Understanding the terminology used in custom printed packaging can help you communicate more effectively with the team at Made to Pack.
Decoding Packaging Terms: A Guide for Effective Communication
A
Artwork: The visual elements used in the design of packaging, including images, graphics, and text.
B
Bleed: The area of a printed piece that extends beyond the trim edge, ensuring no unprinted edges appear in the final product.
Boxboard: A type of paperboard used for making boxes, typically thicker and more rigid than regular paper.
C
CMYK: The color model used in printing, stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
Corrugated Board: A material consisting of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards, used for making boxes.
D
Die-cutting: A process that uses a die to cut shapes out of printed materials, often used for creating custom packaging shapes.
Digital Printing: A method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media.
E
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging designed to have minimal environmental impact, often made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
F
Folding Carton: A type of packaging made from paperboard that is cut, folded, laminated, and printed for retail packaging.
G
Gloss Finish: A shiny finish applied to printed materials to enhance their appearance.
H
Hot Foil Stamping: A process that stamps foil onto the packaging material.
I
Inkjet Printing: A type of digital printing that uses droplets of ink to create an image on the packaging material.
J
JIT (Just-In-Time): A manufacturing process that reduces inventory costs by producing items only as they are needed.
K
Kraft Paper: A strong, durable paper made from wood pulp, often used for packaging and shipping.
L
Lamination: A process of applying a protective film to printed materials to enhance durability and appearance.
M
Mock-Up: A full-scale model of a design used for demonstration and evaluation purposes.
N
Nesting: Arranging multiple pieces of packaging material in a way that minimises waste during the cutting process.
O
Offset Printing: A common printing technique where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface.
P
Pantone Matching System (PMS): A standardised color reproduction system used in printing to ensure color consistency.
Prepress: The process of preparing digital files for printing, including proofing and plate making.
Q
QR Code: A type of barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone to access information or a website.
R
Recycled Paper: Paper made from recycled materials, often used in eco-friendly packaging.
Rigid Box: A sturdy, non-collapsible box often used for luxury packaging.
S
Spot UV: A UV coating applied to specific areas of a printed piece to create a glossy effect.
T
Tuck End: A type of box closure where the flaps tuck into the box to secure it.
U
UV Coating: A protective coating cured by ultraviolet light, providing a high-gloss finish.
V
Variable Data Printing (VDP): A form of digital printing that allows for customisation of each printed piece with unique information.
W
Window Patch: A clear plastic film is applied to a cut-out window in the packaging to allow visibility of the product inside.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask Made To Pack!