Why Bespoke Printing Matters in Food Packaging

At Weald Packaging, we’re more aware than most of just how competitive the food industry can be. Your product may well be the most delicious item on the market, with the best ingredients and the highest nutritional value amongst your competitors. But if it doesn’t stand out? It’s unlikely to move from the shelves.

With this in mind, there’s a strong case to be made that bespoke food packaging is more important than ever. More than just keeping your products fresh, custom packaging captures attention, communicates your brand’s values, and creates a memorable experience for your customers.

Let’s explore how bespoke packaging can make the difference, and why choosing the right printing method matters.

An Introduction to Customised Food Packaging

When we talk about custom food packaging, we’re referring to any packaging that’s been printed or designed specifically for your brand or product. This could include a variety of features: your logo, colour scheme, slogan, or even highlights from the product’s nutritional information.

Whatever combination of the above, this tailored approach to the design ensures your product looks and feels unique. From bespoke takeaway boxes for street food vendors to beautifully branded wraps and pouches on the shop shelves, customised food packaging is a powerful tool in building a consistent and professional image.

The Benefits of Custom Printed Food Packaging

There are plenty of reasons why investing in bespoke food packaging pays off, especially for food processors, wholesalers, or outlet groups who can often struggle to have their products noticed:

1. Brand Recognition

Clear, distinct branding – and consistently branded food packaging – helps customers instantly recognise your products. Over time, this builds familiarity and loyalty. In effect, this is free advertising every time someone sees or carries one of your branded products.

2. Shelf Appeal

In a crowded market, customised food packaging boxes help your products stand out. Bold graphics, high-quality finishes, and clever messaging can all make a big different at the point of sale. This doesn’t need to be over the top, but almost anything will usually be better than a blank, unbranded box.

3. Professionalism & Trust

Consumers generally associate well-designed packaging with quality. A clean and informative label gives the impression that your business is trustworthy and cares about its products.

4. Flexibility

Custom printing lets you tailor different designs for specific product lines, seasonal promotions, or marketing campaigns. This can be a highly effective means of making your packaging dynamic, especially if you have a wide selection of products available.

Rotogravure Printing vs Digital Printing: What’s the Difference?

There are two main methods of producing bespoke food packaging available: rotogravure and digital printing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:

Rotogravure Printing

Also known as gravure printing, this is a high-speed, high-volume process that involves engraving a design onto a rotating cylinder. The cylinder is then inked and the image transferred to the printing material (substrate) by pressing and rolling the cylinder against it, creating the printed image.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for high volumes

• Excellent print consistency

• Durable and long-lasting print quality

Digital Printing

Digital printing works more like an office or home printer, with your design sent straight to the press. This method is faster to set up, with lower minimum order quantities and no need for printing plates.

Pros:

• Great for short runs and testing new designs

• Faster turnaround

• Minimal setup costs

Choosing the Right Printing Method for Your Food Packaging

The most suitable method will depend on your order size, lead times, budget, and packaging type. If you’re producing large volumes of bespoke takeaway boxes, for example, rotogravure printing could be the most efficient choice. On the other hand, if you’re testing new flavours or running a limited release of a product, digital might offer the flexibility you need.

At Weald Packaging, we work closely with our customers to find the best solution for their business – whether that’s a large production of flow wrap or a short batch of customised food packaging boxes.

For more information, get in touch today and we’ll help you choose the right packaging, materials, and printing methods for your needs.

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