Packaging today serves a purpose beyond providing a simple protective layer. It’s not just about placing a product in a box. Instead, product packaging has become an essential tool in marketing and product differentiation. Accordingly, every step in the packaging production process, from design to completion, contributes to delivering high-quality results.
Although we, as your trusted packaging supplier, will handle the process, you may still be curious about what happens behind the scenes. How does production work in packaging? Read our comprehensive guide to the process below!
Key Elements to Note Before the Production Process Begins
Like a business card, your packaging reflects your brand’s identity and values. It can also help you make a strong brand statement. Most importantly, it is your first hello–make it count!
Here are key elements to note before the packaging production process begins!
- Design Consultation
Every brand wants its product packaging to have unique branding vibes. This is why you must have a proper design consultation with our packaging experts. Professional suggestions will be the starting point for successful product packaging.
- Design Proofs
The proofing process will show how your design will be printed into your product packaging. Also, the design proof will help determine whether your artwork fits your product needs and brand’s identity.
Packaging Production Process
The production process involves a series of intricate packaging manufacturing steps. Every step, from design to the final result, is vital to delivering high-quality packaging.
Here’s how the packaging production process works at our company!
Pre-Production Planning
Pre-production planning is a time-intensive stage. So, when we receive your order, our production team starts the process. First, our packaging experts will choose the best type of packaging. For example, do you need eco-friendly packaging or something that can withstand cold temperatures?
After making this decision, our team designs the package based on those needs, whether updating old designs or creating entirely new ones. The entire planning process ensures that we meet your unique requirements.
Material Selection
Your chosen material defines your packaging’s structural integrity and functional capabilities. Moreover, it also affects its sustainability and environmental impact.
The material to produce custom boxes is called “stock,” with kraft paper and cardboard as the primary options. These two materials are popular as eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. They come in various thicknesses, known as GSM (grams per square meter). The thickness varies with each material; we typically use GSMs ranging from 210, 230, 250, 270, 300, and 350. For example, cardboard stock usually ranges from 210 to 250 GSM. Meanwhile, we might use up to 350 GSM cardboard for larger boxes.
But wait, we’re not only providing kraft and cardboard! If you want to go fully exclusive, you can choose rigid stock, which is made of strong chipboard. This material has a sturdy structure and sleek texture, making your product packaging more deluxe.
Plate Making
Next, we create CTP (Computer to Plate) plates, which are essential for modern printing techniques. CTP technology simplifies printing by directly transferring digital images onto printing plates. For full-color printing jobs, we use CMYK plates, which ensure precision and accuracy in the printing stage.
Printing
The next step is printing, which brings the visual elements of your packaging to life. The choice of printing technique can greatly influence the look and feel of your packaging.
The popular printing techniques you can choose are:
- Offset printing: Ideal for high-quality on large runs
- Digital Printing: Best for short runs, custom designs, and quick turnaround times
When choosing offset vs. digital printing techniques, consider the packaging type you need and the order volume you will make. If you want to go green, we also provide sustainable packaging solutions, such as FSC-certified and biodegradable inks.
Lamination
The next step is to make your packaging look more stylish: lamination. You can choose from various options at this step, such as matte, shiny, glossy, or soft-touch lamination.
Why lamination?
Whatever type of lamination you choose can increase durability and protect against moisture, scratches, and environmental damage. It can also enhance the visual appeal of your packaging and preserve print quality.
Add-Ons
Now, move to the add-ons. Add-ons can add flair to your product packaging and make it stand out on the shelves. You can choose from UV Spot or hot foiling, depending on your desired appearance. Want to get a more exclusive look? You can get an embossed logo on the packaging to further promote your business.
Simply put, the entire printing, lamination & finishing processes will make your packaging highly exceptional.
Die-Cutting and Structural Engineering
Die-cutting is a process that uses sharp steel blades to precisely cut and mold your packaging materials into the shape you want. This technique allows complicated designs and structural elements. The processes are highly important for both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your packaging.
Binding
Finally, the last step in the packaging production process is binding. This technique holds all your packaging components together, ensuring your custom packaging remains secure during transportation and storage. However, you can ask us to ship your folded or unfolded packaging.
The Role of Packaging Design and Quality Control in Packaging Production
Your packaging is more than just a shell. Better yet, it directly influences customer decisions, revenue growth, and environmental impact. From using your favorite colors to applying design elements, a carefully thought-out packaging design communicates value and quality to potential customers.
In addition to applying your unique design, we maintain consistency and high quality in packaging production. Yes, this is where quality control steps in. Our strict quality control system ensures that each packaging unit aligns with your specifications. Our experts will check dimensions, specifications, and other important factors to avoid potential errors or defects. At Custom Box Makers, we use innovative packaging technologies to guarantee high-end results for our clients.
Summing Up
Indeed, product packaging has become an essential tool in marketing and product differentiation. Accordingly, every step in the packaging production process plays its role in delivering high-quality results, from design to completion. The process starts with a proper design consultation with our experts to discuss your needs and expectations to the final finishing touch to make your packaging truly branded.
Ready to create unique packaging for your brand? Contact us today; we’re always ready to assist you!
