A mailer has two audiences: The shopper could encounter it on a shelf or in a photograph; the customer could encounter it on a porch after it has been carried by a truck. Those two views require different print processes, and often an excessive amount is paid for photo quality on all the panels in wholesale cardboard mailer suppliers. The following guide corresponds to the print method of the panel. Empress Packaging produces retail and e-commerce brands of cardboard mailer packaging throughout the USA.

Which of the following print methods will produce a photo quality mailer?

Litho-lamination prints the image on paper and then laminates the paper to the corrugated board. How to Buy custom printed cardboard boxes characterizes its quality as excellent, with photo-quality graphics and, generally, the highest volumes to be cost-effective. The site specifies direct flexo, which means that it is printed directly on the board; it specifies that it is good for non-photo images, with PMS colors, but the site says that photos may blur if the press is not on register. Rates digital graphics over flexo; digital doesn’t require plates. Luminite’s printing guide deals with this, the flutes under the printing surface create ridges, which makes the surface uneven for printing.

How does selection of flute affect the print?

E flute is listed at 1.2 millimeters by Packwire, compared to 2.5 for B flute and 3.6 for C flute, and is said to provide the smoothest print surface on corrugated and to maintain lower dimensional weight for lightweight cardboard e-commerce packaging. It also cautions that E provides less cushioning and that items that are either heavy or fragile require an insert. If the art is important, ask for an art sample print on the flute that you are ordering. If you print on a different flute, you have nothing to say about yours.

What panels should get the big bucks?

The front panel is the selling part of a store. The inside lid does the same on a doorstep as customers open it and will often take a picture of it. A litho label can be used to cover one spot on a box, with the rest covered with flexo, says How to Buy Packaging. That provides a photo panel on the lid and one or two flat colours to the sides, and the plant can quote both layouts. When considering bulk mailer packaging boxes, compare a full litho wrap to spot-label before deciding.

When is it appropriate to use digital?

Digital is a good fit for the initial order of a new design, a seasonal variation, or a trial to see if a retail account even wishes the artwork. How to Buy recyclable cardboard mailers notes that test marketing, production shortages, and trade show samples are the typical applications, and there is essentially no setup. Both flexo and litho require the use of new plates if there is a change in the artwork. Test a new design online first and then on plates when the demand is there. What’s a design that has not yet received its plates?

On a printed sample, what do you need to look for?

Check registration first, as the type and logo edges will change. See if the brand colour is the same as your reference colour on the actual liner. Rub the printed surface on another box to determine if it scuffs. On laminates, apply pressure to the folds and corners, and look for lift. Place the sample next to the flat proof that was accepted.

Faqs 

Q: What is the lowest quantity of custom printed cardboard boxes?

A: This is due to the fact that the print method matters - plate-based and laminated methods have more setup than digital. Ask your wholesale cardboard mailer company for the amount for each method.

Q: Can laminated mailers be recycled?

A: Learn what the laminate and adhesive are, and then inquire about whether the plant can recycle it with the rest of the corrugated material. Ask for that answer in writing before printing a recycling claim.

Q: Is there any specimen sample before bulk production?

A: There is physical evidence before bulk production. Print it the way that you will be ordering.

Get a free quote on cardboard e-commerce packaging.

Provide artwork, the channels the mailer services, and quantity levels, and Empress Packaging will quote custom packaging boxes by print method, allowing you to price the photo panel and the plain panels separately. Please call (888) 900-7629, email query@empresspackaging.com, or visit empresspackaging.com to get a free quote.