and maybe even some ink if you are printing in high volumes. On the flip side, this approach also has its limitations. Some printers won’t from-the-box duplex printing, based on study or physical intervention. Plus, the print material may look different and difficult to read if not set up right. As with any cartridge technology, the decision to buy into double-sided printing really depends on a cost/benefit analysis in light of unique print requirements.

Pros Of Double Sided Printing

• Environmental Effect: Markedly reduces the amount of paper used – thus supporting sustainability.
• Paper Expense Reduction: Reducing printing costs by up to half.
• Saves Space: Can be compactly closed or even collapsible for easy storage, economizes paper and hence filling requirements.
• Prestige: Adds a professional touch to documents and reports.
• Speedier Printing: Might accelerate the printing of long documents.

Cons Of Double Sided Printing

• Printer Compatibility: If not all the printers are double-sided, they may need to be upgraded.
• Paper Thickness Constraint: Media that is too thick may not feed through the duplexer properly.
• Ink Consumption: Tip # 2 above can sometimes lead to slightly increased consumption, since printing on both sides.
• Complicated Documents: Some things may be too difficult to read or use double-sided.
• Installation Time: A double-sided printing setup might be time-consuming to establish.

Conclusion

When it is about choosing a printing option for your custom food packaging you have to be very precise. Flexographic printing is the preferred choice with regard to high-volume production that needs vivid color and an economical price point. It excels during short runs, personalized pieces, and quicker turnarounds. The rotogravure provides superb image quality for long runs. For quick service packaging where speed and visual appeal reign supreme, flexography or offset printing is preferred. The most pragmatic choice is determined by weighing extrusion over molding advantages against limitations defined by package requirements as they relate to the native selective insertion (stamp and place).

FAQs

What are the best printing options in 2024 for custom packaging?

• Custom Packaging Market: Digital and Flexographic Printing to Lead by 2024
• Digital: Short runs, customizable orders, and fast turnaround time.
• Flexographic: The process caters well to high-volume requirements, offering industry-leading quality.

Do updated printing options increase packaging costs?

It depends. Digital printing can also reduce the cost of short runs because, as a first function, there is minimum made-ready time. However, the cost per unit could be more expensive than Flexographic for large numbers.

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing is a method that directly transfers digital image data onto the substrate (be it paper, photo-paper materials, or specially-designed plastic plates) without an intermediary like film plates. This provides flexibility, speed, and customization.

Digital printing vs flexographic printing: Which is better?

It matters of volume, quality, and budget. Digital is optimal for short runs, low customization, and quick turn-around. The flexographic printing process is best suited for high-volume orders that require consistent print quality over time, often at a lower cost per unit.