You’ve made countless decisions already, but now is the moment of truth. It’s time to decide on something that could make or break your customer’s first impression about your products.

Should you choose stock packaging or custom packaging? 

It’s a difficult decision to make. Especially when you consider that:

• In a Dotcom Distribution study, over 60% of those surveyed said that gift-like packaging gets them excited about what they ordered.
• 40% of these online shoppers said they would be more likely to purchase from a retailer again if the retailer used premium packaging.

By understanding the differences and the pros and cons of stock and custom packaging, you’ll be able to confidently make this decision and give your product the best possible impression on your customers. 

Here’s what you need to know before you decide on either stock packaging vs custom packaging. 

Stock packaging is readily available packaging that’s easy to access and use right away. It’s often the default choice from shipping warehouses. Stock packaging, as its name implies, comes “as is” with little to no customization available. Since it’s not designed specific to your needs, it will have a basic and generic look and feel to it. 

You’d want to use stock packaging if you urgently need to get your product into consumers’ hands and you’re not concerned about the impression your packaging will have on your customers.

Stock packaging is fast, freely available and comes in different sizes and shapes (all of which are very broad and not specifically tailored to your product). It’s also economical, so if you’re looking for ways to save money, stock packaging just might be your solution.

Custom packaging is essentially everything that isn’t stock packaging.

Imagine that your product has a unique size or shape. You may want retail packaging that’s specifically designed to highlight the product’s shape and house the product snuggly and securely. Custom packaging can help you do just that.

In fact, if all you want is a plain white box, although it sounds broad and generic, you’d be surprised to learn how few suppliers of stock packaging actually have the exact box dimensions you need.

Custom packaging is also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and you can customize nearly every facet of it – and not just in terms of the design, but also added printed effects that make your brand and product truly stand out and leave a lasting impression.

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Even if you don’t want all the “bells and whistles” that custom packaging can offer – customizations like matte or gloss lamination, foil stamping, embossing or debossing or spot UV  – it may still be a good idea to opt for custom packaging.

Just search for “unboxing” on YouTube and you’ll see how much people obsess over beautiful custom packaging. In a recent Dotcom Distribution study, 50% said gift-like or branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a brand to others.

Suffice it to say, custom packaging is an easy way to spike interest in your products and build excitement around your brand.  

Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging: When To Use Each One

With all these pros and cons for stock packaging vs. custom packaging, you may find it difficult to truly narrow down when you’d want to use each type of packaging.

To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of instances where one option is likely better than the other. 

You should use stock packaging when: 

• You want to test out different marketing options and don’t want the expense and time of custom printing until you’re ready for it.
• You’re a startup on a tight budget and are looking for an economical way to conduct market tests or do other promotions.
• You’re faced with production shortages and need to get the available product out the door ASAP. 
• You’re preparing trade show samples to be given out to attendees.

As you can see, the name of the game with stock packaging is that it’s quick, cheap, easy to obtain and almost certainly available. 

You should use custom packaging when: 

• You have a luxury product and you want to create a sophisticated look.
• You want to take full advantage of custom box design or shape options for your product.
• You want users to unbox your product on social media and share their reactions
• You need or want packaging that’s unique and beyond the ordinary and you’re prepared to pay more for nearly limitless customization options.
• You have a large volume of printed packaging needed and you want every facet of your packaging production to be tailored to your specific needs. 
• You have a subscription box service or an ecommerce type of service and you want to highlight your product in a unique way.

Stock packaging may be cheap, fast and easy, but you lose a lot of things you may not have even considered when you choose to go with out-of-the-box packaging.

With custom packaging, you open up a whole world of design and personalization benefits. There are flexible printing techniques and tools that you can utilize to deliver an impressive customer experience. Every angle of the package, and even the material itself can be printed, embossed, highlighted, glossed and so much more in order to make it stand out from the competition. 

The Bottom Line on Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging

As you can see, the “debate” on stock packaging vs. custom packaging is really not much of a debate at all. When you consider the stark differences between what stock packaging brings to the table, and what you can have with custom packaging – there really are times when one is a better option than the other. 

When it comes to choosing custom packaging, it’s vitally important to do it right. At Refine Packaging, we have years of experience creating custom packaging for all types of products, sizes and configurations.

The world of custom packaging can be confusing and overwhelming for a first time product designer, and even if it isn’t your first product design rodeo, it’s still nice to have a knowledgeable team of experts on your side to help guide you and provide advice.

Whether you already have an idea in mind or you’d like suggestions, our team of artists is trained in a variety of styles and mediums, and can maneuver easily across different graphic styles to create a look that accurately captures your idea and your product in one complete design.

The team at Refine Packaging is eager to help you take the next step with your custom packaging and walk you through the process so that you can have packaging that perfectly exemplifies and embodies the best features of your product and your brand.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote on your custom packaging needs and we’ll work with you to create a look and a package that brings together the very best of your brand personality, social appeal, and quality product design to create a look that is unmistakably your own. 

The post Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging: What’s The Difference? appeared first on Refine Packaging.

People are aware of the environmental impact of packaging and waste. It’s becoming increasingly important to take a more eco-friendly approach. In a recent DotCom Distribution study, 57% of respondents said that green packaging is important to them.

For business owners looking to make a great impression with their custom packaging but still minimize waste, kraft paper is an excellent and versatile choice.

Kraft paper offers numerous benefits and can be a more environmentally-green option for your business.

So, what is kraft paper? How is this paper made? How can you use brown kraft paper packaging in your environmentally-conscious business? 

Let’s take a closer look. 

How Kraft Paper Is Made

Kraft paper was invented in 1879 by an individual named Carl Dahl. He chose to give his newly created paper the name “kraft” – the German word for strong. 

You may not realize it, but kraft paper packaging is already a well-known part of the printing and packaging world. From serving as a strong filler in the packages you receive, to eloquently wrapping gift boxes, it’s hard to find a package that doesn’t use this durable paper in some form or fashion when it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.

But how did it come about?

Paper involves a process that converts wood into wood pulp and from there, into paper. Wood pulp is held together by lignin, which is a type of cellular structure, and cellulose. Lignin, owing to its structure, doesn’t exactly make a good paper, but cellulose does. That means there needed to be a way to separate the lignin from the cellulose.

What Mr. Dahl discovered was that if he “cooked” the wood chips in a chemical composition made up of sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide, those tough lignin fibers would break down and break apart from the cellulose. From there, the remnants could be screened through a mesh to remove larger pieces and then made into paper.

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Now, although this cooking process separates the lignin and the cellulose, it doesn’t remove them all entirely. This is how kraft paper remains so strong. There’s still lignin content in the paper pulp mixture, and there’s also a lot of sulfur in the mix. Both of these components together add to the strength of kraft paper.

The color of brown kraft paper comes as a natural product from the wood pulp. If kraft paper were to be bleached, that would not only increase the cost to produce it, but would also weaken it by destroying those fibers that make it as durable as it is. It is, however, possible to have bleached (white) kraft paper that is stronger than conventional paper. Bleached kraft paper is also important if you want to protect your product packaging against yellowing over time. 

