A modern, direct printing process, using digital files sent to a printer, to print an image or text directly on to a wide variety of materials. No printing plates or other physical printing equipment are required – the process is controlled by a computer, which sends precise instructions to the printer.

Uses include:

• Boxes
• Gift cards
• Brochures
• Business cards
• Flyers/posters
• Books

Digital printing is best suited to short-run or custom print jobs, as it allows for greater flexibility and customisation than traditional printing methods.

Key advantages:

• Production of high-quality prints with vibrant colours and sharp details on a range of materials.
• More eco-friendly, as it generates less set up waste, is easy to create a trial sample, and does not require the use of chemicals or solvents.
• High quality prints can be produced quickly and with greater flexibility and customization.

Also known as flexo printing, this is a popular method of printing, commonly used for large-volume printing jobs. It is a form of relief printing which needs a rubber printing plate made, with raised images and text that transfer ink onto a substrate. The plate is wrapped around a large metal printing cylinder, which rotates and transfers ink onto the substrate.

Uses include:

• Polythene carrier bags
• Packaging film
• Labels
• Corrugated boxes
• Newspapers and magazines

Flexographic printing is best suited for large quantities of materials, thanks to its high-speed printing capabilities and efficient use of ink. It is ideal for printing on non-porous surfaces, such as polythene, plastic and metallic materials, especially in cases such as food packaging film where durability and moisture resistance are vital.

Key advantages:

• A versatile, high speed printing process.
• Capable of producing high-quality prints with vibrant colours, fine details, and sharp lines.

Also known as litho printing or offset lithography, this indirect printing method uses a flat metal plate to transfer ink. In lithographic printing, the plate used for printing is typically made of a thin, flat sheet of metal, usually aluminum (low cost and easy to recycle). Once the plate is prepared, it is mounted onto a printing press. Most of our mills use Heidelberg machines, which are highly regarded within our industry. Vegetable based ink is applied to the raised image area of the plate and the plate is pressed against a rubber blanket, which then transfers the ink to the paper or other substrate.

Uses include:

• Brochures
• Flyers
• Books
• Magazines

It is best suited to printing high-quality, detailed images with vibrant colours and sharp lines. It is also capable of printing on a wide range of substrates, including paper, cardstock, hard sheet plastics, and metals. We use this technique for many of our luxury gift bags and boxes. It is often used for large-scale printing runs due to its efficiency and ability to produce consistent results at high volumes, however it is also great for smaller to mid-range prints on materials such as cardboard.

Key Advantages:

• A versatile and precise printing method that produces high-quality prints with excellent colour accuracy and detail.
• Can accommodate pantone and CMYK full colour process designs.

Embossing is a printing technique commonly used in packaging to create a raised or 3D effect on the surface of the material. This effect is achieved by pressing a die onto the material from the back, which creates a raised design or pattern on the front. There are two main types of embossing: blind embossing (raised design without any additional colour or texture) and foil embossing (using a thin layer of foil to add colour and shine).

This is used to add visual interest or to draw attention to a specific part of the packaging design, such as a company logo or product name. We call this a finishing touch, as it is often used in combination with other printing techniques, such as hot foil stamping, spot UV coating, and matte or gloss finishes, to create a more complex and visually appealing design.

Key advantages:

• Adds a wow factor by creating a tactile experience for the consumer, which can enhance the overall user experience and make the product more memorable.
• Can be applied to a wide range of packaging materials, including paperboard, cardboard and some plastics.

Hot foiling is a technique used to add metallic or holographic designs to various surfaces, including paper and cardboard. The process involves using a machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer a foil material onto the surface of the material being decorated. The heat and pressure causes the foil to transfer the design onto the surface of the material, resulting in a metallic or holographic finish.

Uses include:

• Luxury goods
• Business cards
• Carrier bags
• Boxes and other packaging

Hot foiling is better suited for large runs and projects, while cold foiling is better suited for smaller orders.

Key Advantages:

• Adds a high-end, luxurious look to a product
• Can be used to create intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other printing techniques.

Note: Hot foil can prevent the item from being recycled in many cases, so would be less suitable for eco-friendly products. An alternative option would be to use a metallic ink and embossing technique to achieve a similar but more environmentally friendly finish.

Screen printing is a printing technique that involves using a stencil and a “screen” to transfer ink onto a surface. The screen is made up of a fine mesh material, stretched tightly over a frame. A stencil is then created by blocking out certain areas of the screen to prevent ink from passing through. This can be a manual process by human hand or some of our factories use a machine called an Octopus. The ink is then cured, either by heat or by exposure to UV light, to create a permanent print, meaning the product can be used and washed.

Uses include:

• Custom t-shirts
• Fabric carrier bags
• Posters
• Signs and other promotional materials

Key advantages:

• Can produce high-quality, long-lasting prints in large quantities.
• Prints designs onto a variety of surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal and glass, or fabrics such as cotton, jute, juco, and NWPP.

Spot UV (Ultra-Violet) is a printing technique used to enhance specific areas of a printed piece by creating a high gloss or matte finish on top of the ink. This creates a contrast between the shiny, raised areas and the flat, uncoated areas of the printed item, which can be used to create a striking visual effect. To apply Spot UV, a printing press is used to apply a clear varnish coating in specific areas of the printed piece. This coating is then cured using ultraviolet light, which hardens the varnish and creates a glossy or matte finish.

Used for:

• Marketing and advertising to draw attention to key elements of a design, such as logos, product images, or text.
• Creating tactile effects by applying the coating in a raised pattern, such as a logo or textured background.

Key Advantages:

• Can be applied to a wide range of printed materials including paper and board products, such as bags, boxes and cards, brochures, book covers, and other packaging.
• Can be used in combination with other techniques, such as hot foiling or embossing, to create an eye-catching design for your product.