Creating custom printed shipping boxes is a multistage process that goes beyond transferring artwork onto a corrugated carton. The entire package should be designed around the product, its supply chain journey, and the brand message it needs to communicate.
At Paige Packaging, our team works with customers to fully understand their packaging requirements. This helps us determine the right corrugated construction and printing approach before the artwork phase begins. Below, we review the key factors our team discusses with customers to develop custom printed shipping boxes tailored to their applications. We go over how box construction shapes artwork, different printing methods, and why corrugated packaging calls for specialized graphic design expertise.
For packaging that looks right and performs as intended, contact Paige Packaging to learn how our products and services can meet your needs.
Before Design Begins: Discussing Your Packaging Needs
Having a clear scope of our clients’ product and supply chain helps our design team create artwork that fits the finished package. Here’s what we focus on:
- What product will the box hold?
- What are the product’s dimensions and weight?
- How will the box be shipped, stacked, stored, and handled?
- What box style and construction make sense?
- What corrugated board/flute is appropriate?
- Are there special structural or performance requirements?
Choosing the Right Box for Custom Printing
After the foundation is laid, our focus turns to the physical construction of the box. We aim to create a container that reflects your brand and offers ample product protection.
Box Style and Dimensions
Box style determines the shape and usable print area of the package as panel sizes can vary significantly between carton styles. Meaning, artwork designed for one structure may not be translated cleanly to another. For best results, we make sure final dimensions are established before graphic development kicks off.
Ideal Flute Profile & Board Grade
Choosing the flute profile and board grade is the next crucial step once the box dimensions are confirmed. A large flute like C or B provides a high level of protection for industrial or bulk products.
Smaller flutes and specialized board grades offer a smoother print surface that helps graphics appear cleaner and more defined. This option is often well suited for products that need less protective cushioning or brands that prioritize detailed imagery and vivid color.
Structural Elements
Artwork on custom printed shipping boxes can look very different on the flat sheet of corrugate than it does after the final assembly. That’s why scores, seams, handles, folds, and other structural features need to be taken into consideration during the design process. Pai
How the Box Will Be Oriented and Displayed
Is your custom printed shipping box being used solely for transportation and storage, or is it an ecommerce package that needs to make a positive impression on the consumer? The package application and how it will be positioned help determine where to place logos, product information, and other graphic elements.
Custom Printing Shipping Boxes: Flexo Graphic vs. Lithographic
Paige Packaging has both flexographic and lithographic printing capabilities to accommodate every type of project. We can recommend the best method for our clients’ custom printed shipping boxes to ensure an outcome that aligns with their packaging requirements.
Flexographic Printing
With flexographic printing, ink is applied directly to the corrugated surface using flexible printing plates. This seamlessly integrates the design with the natural appearance of the corrugated board, so solid colors and clean lines work best. Subtle gradients and intricate details may not appear clearly. It’s often the best method for large runs of custom printed shipping boxes that need consistent, clear branding.
Lithographic Printing
During the lithographic printing process, the graphic is printed on a sheet that is then laminated to the corrugated board. The result is polished surface with photo-accurate detail and accurate color representation. This level of refinement makes lithographic printing the preferred method for custom printed shipping boxes that require precise imagery, rich color, and an overall premium visual appearance.
Aligning Graphic Design with Your Brand Goals
At Paige Packaging, our graphic design team collaborates closely with customers to make sure our containers align with project goals, including
- Brand visibility
- Product presentation
- Retail or e-commerce unboxing
- Shipping and handling performance
- Promotional messaging
- Simple branding or bold graphics
- Existing brand guidelines, colors, logos, and fonts
Design Custom Printed Shipping Boxes with Paige Packaging
A strong corrugate design accounts for the way artwork moves from a flat sheet to a three-dimensional box. Designers must consider panel transitions, fold lines, seams, flaps, handles, and other structural features that can affect how the graphics appear.
Paige Packaging brings package engineering and graphic design expertise together to develop custom printed shipping boxes that look and perform as intended. Contact us to start the conversation and find the right supplier for your packaging needs. We offer a range of products and services to help clients across different industries.