So what are the benefits to using kraft paper in your product packaging? Here are just a few reasons to consider making kraft paper your packaging of choice.

Benefits of Using Kraft Paper in Custom Packaging

Now that you better understand how kraft paper is made, the next question is, what can it really do for your business? 

Kraft Paper Adds Natural Beauty with a Timeless Appeal 

If you’re looking for a great way to position your business as a natural champion of the environment, kraft paper has a simple, appealing and primitive look that can help you achieve that goal. It stands out from mass-produced paper packaging simply because of its more rustic nature. 

Looks aside, kraft paper also doesn’t add much in terms of weight to your custom boxes, but still surrounds it with excellent durability. That means that you get the benefits of a package that can withstand rougher handling and shuffling, but won’t cost much in terms of shipping rates. 

You’ll also be glad to know that kraft paper is recyclable. Kraft paper degrades naturally and has no negative environmental impact. It degrades within just a few weeks, but it can also be saved and reused, helping to maintain your brand credibility as a company that’s forward-thinking and that cares about their impact on the environment. 

Kraft Paper is Extremely Durable for Custom Kraft Boxes

The way that kraft paper is made helps to make it inherently strong. But it can be made even stronger and better by coating the resulting pressed paper with PE or polyethylene. This also helps protect the kraft paper from moisture and bacteria, although one downside is that this coating does affect the ease with which it is recycled. 

If you need even greater durability, you can use several layers of kraft paper to create even tougher kraft boxes for your packaging. 

Brown Kraft Paper is Good for the Environment

Unlike the processing that occurs with regular paper manufacturing and printing, kraft paper follows a much simpler process using fewer chemicals. In addition, these chemicals can be recovered, recycled and reused without any loss in quality. The remaining byproducts of the kraft process are tall oil and turpentine, which can be used in the manufacturing processes of other items. 

Kraft paper can also be made from different kinds of wood. Certain woods like bamboo and pine aren’t often used in the making of traditional paper. Pine is too resinous and bamboo takes a long time to be correctly processed which makes it cost prohibitive for most ordinary uses. However, both of these types of common woods make excellent use of the kraft paper process.  

In the end, brown kraft paper and the process that goes into making it is self-sustaining and for those parts that aren’t, they can be reused, making it a great option for businesses that need durability but still want to highlight their green manufacturing processes. 

How to Get Started with Kraft Paper Packaging

As you consider kraft paper among the different types of packaging and printing possibilities like folding cartons and corrugated boxes, it’s understandable to have questions. Fortunately, you have a knowledgeable, experienced ally on your side who can help you navigate the printing and packaging process from start to finish.

At Refine Packaging, we know that you have many different options for how to prepare, print and package your product. We also understand that you want to keep costs low but still create an affordable, beautiful presentation for your customers.

If you’re interested in using kraft paper for your company’s custom kraft packaging boxes, talk to us first. We have the skills, expertise and equipment necessary to take your product packaging from a conceptual vision to a finished product ready to be unboxed by your customers.

Everything we do is meant to enhance the quality and perception of your product, so no matter what you’re selling or what industry you’re in, our knowledgeable packaging professionals can work with you to better understand your vision and make your packaging come to life.

Whether you want to create a natural, environmentally-friendly and attractive package or you want to showcase your forward-thinking, eco-minded mission, kraft paper is a great way to show off the simplicity, “homemade-ness” and organic qualities of your product, all in one  concise packaging design.

Who knew simple kraft paper was capable of so much? 

Get Your Free Estimate for Your Product Design and Packaging

Contact us at Refine Packaging today to learn more about this or our many other packaging options for your product.

We also have a team of talented artists on staff who can properly design your sustainable packaging in a way that accurately and fully reflects your brand, your story and your business perception so that your product stands head and shoulders above that of your competition. 

Reach out to us today for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about our comprehensive packaging and printing design services.

The post What is Kraft Paper? Discover the Unique Eco-Friendly Benefits for Durable Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.

So what is window patching? What does the window patching process look like in custom packaging?

While window patching is often used in packaging for products like toys and snacks, but can be used for any type of product. A window can also be used to showcase the high quality and craftsmanship of higher-end luxury products.

Adding window box patching to your retail packaging is one of the many choices you’ll need to make as you decide how you want to present your product to consumers. 

PET and PVC: Common Types of Window Patching Films

The most common types of film used in window patching are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

With PET film, the plastic is shaped into the style you want and then dried to offer greater protection. This makes the film virtually impossible to tamper with and gives it excellent protection even against regular handling. PET film is light, which may leave it prone to scratching, but it holds its own against external pressure while protecting the product within. This makes it a great option for retail and consumer-facing products, particularly food. 

PVC film, on the other hand, is even more resistant to scuffs, wear and tear. It also weathers the elements well and holds its own against moisture. When exposed to UV rays, however, PVC film can degrade and discolor. This can also create an odor and rippling within the packaging. Due to the odor, we do not recommend this type of film for packaging food or snacks, but we do recommend it for products that need added protection against heavy or frequent handling. 

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What Other Kinds of Window Patching Films Are There?

PET and PVC film are by no means the only two kinds of window patching films out there. Depending on your product and the custom window boxes you need, there may be other films that may be better suited to your needs. For example: 

• Polyolefin is ideal for boxed goods and as a shrink film.
• Polyethylene is best for frozen foods.
• Glassine is for products that have high grease content.
• Polypropylene is best for baked goods and candy that use bakery boxes with a window.
• Laminated foil is best suited for products that are sensitive to air or light.

Two Types of Windows: Rigid vs. Flexible Windows 

Cellophane window packaging (also called windowing) is more common than ever and is a great way to make your product stand out from your competition. These types of windows give your customers the opportunity to see your product exactly the way it is before unboxing – with nothing to hide. This in turn helps build credibility and trust in your brand, as well as paving the way for an engaging user experience.

Cellophane windows are generally used for food and beverage, but are also common in cosmetics and retail products. Think of the last product you purchased that had a small window where you could see the luxurious or delicious contents. It was an instant reflection of quality, wasn’t it? 

With these types of windows, you have two options: rigid windows and flexible windows. Flexible windows are the most affordable and are made from polyester film. In addition, this type of film is eco-friendly and can be recycled. Because of its flexibility, it’s great for oddly-shaped packages or packages with curves. 

This type of cellophane packaging is also approved for food contact because it is designed to meet the most exacting standards of the top food safety organizations. And although flexible windows are affordable, rigid windows also offer several benefits.

Rigid windows are generally made from a hard plastic resin and are typically used on high-end or luxury products. They’re also commonly found on pharmaceutical products and some cosmetics.

Larger packages where you want a wide window area can also be better served and protected with rigid windows. They’re a great way to showcase your product in its entirety, show it with crystal clarity and protect it with far greater strength than other forms of window box patching. 

The Window Patching Process

The window patching process is made possible by a machine that is specifically designed for that purpose. With this machine, a reel that contains a specific type of plastic film, like PET or PVC applies windows to the product. Using electromagnetic energy, the product passes through the reel quickly and the film is applied to the packaging paper.

