Guide to Custom Printed packaging

  • Are you considering custom printed packaging but finding yourself unsure about where to start?
    Perhaps you're new to the world of custom packaging and seeking clarity on the essentials. Look no further. Dive into our comprehensive guide, where we demystify the print processes at EcoPackables. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, our guide equips you with the vital knowledge you need to embark on your custom packaging journey confidently. Let's unlock the door to personalized packaging excellence together.

    IN THIS GUIDE

General Information

  • Full Bleed

    Full bleed printing allows us to extend the artwork seamlessly to the edges of the packaging, eliminating any white borders and maximizing the visual impact. However, we understand that some products, like mailers, may have different artwork on the front and back. In such cases, we may need to include a frame of 2mm, an unprinted area, around the edges to accommodate the varying designs. This ensures that both sides of the mailers showcase their unique artwork while maintaining a clean and professional appearance.

  • Preferred File Types

    When submitting your artwork for printing, it's essential to provide the correct file types to ensure the best quality output. Please be sure to outline your text or send us your font files. Our preferred file types for printing include vector files such as high-resolution PDFs, Adobe Illustrator (AI) files, and EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) files. For digital printing, raster images are acceptable with a minimum DPI of 300.

  • Pantone Matching System:

    Ecopackables employs the widely recognized PMS (Pantone Matching System) as our industry standard for color reproduction. In the absence of specific Pantone references, we will carefully select the closest matching Pantone colors, with a slight allowable variance of 5-10%. It is important to consider the following effects during color selection:

  • Bezold Effect:

    The perception of a color can be influenced by the background color it is placed on. Therefore, it is essential to consider the surrounding context when choosing colors to ensure the desired visual impact.

  • Light print on light background:

    When printing two light colors on top of each other, it may appear vibrant on a backlit computer screen due to high contrast. However, the actual printed product may look dull as it lacks contrast. To assess printing quality, we recommend using this website, where a contrast ratio of at least 4:1 between two colors indicates an optimal print outcome. This ensures your design will appear vivid and appealing on the final product. Our aim is to deliver superior printing results that meet your aesthetic preferences and exceed your expectations.

  • Light print on dark background:

    Certain Products such as Bubble Mailers need to have White borders on sides in order to have Strong White print. If the whole bag needs to be printed in a different color (Say black), then the White color would appear dull.

  • QR Codes

    At EcoPackables, we can print QR codes in our products, but they need to follow the guidelines below in order to be printable:

    1. The smallest module in the QR code should not be thinner than 1.5pt.
    2. It needs to have unprinted border around QR code
    3. Kindly ensure you don’t put your QR code near crease, cut or border
    4. Ideal color for easy scanning is Black QR code in a white/dull color background
  • Legal and Compliance Requirements

    Carefully review the print piece for legal disclaimers, copyright information, and compliance requirements to ensure accuracy, currency, and proper presentation. It is crucial to verify that all relevant information is up to date and adheres to legal guidelines to avoid potential issues or discrepancies.

  • Digital Printing

    Digital printing is a modern and versatile process that directly transfers digital files onto the packaging material. It offers high-quality results with sharp details and vibrant colors, making it ideal for shorter print runs and customized designs. Digital printing is cost-effective for smaller quantities, as it eliminates the need for costly setup and print plates. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly, often using water-based and low-VOC inks, making it a sustainable choice for custom printing sustainable packaging. Digital printing uses CMYK and therefore does not print white. Any white in the design will show as the color of the substrate.
    Quality: Digital printing offers high-quality results with sharp details and vibrant colors.
    MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities): Digital printing allows for shorter print runs, making it cost-effective for smaller batches.
    Inks: Digital printers often use eco-friendly, water-based inks that are more sustainable.
    File Types: JPEG, PNG, PDF, AI, and PSD files are commonly accepted in digital printing.
  • Flexographic Printing (Flexo)

