Packaging is a straightforward way of marketing. The design artwork is not the whole step. You also need to choose the right printing method. This affects the effect of the packaging. After all, the first thing the consumer sees is the coffee bag.
A reliable printing method means compatibility with the brand’s needs. The images and text highlight the brand design. Sustainable packaging materials. And a reasonable budget.
Great coffee packaging can help shape the brand image. And provide customers with a wealth of information about their coffee. But which printing method presents the best results? Read on. We have compiled a list of 4 of the most popular methods. These include flexographic printing, digital printing, gravure and screen printing. You can compare your business needs to choose one of these.
What Is Flexographic Printing?
Flexographic printing has been around since the 1800s. and has been in use as a form of letterpress printing.
It applies ink to a raised image on a flexible plate. It is then embossed onto the surface of the material. The roll of material is moved through several flexible plates. Each plate adds a different colour of ink.
Features Of Flexographic Printing
Flexographic printing allows printing on both absorbent (porous) and non-absorbent (non-porous) surfaces. From foil to cardboard. It is possible to laminate or emboss these materials without the need for additional production steps. This means saving time and money.
Printing accuracy is usually very high. Because each flexo plate prints only one colour. That’s why it excels at block printing. And each material passes through the system only once. This means that production is fast, affordable and scalable. Flexographic printing speeds of up to 750 metres per minute can be achieved.
Suitable For Flexographic Printing
The machines required for flexographic printing are not expensive. But they are complex and take time to set up. And it can take a lot of time to change plates between runs. It is therefore not suitable for small jobs that require a quick turnaround.
Flexographic printing is suitable for roasters who want to package and sell coffee quickly and economically. For them, a single, high-volume print run using a single colour and text is an effective option.
What Is Digital Printing Of Coffee Packaging?
Digital printing of packaging is the process of transferring a digital file (usually a JPEG or PDF file) directly to a printer for printing on the material. The digital file should be in the CMYK colour system. This allows a more accurate colour output to be transferred from the screen to the substrate.
Unlike offset printing, digital printers do not require any manual set-up. This means that there is no need to install dies or paper rolls. The high cost of printing plates is reduced.
Why Choose Digital Printing?
Smaller roasters can’t accept the starting order sizes that come with traditional printing. But stock bags do not reflect the image of the brand.
Medium and large roasters often launch seasonal varieties. But the cost of custom-printed packaging using traditional methods is heavy. This is true even for larger companies.
Digital printing stands out through the following advantages：
Minimum order quantities
No printing plates, saving on printing costs
More SKUs available without incurring high packaging printing costs
Fast print speeds and high flexibility. Design can be changed at any time
Available in a variety of packaging designs or colours
Short-term availability. Seasonal packaging available in custom-printed packaging
Respond quickly to changing consumer needs or new market opportunities
What Is Gravure Printing?
Gravure printing requires plate making. It applies the ink to the surface by direct transfer. This is the same as flexographic printing. But it usually produces a higher-quality printed image. With more detail and accuracy.
Each press has cells that store the ink for the size and pattern required for the image. Pressure and rotation then release this ink onto the surface. The blade will remove the ink from the part of the cylinder that does not need it and from any excess. After the ink has dried, the process can be repeated to add another ink colour or final finish.
Features Of Gravure Printing
Gravure printing presents excellent printing accuracy. It is particularly suitable for printing continuous-tone images at high speeds. In contrast, however, it does not achieve the quality of UV printing.
Gravure printing requires investment in separate printing plates for each colour. This means higher costs. And you can’t change the design at any time. But it is possible to reuse the plates many times. The longer they last, the more cost-effective they are. We keep and care for the plates for you. There is no need to make new plates when you return an order. This has one advantage. You can be sure that the colours are consistent from one batch of packaging to the next.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a traditional printing technique that has been used for many years. In the printing process, a stencil design is created on a fine mesh or polyester fabric. Through this stencil layout, several layers of ink are pushed onto the surface of the printed material. All the different ink colours are applied using different screen stencils to create the final printed effect. Areas of the print material that need to be kept clean are covered with a non-permeable substance to prevent ink contamination.
Benefits Of Screen Printing
A very effective solution for batch printing
Extremely cost-effective
Higher quality graphics than digital printing
Produces a more durable packaging pattern
Suitable for a wide range of different printing materials
Printing in designated areas of the print material is easy
Disadvantages Of Screen Printing
The range of colours available for screen printing is limited. It has a much higher initial set-up cost than digital printing. And it is more time-consuming. But it cannot be customised in the same way as digital printing.
Screen printing does offer a higher quality, more professional look to printing. But it’s not for everyone. It’s best suited to bulk orders that don’t require much customisation or extensive use of different colours.
Working With Sustainable Packaging Manufacturers
We take care to understand the business requirements of each brand. This helps to create unique and effective packaging for you.
More and more companies are now looking for sustainable alternatives. We use digital printing to provide high-quality and recyclable coffee packaging. At the same time, you get fast delivery and minimum order quantities.
If you’re still unsure of the best printing options for your roastery, we can help. At xiaoyupack, we offer a professional packaging customisation service. Please understand to contact us. You will get a professional customised packaging solution.