Generally the plastic film instantly sticks to the material without needing any drying time. This greatly speeds up the process since the package is ready once it completes its run from the window patching machine. 

Considerations For Choosing the Right Type of Window Box Patching 

There are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to help you better decide which type of window patching is right for you. Here are a few tips to make your choice easier:

Window Size

First, it’s important to consider the size of the window you want to have on your packaging. Larger windows are more prone to breakage, scratches and tears, so you’ll want your film to be strong. Smaller windows could be best served by thinner films. It’s important that when preparing the design for your box, you leave enough room for the film to be glued or pressed into the packaging material. 

Strength and Sturdiness Levels 

Luxury products like pharmaceutical products and cosmetics will need a higher level of stiffness and sturdiness to help properly protect them while delivering impeccable clarity to showcase the product within. These products typically have high gloss lamination as well to position them in such a way as to be more eye-catching for the user.

Higher end products also need great tensile strength to prevent them from tearing or being broken during shipping. This high need for structural integrity means that production will be slower and thus increase the cost involved in manufacturing the packaging. 

Exposure to the Elements

Finally, if your product will be exposed to the elements, including heat, moisture or freezing temperatures, it’s important to keep in mind how that may affect the contents within. The right packaging film needs to be stable enough to handle this.

Baked goods, for example, may still be packaged while warm, which creates a steamy, high-moisture environment. They can then be flash frozen to protect the integrity of the product itself. Inferior packaging could make this process a disaster in the making, which is why it’s so important to entrust your product packaging to the experts. 

For more print finishing options, read up about spot UV, soft-touch coating and lamination and varnish for custom packaging.   

Have Questions About the Window Patching Process? 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed about all of the choices available in window patching alone, let alone how it fits in with your overall plan for your product packaging design. Let the experts at Refine Packaging help you make your decision with confidence.

Whether you need a large, clear and high-visibility window to showcase all the beauty and style of your product, or you want something smaller and more environmentally friendly that can be recycled, we have your needs covered.

Contact us today and let us know more about your product and your vision for its packaging design. Don’t have a packaging design in mind? We have proficient artists on staff who can help conceptualize your idea and transform it into a breathtaking design you’ll love.

Get a free, no obligation quote on your product packaging and window patching needs from the experts at Refine Packaging today.

The post What is Window Patching? Understanding the Window Patching Process in Printing & Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Carton packaging is also commonly referred to as carton boxes, folding cartons, paperboard cartons and paperboard boxes.

The History of Folding Cartons: Who Invented Carton Packaging?

Foldable carton packaging was invented by Charles Henry Foyle in the late 1800s, an Englishman who created the product we know as the carton today. It was essentially a piece of paper that was cut in such a way that it could be folded into a custom box. Although incredibly innovative for its time, carton packaging still lacked a lot of the features we know and love today.

For example, although it could be folded into a box shape, the ends still needed to be held together tightly, so it was common to use tacks and strings to hold the carton boxes together. This was expensive, not to mention labor-intensive. What’s more, such boxes were difficult to produce, so carton packaging like this was usually only used for valuable luxury items like jewelry. 

Fortunately, carton packaging came into the limelight in 1879, when Robert Gair realized that his printing press could cut through the carton material and allow for mass production of carton packaging. Food and snack companies realized that the foldable boxes greatly extended the shelf life of their products, and were among the first to regularly use such materials. 

The first snack food company to adopt the use of carton packaging was the National Biscuit Company, better known today as Nabisco. 

How Is Carton Packaging Used Today? 

Today, carton packaging has found a reliable home among store shelves around the world. When deciding on your product’s box design and presentation, there are many reasons to consider using carton boxes, including: 

Eco-Friendly Packaging

In this day and age, consumers do their best to be responsible stewards of the planet. That means buying and using packaging made from recyclable materials like Kraft paper.

Cartons are made with more than 75% paper that comes from sustainable sources and is harvested using responsible practices. This means choosing carton packaging boxes for your product packaging needs is an eco-friendly choice that reflects well on your brand and your company. 

High Shelf Appeal

Beautiful packaging has what we call “high shelf appeal”.  Properly designed, structured carton boxes help solidify your brand in the consumer’s mind as one of quality and consistency. What’s more, they provide ample space to showcase your brand message.

Tell your story through your product packaging design, highlight the benefits of your product, present a promotion or even showcase your social responsibility endeavors by using eco-friendly packaging. The choices are endless! 

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Common Types of Carton Packaging Boxes

There are several distinctive types of carton packaging, each with its own benefits depending on your needs. Companies turn to high quality paperboard carton packaging to protect, store and showcase their food, beverage, cosmetics, supplements and so much more. Here are just a few of the many different types of carton packaging that are commonly used in retail packaging. 

Strength Packaging

Strength packaging offers solid, reliable structural design to help protect your product from being compressed. But don’t let its rigidity fool you, high strength packaging is still fully customizable and printable so you can feel free to unleash your creativity with this durable packaging. 

Foldable Cartons

The original and still one of the most popular types of carton packaging. Flexible enough to be folded by hand if you only have a few small batches, or process through high speed automation for larger numbers, foldable cartons can be completely customized and designed for all your promotional needs.

Multipacks

If you’re selling several of an item together, multipacks are an excellent way to keep each item secure and stable while protecting the entire lot in one complete package. Often used for things like canned goods, cereal, yogurt and other types of food. 

Hybrid Packaging

Hybrid packaging blends different features of different types of carton packaging to create a “best of both worlds” combination. 

Looking for more types of carton packaging? Read our ultimate guide to carton boxes for a deeper look into folding cartons.

Other Benefits Carton Packaging Offers

It’s worth noting that like any type of packaging, carton packaging offers an opportunity to increase the perceived value of the product inside.

Although we’re no longer tying up or tacking down our cartons, and they’re no longer reserved for jewelry or other expensive items, carton packages have nevertheless surged in popularity and continue to be popular today with some adjustments, such as being made with eco-friendly materials. 

What’s more, foldable carton packaging can be shaped into any type of design. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a box. This makes it a great way to add a unique flair or creativity to your product to set it apart from all of the other boxes out there. Taking advantage of the large printable area on carton boxes is a smart idea that is commonly used in cosmetic packaging design, and is a great way to showcase the benefits of your product.

Build Your Brand with Carton Packaging 

At Refine Packaging, we understand that not everyone is a packaging expert.

Packaging is our passion and we strive to create printed designs that are the perfect match for your product. Our staff of graphic artists spans a variety of styles, so even if you don’t have a design in mind, we can create something that perfectly encompasses and reflects your brand, your story and your message, as well as the things that set you apart from your competition.

We create memorable, beautiful and stylish packaging for a wide range of industries, products and businesses large and small. If you’re thinking of choosing paperboard boxes or you’re not sure what type of custom packaging is right for your specific needs, talk to us!

We have decades of combined experience and bring our detailed industry knowledge to work for you in a way that’s easy to understand and will get your product in the hands of consumers faster. 

We also offer a variety of styles and printing processes that can make your packaging look extraordinary. From UV coating to foil stamping or different types of glosses, there are a variety of factors you’ll want to consider when choosing the right type of packaging material and design for your specific needs. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone! 

