Benefits of Add-Ons in Custom Packaging

Business entities can use versatile custom packaging add-ons to offer printed retail packaging boxes for their customers that exceed their expectations. In this era of cut-throat competition, every brand seeks to gain maximum market share. These add-ons help the brands distinguish themselves from others in the same category and break through the market clutter for recognition and recollection. Clever and aesthetic use of these add-ons will help bring out the brand’s packaging design and signature themes. Clients can help their customers memorize their branding elements like logos using add-ons. Such packaging has more visual appeal in brick and mortar retail and online selling platforms.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is not a new concept introduced by the printing industry to adorn custom cardboard boxes. Instead, ancient Egyptians used this method for superior quality papyrus used in religious ceremonies and auspicious events. The old process was labor-intensive in which the metal was beaten into paper-thin layers and then woven into papyrus. Modern foil stamping uses heat and pressure to infuse metallic foil with cardboard. It helps add attraction to text, design, and other elements of the print visual content. In the initial phase of the printing press, the cost of foiling was very high. As a result, only high-end book covers were adorned using this technology. The printing presses did this work manually through inscribed dies.

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Much later, the process evolved into hot foil stamping, which used pressure to infuse metallic tones into printed content. There are different filing options available for clients for their custom retail boxes.

1. Metallic Foiling – This foiling type uses metalized foil to introduce metal-like tones and colors.
2. Holographic Foiling – this foiling type uses a rainbow sheen, and the image on which it is applied seems to become three-dimensional.
3. Pearl Foiling – this foiling type uses a dye for a pearl-like effect and is semi-radiant.
4. Scratch-Off Foiling – this foiling type uses unique heat-based stamps that are easy to remove without damaging the print beneath.
5. Pigment Foiling – this foiling type is used for non-metallic tones and colors.

Varnish

The varnish add-on offers four variations to the clients, which include;

1. Gloss Varnish

This coating applies to selected areas and the entire box exterior. It adds a sheen to custom retail packaging that looks mesmerizing when these items are sitting on the retail shelves. However, packaging companies must not treat the text-centered packaging with varnish coatings as the shine can hurdle packaging readability.

2. Matte Varnish

When the packaging requires a non-reflective surface, the packaging companies suggest matte varnish as an add-on. This varnish type works best for packaging with elaborate text, and most corporate entities use this effect for their packaging. It is important to note that varnish, irrespective of gloss and matte type, helps pop the colors used in the print visual content.

3. Strike-Through Matte Varnish

The companies looking for a dramatic effect on their custom cardboard packaging boxes opt for this technique of varnish coating. It involves applying matte varnish to the entire surface, leaving gloss varnish areas. Both the effects are visible, creating a distinct look with a powerful impression.

4. Satin Varnish

This coating in varnish is not very noticeable but offers some protection against fingerprints and scratches.

Why do Some Companies Stay Away from Varnish?

• It is not very durable, and neither does it protect the print visual content.
• Varnish coatings cause adverse environmental damage as the process releases toxicity into the air.

UV Coating

UV coating involves spreading a liquid and drying it under UV light. As a result, the liquid bonds with the surface, forming a protective layer. This layer is applied to selected areas within the design and on the entire surface of the boxes. Covering the whole box exterior with UV coating is a process called flooding. Many factors make UV coating popular. One of them includes its attribute of drying up instantly. The coating liquid only takes a few seconds to dry, which is advantageous for the printing companies and their clients as they can reap the shortened production time. The entire process is safe for the environment, which makes this option a trending green add-on.

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Packaging companies can add their printed retail packaging with a dramatic luster through UV coatings. All images and colors appear richer and cleared under the UV coatings. This coating type has a remarkable threshold against scuffing, scratching, and other damaging elements, making it an ideal protective layer to add to custom cardboard packaging.

When to Avoid UV Coating?

1. Low grammage of paper or cardboard does not go well with UV coating. The paperweight must measure at least 100
2. When metallic ink is used
3. In case foul stamping is used
4. Text centered packaging as glaze hurdles readability

Soft-Touch Coating

The soft-touch finishes change the feel of custom cardboard retail boxes and are used on luxurious packaging options. As the name suggests, these finishes are soft to touch, unlike other printed boxes. When the clients demand this finish, the packaging companies have two options to offer, namely;

A. Soft-Touch Coating

This coating is also called velvet finish in the retail and packaging sectors. It adds a dramatic effect to premium packaging boxes that offer a memorable unboxing experience.

B. Soft Touch Lamination

This technique uses textured film to affect the visual content printed on the custom retail boxes. There are many benefits associated with these finishes, including;

1. They offer resistance against scratches and fingerprints
2. They keep the dust from damaging the boxes
3. This coating does not get yellow with age
4. They add to packaging durability and keep it from slipping
5. The boxes with soft-touch finishes enjoy chemical resistance

There are several other add-ons available for packaging companies which include; Spot UV and different lamination types, etc., that clients can use. Each add-on comes with its pros and cons, which the clients should explore to choose those that best suit their requirements.

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