How to choose the color box material and process suitable for the product?
Publish Time: 2025-04-15
When customizing the color box, the choice of material and process is directly related to the protection, aesthetics and cost-effectiveness of the packaging. Appropriate materials and processes can not only enhance the product image, but also optimize the supply chain efficiency. The following analyzes how to accurately match materials and processes from four dimensions: product characteristics, usage scenarios, budget and environmental protection needs.
The packaging requirements of different products vary significantly. For example, food products need to pay attention to the food grade certification and moisture resistance of the material. Corrugated paper boxes with laminating technology can effectively block water vapor; electronic products emphasize compression resistance. Gray board or medium fiberboard materials combined with cardboard lining can provide stable support for the product. Cosmetic packaging pays more attention to touch and visual effects. Tactile paper or art paper with local UV and hot stamping processes can create a high-end texture. If the product is heavy, it is necessary to choose a high-weight material or enhance the structural strength to avoid deformation during transportation.
The use scenario of the color box determines the durability requirements of the material. Retail display needs to highlight visual appeal, and glossy materials can be used with large-area printing; e-commerce delivery needs to take into account both compression resistance and lightness. E corrugated or B corrugated paperboard can not only cushion the impact, but also reduce logistics costs. Long-distance transportation requires additional consideration of stacking pressure, and the number of cardboard layers can be increased or honeycomb cardboard can be used to replace part of the structure. If the product needs to be refrigerated or anti-oxidation, aluminum foil composite materials or vacuum aluminum-plated paper can be used to extend the shelf life.
The process selection needs to achieve the best effect within the budget. Basic printing (such as four-color offset printing) is suitable for large-area patterns and the cost is controllable; if local highlights or textures are required, hot stamping, embossing and other processes can be superimposed, but the process area needs to be controlled to control costs. For small batch orders, digital printing can reduce the minimum order quantity limit, but the unit cost is higher; large-scale production is suitable for traditional printing methods. The process combination needs to avoid over-design. For example, the superposition of hot stamping and embossing processes may increase the scrap rate, and the feasibility needs to be verified through proofing.
As regulations become stricter, environmentally friendly materials have become an important consideration. Degradable materials (such as FSC-certified paper) and water-based inks can reduce environmental impact, but the supplier's qualifications need to be confirmed. Simplifying the packaging structure (such as reducing the number of layers) can reduce costs and comply with the trend of reduction. If the brand positioning emphasizes environmental protection, recycled cardboard or plant-based inks can be used, and the concept of sustainability can be conveyed through packaging design.
The final solution needs to be verified by physical tests, including drop tests, stacking tests, and printing color difference tests. When working with suppliers, it is necessary to clarify material specifications (such as gram weight, burst resistance) and process parameters (such as hot stamping temperature, UV curing time), and keep proofing records as acceptance basis.
The selection of color box materials and processes is a systematic project, which needs to be centered on the product and comprehensively consider functions, costs and compliance. By accurately matching needs, it can not only enhance the value of packaging, but also avoid waste of resources, and ultimately achieve a win-win situation for brands and markets.
