The Main Technologies for Cardboard Printing
Each project, depending on its specific requirements, requires an evaluation of various printing techniques. The choice is based on three factors: print run size, surface characteristics, and budget. In addition, each technology interacts differently with the structure of corrugated cardboard.
It is essential to preserve the structural characteristics of the paper and the strength of the corrugated flutes, preventing excessive pressure during the printing process from reducing the ECT (compressive strength) values and, consequently, the strength of the finished packaging.
- Flexographic printing (flexo): This is the most efficient and widely used technology thanks to its flexibility on uneven surfaces such as corrugated cardboard. At Salco , we use this technology with water-based inks: a choice that ensures excellent environmental sustainability in printing.
It’s the ideal choice for large-scale industrial print runs and for high-volume e-commerce packaging, where maximum efficiency and speed are required. - High-productivity digital printing: It is characterized by high flexibility and the absence of fixed setup costs. The true revolution of this high-productivity technology lies in its ability to produce stunning results—on par with the best letterpress prints—even for very small runs.
It is the ideal choice for special editions, seasonal promotions, and even medium-to-high print runs. The results are extraordinary: it allows us to produce high-resolution prints, such as our recent projects featuring photographic images. - Offset printing (lithography): an indirect printing process suitable for the most sophisticated requirements. It guarantees flawless graphic reproduction, with extremely sharp details and the use of a wide range of colors. It involves laminating pre-printed paper onto corrugated cardboard, ensuring a flat surface without distorting the underlying flutes.
It is the ideal choice when packaging must serve as a premium display at points of sale or in high-end retail, ensuring absolute visual excellence. This solution is generally used for large quantities.
Finishes and Surface Treatments: When the Industry Demands Excellence
While it is true that purely industrial or logistics packaging does not require sophisticated printing, the situation is radically different for high-end niche markets. The beauty, cosmetics, accessories, fashion, high-end hospitality, and corporate events sectors require exceptionally high-quality finishes to convey their value.
For these visually striking projects, it is necessary to use surface finishes:
- Hot foil stamping and hot gold foil: ideal for highlighting logos and distinctive details with metallic highlights on rigid cases or gift boxes.
- Painting, lamination, and screen printing: Applying laminates or glossy screen-printed patterns to matte surfaces creates fascinating contrasts.
- Embossing and debossing: raised or recessed patterns that create depth on the paper, inviting the customer to touch it.
At Salco, we design these finishes for packaging made strictly from a single type of cardboard, ensuring that the finishes used do not compromise the paper’s recycling process at the end of its life.
Optimize Your Packaging with Salco's Technical Consulting
Is your current packaging ready to meet the challenges of the market by combining eye-catching design with maximum logistical efficiency?
Underestimating the impact of printing techniques on the box’s structural integrity—or misjudging the balance between print run size and the desired effect—can erode your profit margins. Salco is here to serve as your strategic partner and direct manufacturer: we analyze your supply chain processes and marketing goals to tailor printing technology specifically to your business.
