Print and Packaging Solutions

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Packaging ideas and behind the scene

Why a blog, when we have a business running for more than 20 years and our own website?

Our website is showing the final products and the range of our products, and some basice information abou the the packaging. We would like to show those, who are insterested in, some facts from behind the scene. We would also like to explain few more things about packaging by itself, such as the preferred materials, shapes, and finishes.

We will gradually add some articles from different sources and photos, videos from our production and anything, you, our readers, would like to see and discuss about.

We are a small team of enthusiastic people, who love what they do, and it will reflect on our customer service and our customers’ satisfaction.

We will be happy to help you with any projects you are working on or planning for.

If your product is in development or your project is sensitive, we can assure you of our complete discretion and we are happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement if required.

Please get in touch to discuss your project, we don’t do “hard sell” just great advice backed by years of experience.

Why Pantone Colours Matter in Packaging (And Why Your Logo Looks Different on Every Material)

Colour is one of the most powerful elements of brand identity — but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong. If you’ve ever wondered why your brand red looks perfect on your business cards but suddenly appears dull on kraft paper, or why your supplier asks whether you want Pantone Coated or Pantone Uncoated, this guide is for you.

In premium packaging, colour accuracy isn’t optional. It’s the difference between “nice packaging” and “this brand knows exactly who they are.”

What Are Pantone Colours?

Pantone is the global colour-matching system used by designers, printers, and manufacturers to ensure colours stay consistent across every material and every print process.

Think of Pantone as the universal language of colour. Instead of saying “a bright blue,” you say Pantone 293 C — and every printer in the world knows exactly what that means.

Pantone is essential when:

You need brand consistency
You print across multiple materials (bags, boxes, tissue, labels, tubes)
You want vibrant, accurate colours that CMYK can’t always achieve
You use metallics, neons, or deep blacks

Pantone Coated (C) vs Pantone Uncoated (U)

Why the same colour looks different depending on the paper

Pantone colours come in two main versions:

Pantone Coated (C)
Pantone Uncoated (U)

They are the same ink formula, but the finish of the material changes how the colour appears.

Pantone Coated (C)

Used on:

Appearance:

Colours look sharper, brighter, more vibrant
Ink sits on top of the coating instead of soaking in

Perfect for:

Luxury gift boxes
Retail packaging
High‑impact branding

Pantone Uncoated (U)

Used on:

Kraft paper
Tissue paper
Uncoated swing tags
Recycled or textured boards

Appearance:

Colours look softer, warmer, more muted
Ink absorbs into the fibres, reducing vibrancy

Perfect for:

Eco‑focused brands
Natural, artisanal aesthetics
Premium kraft tubes or bags

Why Colours Change on Different Materials

Even with the same Pantone number, colours shift depending on the substrate. Here’s why:

1. Absorption

Uncoated materials (kraft, tissue, recycled board) absorb ink like a sponge. Result: colours appear darker, duller, or more muted.

2. Surface Texture

Smooth surfaces reflect more light. Result: colours appear cleaner and more saturated.

3. Base Colour of the Material

White board vs brown kraft = completely different outcomes. Pantone Black 6C on white board = solid black Pantone Black 6U on kraft = greyish

4. Print Method

Offset printing = most accurate
Flexo = can appear grainier on kraft
Digital = CMYK simulation, not true Pantone
Screen printing = bold, opaque, great for bags and garments

Pantone vs CMYK: When to Use Each

Pantone (Spot Colour)

Best for brand colours
Perfect for logos
Ideal for luxury packaging
Consistent across suppliers

CMYK (Process Colour)

Best for photography
Good for multi‑colour artwork
More cost‑effective for short runs
Less accurate for brand colours

If your brand has a signature colour (Tiffany Blue, Coca‑Cola Red, Harrods Green), Pantone is the only way to protect it.

Real Examples Your Customers Will Understand

Your navy blue looks darker on kraft because the brown base absorbs the ink.
Your gold foil looks different on matt vs gloss because of light reflection.
Your brand red looks orange on tissue because tissue is semi‑transparent.
Your CMYK print looks different on every printer because CMYK mixes colours on the spot.

