Should I Select Printed Packaging with a Matt or Gloss Finish?

Should I Select Printed Packaging with a Matt or Gloss Finish?

In the early days, the majority of orders received by Aylesbury Box Company were for large, industrial cardboard containers. This packaging was practical and robust, but there was little concern for aesthetics. Typical printing requirements were  ‘This Way Up’ or ‘Fragile’ printed in black. The aim was simply to provide instructions for the delivery company.

Over the years, there has been a considerable shift in packaging requests. We now undertake a large volume of e-commerce packaging for online retailers and shop ready retail packaging. Companies may wish to provide information to aid delivery, but they are also concerned about making a good first impression. This is where printed packaging comes to the fore.

Increased Demand for Printed Boxes

Plain product and delivery boxes are being replaced by printed packaging. Printed boxes help to:

• Promote the brand
• Attract the interest of buyers
• Provide visual information to entice and excite the buyer
• Help the products to stand out from the competition

Print Options for Retail Packaging

Packaging Manufacturers, including Aylesbury Box Company, now offer a range of print finishes for carton board packaging and cardboard boxes. Flexographic, lithographic, soft touch laminate, screen printing, foil blocking and spot varnishes are the main print finish options.

For the budget conscious, a single colour flexographic print is the lowest cost option. It can be applied as part of the manufacturing processes and has proved popular for customised e-commerce delivery boxes.

Lithographic and screen print options offer greater colour definition and accuracy. They have a level of resistance to scuffs and scratches, to help the packaging retain its appeal, even when handled by multiple shoppers.

Matt or Gloss Print Finish

Retail packaging can come with a matt or gloss finish. Both can add a desirable, contemporary finish to a standard box. The best choice will depend on the product, the target audience, where the items will be displayed and the frequency of handling.

Both flat matt and high gloss finishes do show up marks such as fingerprints. For this reason, retail packaging to be displayed on supermarket shelves often has a semi-gloss print finish.

We’ve recently produced a high gloss finish on retail packaging for Zero Vision, an alarm system developed by Verisure UK. This project involved a bespoke design and multi-coloured print and the end result reflects the high-quality innovation of the product contained within.

Another option is to combine matt and gloss printing. Using one as the standard background finish, the other will stand out when applied to small areas. Even when the fore and background colour are the same, impressive effects can be achieved through the contrast of light reflection and sheen.

We used contrast when designing retail packaging for cosmetic company Ila Spa. Bright semi-gloss, single-colour print was used, with gold foil blocking for the text. This produced a stylish and eye-catching finish that looks luxurious, whilst also being practical.

Request Samples of Printed Packaging

To ensure that the end result matches your expectations, it is important to ask your packaging manufacturer to provide print samples. Is the colour, sheen and print accuracy as expected? Do combined finishes work well and deliver the desired effect? Is it full steam ahead, or back to the drawing board?

It can be advantageous to involve your packaging company from the outset. Tell them what you want to achieve, as well as information on the product, branding and the budget, so they can advise on the best print options. Why not get started by calling Aylesbury Box Company today on 01296 436888?