Offset Printing
Ideal for larger runs with sharp detail and stable color.
Custom Packly
Explore Our Custom Packaging Capabilities Today
Compare materials, board thickness, printing, finishes, inserts and structure before production so your packaging fits the product budget and customer experience.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Setup
Start with product weight, fragility, selling environment, print needs and presentation goals. Then match those needs to the right board type, print method, finish and insert strategy so the packaging performs well without adding unnecessary cost.
Printing Methods We Use
Printing affects speed, run, size, color quality and overall presentation.
Digital Printing
Best for short runs, quick updates, and full-color artwork.
Flexographic Printing
Good for corrugated packaging and repeat production runs.
Screen Printing
Useful for bold graphics and selected premium packaging.
Compare Printing Methods
Choose the printing method based on artwork detail, order size, color accuracy and packaging material. Offset printing suits premium high-volume packaging, digital printing works well for shorter runs and flexographic printing is often used for corrugated and repeat production.
| Method | Best For | Run Size | Print Strength | Common Packaging Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offset Printing | Premium Artwork | Medium to Large | Sharp Detail | Rigid Boxes, Folding Cartons, Retail Packaging |
| Digital Printing | Short Runs | Small to Medium | Fast Setup | Samples, Prototypes, Small Batch Boxes |
| Flexographic Printing | Corrugated Packaging | Large | Efficient Repeat Print | Shipping Boxes, Mailer Boxes, Display Packaging |
| Screen Printing | Bold Graphics | Small to Medium | Strong Ink Coverage | Specialty Boxes, Premium Panels, Branded Details |
Printing method affects color accuracy, surface detail, setup time and final packaging feel. The best choice depends on your artwork, material, order quantity and whether the package needs bold branding, premium detail or efficient repeat production.
Inks and Color Systems
Color systems matter when branding needs to stay consistent across formats and repeat orders.
CMYK Process Printing
Best for gradients, photos and multi-color designs.
Pantone Matching
Keeps brand colors consistent across products and repeat orders.
Water-Based and Soy Inks
Better for brands seeking lower-impact ink options.
Specialty Inks
Adds stronger shelf impact with metallic or bright effects.
Compare Ink and Color Options
CMYK works well for full-color packaging artwork, while Pantone is better when exact brand color matching matters. Use this guide to compare ink and color options by print goal, color control and packaging use.
| Color Option | Best For | Color Control | Useful When | Common Packaging Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMYK Process Printing | Full-Color Artwork | Standard | Designs include photos, gradients or multiple colors | Retail Boxes, Mailer Boxes, Folding Cartons |
| Pantone Matching | Brand Colors | High | Logos or brand shades must stay consistent | Luxury Boxes, Product Boxes, Branded Packaging |
| Water-Based and Soy Inks | Eco-Focused Printing | Good | Sustainability and softer print chemistry matter | Recyclable Boxes, Paperboard Cartons, Retail Packaging |
| Specialty Inks | Premium Effects | Varies | The packaging needs metallic, raised or standout details | Rigid Boxes, Gift Boxes, Promotional Packaging |
Color choice affects more than appearance. It can change brand consistency, material compatibility, print clarity and the final feel of the packaging. For exact logo colors, Pantone matching is usually the safest route, while CMYK gives more flexibility for detailed full-color artwork.
Materials and Board Thickness
Material choice changes print quality, structure, protection, cost and the way packaging feels in hand.
Eco-Friendly Kraft
Natural-looking stock for recyclable and earthy packaging styles.
Cardstock and Paperboard
Great for folding cartons, sleeves and retail packaging.
SBS and Premium White Paperboard
Smooth white stock for sharp print and cleaner presentation.
CCNB and Duplex Board
Cost-effective board for printed cartons and everyday packaging.
Bux Board and Chipboard
Practical stock for inserts, cartons and budget-friendly packaging.
Greyboard and Rigid Board
Thick board for luxury boxes and stronger presentation.
B, E and F-Flute Corrugated
Strong and smooth for branded mailers and shipping packs.
Recycled and Specialty Stocks
Useful for sustainability goals and more distinctive packaging.