How to Choose the Right Pantone for Your Packaging

1. Always check both C and U versions

Your designer should specify both — e.g. Pantone 1525 C / Pantone 1525 U.

2. Request physical Pantone swatches

Digital screens lie. Pantone books don’t.

3. Consider the material first

Choose the Pantone that looks best on the substrate you use most.

4. Ask your supplier for a print proof

Especially for kraft, recycled board, or textured materials.

A Simple Cheat Sheet for Your Customers

Luxury glossy boxes → Pantone Coated
Eco kraft tubes → Pantone Uncoated
Tissue paper → Pantone Uncoated (expect softer colours)
Premium retail bags → Pantone Coated
Recycled board → Pantone Uncoated (colours will mute)
Metallics & neons → Pantone only

For more information and to speak with one of our experts, visit our website

Packaging Finishes Explained: Lamination, Spot UV, Hot Foil & More

When it comes to premium packaging, the finish is often what customers notice first — even if they don’t know the terminology. A soft‑touch box, a glossy highlight, a flash of metallic foil… these small details completely transform how a product feels in the hand and how a brand is perceived.

Here’s a clear, elegant guide to the most popular packaging finishes — what they are, how they look, and when to use them.

1. Lamination: Matt vs Gloss vs Soft‑Touch

Matt Lamination

A smooth, non‑reflective finish that feels modern and understated. Best for: luxury brands, minimalist designs, muted colour palettes. Why choose it: it reduces glare, hides fingerprints, and gives packaging a premium, velvety look.

Gloss Lamination

Shiny, reflective and vibrant. Best for: bold colours, photographic prints, high‑impact retail packaging. Why choose it: it makes colours pop and adds a polished, high‑energy feel.

Soft‑Touch Lamination

The “cashmere” of packaging finishes — velvety, tactile, and unmistakably premium. Best for: luxury goods, cosmetics, gifting, boutique brands. Why choose it: it creates an emotional response the moment someone picks up the box or bag. This lamination is highly recommended for dark backgrounds such as black, navy blue, dark green etc to avoid visible finger prints and scratches.

2. Spot UV: Shine Only Where You Want It

Spot UV is a glossy varnish applied to specific areas — a logo, pattern, or text — to create contrast against a matt background.

What it looks like:

Glossy highlights
Raised texture (if using raised UV)
A subtle “wet look” shine

Best for:

Logos on matt‑laminated boxes
Patterns that catch the light
Minimalist designs that need a premium lift

Why choose it: it adds sophistication without overwhelming the design.

3. Hot Foil Stamping: Metallic, Luxurious, Unmissable

Hot foil stamping uses heat and pressure to apply metallic foil onto packaging.

Popular foil colours:

Gold
Silver
Rose gold
Copper
Holographic
Matte black or white foils for ultra‑modern looks

Best for:

Why choose it: nothing says “premium” like a metallic flash that catches the light.

4. Embossing & Debossing: Texture That Speaks Luxury

Embossing

Raises the design above the surface.

Debossing

Presses the design into the material.

Best for:

Logos
Monograms
Patterns
Minimalist packaging that relies on texture

Why choose it: it adds a tactile, high‑end feel without adding colour or shine.

5. Varnishes: The Subtle Finishers

Varnishes are applied like a coating and can be matt, gloss, or satin.

Why brands use them:

To protect the print
To add subtle sheen
To create contrast without lamination

Great for:

Folding cartons
Food packaging
Eco‑focused brands wanting a plastic‑free finish

6. When to Combine Finishes

Some of the most luxurious packaging uses two or more finishes:

Matt lamination + gold foil → classic luxury
Soft‑touch + spot UV → modern, tactile, elegant
Embossing + foil → premium gifting and cosmetics
Uncoated board + debossing → natural, artisanal, eco‑luxury

The key is balance — one hero finish, one supporting finish.