Now that you’ve read about carton packaging boxes in more detail, why not contact the printing and packaging experts at Refine Packaging for a free, no obligation estimate on your printing and packaging needs? 

Let’s work together to create a style that’s uniquely your own, with packaging that exceeds your expectations. 

The post What is Carton Packaging? Folding Carton Packaging Explained. appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Who Invented Corrugated Packaging?

Corrugated packaging as we know it goes back more than a century, born from the need to package and store goods for a longer period of time.

In 1856, Healey and Allen, two Englishmen, secured a patent for the first known use of corrugated paper. Using two fluted rolls, corrugated paper was fed through a hand-cranked machine, creating fluted paper lining that could be placed in hats.

But corrugated paper for hats is one thing, and corrugated packaging for transporting products is completely different. An American named Albert S. Jones is responsible for this combination, and was the first person known to use corrugated paper to wrap fragile items like bottles and other easily breakable goods in a similar way that corrugated packaging is used today. 

How is Corrugated Packaging Made? 

The process for creating corrugated packaging hasn’t changed much since its humble origins in the 1850s.

With corrugated packaging, two sheets of flat paper known as liners or linerboard, are glued to a corrugated inner material called fluting.

Together, these distinctive layers are stronger than they would be if they were used separately. If you look closely at corrugating packaging, you can see a type of weave pattern. This is what adds structure and stability to the packaging. 

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Different fluting can be used to make different sizes of arch in the material, creating an end result that is structurally superior to many other types of packaging and is a great option for products that need to be handled and packed carefully. 

Curious for more details? We dive deeper into the corrugated packaging process and different flute grades in our ultimate guide to corrugated packaging.

Why Use Corrugated Packaging? 

There are several reasons why you might consider using corrugated packaging as your product packaging of choice: 

• Stronger than Cardboard: Safe, sturdy and protective, corrugated boxes are stronger than cardboard, so you can feel confident that whatever you put inside will stay safe and sound. Corrugated packaging is also crush and pressure-resistant. 
• A Wide Range of Sizes: Corrugated packaging is available in a wide range of sizes. Although it’s strong, it’s also lightweight, making it a great fit for nearly any type of product that needs to be protected, but without the added weight. 
• Can Be Broken Down and Reused: Corrugated boxes can be broken down and stored easily or transported without affecting the structural integrity of the packaging. 
• Good for the Environment: The packaging material itself is made from recycled and renewable materials, such as Kraft, making them an eco-friendly packaging option that consumers will appreciate. 

Corrugated vs. Cardboard Packaging: What’s the Difference? 

With the incredible surge in online shopping (COVID19 notwithstanding), customers expect their packages to be delivered safe and sound, with the contents in good condition.

Packages that arrive damaged, crushed, or torn open leave a bad impression when unboxing. That’s why it’s so important to consider what level of strength and stability you need in your packaging.

Corrugated packaging and cardboard packaging are two of the most popular types of boxes, but it’s important to understand the difference between them so you can decide on the right balance of protection for the product inside. 

Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard, also known as carton packaging, is made from thick paper or paper pulp which is then crafted into small packages or even material to help bolster the structure of lesser materials so that the contents won’t lose their shape.

Cardboard is inexpensive and easy to use as part of most shipping strategies, but it also may need additional packing material to keep the contents safe from being crushed, or being damaged by the elements. 

Corrugated Cartons

These are made up of several layers of material that are stronger together than they would be on their own. An inside liner and an outside liner are filled in the middle with a fluted material that helps solidify and strengthen the entire piece.

Corrugated cartons perfectly balance strength and lightness of weight, so they’re perfect if you need to ship a variety of products carefully. In addition to their structural strength, they’re also resistant to moisture and sudden changes in temperature.

Of course, no container is fully impervious to being crushed or being exposed to rain, sleet or heat for a long period of time, but if you want the added confidence that your product will arrive securely, corrugated packaging is a great option. 

Learn more about folding cartons with our ultimate guide to carton packaging to better understand the differences between corrugated and cardboard.

When To Use Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated packaging is best for products that need to be transported from a warehouse, to a processing center and onto a delivery vehicle. With so many people and machines handling the package, it needs to withstand being shuffled, slid, tossed and even dropped. If you want to add in an extra barrier of protection, you can wrap the interior product with additional cushioning for added security and peace of mind. 

Corrugated boxes are also a great choice if you want full customization control over your packaging design. You get all of the benefits of a large design area like with cardboard, except the added strength and durability. Additional features like custom opening folds, flaps, die-cuts and embossing or debossing are just a few of the many options you can add to create a unique design without worrying that the process will mar the product within. 

If you’re selling food, corrugated packaging is a must. Not only is corrugated much more sustainable and hygienic, but with so many people turning to online grocery shopping and delivery, companies are choosing to insulate their corrugated packaging for even greater protection to help seal in the temperature, especially for perishable goods. 

Choose a Trusted Corrugated Packaging Box Manufacturer

At Refine Packaging, our decades of combined experience, coupled with our deep knowledge of the custom packaging process across a variety of industries allow us to provide you with full-service packaging design and printing services.

From choosing the right packaging material for your product, to designing a look that captivates your audience and elevates your brand, trust the professionals at Refine Packaging to deliver an end result that’s so powerful and so compelling, you’ll want to buy your own product!

If you’re interested in learning more about how corrugated packaging may be the right choice for your packaging and shipping and fulfillment needs, or you’d like to consult with us on crafting the perfect design to showcase your product, we’d be delighted to work with you.

Even if you’re not sure what type of packaging you need for your product, get in touch with us. Our experts will take the time to understand your vision and your needs and work with you to craft packaging that perfectly expresses all of those points in one artistic creation.

Contact us today to learn more about our extensive printing and packaging services and get a free, no obligation quote for all your custom packaging needs.

The post What is Corrugated Packaging? How Corrugated Packaging is Made & When to Print with Corrugated Material appeared first on Refine Packaging.

But what do these unit systems actually mean? And what are their implications for your packaging and printing? 

Understanding the difference between the PT and GSM unit systems will help you better evaluate the weight and thickness of the paper or material you choose to print on. 

Knowing this will impact the printing options you choose and will help you determine how to find the right balance between durability and “printability” when it comes to your custom packaging. 

The Meaning of PT and GSM in Packaging and Printing

PT stands for The Point System while GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. 

Both of these units of measurement are used to measure how thick stock is. Stock can be paperboard, cardboard or other packaging material. It’s used in folding cartons as well. The weight of the paper also plays a role and is measured in reams. One ream equals 500 sheets of uncut paper (where the paper is at its original, uncut size). You’ll often see paper noted as 80 lb or 80#, which means that one ream of that paper weighs 80 pounds. 

In order to understand the point (PT) system, it’s important to know that a point equals .001 inches, so 10 points would mean that there is a stock thickness of 0.01 inches.

GSM is the metric equivalent of points, but is based on the metric system rather than on inches. As you consider different paper levels, it’s important to understand that the thicker a packaging material is, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be heavier. With that being said, the higher the GSM, the thicker the paper will be. 

