FAQs on Custom Printing, Packaging, Labels & Stickers

Q: Custom Printing Conclusion & Key Suggestion of FAQs!

A:

No matter which stage you are in, the most effective way to avoid problems is to communicate! Communicate again! Communicate again and again!

✅ For Clients: Express your requirements to the designer/printer in as much detail as possible and provide a complete set of materials.

✅ For Designers: Understand the basics of printing and packaging in advance and maintain communication with production staff.

✅ For All Parties: Proofing is an essential step. Please don't skip it to save time and money.

Q: Why do we need to make a "die-line" for printing and packaging?

A:

The die lines are the structural line drawings of package after it is unfolded, marking all the cutting, creasing and folding lines. Designers must make graphic designs based on this, otherwise it cannot be produced and folded correctly.

 Cut lines: Where the material (paper, cardboard, plastic) will be cut to form the final shape.

 Crease lines: Where the package will fold (e.g., box flaps, tucks), marked with specific lines or scores.

 Margin/ safety zones: Clearances for glue, seams, or assembly to avoid damaging design elements.

 Registration marks: Guides to align printing plates with the die-cutting process.

Q: What should I pay special attention to while designing a package?

A:

What should I pay special attention to while designing a package? The detailed information is as below:

✅ Structure First: Ensure a sound structure that effectively protects the product and facilitates transport and opening.

✅ Regulatory Information: Required product information (ingredients, origin, barcode, safety labeling, etc.) must be clearly legible and leave ample space.

✅ Processing Integration: The design draft must consider the implementation of subsequent processes and fully communicate with suppliers.

Q: How to control custom packaging costs?

A:

How to control custom packaging costs?

✅ 1) Optimize Size: Minimize volume while maintaining product protection, saving on materials and shipping costs.

✅ 2) Simplify Processes: Reduce the use of special colors and complex processes.

✅ 3) Planning Quantities: Large-volume production offers lower unit costs.

✅ 4) Choose Standard Materials: Custom molds for specialized papers or plastics are expensive.

Our packaging solutions team will help you to save cost on packaging.

Q: What are the commonly used packaging surface treatment processes?

A:

What are the commonly used packaging surface treatment processes? The answers are as below:

✅ Lamination: Covering with a plastic film for waterproofing and wear resistance, available in glossy and matte finishes.

✅ UV Coating: Applying a glossy ink partially or fully to highlight highlights.

✅ Foil Stamping: Using heat to transfer metallic foil to a surface for a luxurious look.

✅ Embossing/Debossing: Using a mold to create a three-dimensional pattern for an enhanced tactile feel.

Q: What are the common packaging materials?

A:

What are the common packaging materials? And how to choose the right one for your brand packaging? Please click to learn more about it.

Common Paper Types Include:

Paper: Coated paper (for color boxes), Corrugated paper (for outer boxes), White cardboard (for high-end gift boxes), Specialty paper (for those seeking a high-quality look).

 Plastic: PET/PP/PE (for bottles, cans, and blister packs).

 Others: Metal, glass, wood, etc.

Choice Criteria:

✅ Product Characteristics (such as shockproof or waterproof)

✅ Cost & Budget

✅ Brand Positioning (high-end/eco-friendly/minimalist)

✅ Desired Printing Quality.

Q: Why do the colors of the same document printed in different batches or different factories vary?

A:

This is normal. Colors may fluctuate slightly due to factors such as ink batch, paper characteristics, press conditions, and ambient temperature and humidity. For extremely demanding brand color requirements, Pantone spot color printing is required to ensure absolute consistency.

✅ Use standardized materials: We source ink and paper from trusted, consistent suppliers, and use the same materials for all batches of your project.

✅ Regular machine calibration: Our printers are calibrated daily to ensure consistent ink application and color output.

✅ Color matching with proofs: We use a physical proof as the reference for every batch. Before printing, we match the machine’s output to the proof to ensure color accuracy.

✅ Single-factory printing: To avoid cross-factory variations, we print all batches of your project at the same factory, using the same equipment and materials.