7. Choosing the Right Finish for Your Brand

If your brand is luxury

Soft‑touch, foil, embossing, spot UV.

If your brand is eco‑focused

Uncoated boards, varnishes, debossing, minimal foil.

If your brand is bold and colourful

Gloss lamination, spot UV, holographic foil.

If your brand is minimalist

Matt lamination, blind embossing, subtle spot UV.

Final Thoughts

Finishes are where packaging becomes emotional. They influence how a customer feels before they even open the box. Whether you want subtle elegance or bold impact, the right finish elevates your brand and creates a memorable unboxing moment.

If you’re unsure which finish suits your product, your brand story, or your budget, Print & Pack can guide you — it’s what we do best.

Finish	Look & Feel	Best For	Why Choose It
Matt Lamination	Smooth, non‑reflective, modern	Minimalist brands, muted colours	Reduces glare, hides fingerprints, feels premium
Gloss Lamination	Shiny, vibrant, reflective	Bold colours, retail packaging	Makes colours pop, high‑impact finish
Soft‑Touch Lamination	Velvety, tactile, luxury	Cosmetics, gifting, boutique brands	Creates an emotional “premium” feel instantly
Spot UV	Glossy highlights on selected areas	Logos, patterns, minimalist designs	Adds contrast and sophistication without overpowering
Raised UV	Glossy + textured	Premium logos, tactile elements	Adds dimension and a subtle 3D effect
Hot Foil Stamping	Metallic shine (gold, silver, rose gold, etc.)	Luxury goods, limited editions	Unmissable, high‑end, catches the light beautifully
Embossing	Raised texture	Logos, monograms, patterns	Adds tactile luxury without colour
Debossing	Pressed‑in texture	Artisanal or minimalist brands	Elegant, subtle, premium feel
Varnish (Matt/Gloss/Satin)	Light protective coating	Folding cartons, eco‑focused brands	Plastic‑free alternative to lamination
Uncoated Board + Texture	Natural, tactile, eco‑luxury	Sustainable brands, craft products	Beautiful raw feel, pairs well with debossing

How environmentally friendly is foil blocking?

Why Branded Wooden Hangers Are a Small Detail That Make a Big Impact

When people think about premium branding, they often jump straight to packaging, bags, or labels. But one of the most effective ways to elevate your presentation — both in‑store and online — is also one of the most overlooked: branded wooden hangers.

For small brands, they’re a simple, accessible upgrade that instantly adds polish, consistency, and a sense of luxury without stretching the budget.

A Premium Look Without the Premium Spend

Wooden hangers naturally feel more refined than plastic or wire alternatives. They add weight, structure, and a sense of care — all subtle cues customers associate with high‑end retail.

Our custom wooden hangers are made from high‑grade wood and can be printed or engraved with your logo. We also offer branding with DTF transfer stickers on smaller quantities with short lead time. With options for natural, painted, or stained finishes, they’re an easy way to create a cohesive, elevated look across your brand.

Designed for Fashion, Retail & Occasionwear

Branded wooden hangers are especially popular with:

Independent boutiques
Luxury apparel brands
Bridal and occasionwear designers
Corporate clothing suppliers
Visual merchandising teams

They help garments sit beautifully on rails, in lookbooks, and in ecommerce photography — all of which strengthens brand perception.

A Small Detail With Long‑Lasting Impact

Premium branding isn’t always about big gestures. Often, it’s the quiet details that customers remember.

Branded wooden hangers:

Reinforce your brand identity
Enhance garment presentation
Improve the in‑store experience
Add polish to product photography
Create a cohesive, luxury feel

They’re a simple upgrade that delivers a surprisingly powerful impact.

How Small Brands Can Look Premium Without a Big Budget

Looking premium isn’t about spending more — it’s about choosing with intention. The most memorable brands aren’t always the biggest; they’re the ones that feel considered, consistent, and confident. If you’re a small business wanting that high‑end look without the high‑end invoice, here are the shifts that make the biggest impact.

