5 Options for Printing Cardboard Boxes

5 Options for Printing Cardboard Boxes

For e-commerce packaging or retail distribution, branding is vital. The six external and six internal sides to a box all provide an opportunity to market your brand, provide valuable information and encourage engagement. So what are the options for printing cardboard boxes?

1. DIY Printing for Packaging

The first option is to create a stamp, purchase ink pads and apply the design by hand. This may seem like the cheapest option, but is it the most cost-effective way to spend your time? The issue with DIY printing the quality varies. Sometimes part of the image is missing and it is near impossible to exactly match the placement for a second go.

Remember, your aim is to promote your brand, making it one that customers want to identify with. So, if the quality is inconsistent, what message is it sending?

2. Flexographic Print on Cardboard Boxes

A great value option to ask your packaging supplier about is flexographic print. For this, there is a cost associated with the creation of the printing plate, also known as a stereo. Once made, the stereo passes over the chosen ink colour and applies it directly to the cardboard boxes.

The same stereo can be used for multiple orders, consistently reproducing colour, design and positioning on every box. The colour pallet is limited to a maximum of 3 colours, however, some great effects can be produced with just one or two! In addition, the colour can change, this can be used to great effect to:

• Add a seasonal twist to your design
• Differentiate product ranges eg. flavour, colour or fragrance variations
• Differentiate markets to inform packing processes eg. standard, plus or luxury subscription boxes
• Mark an occasion such as 10 years in business or the King’s Coronation

For all of these options, there is no need to start from scratch; just use the same stereo with different inks! As a result it is a cost effective option for printing cardboard boxes.

With flexographic, the print quality is great, even with some quite detailed graphics. As an example, take a look at this design we have just produced for Loadfast Products. The image of their ladder clamps is clean and clear, resulting in packaging design that looks professional.

The box manufacturing machines that we use at Aylesbury Box Company can flexo print the inside and outside of boxes as part of the production process. Therefore, adding your branding doesn’t extend the lead time. Along with the low cost, this is why flexographic print is a popular choice for e-commerce packaging and retail distribution boxes.

Contact us to request a quote!

3. Lithographic Print on Cardboard

If your packaging needs to include photographic imagery or full-colour print, we recommend lithographic print. This is because the print plates used for this process are ideal for highly detailed and colourful retail packaging.

Corrugated cardboard is too thick to pass through the litho printing press, so the design is printed onto paper. The next step is laminating the print onto the cardboard to produce an excellent, high quality finish. This process does take a little longer than flexo, so costs a little more. However, it remains a popular choice and it is possible to create a luxury feel with finish options that include high gloss, matt or soft touch. We can provide samples to help you make an informed decision.

4. Screen Printed Boxes

When full coverage and a bold, rich finish are required, screen printing is another option for branding boxes. In this print method, a stencil is produced to determine areas where the ink will pass onto the boxes and where it will be blocked.

Screen printing is most effective for small volume orders which need a simple design in limited colours. If we believe this will be the best option for your packaging requirements, we are happy to answer your questions and provide samples.

5. Digital Print for Packaging

Another option is digital printing. This works along the same lines as your home or office printer, just on a larger scale. As such, it can produce full-colour images and fonts. Lots of packaging suppliers use digital printers to brand boxes.

One issue that we have with this print method is that the colour looks different on the screen from how it prints on the box. For this reason, we would always recommend that you request a print-on-board sample before confirming an order. That way, colours can be adjusted as required.

Branded Boxes

So, branded boxes are a must for e-commerce, retail packaging and distribution and there are many ways to achieve this. As we manufacture and print boxes in our factory, we are happy to advise on the best option for matching your expectations and budget. If you want our help with printing cardboard boxes, just give us a call on 01296 436888 to discuss.