So, how do you determine the weight of a particular printing material?

By looking at the material itself. It helps to know what different GSM weights of common materials are so that you can have an idea of the thickness of the packaging you need. 

Common GSM Paper Measurements

• 35-55 GSM: Newspaper, very thin and delicate.
• 90-100 GSM: Printer paper, more durable than newspaper but definitely not impervious to being handled. 
• 120-140 GSM: Posters and bulletins, can withstand the elements more but can still deteriorate if exposed to them constantly over time. 
• 210-300 GSM: Magazine covers, better suited to maintaining their form even if they are bent. 
• 350-400 GSM: Most popularly referred to as card stock, this thick material is often used to print invitations and business cards and is commonly used for retail packaging as well. 

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Converting Between the GSM and PT Unit System

GSM is, at its core, the metric version of the PT system and both are used to calculate thickness between each other.

However, the GSM system takes the stock weight into account, but the PT system does not. There are, however, conversion charts that simplify this process and we can convert to and from GSM to PT and vice versa if need be.

Below is a rough GSM to PT conversion chart  to help you understand how the conversion process might look in your unique scenario.

It’s worth noting that since most of the world uses the metric system, GSM is more common overall, however we’re able to work with both systems interchangeably. 

How to Compare Paper Weights and Thicknesses

The US-based system can be more confusing than the metric system, but to help make packaging uniform between the different systems, the U.S. version takes into account the weight of the uncut paper (the “basis weight” of the ream). So if you see paper marked with 92#, you’ll know it’s rather thin compared to paper with a weight of 230#.

Why does knowing the weight of paper (or other material) matter, anyway? 

You probably don’t think much about the mailers that come into your home every day – until you’re suddenly faced with paper terms like bond, text, book, cover, tag, index and more. But the differences between different sizes and styles of paper are actually a good thing.

Paper has been around for so many centuries that mankind has experimented with all kinds of creative ideas to make it durable and longer lasting. It also means that tried and true methods can be put to work right away to make your packaging stand out from the competition. 

What Do These Different Unit Systems Mean for My Product Packaging? 

Deciding between points and grams per square meter is just one of the decisions you’ll need to make when you weigh the pros and cons and differences of different types of packaging materials.

Understanding how thick and how heavy you want your packaging to be will not only affect its durability but also the way it’s printed and the features you can use. Some packaging materials will have a smoother surface, which makes printing on them easy. Others are rougher and more coarse which improves their durability, but also affects how easily different printing processes can be achieved.

At the same time, the packaging has to be durable since it needs to protect its contents while showcasing them accurately and in a way that makes the package stand out. 

Is it possible to have a package that’s truly the “best of both worlds” – something that evokes quality while maintaining durability as it goes through the printing, labeling and shipping process? The answer is yes! 

Speak with a Packaging Expert To Help You Decide on GSM vs PT Unit System

Considering different types of paper weight, thickness, GSM and PT systems and how to choose the right balance between durability, thickness, “printability” and other options can be overwhelming – but that doesn’t mean you have to make that decision alone. 

At Refine Packaging, we know that the design, printing and packaging world can be a confusing place to navigate, which is why we’re here to walk you through the process from start to finish and help you enjoy an incredible end result that perfectly positions your product. 

We take great pride in taking the time to understand your vision and your goals for your product. Whether it’s standing out with a unique design to separate your product from the crowd, or giving your product a sophisticated and elegant look that was born for unboxing, we have the know-how, expertise and experience to make the end result truly surpass your expectations. 

We welcome the opportunity to help you across all aspects of your product’s packaging design. Even if you’re not exactly sure what you want, we have graphic artists on staff who can help bring your vision to life. Once you’ve decided on the design, we can help you choose the right packaging material that helps to protect your product while showcasing it perfectly from every angle. 

Plus, we can also help your product stand out in more than just the visual sense. Using the very latest in printing technology, we provide options that are both eye-catching and sensational to behold. From spot UV printing and foil stamping to soft touch coating and lamination that protects and enhances the value of your product, everything we do is done with satisfaction in mind: both yours and your customers. 

Interested in learning more about our comprehensive packaging design and printing services? Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote. We’ll take the time to answer any questions you may have about GSM versus PT in print or any other questions you may have about the packaging process.

We know you’ve worked hard to create a product that’s truly extraordinary – now it’s time to choose custom packaging that’s equally as incredible! 

The post GSM vs. PT Unit System: Main Differences and Which is Best for Printing appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Or what gives some custom boxes a classy and elegant look that others are missing?

Foil stamping might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Foil stamping is a unique printing process where heat, pressure, foil and metal come together to create unique designs and optical effects.

The foil can be any color, but usually metallic foils, like gold and silver are used. Foil rolls, like paper, are available in matte and glossy finishes. 

Foil Stamping: A Brief History

The foil stamping process has its roots in ancient Egypt, where gold was beaten with a hammer until it was extremely thin, and then applied to papyrus to add luster.

As you might imagine, this process was labor intensive and only reserved for the highest quality written records. Even throughout the beginnings of recorded history, things like gold leaf were typically reserved for royal or religious texts.

After the invention of the printing press, foil stamping used hand-set lettering or dies that were custom engraved. Because the process was so evolved, foil stamping was only used for book covers and literary works.

For example, if you wanted to print gold text on a book cover, you had to use separate fonts that used brass or lead type and then assemble the text by hand, one letter at a time, on a custom-engraved die. Once the text and the die were assembled, it was fed into the press which then printed the metallic foil sheets stamped into the book cover.

Modern foil printing came about in the early 1900s. In Berlin, a master bookbinder developed hot-stamping foils in the late 1800s. In England, atomized gold was used on thin sheets of polyester film. The popularity continued well into the 1950s and 1960s. 

The Foil Stamping Process in Printing and Packaging

Commonly known as hot foil stamping, foil stamping is similar in technique to letterpress and engraving, where pressure is used to apply color to paper.

When the design is finalized, metal plates are created for each individual color foil in the shape that’s needed. Then, the dies are heated. Pressure is applied to seal the foil to the paper or packaging material and then the press is run multiple times to apply each color individually.

If you want a raised or embossed effect, another die may be used to create that look to finish up the project. 

As you begin to explore the idea of using foil stamping in your printing, consider how your decisions about matte or gloss lamination, embossing and debossing and UV coating will influence the overall appearance of your packaging.

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Common Types of Foil Used in Foil Stamping

There are several different types of foil that can be used to give different optical effects to the packaging, including: 

Metallic Foil

When you think of foil stamping, this is likely the type of foil you’re thinking of. Metallic foil, also known as metalized foil, makes your text or area have a shiny, metal-style look. It’s great for adding a touch of luxury, especially through the use of gold or silver foil as a finish. 

Pigment Foil

Pigment foil is similar to metalized foil, but does not have the metallic look. They are available in a wide range of colors and are available with matte or glossy finish, which can make them undoubtedly eye-catching or add a touch of luxury and softness

Holographic Foil

These types of holographic foils create a sort of rainbow effect in 3D. You’ve seen this type of foil at work in collectibles like baseball cards or other trading cards, or even on promotional materials. 

