Master's Guide: In-depth Analysis of 10 Key Printing Processes Affecting the Texture of Packaging Boxes

Selecting the right printing and finishing technique is one of the most important steps when creating custom luxury packaging. For premium industries such as spirits packaging, gourmet gifts, cosmetics, jewelry, and high-end retail, proper craftsmanship enhances brand identity, boosts perceived value, and directly influences customer experience.

As a professional manufacturer, DHPBOXES helps global brands design and produce packaging with precise printing, accurate color control, and premium finishing effects.

• Common printing processes

• Characteristics and applicable scenarios of each process

• Process combinations for high-end packaging

• A guide to avoiding pitfalls in printing processes (avoiding color differences, process conflicts, layout issues, etc.)

Offset Printing

Features:

• High color saturation and rich tonal range

• Suitable for mass production

• Average cost and high stability

Applications:

• High-end wine boxes

• Cosmetic gift boxes

• Luxury brand rigid boxes

Advantages: High color fidelity, stable colors, and clear details.

Tips: Confirm whether to use spot colors/Pantone to ensure the accuracy of special colors.

Digital Printing

Features:

• Small batch, fast proofing

• No plate making required, low cost

• Colors may slightly deviate from offset printing

Suitable for:

• Prototype boxes

• Small batch gift boxes

• Complex gradient designs

Flexo Printing

Features:

• Flexographic plates, commonly used for corrugated paper and outer cartons

• Low cost, fast speed

Suitable for:

• Outer packaging (shipping boxes)

• Kraft packaging

Features:

• Strong metallic texture, bright luster

• Common colors: Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Black Gold, Blue Gold

Applications:

• High-end logos on wine boxes

• Jewelry boxes

• Limited edition gift boxes

Advantages: Instantly elevates brand image.

Avoidance Guidelines:

• Hot stamping should not be too small 

• Large areas of hot stamping are prone to wrinkling and require segmentation.

B.Embossing & Debossing

Features:

• Creates a three-dimensional tactile feel

• Often used in combination with hot stamping and spot colors

• Emphasizes logos, text, or patterns

Applications:

• Luxury wine boxes

• Cosmetic rigid boxes

• Brand logos

C.Spot UV

Features:

• Selective surface highlighting

• Highlights patterns, text, and textures

Applications:

• Wine packaging

• Cosmetic boxes

• E-commerce best-selling products

Avoidance Guidelines:

• Matte finish works best with UV coating.

D.Matte Lamination & Gloss Lamination

Matte Lamination

• Soft texture, understated and high-end

• Commonly used for luxury brands & high-end wine boxes

Gloss Lamination (Glossy Film)

• More vibrant colors, stronger surface reflection

• Commonly used for food and gift boxes

E.Soft-Touch Lamination

Features:

• Similar to velvet touch, extremely luxurious

• Mostly used for high-end perfume boxes and jewelry boxes

• Available in matte, gloss, and matte finishes

• Protects the printed surface and improves abrasion resistance

• Material first, then process

• Avoid stacking too many processes on a single design

Common Causes:

• Printing on different machines

• Inconsistency between digital sample and bulk order

• Failure to use Pantone spot colors

Solutions:

• Select Pantone spot colors

• Strictly control color difference tolerance

• Confirm printing sample before bulk production

Examples:

• Paper that is too soft cannot be embossed

• Too dark a matte finish makes UV coating indistinct

Solutions:

• Obtain material testing from the supplier

• Structures larger than A4 require thicker grey board (≥1400gsm)

Causes:

• Insufficient hot stamping plate temperature

• Large area

Solutions:

• Hot stamping in sections

Examples:

• Using too thick hot stamping on the drawer box shell is prone to cracking

• Local UV coating is not suitable for the hinge part of the book-shaped box

Solutions:

• Conduct structural test samples in advance

• Inform the factory about the end use, product weight, and display method

The world of custom packaging can be overwhelming for brands. However, understanding the logic behind factory types, pricing, and design collaborations can help you avoid costly mistakes and create packaging that truly elevates your brand image.

DHPBOXES, a professional packaging manufacturer, offers one-stop solutions with extensive experience in cardboard boxes, folding boxes, corrugated cartons, and stylish paper bags. We serve numerous industries, including fragrances, cosmetics, apparel, electronics, coffee, wine, and e-commerce, helping brands in the US, Europe, and Australia navigate packaging challenges and create packaging that is both practical and high-end.

Q1: Why are there such large price differences in packaging from different factories?

Because factories focus on different product types and technologies. For example, cardboard box packaging factories use more labor-intensive processes than folding box suppliers, which naturally leads to higher costs. Materials, printing technology, and order quantity also have a significant impact on price.

Q2: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom packaging boxes?

This depends on the factory and packaging type. Corrugated boxes generally have higher MOQs, while folding boxes and cardboard boxes may have lower MOQs. GUKA Packaging works with both startups and established brands, providing flexible solutions from small batches to large-scale production.

Q3: As a first-time buyer, how can I avoid common packaging mistakes?

Besides price, pay attention to other aspects. Clearly define brand needs, request samples before placing bulk orders, and ensure the design is both in line with brand image and production feasibility. Partnering with experienced packaging manufacturers helps avoid costly mistakes.

Q4: Should I let the packaging factory handle the design?

Factories are experts in structure and production, but they may not fully understand your brand concept. The best approach is for your brand designer to lead the creative process, while the factory provides technical guidance. This collaborative approach ensures the final packaging is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Q5: What is the most cost-effective option for e-commerce packaging?

For shipping, sturdy corrugated boxes are the most reliable and scalable option. If you want to enhance the unboxing experience, you can combine them with custom liners, stylish paper bags, or branded folding boxes. DHPBOXES Packaging can help you strike a balance between budget, protection, and customer experience.

Q6: Can DHPBOXES Packaging provide eco-friendly options?

A: Yes. We offer recyclable cardboard boxes, folding boxes made with FSC-certified paper, and corrugated boxes with reduced ink usage. Environmentally friendly packaging is not only beneficial to the environment but is also highly favored by consumers in the US, Europe, Australia, and other regions.

As a professional manufacturer specializing in high-end alcohol gift boxes, branded packaging boxes, and custom rigid boxes, DHPBOXES provides global brands with:

• Efficient and professional design guidance

• Advanced printing management

• Safe and environmentally friendly materials

• Structural design services

• Color control and high-end process guidance