    Flexographic printing, commonly known as flexo, uses flexible relief plates to transfer ink onto the packaging material. It is a widely used and cost-effective method for large volume orders due to its efficient production process. Flexo printing offers good print quality and is suitable for a variety of substrates, including sustainable and recycled materials. It is particularly well-suited for using eco-friendly water-based inks, contributing to its reputation as an environmentally conscious printing option.
    Quality: Flexo printing provides good quality, especially for large quantities.
    MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities): Due to the setup involved (print plates, etc.), flexo is more cost-effective for larger production runs.
    Inks: Water-based and low-VOC inks are commonly used in flexographic printing, contributing to its sustainability.
    File Types: AI, EPS, and PDF files are preferred for flexo printing.
  • Rotogravure Printing

    Rotogravure is an intaglio printing process that uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink onto the packaging material. This method provides exceptionally high-quality and consistent results, making it ideal for intricate designs and photorealistic images. It is best suited for large volume production due to the significant setup costs associated with manufacturing the printing cylinders.
    Quality: Rotogravure is known for its high-quality and consistent results, suitable for intricate designs.
    MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities): Rotogravure is best suited for large volume orders due to high setup costs.
    Inks: Rotogravure printing uses various inks, including some solvent-based inks, which may have environmental impacts.
    File Types: High-resolution PDFs, AI, and EPS files are typically used for rotogravure printing.
  • Offset Printing

    Offset printing is a widely used and reliable technique that involves transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket before applying it to the packaging material. It is known for producing excellent image quality and is particularly suitable for high-resolution images and large-scale printing. Offset printing often uses vegetable-based inks, which contribute to its eco-friendliness. It is a cost-effective option for large production runs, but the setup process can be more time-consuming compared to digital or flexo printing.
    Quality: Offset printing offers excellent image quality and is ideal for high-resolution images.
    MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities): Like rotogravure, offset printing is more cost-effective for larger quantities.
    Inks: Offset printing often uses vegetable-based inks, contributing to its eco-friendliness.
    File Types: AI, EPS, and PDF files are commonly used for offset printing.
  • Compostable Polymailer

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 4
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: Waterbased
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Recycled Polymailer

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 8
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: oil based
    • Print area: full bleed
    • Product specific constraints: PCR material may have white spots and blemishes due to the recycled content, making it less pure than Virgin material, but more sustainability.
  • recycled kraft paper mailer free shipping

    100% Post-Consumer Recycled Kraft Mailers

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: Unlimited
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: waterbased/alcohol based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • compostable padded bubble mailer free shipping

    Compostable Bubble Mailer

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 4
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: water based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Bubble Mailer

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 4
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: Oil based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • 100% Recycled Honeycomb Paper Padded Mailers

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 4
    • Print process(es): Flexo and Digital
    • Inks used: Water based ink
    • Print area: full bleed
  • compostable clothing garment apparel bag free shipping

    Compostable Poly Bag

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 10
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: Oil based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Recycled PolyBag

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 8
    • Print process(es): Rotogravure
    • Inks used: Oil based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Ocea™ Paper Garment Bags

    • MOQ: 5k
    • Number of colors: 6
    • Print process(es): Flexo and Digital
    • Inks used: Water based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Compostable Stand Up Pouch free shipping

    Pouches

    • MOQ: 10k
    • Number of colors: 8
    • Print process(es): rotogravure
    • Inks used: Oil based and Soy based
    • Print area: full bleed
  • Boxes

    • MOQ: 1,000
    • Number of colors: unlimited
    • Print process(es): Digital, Flexo (5k+ units)
    • Inks used: Water-based and Soy Based
    • Print area: full bleed, interior and exterior
  • Retail Bags

    • MOQ: 10,000
    • Number of colors: unlimited
    • Print process(es): Digital, Flexo (5k+ units)
    • Inks used: non-toxic inks
    • Print area: full bleed

samples

  • Our sustainable packaging sample service offers a streamlined process that caters to your needs. With a time frame of 1-2 weeks, including just 1 week for the print plate setup, we prioritize efficiency without compromising on quality. You can expect around 5 mailer samples and approximately 200 pouch samples, allowing you to thoroughly assess the options. In terms of pricing, the package comes at a cost of $150, and there is an additional charge of $350 for the print plate. This investment not only provides you with tangible samples but also reflects our commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring your packaging choices align with your values.