Top Methods for Printing on Cardboard: A Complete Overview

Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Packoi Team

Why is printing on cardboard a growing trend in packaging and marketing? It combines branding potential with sustainable packaging, offering businesses a creative edge. Custom designs and eco-friendly features make it a smart choice for companies. Let’s dive into printing methods, cardboard types, and expert tips to help you get started.

What is Cardboard Printing

Cardboard printing refers to putting designs, images, or text on cardboard to make it aesthetically pleasing and serve its purpose. Printing can turn simple cardboard into attractive and functional packaging, advertisements, and a product label. No,w in your mind, you can make a picture of a plain cardboard box being turned into a bold statement of your brand. It is an economical and effective method of grabbing attention and making the business stand out.

All Cardboards are not the same at all, and every type is unique in its role. Single-wall corrugated cardboard is durable and ideal for use in shipping boxes that offer the protection of your goods. Double-wall cardboard is even better, providing an additional protective layer for the purpose of industrial-strength packaging. For lighter uses, paperboard and chipboard are perfect—they’re thin, non-porous, and perfect for things like cereal boxes or gift boxes.

Cardboard printing is budget-friendly, and this makes it ideal for any business that wants quality at a reasonable price. Cardboard is also environmentally sustainable. Most of the cardboard is reusable and compostable. Also, it is very flexible for usage; it can be used in food packing to even unique marketing solutions. With these benefits, it is not surprising that cardboard is a popular choice for various businesses all over the world.

Why Choose Cardboard for Packaging and Printing

An Ipsos study shows that 67% of participants think cardboard packaging is more attractive than alternatives. Let’s dive to know why you should adopt cardboard packaging:

Versatility and Popularity

Cardboard is a highly useful material. It accommodates different needs, ranging from food boxes to gift packaging. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to maneuver. Also, it is sturdy enough to safeguard the items during transport.

Benefits of Printed Cardboard

Printed cardboard makes your brand stand out in the public. You can add logos, colors, and designs in order to attract your customers. It’s wallet-friendly which makes it a perfect option for use by small as well as big businesses. Printed packaging gives a professional touch to your products.

Environmental Considerations

Cardboard is a biodegradable material and can be recycled. Adopting it reduces waste accumulation and helps save the planet for generations to come. Many of you choose cardboard just because of its eco-friendly packaging. Selecting cardboard is an indication that you are environment-conscious, and this is a statement in itself.

Benefits of Cardboard Printing

Boost Brand Visibility

Cardboard printing on a custom basis allows businesses to develop outstanding packaging solutions. Personalized designs not only advertise your brand but also influence the customers’ perception of your product. It skyrockets the brand awareness and the customer satisfaction.

Build Customer Loyalty

Customers do appreciate designs that have been given some thought when packing their orders. For this reason, using personalized cardboard boxes has a great positive impact on sales quality and buyer loyalty.

Cost-Effective and Durable

The use of cardboard printing is both cost-effective and a durable substitute for business ventures. It offers great quality without straining your budget.

Promote Your Brand’s Message

Printed cardboard is one of the top ways to display and pass your values across. Extra content ideas, logos, slogans, or environmental messages add to the trust and build a loyal customer base.

Professional Appeal

Artfully created cardboard packaging gives a well-crafted and professional finish and style and hence makes the buyers attracted to your product.

Factors to Consider When Printing on Cardboard

Cardboard Type and Thickness

The type and the thicknesses of cardboard matter when printing. Thin cardboard is easier to print on but may not handle heavy ink well. Thick cardboard is strong and durable but needs special techniques. Choose the right type for your design and printing method or in some cases, you may get custom product boxes.

Ink and Coatings

Not all inks work well on cardboard. Water-based inks are eco-friendly, but oil-based inks are more vibrant. Consider coatings like gloss or matte to enhance the look. A glossy finish makes colors pop, while matte gives a subtle, classy look.

Surface Texture

The texture of cardboard affects print quality. Smooth surfaces are great for detailed designs. Rough surfaces need bolder prints to stand out. Always test your design on the cardboard before large-scale printing.

Design Considerations

Your design should match the material. Bold and simple designs work best on cardboard. Avoid fine details that may not print clearly. Use colors that contrast well with the natural brown or white of cardboard.

Environmental Factors

Printing conditions can impact the result. Moisture or heat can warp cardboard, affecting the print. Store cardboard in a dry place and print in a controlled environment. Also, choose sustainable inks and cardboard to reduce environmental impact.