1. Keep your brand palette simple and consistent

Luxury brands rarely use a rainbow. They choose two or three colours and commit to them everywhere — packaging, socials, website, labels, tape. A tight palette feels intentional, calm, and elevated.

Pro tip: Neutrals + one signature accent colour instantly read “premium”.

2. Upgrade one touchpoint, not all of them

You don’t need every element to be top-tier. Choose the moment your customer interacts with most — often the packaging.

A beautifully printed paper bag, a soft-touch mailer box, or a ribbon with your logo can lift the entire brand experience without overhauling everything.

3. Use texture to your advantage

Premium isn’t always about print — it’s about feel. Uncoated papers, kraft with a rich tone, soft-touch laminates, or a simple foil detail can transform even the most minimal design.

Texture whispers luxury more than loud graphics ever will.

4. Keep your design minimal

Minimal design is not only timeless — it’s cost-effective. Clean layouts, generous spacing, and a single strong logo look far more expensive than busy artwork.

Less ink, more impact.

5. Add one small “signature moment”

This is the detail customers remember — and photograph.

It could be:

A branded sticker sealing tissue
A wax seal on gift packaging
A ribbon in your brand colour
A thank‑you card with a warm, human message

These touches cost pennies but feel priceless.

6. Prioritise photography

You can have the best packaging in the world, but if the photos are dark, cluttered, or inconsistent, the brand won’t feel premium.

Natural light + clean background + consistent editing = instant upgrade.

7. Be intentional with language

Premium brands speak calmly and confidently. No shouting, no clutter, no “BUY NOW!!!”.

Warm, elegant copy builds trust — and trust is luxury.

8. Choose packaging that fits perfectly

Oversized boxes, bags, or mailers instantly cheapen the experience. Right‑sized packaging feels tailored, thoughtful, and high-end — and it saves money on materials and postage.

9. Invest in your unboxing experience

Small brands win on experience. A simple, well-layered unboxing moment feels boutique even if the components are inexpensive.

Think: tissue → product → thank-you card → sticker. Clean, calm, intentional.

10. Stay consistent everywhere

Premium isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. If your colours, tone, packaging, and photography all feel aligned, your brand will naturally feel more expensive..

How to Use Luxury Tissue Paper (Part 2): Elevate the Unboxing Experience

Luxury tissue paper isn’t just a protective layer — it’s a branding tool, a sensory moment, and the first impression your customer gets when they open their order. In Part 1, we covered the basics. Now, let’s go deeper into the techniques that turn simple packaging into a premium unboxing experience.

1. Layering for Volume and Drama

Luxury brands rarely use a single sheet. They build layers — soft folds, gentle height, and a sense of anticipation.

Start with a full sheet lining the base
Add a second sheet to wrap the product
Finish with a top layer that lifts as soon as the box opens

This creates a fuller, more luxurious feel without adding weight or cost.

2. The Signature Fold

A clean, intentional fold instantly elevates your packaging.

Try this technique:

Place the product diagonally
Fold the bottom corner up
Wrap the sides inwards
Finish with a crisp top fold secured with a branded sticker

It’s simple, repeatable, and looks beautifully professional.

3. Colour Pairing That Feels Premium

Luxury tissue paper works best when the colour palette is deliberate.

Winning combinations:

White tissue + gold or white logo → classic luxury
Black tissue + silver log → modern premium
Soft pastels + white print → boutique, elegant
Kraft + black print → eco‑luxury

If your brand colours are bold, tissue paper is a great way to soften or balance the palette.

4. Add a Scent (Subtle is Key)

A light fragrance can turn an unboxing into a sensory moment — but it must be gentle.

Options that work well:

Linen
Vanilla
Fresh cotton
Light citrus

Avoid anything overpowering. The goal is “clean and premium”, not “perfume counter”.

5. Use Tissue to Tell a Story

Printed tissue paper is a branding opportunity.

You can use it to:

Highlight your logo
Share your brand pattern
Reinforce your colour palette
Add seasonal or limited‑edition designs

Customers notice these details — and they photograph them.

