Behind The Flexible Packaging Process -- Pre Press

Process Spotlight: Pre-Press

    With low minimum order quantities, quick speed to market and the ability to create bespoke packaging solutions tailored to specific product needs, it’s not surprising that digitally printed flexible packaging is the first choice for many retail brands. That being said, there is a lot that goes into producing our award-winning packaging. From design to quality control, this series will give an in-depth insight into the process of producing digitally printed flexible packaging. 

    This time we are taking a look at pre-press. This is the first step in the flexible packaging process and can be broken down into 3 parts;

  ·Artwork received

  ·Internal checks

  ·Print Proof

Artwork Received

    Now that you have settled on the perfect packaging solution for your product, it’s time to think about your packaging design. Our team is happy to recommend graphic designers with a wealth of experience designing show-stopping flexible packaging. When submitting your packaging designs, we ask that they be submitted on a Care Pack email that reflects the size, format and features of your packaging. This will be provided by a member of our sales team. To avoid any delays in the artwork approval process we ask that all artwork be submitted following our design guide. You can download a copy of our digital print artwork guidelines here.

Internal Checks

    Artwork can be submitted in PDF, AI or PS file formats. Once your artwork has been submitted, our pre-press team gets to work conducting a number of quality checks to ensure your packaging is printed to perfection. Once artwork is submitted in the correct format, it is entered into our intelligent pre-flight system which picks up on basic errors such as missing text, low-resolution imagery and colours that are over the standard ink tolerance. After this, the team conducts a more in-depth visual check for items such as layout and placement. At this stage, the team will suggest adjustments or changes where errors are found. 

Proofing

    Within 24 hours of receiving workable artwork, the pre-press team will send a print proof for approval through our online PDF Review & Approval platform. Once artwork has been approved, it is converted into a print file and sent to our digital presses for proofing. Colour proofs are sent to clients to approve new designs or updated to existing designs that could result in a change in colour. They are printed onto the same material that the finished packaging will be made from. They are backed with exact materials and finishes to give the most accurate impression of final print colours. The physical proof is posted after 48 hours and can be approved by email. For quality purposes, we keep a record of all proofs to ensure colour continuity across all orders. Once your packaging designs are approved they are sent to the print room for production. 

Benefits of Digital

    Digital printed packaging is an excellent choice for brands that want flexibility without compromising on quality. It enables businesses to rapidly change their designs, ordering only the quantities they require, when they need them. The development of smart software means that digital printing is the only print option capable of processing variable data and graphics. Allowing brands to customise and personalise each individual pack, enhancing their shelf presence and driving engagement through on-pack promotion and campaigns.