We are regularly asked if we sell black print boxes, so let us tell you more about why black is a popular option for packaging.
The Options for Printed Boxes
Brown or white are the standard base colours for cardboard boxes. However, these can be printed to match any RAL colour, including your specific tone of black.
There are three main options for printed boxes:
Flood Printing – offering complete coverage, flood printing offers a solid black finish. If you require no print detail, this is a low-cost option because no tooling is required.
Black Print – we create tooling for graphics, typography, icons, logos and other details to distinguish your packaging. Black is the most popular colour for printing designs and information onto a plain or printed cardboard box. That’s because it usually stands out.
Reverse Print – An alternative option is where the non-tooled areas are printed black, leaving the tooled areas in the base colour.
You may believe that black is a single colour with a standard RAL number, however, there are many varieties of this shade. Pure or Jet Black is RAL 9005. However, the range includes Graphite – RAL 9011, Blueish Black – RAL 9005 and Brownish Black – RAL 8022. Therefore, to keep your branding consistent, it’s worth exploring the options for printed boxes and picking a specific tone and RAL number.
Why Are Black Packaging Boxes Popular?
Black has a timeless quality. Nearly a century ago, Coco Channel designed the little black dress as a statement of classic, elegant simplicity. She stated that ‘black wipes out everything else around’, meaning anyone wearing the dress would look striking. A hundred years on, her concept has not dated and the colour has never been out of fashion. So, that’s one great reason to consider the shade as an option for packaging design.
Black is a neutral shade which works with any other colour. As a result it can be used in contrast with light and vibrant colours to produce dramatic and eye-catching effects. Pair it with bright tones and they will sing! Equally, use black for subtle colour contrasts to exude quality and give the perception of luxury. Think exclusive bottles of whisky, precision watches or high-end tech which are often packaged in black boxes.
Black symbolises strength. It has an air of authority, power and masculinity which is the ideal association for packaging certain products. They include market-leading brands, along with products that have intense flavour, such as rich coffee, dark chocolate and aged whisky.
Black has an air of mystery. Black is associated with the night and the occult, which can generate intrigue and curiosity. There is something of the unknown and the unseen, which hints at exclusivity and edginess. This makes it the ideal shade for certain products and limited edition ranges.
Brands that Use Black Packaging Boxes
Some well-known brands that use black printed cardboard boxes include Rolex, Guinness, Jack Daniels and Hotel Chocolate. We’ve manufactured and printed black packaging boxes for brands including tech company, Net Duma and specialist coffee roaster, Moon Roast.
If you are looking for black printed packaging to fit with your branding, get in touch to discuss styles, RAL colour matching and print options. Call us on 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.
