We often overlook packaging, but it plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. Everything needs packaging, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, to ensure the product stays in its original condition. Have you ever wondered how packaging is made? There is more than one kind of packaging. Some packaging is made of plastic, and some with cardboard. However, the purpose of every packaging is the same: protecting the inside of the product. In this article, we’ll explore the process of making gorgeous-looking packaging.
Design and Development
In the first step, the design team gathers ideas after understanding the customer's needs and providing them with different choices. First, they ask about their target audience; once they know, they research which factors trigger them toward the items. Selling any product is about playing with emotions. Once you figure it out, no one stops a customer from buying the product. After finalizing the design, the production team starts working on the style and size of the packaging depending on the product requirement. There are plenty of options that vary according to the price. Packaging experts suggest an option that fulfills product needs and aligns with the customer’s budget. In the retail industry, customized packaging helps create a premium experience for customers.
- Understand target audience and product needs.
- Finalize design and packaging size based on requirements.
- Ensure alignment with brand identity and budget.
Sourcing Materials
Before sharing the price quote, the packaging provider checks whether the material that the customer is demanding is available or not. In case of unavailability, they share alternative options that suit the customer's budget. Instead of importing materials from other countries, packaging brands prefer to source materials from local markets. In this way, they not only save their time but also save money in terms of paying shipping charges. Selecting the material for making packaging is the process that makes a big difference. Because the main concern of every customer is product protection. However, it can only be achieved if the material is of good quality.
- Source quality materials locally to reduce costs.
- Test materials for durability and protection.
- Suggest alternatives if preferred materials are unavailable.
Plate Making and Printing
After getting the approval regarding the design from the customer, they share the file with the scanner. The operator transfers the artwork onto a metal plate in the scanner department. Most of the packaging companies use offset printing machines. The reason for using these machines is to achieve high-quality printing. The number of rollers works together in the printing process where a plate is mounted over the main roller. This roller is responsible for transferring the design on the card or paper. Good printing enhances the packaging quality. That is why big packaging brands only use imported inks that give bright colors and long-lasting effects.
- Create metal plates for design transfer.
- Use offset printing for high-quality results.
- Ensure vibrant colors with premium inks.
Lamination
For enhancing the durability of printed sheets, lamination is vital. Without the use of any covering colors will never retain their original condition. For that purpose, lamination is necessary, and a thin sheet of plastic is applied with the help of glue or chemicals. Glue makes sure that the lamination stays with the sheet for a longer period. Lamination sheets have different types. Matted lamination gives a decent look, whereas gloss lamination is ideal for giving a stylish look. Moreover, lamination also acts as a barrier against water and moisture. That is why, without the use of any protective sheet, it is not possible to maintain packaging quality.
- Apply matte or gloss lamination for durability.
- Protect packaging from moisture and damage.
- Enhance appearance with the right finish.
Die Making/Cutting
Designing a package requires careful planning and creating the design by using the technology called CAD (Computer Aided Design). Laser-cutting machines make the die line by eliminating the areas for placing the blades. After that, steel blades are set in the hollow space in the board. Now the die is ready to perform. The die-cutting process starts with placing the wooden die on the top head of the die-cutting machine, and the card is on the bottom area known as a plate. The bottom head hits the die with pressure, so that’s how a sheet converts into an unfolded box. Cutting is a critical step and requires a lot of experience. With the perfect blend of pressure and technique, a simple sheet of card acquires the shape of a flat box.
- Design dies using CAD technology.
- Cut sheets precisely into box shapes.
- Ensure accurate cuts with proper pressure.
Assembling and Quality Assurance
In the packaging industry, some brands are producing packaging on a large scale, and some at a small level. A small packaging company has a team that is responsible for making boxes by hand. However, the chances of facing errors are high when a company assembles its boxes manually. On the other hand, big packaging companies have a completely automated assembling system. In this case, machines bind and paste boxes precisely, and it is hard to find faulty packaging. Both of these modules have their advantages and disadvantages, but there is still a need for a person who assures that everything is up to the mark.