This article will help you understand:
- Why should brands print on cartons?
- The main printing methods of corrugated boxes
- How does the flute type affect printing quality?
- Ink and coating selection for carton printing
- Common carton printing mistakes
Why should brands be printed on cartons?
Carton printing is not only a visual design, but also a tool for logistics, compliance and product protection.
SKUs, barcodes, warning symbols, and recycling marks are often legal requirements for export packaging. Clear labeling can speed up customs clearance, reduce sorting errors, and improve warehousing efficiency.
For brands, printing is a key element in enhancing brand image and recognition, improving user experience, and thus increasing sales. It is used in industries such as electronics, cosmetics, and food to increase added value.
Compliance and functional printing requirements
- Compliance marking (CE, recycling), highest pharmaceutical industry requirements, compliant with DSCSA.
- Operation/handling instructions, such as fragile, facing upward, etc.
- Product code and batch number
- Functional requirements, anti-counterfeiting, anti-tampering and product identification needs.
| Printing Element | Purpose | Compliance Impact | Meaning for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcode / SKU | Automated sorting | High | Speeds up warehouse scanning |
| Warning symbols | Safety compliance | Mandatory | Avoids shipment rejection |
| Country-specific marks | Meet import regulations | High | Ensures smooth customs clearance |
Practical advice
- Export packaging: Comply with the printing regulations of the destination country. In the United States, the Made in origin mark is required. European Union electronic products require CE marking.
- Warehousing efficiency: Ensure barcode position and orientation are consistent for easy scanning.
- Brand consistency: Brand logos are all printed in spot colors and must match the brand color card with no color difference.
Case: An Australian electronics importer increased its sorting efficiency by 30% after adding larger QR codes to cartons.
Further reading: Learn more about export packaging compliance design guidelines.
The main printing methods of cartons
There are four main printing methods now. Carton printing is mainly based on flexographic printing, offset printing and gravure printing composite processes. The specific process depends on the quality requirements, cost and purpose.
Flexography
- Advantages: fast production speed, low cost, large printing area.
- Disadvantages: Low printing accuracy, suitable for simple patterns and texts.
Offset Printing
- Advantages: High color reproduction, realistic and exquisite printing effect.
- Disadvantages: The initial plate making cost is high, suitable for medium and large batches.
Digital printing
- Advantages: No plate making required, no contact, fast delivery. The color is printed directly onto the corrugated box by laser or ink.
- Disadvantages: High unit price for large quantities, high ink cost, and high overall consumables due to the requirement for high color reproduction.
Screen printing
- Advantages: cheap plate making, stable color, no need for lamination, suitable for small orders.
- Disadvantages: Can only print one color at a time, slow speed, not suitable for large quantities.
How to choose the printing method that suits you
- Order volume: Large batch → Flexo; Small batch → Digital
- Complexity of pattern: more delicate and detailed → offset and gravure composite printing.
- Budget and time: Personalization, short delivery → digital; high-end display → offset printing
- Special visual effects: screen printing can be considered
How to choose ink for carton printing
Water-based ink: the most widely used, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, in line with food safety standards, and widely applicable.
- UV curing ink: It takes shape instantly under ultraviolet light, has bright colors, is scratch-resistant and does not fade, but it is more expensive.
- Solvent-based ink: Bright colors, good color reproduction, strong adhesion to glossy/coated paper, but pollutes the air.
| Ink Type | Best Application Scenario | Durability | Meaning for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based ink | Eco-friendly printing | Medium | Environmentally friendly, supports sustainability |
| UV-curable ink | Outdoor transportation | High | Prevents fading during long-distance transport |
| Solvent-based ink | Glossy or coated paper | High | Long-lasting brand visuals |
How does the flute type affect the printing effect?
Coarse flute (such as B flute) has lower flute height, smoother carton surface and better printing effect.
Double flutes (such as EB flute) are often used for export to take into account both protection strength and printing effect.
Common printing errors
Untreated surface: uneven ink absorption
The pattern is too complex: fine lines and small characters will be blurred
- Untested color: Large color deviation under different light sources
Carton printing trends in 2025
Popularization of digital printing: meeting the needs of short delivery time and small batches.
Personalized printing: Variable data is used for targeted marketing.
FAQs
Yes, but it requires E-flute or other fine-grained materials, combined with offset printing or high-precision digital printing, such as RS1800-HPA3 or RS2500-E16.
Flexo printing is the most economical choice for large-scale, simple designs. Flexo printing offers a thicker ink layer, better printing stability, and higher production efficiency.
Conclusion
About XiangGe Package
We have over 10 years of experience in custom printing for export cartons, serving clients in over 100 countries. We can match you with the optimal fluting type, printing process, and ink selection.
Contact us: Get a free packaging consultation.
Last updated: August 2025
