Getting your custom printed boxes right can make all the difference to your business.
Whether you want to add special design effects, such as foiling; add oil-proof or water-proof coatings to protect seepage from your products; or whether you want your packaging to be as sustainable as possible, there are many factors to consider. You will know what type of packaging is right, based on your customer profile and research.
Here are eight key pointers to achieve your ideal custom printed packaging boxes:
1. Work with a printed packaging expert, who can guide you through each stage
Ask for packaging recommendations from other companies in your industry or do your research online. You might belong to a Facebook Group for food producers who you can ask for recommendations, for example. Create a shortlist of a few companies to contact, then ask them to send you packaging samples. If you are looking for something specific, such as a printer with sustainable credentials, then do your research on that, too. Ask the printer what their process is for printed packaging and how they can help you through the process. At the end of the day, it’s your brand and your product, so you need to feel part of that process.
2. Agree on a constructional design
There are many ways to create packaging for your product. Working with your printer, you can talk through the right design for the job that works for you, based on function and price. The material you choose needs to allow the right graphics, surface finishes and feel.
3. Think about your print quantities
If you are looking to create smaller quantities of your packaging carton (less than 1,000) to begin with, then a printer with digital printing capabilities may work better; for larger quantities, look for a printer with litho print presses. If you’re not sure of the quantities you’ll need going forward, then choose a printer that has both capabilities.
4. Think about storing the packaging and additional services
Did you know that some packaging printers can store your items for you if you don’t have the space to keep the items on your premises? Some printers also have fulfilment capabilities, so they can print your packaging, insert the product and deliver the items to you. These additional services may save you a lot of time and money and free up some essential space!
5. Ask for a printed mock-up
You may be happy with your 2D design on-screen, but sometimes a 3D version can look and feel very different. It’s important to visualise your packaging at the earliest opportunity so that you can make changes to the design, if needed. Ask your packaging printer to provide a virtual or physical mock-up to give you a better idea of what it’s going to look like with the graphics.
6. Consider sustainable options for custom printed packaging
Not all printing inks are sustainable; look out for biodegradable UV inks that reduce ink waste, and contain no solvents or VOC emissions, or vegetable-based inks.
Some printers now offer a recyclable alternative to plastic lamination, called in-line coatings. As the coatings are water-based, they are recyclable and biodegradable, unlike the lamination which uses plastic, although they can still do the same job of creating oil-proof or water-proof barriers.
The packaging materials themselves are also worth considering in your sustainable journey. Many companies are now replacing plastic packaging with sustainable materials (such as card or paper) which are widely accepted in recycling programmes, or clever designs that replace the need for plastic.
If your company has net zero goals, there are ways to minimise your carbon through your packaging: look out for printers that are carbon-balanced through the World Land Trust.
7. Use clever design to reduce plastic
Gift boxes can sometimes include acetate (plastic) windows so that the products can be seen through the packaging. There is another way of creating this packaging, but without the use of plastic. Many companies are now reducing the size of the aperture, not putting window material (plastic) in it, and adding clever graphics of the product on the outside of the packaging. This gives the same shelf appeal, but is now recyclable by omitting the plastic.
8. Think longer term for your branding
If you think you may need marketing brochures or leaflets in addition to your packaging print, look for a printer that can accommodate both types of print. This will help to keep the colours and quality of your printed output consistent, which is essential for your branding and customer recognition.
In summary, it really pays off to carefully plan your packaging print. Considering all the options above will help you achieve packaging with maximum shelf appeal, brand appeal and customer appeal. Good luck!
Article by Blackmore
Blackmore is an award-winning sustainable printed packaging specialist, and a certified Carbon Balanced Printer, in partnership with World Land Trust. Each item of packaging we produce is unique to every customer, so we can provide your custom printed packaging in any size, style and shape. We guide you through each step of the packaging process from the initial design stages to providing printed prototypes, ensuring you and your customers will be happy with the end result.
With our additional services, including storage, fulfilment and brochure/ leaflet printing, we are here to support you through every stage of the printing journey.
Please get in touch to discuss your printed packaging idea – we are happy to help!