Material and Board Selection Guide
Material choice affects structure, print quality, protection and how the packaging feels in hand. Use this guide to compare common packaging stocks by best use, strength direction and typical packaging application.
| Material / Stock | Best For | Strength / Feel | Print Fit | Common Packaging Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco-Friendly Kraft | Natural Packaging | Medium | Best with simple or earthy artwork | Kraft Boxes, Mailers, Paper Bags |
| Cardstock and Paperboard | Retail Packaging | Light to Medium | Good for clean printed panels | Folding Cartons, Sleeves, Inserts |
| SBS and Premium White Paperboard | Sharp Presentation | Smooth and Clean | Excellent for full-color printing | Cosmetic Boxes, Product Boxes, Retail Cartons |
| CCNB and Duplex Board | Everyday Cartons | Cost-Efficient | Good printable white face | Printed Cartons, Food Boxes, General Packaging |
| Bux Board and Chipboard | Practical Structure | Firm and Budget-Friendly | Works best with simple print needs | Inserts, Cartons, Inner Supports |
| Greyboard and Rigid Board | Luxury Packaging | Thick and Substantial | Usually wrapped with printed paper | Rigid Boxes, Gift Boxes, Presentation Boxes |
| B, E and F Flute Corrugated | Branded Mailers | Varies by flute | Good for printed corrugated packaging | Mailer Boxes, E-commerce Boxes, Retail Shippers |
| Recycled and Specialty Stocks | Distinctive Packaging | Varies | Depends on texture and coating | Sustainable Boxes, Premium Inserts, Specialty Retail Packaging |
For paperboard packaging, GSM helps estimate weight and firmness. For rigid boxes, thickness matters more than GSM alone, while corrugated packaging is usually chosen by flute profile, stacking strength and shipping needs.
Common GSM and Thickness Guide
- 250–300 GSM: lighter cartons, sleeves and paper inserts
- 300–350 GSM: standard folding cartons for many products
- 350–400 GSM: stronger cartons with a firmer feel
- 400 GSM and above: heavier paperboard for premium cartons
- Rigid board: usually chosen by thickness, not GSM alone
- Corrugated board: usually chosen by flute profile and strength needs.
Final stock choice depends on product weight, fragility, shipping method and the opening experience you want.
Finishes and Surface Effects
Finishing shapes visual tone, tactile feel, scuff resistance and shelf impact.
Matte, Gloss and Satin
Changes shine level and overall visual tone.
Soft-Touch Lamination
Adds a smoother feel and better scuff resistance.
Spot UV and Raised UV
Highlights logos and patterns with gloss contrast.
Foil Stamping
Adds metallic detail for premium retail and gift packaging.
Embossing and Debossing
Creates depth and a more tactile branded look.
Window Patching
Shows the product while keeping the box structured.
Inserts and Functional Add-Ons
Inserts improve product fit, presentation and transit protection.
Paperboard Inserts
Lightweight support for organized inner product presentation.
Foam Inserts
Better for fragile, premium or electronic products.
Corrugated Dividers
Separates bottles, jars and multi-item packs safely.
Molded Fitments
Holds products firmly in place during handling.
Pull Tabs and Tear Strips
Improves opening, carrying and retail display.
Structural Options and Engineering
Structure affects fit, stacking, opening style and shipping performance.
Custom Size and Fit
Reduces empty space and improves product protection.
Dielines and Panel Layout
Helps artwork and product details fit correctly.
Inside and Outside Printing
Adds branding inside and outside the package.
Closures and Opening Styles
Changes how the package opens and feels.
Product Fit Testing
Confirms the structure works before production begins.
Proofing and Design Support
Proofing helps catch layout, fit and finish issues before the full run starts.
Flat Proofs
Flat proofs for bleed, safe area and panel placement
3D Mockups
3D mockups for early visual review
Swatches
Swatches for comparing stock and finish options
Physical Samples
Physical samples for fit and insert testing
Artwork Review
Artwork support for production-ready files
Sustainable Packaging Choices
Sustainability works best when it is tied to real material and design decisions.
Recycled Paperboard
Supports packaging with stronger recycled material content.
Right-Sized Packaging
Helps reduce filler, waste and shipping inefficiency.
Paper-Based Inserts
Replaces plastic-heavy inserts in many packaging formats.
Lower-Waste Print Choices
Supports cleaner production with better ink options.
Minimal Recyclable Formats
Keeps packaging simpler and easier to recycle.