We print digitally for quick turnarounds and short runs, and with flexo and rotogravure for the most cost-effective pricing as you grow. Same Pantone-matched colour, whichever method fits your run.
Digital printing gets you to market fastest. Flexo and rotogravure bring your unit cost down as runs grow. Whichever you choose, you get faster lead times and the most competitive pricing structure in North America.
10,000 units: digital is usually the fastest and best-value choice.
No plates and no setup, so artwork goes straight to press. Ideal for short runs, multiple designs, seasonal flavours and test launches.
Typically 5,000 to 25,000 units per design
Flexographic plates are a one-time cost that pays off in a lower unit price on every bag, pouch and roll. Fast press speeds keep lead times short.
Typically 25,000 to 250,000+ units
Engraved cylinders lay down rich, photographic print with rock-steady colour over very long runs, at the lowest unit cost for high volumes.
Typically 250,000+ units and repeat orders
Prints straight from your file, like a very large, very precise office printer. There are no plates to make, so setup is quick and every design in a run can be different.
Flexible photopolymer plates carry ink from an engraved anilox roller onto the film at high speed. Plates are a one-time cost per colour that pays back on every unit after.
Your image is engraved into metal cylinders as tiny cells that hold ink. Cylinders cost more up front but last for very long runs with rich, consistent colour.
| Digital | Flexo | Rotogravure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | None: prints from file | Plates for each colour | Engraved cylinder for each colour |
| Plate or cylinder fees | None | One-time, per colour | Higher one-time cost |
| Best run length | Short runs and many designs | Medium to long runs | Very long and repeat runs |
| Unit cost | Higher, flat per unit | Lower as runs grow | Lowest at very high volume |
| Turnaround | Quickest | Fast | Longer setup, then very fast |
| Image quality | Sharp, full colour | Bold colour and solids | Rich, photographic, very consistent |
| Design changes | Easy, no new plates | New plates for changed colours | New cylinders for changed colours |
Typical characteristics. The best method for you depends on quantity, number of designs, colours and timeline, so we quote the option with the lowest total cost.
We use the Pantone Matching System so your colours stay consistent across pouches, tubes, labels and cartons, and from one reorder to the next.
Pricing, print options and a production timeline for pouches, bags, tubes, roll stock and folding cartons.
(647) 494-7229Choose digital for the quickest turnaround, short runs and multiple designs, since there are no plates to make. Choose flexo for the most cost-effective unit price on medium and long runs. Rotogravure suits very large, repeat runs that need premium image quality and the lowest unit cost at volume.
Not on digital printing. Flexo uses printing plates and rotogravure uses engraved cylinders, which pay off on longer runs through a lower unit price.
Yes. We print with the Pantone Matching System so your colours stay consistent across pouches, tubes, labels and cartons.
Yes. Every order starts with a dieline and a digital proof, and physical samples are available on request.
Yes. We supply dielines, set up label templates and review your artwork before it goes to print.
Yes. Many brands launch with digital printing, then switch their best sellers to flexo or rotogravure as volumes grow. We keep your colours consistent with Pantone references and proofs.
We match to your Pantone references and proof every job. Each method reproduces colour slightly differently, so we review proofs with you when you switch methods.