6. Protect Without Looking Industrial

Luxury tissue paper can replace bubble wrap for many products.

For fragile items:

Wrap in tissue
Add a second layer
Finish with shredded paper or crinkle fill underneath

It keeps the look premium while still offering protection.

7. The Final Touch: Stickers, Cards, and Ribbons

Tissue paper is the stage — your finishing touches are the spotlight.

Pair it with:

A branded sticker
A thank‑you card
A ribbon or twine
A small insert with care instructions

These tiny additions make the unboxing feel curated and thoughtful.

Why Luxury Tissue Paper Matters

Customers don’t just buy a product — they buy the experience. Luxury tissue paper is one of the easiest, most cost‑effective ways to elevate that experience and make your brand feel premium, intentional, and memorable.

If you didn’t find the answer for your question or would like to explore more about this topic, please get in touch with our team @ Print and Packaging Solutions

What gsm is the best for your tissue/wrapping paper?

How to Use Luxury Tissue Paper to Elevate Your Packaging

Luxury tissue paper is one of those small details that makes a surprisingly big impact. It softens, protects, elevates and adds a sense of theatre — all while costing very little compared to other packaging upgrades. When used well, it turns an ordinary unboxing into a moment that feels thoughtful, premium and unmistakably “brand‑led”.

Here’s how to use luxury tissue paper in a way that feels intentional, elegant and memorable.

1. Wrap With Purpose, Not Just Protection

Luxury tissue paper isn’t just a buffer — it’s part of the experience. A neat wrap signals care. A soft fold suggests refinement. A crisp edge feels boutique.

A simple technique that always looks premium:

Lay the tissue flat
Place the product slightly off‑centre
Fold the long side first
Tuck the short sides in like a gift
Finish with a branded sticker or seal

This creates a clean, confident presentation that feels like opening a gift rather than unpacking an order.

2. Layering Adds Depth and Luxury

One sheet is functional. Two or three sheets feel indulgent.

Layering works especially well for:

Clothing and accessories
Beauty products
Gifting and subscription boxes
Homeware and lifestyle items

Use contrasting colours (e.g., white + black, pastel + metallic) for a more boutique aesthetic.

3. Use Tissue Paper to Tell Your Brand Story

Your tissue paper is a branding surface — even when the print is subtle.

You can use it to:

Reinforce your logo
Introduce a pattern or motif
Create a signature colour moment
Add seasonal or limited‑edition designs

Minimalist brands often choose soft, repeating logos. Bold brands go for full‑coverage patterns. Both look premium when printed on quality tissue.

4. Add a Reveal Moment

The “reveal” is what customers remember.

A few ideas:

Wrap the product, then add a second loose sheet on top for a soft reveal
Use tissue to separate multiple items in a gift set
Add a branded sticker that customers must gently peel back
Create a colour pop inside a neutral box

These small touches create anticipation — and anticipation is the heart of luxury.

5. Pair Tissue Paper With the Right Packaging

Luxury tissue paper works beautifully with:

The contrast between a structured outer box and a soft, delicate inner wrap feels intentional and high‑end.

6. Keep It Sustainable Without Losing the Luxury

Luxury doesn’t have to mean wasteful.

Choose:

FSC‑certified tissue
Recyclable inks
Lightweight sheets (17–22gsm)
Minimalist prints that use less ink

7. Make It Part of Your Signature Unboxing Style

The best brands have a recognisable unboxing moment.

Your tissue paper can become:

Your signature colour
Your signature pattern
Your signature fold
Your signature seal

When customers recognise your packaging before they even see the product, you’ve built something powerful.

Final Thoughts

Luxury tissue paper is one of the simplest, most cost‑effective ways to elevate your packaging. It adds softness, elegance and intention — and it turns every order into a small moment of delight.

Used well, it becomes part of your brand’s identity, your customer experience, and your story.

As always, we are happy to assist if you unsure about the right thickness, size, printing, just reach out to us at Print & Packaging Solutions.

