Choosing the Right Packaging Production Method for Your Business

When it comes to packaging production, selecting the right method is crucial for businesses. In this guide, we'll explore three popular options: CMYK Digital Printing, Flexographic, and Offset. Each method caters to different volume requirements, budgets, and desired print quality. Read on to find the perfect fit for your packaging needs.

CMYK Digital

CMYK Digital Printing is a waste-preventative, sustainable and cost-efficient method suitable for low to medium volumes. With no additional fees for any design requirement, it offers flexibility and on-demand printing. It is an excellent choice for start-ups seeking to avoid high minimum orders and set-up costs.

Orders placed through our online store use this production method, as it is the most appropriate way to provide instant pricing and quick turnaround times (estimated 8 business days from approval of your order), giving you the tools to self-service your packaging inventory as you need too.

If your quantity volume exceeds the maximum quantity available for your product, or you plan to purchase this volume regularly, we recommend completing a quote request during the product-building process. Our team will review your requirements and provide you with cost estimates for Offset or Flexographic production, ensuring a greater return on investment for your order, which we’ll explain below. 

Flexographic

If cost efficiency is your priority, this is the most economical method. It is commonly used for high volumes of basic design prints, such as logos or barcodes, with up to 4 colours and standard quality results. The production time is from 3 weeks, and there are artwork and forme setup fees involved. We recommend a minimum order of approximately 3000 units to make it feasible. 

The setup costs vary depending on your initial order, but once paid, you'll only need to pay for the packaging itself for each subsequent order (as long as the specifications remain the same). This makes it feasible to buy in volume for long-term needs.

 

Offset (Lithographic)

Offset Printing, also known as Lithographic, delivers stunning, ultra-high-quality results. It is the go-to option when specific Pantone colours are required or precise branding needs to be replicated. To make this method cost-effective, a minimum order of 2000 units is recommended, and as mentioned above with Flexographic, initial setup fees for plates and formes are involved. Offset printing is slightly more expensive than Flexographic, but it offers superior results.

When comparing Offset and CMYK Digital Printing, the results can be nearly identical to the naked eye when following our printing guidelines, making CMYK Digital a cost-effective choice for many businesses.

 

Conclusion

After establishing a seamless production process and adapting to meet customer demands, we highly recommend integrating a Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory system into your ordering schedule. 

This approach entails placing orders based on delivery requirements. By doing so, you can proactively stay ahead of the game. As your current packaging is being dispatched to customers, new ones will already be in the printing phase. Consequently, when your inventory levels approach depletion, a fresh batch of packaging will arrive promptly, perfectly timed to replenish your stock (pun intended).

For more information on these three topics, get familiar with our printing guidelines, or trial an order of CMYK digital production using your custom artwork through our online store. 

Ready to elevate your brand experience? Visit our online store to get started.