Common Packaging Printing Methods？

What we typically refer to as packaging printing includes color box printing, carton printing, label printing, pouch printing, and bottle/can printing. Different products have their most suitable printing methods. Flexographic printing, offset printing, gravure printing, and screen printing are the four most prevalent printing methods worldwide, each with its unique characteristics.

Flexographic Printing evolved from letterpress printing. It is a direct printing method known as flexography because it uses flexible, raised image plates. The flexographic plate is mounted on a plate cylinder, and ink is supplied by an engraved metal anilox roller.

Example: Jean-Paul Hevin Chocolatier Gift Box – Offset Printing

Offset Printing is a type of lithography. Simply put, it involves transferring the image from the printing plate to the substrate via a rubber blanket. This method uses three cylinders (plate, blanket, and impression) and is referred to as "offset lithography" in southern China.

Example: High-End Wedding Dress Garment Bag – Gravure Printing

Gravure Printing delivers rich, vibrant colors with a three-dimensional effect. The images and text have a raised feel, with excellent depth, sharp lines, and high-quality results. The plates have a long lifespan, making this method ideal for large-scale production. Gravure printing can also handle very thin materials, such as plastic films.

Example: Vintage Canvas Cooler Bag – Screen Printing

Screen Printing is the printing method closest to our daily lives. Depending on the thickness of the screen, it can create ink buildup, resulting in a remarkable three-dimensional effect.