Fragrance Blotters vs Spray‑and‑Reveal Scent Cards: What’s the Difference (and Which Do You Need?)

When it comes to fragrance sampling, not all tester cards are created equal. Two of the most popular options — fragrance blotters and spray‑and‑reveal scent cards — serve very different purposes, even though customers often confuse them.

If you’re a perfume brand, retailer, candle maker or car‑fragrance company, understanding the difference helps you choose the right tool for your scent experience.

Let’s break it down simply.

What Are Fragrance Blotters?

Fragrance blotters (also called scent strips or perfume tester strips) are the classic, absorbent paper strips used to test:

Perfume oils
Eau de parfum
Eau de toilette
Candle fragrances
Diffuser blends

They’re designed to absorb and release scent gradually, giving a true representation of top, middle and base notes.

Why brands love them:

Clean, accurate scent testing
Perfect for in‑store sampling
Ideal for perfumers developing new blends
Low‑cost and highly customisable
Great for events, launches and discovery sets

Blotters are the “industry standard” — simple, effective, and essential.

What Are Spray‑and‑Reveal Scent Cards?

Spray‑and‑reveal cards are a more modern, interactive sampling tool. They’re printed with a special coating that reveals artwork, colour, or messaging only when fragrance is sprayed onto the card.

Think of them as a little moment of magic — a sensory reveal.

Why brands love them:

High‑impact marketing
Perfect for launches and promotions
Creates a memorable customer experience
Encourages customers to spray the fragrance
Adds a premium, playful touch

These cards are less about technical scent evaluation and more about engagement and brand storytelling.

Blotters vs Spray‑and‑Reveal: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Fragrance Blotters if you want:

Accurate scent testing
Professional evaluation
Cost‑effective sampling
High volumes
Custom shapes or branding
Something suitable for perfumers, retailers, and candle makers

Choose Spray‑and‑Reveal Cards if you want:

A marketing moment
A visual reveal
A premium, interactive experience
Something memorable for events or launches
A card that encourages customers to spray the fragrance

Many brands actually use both — blotters for testing, reveal cards for marketing.

Customisation Options for Both

Whether you choose blotters or reveal cards, you can customise:

Shape
Length
Colour
Branding
Foil or embossing
Specialist absorbent card (for blotters)
Reveal coatings (for spray‑and‑reveal cards)

This makes them perfect for luxury brands who want every detail to feel intentional.

Not Sure Which One You Need?

If you’re unsure which sampling tool fits your brand, we’re always happy to help. We supply both fragrance blotters and spray‑and‑reveal scent cards in fully customisable options — ideal for perfume houses, retailers, candle makers and promotional campaigns.

You can explore our scent sampling products on the Print & Packaging Solutions website or get in touch for guidance.

Why Rain Covers Are a Must‑Have for Retailers (And Why So Few Suppliers Offer Them)

By Print & Packaging Solutions

When you run a retail business in the UK, you quickly learn one universal truth: the weather does not care about your beautiful packaging.

Your customers can leave your store with a luxury paper bag, only to step straight into a downpour. And suddenly that premium bag — the one you invested in to elevate your brand — is at risk of turning into a soggy, wrinkled mess.

This is exactly where rain covers come in.

What Rain Covers Actually Do

Rain covers are clear plastic sleeves designed to slide over your paper bags and protect them from:

Rain
Snow
Moisture
Accidental spills

They keep the bag dry, the structure intact, and the branding visible. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference to the customer experience.

Why Retailers Love Them

Rain covers are one of those products customers don’t ask for — but they remember when you offer them.

They:

Protect luxury purchases
Prevent complaints about damaged bags
Keep the unboxing experience perfect
Make your brand look thoughtful and premium
Reduce waste (no need to replace wet bags)

It’s a simple gesture that shows you care about the full journey, not just the sale.

Why They’re Hard to Find in the UK & EU

Here’s the interesting part: Rain covers are incredibly useful… yet almost no one supplies them.

