What you need to know about creating successful custom printed packages

Providing your consumers with high-quality printed packaging may have a significant influence on their experience. As a result, it’s important to do everything correctly.

Custom printed packaging may be used for a variety of things. Many forms of packaging, boxes, and folders may be printed with custom designs, such as the following:

• packing boxes for mail
• boxes for displaying items
• boxes for presenting
• Boxes as gifts
• packages delivered to your door each month

That said, what are the best methods for producing highly effective custom printed packaging?

Here are our top five tips:

1. Verify that your custom printed packaging is appropriate for the goods it is intended to contain

No one enjoys receiving a package in the mail that’s too big for the goods inside, or one that’s damaged due to bad packing design. As a result, it’s critical to think about how your package print will be used. Ask yourself:

• Is the packaging going to be utilised for a variety of products? Is there a standard box size you’ll be using, or will you need a variety?
• Is it necessary for the contents to be protected by the packaging? Is there a requirement for a ‘nesting’ structure, or does the material have to have a specific strength, in the design?
• What kind of transportation will be used to get the item to its destination? If so, does it have to be a specific size or weight?
• A coating such as Biomaster that protects printed surfaces against germs and hazardous microorganisms over the lifetime of your printed goods can be useful for your packaging.
• To save on storage space, does your packaging need to be supplied in a flat state so that you may assemble the boxes at the point of sale without the need for tape or glue?
• At the outset of any package printing job, you need to ask yourself these questions to ensure that your packaging is appropriate for its intended use.

2. Take into account the materials on which your package is printed

Fluted boards and folding boxboards (FBB) are now in low supply across the globe, which might be alleviated by constructing cartons with heavier paperweights.

Depending on the equipment they employ, various printers can print on materials with varying thicknesses. So, before you begin, be sure to check with your printer to see whether they can satisfy your requirements. With a flat sheet dimension of 720mm x 1020mm, Blackmore can print on surfaces up to 1000 microns thick. Blackmore can also print on waterproof material up to 500-800 microns thick if your container has to be completely watertight.

3. Enhance its environmental credentials

Everything about your package, from the materials you choose to the printing process, has an impact on how environmentally friendly it is. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Remove plastics from the packaging by using recycled or recyclable materials or paper board-based alternatives.
• Stocks from authorised suppliers, such as FSC® or PEFC, should be used. Paper that is FSC® or PEFC certified has been harvested in a responsible way. Your printer may also provide you with logos that you can incorporate into your packaging design to advertise the eco-friendliness of your printed packaging to your clients.
• If your printer has a partnership with the World Land Trust to guarantee that the project is verified as carbon net-zero, you may choose to use carbon-balanced printing. This is something that Blackmore is willing to do for you.
• Reduce the number of ‘finishes,’ such as lamination or foils, that may be applied to packaging in order to make it more recyclable while also lowering the package’s carbon footprint.
• This will ensure that there is no wasted material when printing your package design.

4. Create the most cost-effective packaging you can

From the materials used to the size and weight of the packaging, there are a number of variables that might affect the cost. That is why you should always consult with your printer, who can help you choose the ideal packaging solution for your product. Consider the following factors:

• You need to figure out how many you’ll need. When printing more than 10,000 pieces, look for a printer that specializes in big orders.
• Remember to ask the printer whether the cost of cutting formes is included in their estimate (as this can be a large part of the cost).
• There are certain printers (including Blackmore) that can print smaller quantities (between 2 and 3,000) but only 1,000 at a time, saving you money, spreading the cost, and reducing storage space by printing them “on-demand” as required.
• Consider using a digital cutting machine to cut out printed packaging in smaller quantities rather than paying for expensive cutting formes (Blackmore can offer this).

5. Improve the visual appeal of your creations

Many options are available for customisation during the design or printing stages. Consider the following options:

• A transparent, glossy coating may be placed on certain portions of artwork in order to create an eye-catching contrast with package print using spot UV.
• In order to have a really recycled/eco feel, certain printers (including Blackmore) can print “white” onto colourful material or coloured boards and then print colour on top of this white region.
• You may also use special coatings, such as gloss, matt, and drip-off varnish, to make your package stand out even more without the usage of plastic laminates.

If you are looking for something a little bit different and sustainable printing solutions then please contact us and we will be happy to show you some examples, contact us today.

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