The two main printing technologies in packaging are flexo (relief printing) and offset (planographic printing). Both deliver quality results – but each fits different needs. Understanding the difference helps businesses choose right and optimize cost.
Flexo printing: fast, economical, ideal for high volume
Flexo printing uses rubber plates and liquid inks (water-based or solvent-based) applied directly to carton or plastic film surfaces. Strengths:
- High speed – best for orders of 5,000+ boxes.
- Low per-unit cost at high volume.
- Direct printing on carton – no need for laminated decorative paper.
- Water-based inks – low VOC emissions, environmentally friendlier.
Limitations: lower resolution than offset, not ideal for highly detailed images or complex gradients.
Offset printing: high detail, for premium packaging
Offset printing uses metal plates and thick inks, transferred through an intermediate rubber roller before reaching the paper. Strengths:
- High resolution – fine details, smooth gradients, crisp small text.
- Accurate color matching – easy to hit Pantone targets for premium brands.
- Versatile substrates – prints on duplex, ivory, kraft, metallic foil.
- Premium finishes – combines with gloss/matte lamination, foil stamping, embossing.
Limitations: higher setup cost than flexo, not economical for runs under 1,000 units.
Which to choose?
- High-volume shipping boxes – flexo printed directly on carton.
- Premium product boxes (cosmetics, gifts, food) – offset.
- Need both – laminate an offset-printed sheet onto carton for durability plus aesthetics.
UNI-PACK runs 3 flexo lines (4 and 6 color) and 4 – 6 color offset lines – giving us flexibility to recommend the right method per order. Contact us at +84 221 655 2345 or cs@unipack.vn for analysis of the optimal printing approach for your product.
As a business operating in the field of packaging production and providing comprehensive packaging solutions for many different industries such as food, fast-moving consumer goods, industry, logistics…
HOTLINE: +84 221 655 2345 – ZALO: +84 356 234 847