Most packaging companies focus on bags, boxes, and tissue — but rain covers require:

Specific tooling
Custom sizing
Low‑minimum production on stock sizes
Fast turnaround
Clear, durable materials

That’s why Print & Packaging Solutions is one of the very few suppliers in the UK, and possibly the only one in the EU, offering them consistently.

This makes your business the go‑to source for something retailers genuinely need but can’t find elsewhere.

What Makes a Good Rain Cover?

Not all covers are equal. The best ones are:

Crystal clear (so your branding still shines)
Strong and tear‑resistant
Sized perfectly for your bags
Easy to slide on and off
Comfortable to carry

A rain cover should feel like a natural extension of the bag — not an afterthought.

Who Uses Rain Covers?

They’re especially popular with:

Boutiques
Luxury retailers
Gift shops
Bridal stores
Shoe shops
High‑end fashion
Department stores

Anywhere a customer leaves with a premium purchase, rain covers elevate the experience.

Why You Should Consider Adding Them to Your Packaging Range

If you want to:

Improve customer satisfaction
Protect your branded bags
Reduce returns or complaints
Add a premium touch
Stand out from competitors

…rain covers are one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

They cost very little, but the perceived value is huge.

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

If you’re unsure which rain covers fit your bags, we’re always happy to help. We supply custom sizes for all bag types — from small gift bags to large luxury carriers.

You can explore our rain covers on the Print & Packaging Solutions website or get in touch if you’d like guidance.

What colour on brown kraft?

When deciding on what colour to use on a brown kraft, there are more interesting options than only black and white.
Below are only a few of the projects we worked on and the colour options our clients decided to brand their packaging with.
We can print up to 3 colours on our off the shelf products, where 1 colour option is the most cost-effective.
We can also supply bespoke boxes with full colour on brown kraft.
All brown kraft products are eco-friendly and fully recyclable. ♻️

If you’re unsure which packaging is right for your brand, we’re always happy to help.
Explore our custom printed bags and boxes at Print & Packaging Solutions.

Express Packaging Glossary

Whether you are starting a new business or developing a well-running one, you will be in a need of packaging, and here is a quick packaging glossary, that may help you to better understand what specification your packaging company is asking for.

Aperture Handle:

Body of the bag has a punched out section to be used as a handle.

Art-Board:

Material that is slightly thicker than paper- has a smooth surface to create crisp print on.

Biodegradable:

Items that are Biodegradable have an additive built in them during the manufacturing process. This substance allows the plastic to break down quicker, by having the ability to be decomposed by living things or bacteria.

“Oxo-biodegradable” plastic can also be a great alternative to this – a more in depth explanation is listed further down this page.

Block Headed:

Bags are held together by heating the top header. Block headed bags are ideal where “easy- tear” is needed for quick packaging of goods. The head of the bags can be made with holes to fit a variety of display racking including euro-slots.

Bottom gusseted:

Added material to the bottom of the bag, creating more space and strength to its structure. Bottom gusseted carriers can normally stand up by themselves making them ideal for carrying food and drink.

Clear Film Window:

A transparent thin piece of polypropylene is inserted usually in the middle of an open-ended paper bag creating a “window”. This style is ideal for packaging baguettes, sandwiches and patisseries- as the food inside remains fresh and protected whilst still being visible.

Digital Printing:

A type of printing that does not need a printing plate made, as the artwork is sent directly to the printer. This is usually a faster way of having bespoke items made as there is minimal set up required. Ideal for start-up companies and/or smaller orders.

Die-cut:

Body of the bag has a punched out section to be used as a handle.

Flexi Loop:

“U” shaped handles attached to the main body of the bag. These handles can come in various colours and can be reinforced. Popular with fashion and clothing outlets.

Full Colour Print:

Uses the full spectrum of colours combined together in different ways to make up an image (it is also known as C.M.Y.K Print). Ideal for high definition/ photograph quality print work.