Other types of foil – such as pearl foil, effects foil and scratch-off foil – are less commonly used, but have well-known use cases, such as wedding invitations or lottery tickets. 

Traditional Foil Stamping

Now that you understand the different types of foil stamping, it’s time to move on to the actual methods involved.

Foil stamping can be done in two ways – traditional foil stamping or digital foil stamping.

With traditional foil stamping, the design is edged onto a metal plate. This metal plate is similar to a regular die, except its particular use is for foiling. It’s similar in function to a rubber stamp. The die is headed and a layer of the foil you want to use is placed between the die and the surface below it. The die is then pressed down onto the surface which causes the foil to bond to it in the shape of the design that was on the metal plate.

For designs that use several types of colors of foil, foiling dies need to be created for every color and the packaging material has to run through the machine several times (one for each color) so that the final design can be produced.

It’s also possible during this time to apply other effects to the foil stamping such as an embossed edge or a raised look so that the finished product stands out even more, not just visually, but with a tactile sense as well. 

Digital Foil Stamping

Also called digital foiling, digital foil stamping follows a similar process as traditional foil stamping, but rather than using pressure to bond the design to the product packaging design with a metal die, a digital printer uses a specific type of foil that adheres to the surface of the design. This means that there’s no need for multiple passes of the material into the printer for packaging design that uses several foil colors or patterns. 

One particular method is not necessarily better than the other since both can be used to create the type of effects that you want on your packaging. Should you have questions about the specific intricacies of different foil stamping processes, we’d be happy to elaborate and guide you on the one that’s right for your needs. 

Benefits of Foil Stamping

Foil stamping offers a number of benefits for your retail packaging. 

First, your product packaging will most assuredly stand out from the competition. Metallic foil or colored foil adds a touch of eye-catching brilliance and beauty to any package and gives it a luxurious style.

Combine that with other effects like raised or embossed designs and you can see how the packaging can take on a whole new level of sophistication.

In addition, foil stamping is versatile. It’s not just reserved for metallic lettering, although that is one of the most common options. In addition, hot foil stamping is durable and resistant to moisture and scratches. It can be used on different types of stock (think corrugated boxes or folding carton boxes) and still retain its luster.

Hot foil stamping is a great way to stand out and add a touch of elegance, with either bright and eye-catching gloss, or more subdued with matte style foil stamping.

Ready to Use Foil Stamping in Your Packaging?

If you love the allure and uniqueness of hot foil stamping and you’re interested in using this time-honored tradition to add refinement to your packaging, contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and consultation.

At Refine Packaging, our experts have years of experience and know-how in creating a wide variety of packaging products that leverage many different types of foil stamping and printing to ensure that your product packaging perfectly captures and conceptualizes your brand, your message and so much more.

Let us put our extensive experience to use in helping you magnify your product packaging with exquisite hot foil stamping and many other types of printing to captivate and compel your audience to buy. Rely on our expertise in helping thousands of brands large and small with all of their product packaging needs.

Not sure what type of design you need? We have a variety of talented artists on-staff that can perfectly capture your vision and what you want your brand to convey to your target audience. Contact us today to learn more about working together and let us show you the power of premium packaging. 

The post What is Foil Stamping? How Hot Foil Stamping Works in Printing & Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.

When you need your packaging or printed material to stand out, consider using varnish to add a pop of depth to your colors or to add a subtle appearance that reflects your brand.

But what is varnish, exactly? What are the different types of varnish coating? What type of varnish will be the best to use?

We’re happy you asked.

The 4 Most Common Types of Varnish for Printing 

In the printing world, there are many different types of varnish, and each type has specific effects that you’ll want to better understand in order to choose the right style for your custom packaging. 

Let’s start with the 4 most common types of varnish coating used in printing and packaging:

• Gloss: Gloss is often applied over the full surface or in specific areas of your printed packaging. It creates and enhances the contrast between color while adding depth and detail to the color. Colors look like they “pop out” more to the naked eye. However, a high gloss finish under direct lighting can reflect a high degree of the lighting, which can make the text harder to read. 
• Matte: Matte gives your packaging design a more subtle, soft appearance. Because matte varnish is a non-reflective service, packaging with a lot of text, or text that needs to be read from a distance is better served by using a matte varnish as opposed to gloss. However, it’s worth noting that the effect appears much softer than with gloss finish. If you need your packaging to stand out and be noticed, gloss is still a better option.
• Strike-through Matte: Using this technique, matte varnish and gloss varnish are both applied to different areas of the printed piece. The matte varnish is applied to all of the areas except where a more impactful glossy effect is needed. In this way, the matte varnish strikes through the glossy effect and lets it shine while giving the rest of the packaging the more softer look. It’s a great way to create distinction between both types of the packaging. 
• Satin:  A combination of matte and gloss to create a “best of both worlds” varnish that is soft, yet allows for greater resistance against fingerprints, smudges and scuffs. It looks as if no varnish has been applied, so you can still enjoy a subtle effect, while giving your packaging enhanced protection during shipping. 

The Advantages of Varnish in Packaging and Print

Varnish adds (literally) a layer of quality to the box design or your printed product. 

Not only does it protect against scuffs, fingerprints and smudges, it also increases the perceived value of the product. Varnish can be applied via spot finishing or in different processes that span the whole sheet. 

Varnish is also flexible in terms of how it can be applied, which can create some unique and intense looks. 

For instance, with wet trapping, varnish is applied to wet ink during the printing process to truly ensure that the two meld together to create a distinctive style. With dry trapping, the ink is dried first and then the varnish is added by the press as well when the packaging passes through it a second time. 

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The Disadvantages of Varnish in Packaging and Print 

If there’s one major disadvantage to varnish, it’s that it doesn’t offer the level of protection that other types of coatings like UV coating or aqueous coating (AQ) do. 

Varnish is also not exactly eco-friendly and needs to be applied carefully in order to prevent toxic byproducts from being released into the air. 

Consider how your varnish choice will impact your decisions related to soft touch coating or lamination, matte or gloss lamination and embossing or debossing.

A Variety of Effects and Styles for Varnish Coating

Varnish isn’t just divided by types, like satin and gloss, but also compromises different techniques as well.

For example, gloss UV coating is one of the most popular options, and is both protective and high-impact. If your custom boxes or packaging will be handled a lot, gloss UV coating adds a greater level of durability than other types of varnish. 

The UV in UV coating means that the liquid coating is applied and then cured with UV drying lamps. This makes the finished product very resistant to being rubbed or scratched. 

If you want to add an even greater level of sensory effect to your packaging, consider raised UV coating. This helps “volumize” the printed area or graphic by creating a raised area that not only sticks out more visually, but also in a tactile sense – you can feel the difference between the raised area and the non-raised area. Many DVD packages feature this type of printing where the characters or other noticeable area on the packaging is raised to invite touch. 

Another great way to add attention and focus to your packaging is through the use of a spot UV pattern. This means that only a certain area of the packaging, such as your logo, is glossy, and this is the part that reflects light and catches the eye.

Are Varnishes the Same as Laminates?

