When selecting the best solution for your packaging strategy, the debate often revolves around direct carton and label printing.
Direct carton printing allows you to print designs directly onto the carton, while label printing involves applying printed labels to the packaging, which also promotes flexibility for frequent design changes.
Now, considering the distinct advantages offered by these methods, how can we determine which solution is better for our packaging needs?
Let’s find out the answers by delving into the following article that will give you essential information for your specific branding needs.
Understanding Direct Carton and Label Printing
With both methods presenting different kinds of benefits, understanding the details of each is crucial. So, let’s start diving into how they work in the packaging industry.
Direct Carton Printing
Direct carton, also known as direct-to-box printing, involves the process of printing designs and product information directly on the surface of carton packaging.
Commonly, it is done with large-scale and advanced technology, like digital printing and flexographic printing.
The printer uses specialized inks to apply text or images in a continuous process with the production of the packaging itself. This method is very practical as it eliminates the need for attaching labels to the packaging.
Label Printing
In contrast with direct carton, label printing includes the process of printing product information, logos, and others onto label materials.
Once the labels are printed, they are cut to the desired shape and applied to the surface of packaging using automatic labeling or manual systems depending on the production scale.
Key Benefits of Direct Carton Printing
Both direct carton and label printing offer key advantages, but direct carton printing is often ideal for businesses looking for a cost-effective method with long-lasting print results.
Here are the detailed key benefits that you might need to know:
Affordable Choice for High-Volume Production
By printing product information directly onto the packaging, businesses using direct carton printing no longer need additional labeling, which effectively reduces overall costs.
As production volume increases, it also becomes increasingly affordable since printing large quantities can reduce cost per unit, making it ideal for mass production.
Long Lasting Print and Long-term Use
Direct carton printing mostly uses durable inks that can resist smudging and fading, meaning that the print results can last longer even under demanding conditions.
It also ensures your long-term branding consistency that will help promote product recognition and brand identity over time.
Simplify Production Process
As it eliminates the need for printing separate labeling, direct carton can simplify and streamline the production workflow.. This results in faster production times and improves overall efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly
The efficiency provided by direct carton and label printing is similarly unquestionable. But, other than offering efficiency, direct cartons also reduce energy consumption and require fewer materials that ultimately can reduce waste and environmental effects.
Many direct carton printing processes also use eco-friendly inks, which are less harmful to the environment and help reduce your environmental footprint.
Read About: Sustainable Packaging Strategies for E-commerce: Reducing Waste and Impact
Improved Branding Opportunities
By providing high-quality printing results directly on the carton, products may stand out on store shelves, leading to enhanced brand identity and stronger visual appeal.
When to Choose Label Printing Over Direct Printing
While direct printing has its own advantages, there are certain situations where label printing may be a better option. Here are times when label printing is a more perfect choice for your businesses.
Complex Designs
Label printing and direct cartons have the capacity to provide high-quality results, but if you need fine and complex designs, label printing can give greater precision with a variety of finishes.
Low Volume Production
For smaller batches of production, it is considered to be more affordable to print labels than directly print onto the carton.
Label printing also allows for on-demand changes and customization without the need to interrupt a whole production line, making it perfect for low-volume production.
Packaging Variability
Besides providing on-demand opportunity, label printing offers an easy way in applying the same branding information across different sizes and types of packaging. it’s a great option for improving both flexibility and accuracy in label application.
Read About: Conquering the Challenges of Code Printing on Sleeve Packaging
Choosing the Right Printing Technology for Your Business
When choosing the right printing technology for your direct carton and label printing needs, it is important to consider key factors, such as print quality, production speed, cost, and sustainability.
The printing technology you choose should be able to deliver desired results and can keep up with your production pace.
If sustainability becomes your brand identity, then you should also consider eco-friendly technologies. But, the most important part is, evaluate the whole costs, including both setup and operational costs.
Experience Reliable Print Results for Your Packaging Need!
Selecting the best printing technology for direct carton and label printing requires meticulous consideration. Inkjet printers such as thermal inkjet, can offer flexible processes, lower costs for large volumes, and eco-friendly solutions.
Revolutionize your printing process and experience reliable print results with thermal inkjet today. Discover and see a complete list of thermal inkjet printers here.
References
https://ixtenso.com/technology/carton-identification-labelling-or-direct-printing.html
https://www.weber-marking.com/blog/marking-on-cardboards-labels-vs-inkjet/
https://rotechmachines.com/rotech-blog/box-labelling-or-direct-printing-which-is-better