Gauge:

Unit used to describe the thickness of plastic. To convert this into micron, divide the gauge number by 4 for example: 500 gauge / 4 = 125 Micron. A list of grades are detailed below:

80 – 100 gauge: Very Thin (Ideal confectionary bags or dust covers etc.)

120-150 gauge: Thin (Ideal for confectionaries, dust covers, clothes and paperwork etc.)

180-200 gauge: Light/Medium (Ideal for carrying food items or household waste etc.)

250-350 gauge: Medium (Ideal for packaging warehouse, retail and industrial products etc.)

400-500 gauge: Medium/Thick (Ideal for items that are bulky or carrying weighty goods etc.)

600- 800 gauge: Thick (Ideal for products that have pointed edges, bulkier items and weighty goods etc.)

1000+ gauge: Very Thick (Ideal for times when ultimate strength is required, polythene sheeting in this thickness is used as damp proofing under concrete etc.)

GSM:

Grams per square metre is the unit used to describe the thickness of paper items.

HDPE/MDPE/LDPE:

HDPE- High Density Polythene- Economical/Cost-Friendly Plastic

MDPE- Medium Density Polythene

LDPE- Low Density Polythene- Higher Quality Plastic

Kraft:

Process used to make paper that is usually more durable and holds a higher strength than the average kind.

Litho Printing:

Ink is applied to a printing plate, which prints onto rollers or rubber blankets, from there it is then applied to the product. It is done this way to preserve the life of the metal plates and allow printing on any type of surface. Litho printing allows the use of a full range of colours to create high definition images at a faster rate than Screen Printing. This process is more suitable for larger orders and/or companies who have photographic artwork.

Low Noise:

Often used as a description for the adhesive used on tapes, meaning that there is a reduced amount of noise when tearing it. Ideal for busy or confined workplaces where sound should be kept to a minimum.

Micron/ Mu:

Unit used to measure the thickness of plastic.

See “Gauge” for a more in depth explanation.

Non- woven polypropylene:

Plastic fibres that are bonded together rather than “woven”. Ideal for those who wish to have cost-effective strong packaging for their products.

See “Woven Polypropylene” below.

Over Printing

Process of printing colours that layer on top of each other to create a special effect.

Oxo-Biodegradable Polythene bags

This is the most environmentally friendly option without losing the durability qualities of a standard plastic carrier. Oxo-Biodegradable bags have a unique material composition which allows it to degrade with prolonged exposure to air. These bags can also be recycled in a normal plastic waste stream.

Polypropylene:

A type of plastic that is versatile in many ways. Polypropylenes main properties is that can be made totally translucent and resistant to many chemicals. Polypropylene clear bags/film have a shinier appearance than standard polythene, making them ideal for displaying products and storing light-weight goods.

Polythene:

Is the most common plastic used in manufacturing. Polythene can be the ideal material for packaging heavier items and products that require reduced light exposure/ water resistance.

Reinforced Handle:

Handles that are made with added strength for carrying heavier items.

Glue patched: A strip of plastic is glued onto the handle. This provides additional strength when heavier items are placed inside.

Welded patched handle: A strip of plastics is welded onto the handle. This is ideal for when maximum strength is required.

Screen Printing

A fine mesh stencil is stretched out across the product which allows ink to be pushed through to create the artwork. It is the ideal cost-effective method of printing for those with simple artwork on a larger scale and/or those who wish to have the same print repeatedly.

Side Gusset

Added material to each side of the bag, which opens up to allow more room for packaging items.

Spot Colour

A solid colour print, which is applied during a single run requiring its own printing plate to be made. Ideal for simple artwork designs on a larger scale.

Square-base

A flat base at the bottom of the bag that allows items to stand up in.

Varigauge

This primarily pertains to polythene carriers where the bag is thicker in material at the top (near the handle) than the bottom to give added strength to it.

Woven polypropylene

Plastic fibres that are woven together to create an extra strong but lightweight material. This allows woven polypropylene bags to be reusable and durable.

If you’re unsure which packaging is right for your brand, we’re always happy to help.
Explore our custom printed bags and boxes at Print & Packaging Solutions.