No, varnishes and laminates are not the same. 

That said, both laminates and varnishes are used to refer to the same process – where a protective layer is added to make a piece look more luxurious or softer. Both laminates and varnishes also protect your retail packaging from being damaged, but laminate protects more than varnish.

In many cases, especially if your product isn’t being handled a lot, varnish is a much more economical way to add a layer of basic protection to your product without investing in the higher cost of laminates. 

A Seemingly Endless Variety of Options and Techniques

With seemingly endless variations – from spot UV to high gloss coatings to a softer, more subtle matte that gives your product a more luxurious look, to velvet-like satin that adds a touch of softness and refinement – there’s a lot to consider. 

There’s a certain style that you want your packaging to project. Whether you want to convey the look of an elegant package that begs to be opened, or a high-impact, glossy, eye-catching piece that demands attention, every package has its audience and every audience has certain expectations in mind.

Adding to this, the fact that now, more than ever, packaging carries its own sense of brand loyalty-building through unboxings and streamings.

That means there’s no better time to entrust your packaging and printing to a leading custom packaging company that knows how to make your packaging deliver the best possible impression, no matter what you’re selling. 

From earthy, natural designs to sophisticated, classy looks, Refine Packaging has your needs covered with the very latest in proven printing techniques that truly bring your packaging to life. 

Make Jaw-Droppingly Good Packaging with Varnish

The best way to truly understand how the expert printers, packaging specialists and artists at Refine Packaging can help you is to give us a call or fill out our free, no obligation quote estimate form. Tell us more about your packaging, your product and your goals. We’ll take the time to carefully listen to your needs and formulate a plan of action to help you take the next steps with confidence.

In addition, even if you’re not sure of how you want your packaging to appear, or even if you don’t have a lot or design in mind, don’t worry! We have artists on staff that draw from a variety of styles and inspirations to create a look you’ll love. 

Using varnish as a way to finish your packaging is just one of the many processes we can employ to give your packaging an edge that helps make it more attractive among other products on the shelves. There are a variety of ways to add a touch of elegance, beauty, style and much more to the finished packaging to make it impactful and attention-getting.

Contact Refine Packaging today to learn more about the wide variety of options we can use to help make your product packaging look jaw-droppingly good and let our experts walk you through the process, as well as answer any questions you may have.

The post What is Varnish? How Varnish Is Used in Printing and Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.

What is a Die? 

Die cuts start with a die, which is a metal object that has sharp areas for cutting.

A die resembles cookie cutters in that the shape that the metal object is designed will be the same shape that’s cut in the material. There are several kinds of dies. For example, steel-rule dies are very sharp, but are protected with plastic or foam for safety.

Steel-rule dies are made to cut thicker packaging materials, or to cut a stack of less-thick packaging all at once. There are also thinner metal dies, which aren’t as sharp and can’t cut very thick material. These types of dies are lighter in weight and easier to store, and also don’t have foam or plastic around them for safety. 

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Manual and Digital Die Cutting Machines

Die cutting takes place with both manual and digital die cutting machines. Manual die cutting machines use a crank that is turned in order to cut the material. The metal die passes through the machine’s rollers and uses that pressure to help cut the shape out of the paper based on the shape of the die. Manual die cutting machines may also have motors that help to apply this pressure. 

Digital die cutting machines are generally controlled by software. They do not require steel dies because there’s a blade within the machine that cuts the shape. The software is used to select that shape and it can be created via computer, phone, tablet or even a specialized cartridge that the machine uses. 

Die Cut History: Why is it Called Die Cutting?

The origin of the phrase die cutting comes from the 1300s, from the middle English word ‘de’, believed to be from the Latin word “datum” for “given”, as well as put or placed. 

The root meaning of die cutting is to place or cast. Back in the 1300s, dies were primarily used to cast or stamp metal coins.

It wasn’t until the 1800s that the mass-production of items of a similar size and shape took off, and this old term “die” was used to specify that it was “created by machines”.

Cut refers to creating a custom shape, and die cutting means the casting and cutting of shapes.

The term die cutting was not commonly used until the 1800s, when it was meant as a method for creating more precise and accurate shoe sizes. Since shoes were made of leather, the soles had to be cut by hand, which was a tedious process that often led to errors and ill-fitting shoes.

When the die cutting machine was invented, this meant that shoes could now have standard sizes (something we often take for granted today).

The Role of a Dieline in the Custom Die Cut Process

Before you make a die cut on any printed material, you’ll want to first have an outline of what needs to be cut. This is where a dieline comes into the custom die cut process.

Dielines are part of die cut printing, and are used to outline the shape and packaging box size before any cutting happens.

With so many different shapes possible in the packaging world, if you can dream it, chances are a custom packaging manufacturer can make the material into any cuttable shape.

If you still need to make a dieline, read our guide about what a dieline is to learn more about how to make a dieline for your packaging and printing project. Remember, you’ll need a dieline before you can get to the finishing touches of your packaging like matte and gloss lamination, embossing and debossing or UV coating. 

Considerations for Different Types of Die Cutting Processes

There are different types of die cutting processes. The one used for your project will depend on your specific needs and your vision for your product. Some of the more popular methods include: 

• Blanking: Blanking takes flat material and slices it by clipping it from the outside edge, which makes it look even more flat. 
• Drawing: Drawing pulls material through the machine to a specific length. It is typically used for products that are thin and/or long. 
• Forming: Forming happens when the raw material is shaped on a curved surface. It is generally used together with your drawing to create cylindrical parts of your custom packaging. 
• Coining: With coining, circular holes are made in the material by adding pressurized force to them. This creates a very intricate look in packaging.
• Broaching: Multiple rows of “teeth” are used to cut material that the steel die cannot otherwise cut using the broaching method.

There are many other types of die cutting out there in both digital and offset printing, but this will give you an idea of the types most often used in packaging.

Beyond the types of die cutting, there are also different die cutting services depending on your needs. For instance, flatbed die cutting, also known as steel rule die cutting, uses a flatbed die cutting press and custom dies to create its custom shapes (dies). It’s ideal for thicker material, larger components of packaging or even short production runs. 

For higher volume production runs, there’s rotary die cutting which uses cylinder-shaped dies to convert flexible material into custom boxes or packaging. This is ideal for high-volume runs as well as designs that need exact accuracy.

There’s also digital die cutting, which doesn’t use dies at all. Instead, it uses lasers, blaces and tool bits to score, crease and cut the material. This type of die cutting is best used for applications that need fast lead times, but still require high levels of precision.

Can I Make My Own Metal Dies?

Although you technically can make your own metal dies by welding different pieces together, it is not recommended. In this case, it’s best to leave the die cutting, as well as the shaping and forming of dies, to the printing and packaging experts. 

If you have an unusual shape in mind for your custom packaging, it’s best to let us create the metal die for it, since this way we can be certain that it will work with our specialized machines. 

What Are Cutting Pads or Plates?

Cutting plates, also known as cutting pads, create a sort of “die cut sandwich” of all of the components and materials needed to make your packaging design happen. The “sandwich” is the type of packaging, the design and more so that the end result comes out looking exactly the way you envisioned. 

