A Comprehensive Guide to Packaging Materials and Printing Techniques

I. Commonly Used Packaging Materials

Coated Paper: Known for its dual glossy surfaces, this type of paper supports double-sided printing and is available in various weights ranging from 80g to 400g. For higher thickness, two sheets are often laminated back-to-back. It is widely used in producing brochures, folded leaflets, and premium box coverings.

Corrugated Fiberboard: Light in weight yet structurally durable, this material offers significant load-bearing capacity and moisture resistance. Different flute types (such as A, B, C, E, F, ordered from largest to smallest) are selected based on specific application needs. It is commonly employed in packaging for specialties, grains, fruits, and other agricultural products.

White Cardboard: Available in white-backed and gray-backed varieties, white cardboard is a sturdy type of paper made from high-quality wood pulp. It allows only single-sided printing and comes in weights from 80g to 400g. Quality is classified into three grades: A, B, and C.

Paperboard: Often used in gift box production, paperboard is typically laminated with coated or specialty paper on the surface. Common base colors include black, white, and gray, with thickness selected according to load-bearing requirements. If coated paper is laminated, diverse printing effects can be achieved. If specialty paper is used, the options are usually limited to hot foil stamping, though some types allow simple printing.

Specialty Paper: This category includes a wide variety of papers such as embossed, patterned, and metallic-finish papers. These materials undergo special treatments to enhance the texture and perceived value of the packaging.

II. Common Printing Techniques in Packaging

Four-Color Process Printing: This method uses four primary ink colors—Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K). By blending these colors, a full spectrum of hues can be produced, resulting in vibrant and detailed graphic outputs.

Spot Color Printing: Unlike process printing, spot color printing uses pre-mixed ink for a specific color. Metallic shades like gold and silver are frequently applied this way. These colors are often matched using the Pantone system. Note that gradients cannot be reproduced with spot colors.

Lamination: After printing, a thin layer of plastic film is applied to the printed surface. This layer can be either glossy or matte, providing protection, enhancing visual appeal, and increasing the material’s rigidity and tensile strength.

UV Printing: This technique involves the application of ultraviolet light to cure specially formulated inks or coatings. It is often used for localized gloss effects, making certain design elements stand out with a heightened立体感（three-dimensional effect）.

Foil Stamping: Using heat and pressure, this process transfers metallic foil onto the surface of the printed material. It results in a shiny, reflective finish but is generally limited to a single color at a time.

Embossing: This method utilizes matched male and female dies to press the substrate and create a raised design. It works on papers of various thicknesses but is not suitable for paperboard.