Think of it as a similar process as putting a cookie cutter through dough to create your ideal shape which you can then decorate. Die cutting is a similar process through the use of cutting pads or plates. Over time, these pads or plates need to be replaced because they can wear down. 

Using Die Cutting and More to Create Your Packaging

As you can see, die cutting is a very versatile way to accurately cut, shape and print your packaging so that the end results can be duplicated again and again without room for error. Not only is die cutting precise, but it also allows you a great deal of freedom with your retail packaging.

Still, we understand that not everyone is a packaging and printing expert. Fortunately, at Refine Packaging, we are. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about the die cutting process or how it will work with your product packaging vision.

If you have an idea in mind, but aren’t sure how to make it a reality with regard to your product packaging, don’t worry. We have a team of phenomenal artists and engineers that can turn your vision for your carton boxes, corrugated boxes or other branded packaging into a stunning, eye-catching reality. 

We invite you to contact us to request a free quote about our packaging and printing processes as well as our packaging design options to help determine the best way forward for your unique design. There has never been a better time to make your product come to life than with the knowledgeable experts at Refine Packaging. 

The post What is Die Cutting? What Die Cut Means in the Die Cut Process appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Whether people choose to admit it or not, the truth is, first impressions matter. A lot. And you’ll never get a second chance to make a great first impression. 

Custom packaging is an incredible and cost-efficient way to not only impress your customers, but to leave a long lasting impact for your brand that leads to increased word of mouth, social sharing, brand loyalty and revenue.

Now, that’s the definition of custom packaging, but it really doesn’t describe why so many companies make the switch to go custom with their retail packaging. 

Custom packaging is so much more than printed cardboard or other material for your product. It’s a statement for your brand. A chance to build a physical connection with your customers. An opportunity to engage and delight people, while educating them about your company’s mission, values and product benefits.

Now let’s jump into the top 6 benefits that branded packaging can give your growing company.

1. Custom Packaging Is Your First Impression

Imagine it’s the first time you’re buying a product from a new company. 

The packaging arrives, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It might be a custom box with the company logo, but it’s also somehow deeper than that. 

The packaging itself doesn’t feel like corrugated cardboard. It feels soft. Elegant. Refined. You can tell that it’s an upper tier product – before you even open the box. 

That’s the kind of first impression that brands want to make, and can make, when they have full control over the elements that go into their packaging.

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2. Custom Packaging Is a Marketing Tool for Your Brand

If you want to present your product as high-end, all-natural, mysterious or cheerful, you can do all that and more with custom packaging. 

Through a combination of the right colors and materials, as well as the positioning of different elements and different printing processes, the pieces all come together perfectly. Like a fantastic puzzle where the real prize is inside, but half of the fun is opening the package itself.

Your brand has a story to tell. Every brand wants to be meaningful and to connect with its customers in a way that makes the brand relevant and interesting to them. 

Custom packaging boxes are part of your brand’s personality. And in many cases, it’s as much a part of the branding itself as the product within. 

3. Custom Packaging Boxes Are An Experience

If you’ve ever watched an unboxing video on Youtube or Facebook, you already know how much of a role custom packaging with your logo plays as part of the user experience. 

It’s not just one user opening a package in front of their fans, friends or family. It’s also a social experience. Especially for ecommerce packaging, where your package is often the only physical item your customer touches and feels throughout the purchasing process. 

The person familiar with the brand is also introducing that brand, often for the first time, to others who are watching. This becomes their first experience with the brand as well.

This social component plants the seed that if the people watching these unboxing videos want to experience something incredible, they should consider purchasing the item. 

Who knew that a package could carry those kinds of exciting feelings and that kind of sensation? Packaging design and printing teams understand this, and work with you to get it right, so that your consumers can enjoy such an experience, time and time again. 

4. Custom Packaging Sets Your Products Apart

For some companies, their custom packaging boxes are as much a part of them as their logo or name, and it would be unthinkable not to include it. 

Everyone has likely seen or heard of the small blue Tiffany’s boxes, with their tell-tale color. Anyone around knows at a glance that it’s a Tiffany’s box. They’ve put so much into their packaging, it’s unmistakable. 

If you can imagine, their box and its coloring have become so iconic, they’ve nearly transformed their packaging design itself into a piece of jewelry. That’s right, you can buy a “Tiffany blue” box necklace. 

But this is just one of many examples. For instance, if you wanted to project your brand’s emphasis on being environmentally-friendly, you might incorporate packaging items that are recyclable or biodegradable. 

Custom packaging boxes can make that happen through a combination of color, print material, printing process and of course the packaging design itself. 

5. Custom Packaging With Your Logo Is Memorable 

In a world of standard, bland boxes, custom packaging design stands out. 

Whether through the use of spot UV printing to make colors pop, or through specialized debossing or embossing that grabs attention, there are lots of options that can be included with your packaging to make it look unique and different from all the “same” styles of products on shelves.

It’s worth noting that if your product will be positioned under direct lighting, that certain types of printing can take advantage of this and create a very attractive and unique display that catches the eye and gets noticed. 

Even if your packaging won’t be positioned this way, there are still a number of printing processes that can make it stand out on store shelves and stay protected against things that could detract from its appearance like smudges or scuffs. 

6. Custom Packaging Is Worth The Investment For Small Businesses 

Of course, custom packaging boxes with your logo are often more expensive than your standard stock packaging, but it’s not just for the largest companies in the world. 

Small businesses stand to gain from all that custom packaging has to offer, too. After all, custom boxes cost less than you probably think. 

From stylish print options to unique packaging textures to shapes and designs that protect as well as create a great impression – there are several benefits to choosing custom packaging. 

Good packaging truly elevates your brand and your product to another level. That alone makes it worth the incremental investment. 

Is Custom Packaging Right for You? 

Branded packaging and custom boxes have a lot of benefits going for it that truly put your product in a class all its own. But it’s worth noting that there are other points to keep in mind, such as the number of custom package prints you want and the cost associated with designing the different plates (for use in the printing process) and so on. 

The printing world, for all of the magic and wonder it can create, is still a complex one. And whether this is your first time getting your product packaging printed, or you’re looking for alternatives, we want to help.

As one of America’s largest wholesale custom packaging vendors, our team at Refine Packaging makes it our business to get to know your business. 

Who are your customers? What do they want from your product? What would you like your product to convey when they open the package? What do you want them to experience? All of these things are intertwined and matter just as much as the product itself. 

With that being said, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of printing options out there for your custom packaging needs. What is a dieline? What’s RGB and CMYK? What is the Pantone Matching System (PMS)? What’s aqueous coating? We want to help you understand the many different options available to you while still staying within your budget. 

Contact us today for a free estimate on your custom packaging solutions and supplies. Learn more about our prices, our process and how we can help you. We’ll take the time to get to know your unique needs, your product needs, and how we can help. 

From artists on-staff that are ready to help bring your artistic vision to life, to printing professionals that are ready to make your box design truly shine, we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure that your custom packaging looks flawless from start to finish.

The post What is Custom Packaging? The Top 6 Benefits of Branded Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.