Printing Methods for Cardboard

There are various printing methods for different needs. Choose your required method from the methods below:

Offset Printing

Offset printing for cardboard packaging boxes is also called offset lithography or litho lamination. This method is cost-effective if you want to have good-quality images and printing of an artistic design. In other words, lithography allows you to get a perfect copy of your design made with any packaging design software.

Offset printing is a process whereby a printing plate with a specific image is made. Subsequently, the plate is inked, and the ink will stick to the image area only. Then, the image is copied onto a rubber blanket, and then the image is copied onto the desired surface, be it cardboard or paper. You can also consider this printing method as an indirect transfer that guarantees a high quality every time.

Flexographic Printing

Flexography is the most famous method used for cardboard packaging boxes. It can be printed on various cardboard materials, ruff or smooth with a great finish easily. Flexo printing is also fast because of low setup time and fast printing speed.  Nonetheless, quality images can also be printed on cardboard boxes through flexography.

Flexography is a method of printing on cardboard boxes where flexible rubber or photopolymer plates with raised image areas are placed on rotary cylinders. However, when the substrate passes between the inked plate and an impression roller – the inked design or shape is transferred onto the cardboard.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is the one that meets every need for printing on cardboard. And as the name suggests, you will not need expensive plates anymore which makes this method cost-effective.  Also, the quick setup and high-end results make digital printing stand out. 

The process starts with a digital image being sent to the printer from any offline or online product designer.  It is interpreted and translated here into a series of electronic impulses. These impulses regulate the amount of ink on substrate or cardboard boxes.

Screen Printing

A rather similar method to digital printing is screen printing, also known as silk printing. It is a go-to method if you are looking for bold graphics, illustrations, or solid color implementation on cardboard boxes. 

The process of screen printing begins with the preparation of a mesh screen extended tightly over a frame. The screen is then coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The coated screen is exposed to light after placing a film positive of the required design on the coated screen. After washing, the unexposed screen is prepared for the printing process. Then, the ink is used at the top of the screen, and using a squeegee, ink is spread across the cardboard boxes.  

UV Printing

UV printing is an innovative method of printing in which ultraviolet light instantly cures the ink. The global market of UV Printing is expected to grow to $1.71 billion by 2027. This method makes the prints clear and full of brilliant colors. It works perfectly on cardboard and gives long-lasting and durable designs. UV printing does not smudge or fade, making it best for professional packaging and branding.

The process starts with using UV ink printed on the cardboard. Another thing is that when the ink comes into contact with UV light, it quickly dries up, forming different sharp images. This method of rapid setting makes the work more accurate and saves time per print job. Also, UV printing is cost-effective since there is little wastage of solvents to clean the equipment after printing. Because of these aspects, it is the most recommended option for premium cardboard and cardstock printing.

Choosing the Right Printing Method for Your Needs

Volume Requirements

The selection of the right printing method depends on the number of items to be printed. If a good number of prints are required, offset printing is the most suitable option. It can handle large volumes promptly and offers standard quality. Digital printing is more efficient for low to middle quantities of prints. It is ideal for small numbers and urgent deadlines. The other method is screen printing, but it is more appropriate for medium runs with specific designs. Choose the right method to match your production needs in order to minimize time and costs.

Sustainability

Want an eco-friendly printing method? There are several. Digital printing uses less waste and fewer chemicals. When it comes to eco-friendly inks, offset printing can utilize soy-based inks, which is a green choice. Search for printers using recyclable or biodegradable materials for cardboard printing. Selecting greenways is beneficial for the planet and your business’s reputation.

Design Complexity

Not all types of printing are the same when it comes to handling complex designs. Digital printing is suitable for detailed images of many colors. It produces vivid images with very little configuration. For simple designs and fewer colors, screen printing is the best. If you need to handle both sorts, offset printing is the top choice, but the cost of setting up makes it more suitable for large volumes. Take into consideration your design details before making your decision.

Budget Considerations

There are differences in the cost of printing methods. Digital printing is cost-effective in small quantities since there is no need to incur the setup cost. Offset printing is expensive during setup but is cheaper when used for large quantities. Screen printing also has an initial cost but is relatively cheaper for medium-scale production. Select the printing method that fits your budget requirement and order size. 

Applications of Cardboard Printing

Product Packaging

Printing is perfect for creating eye-catching cardboard packaging. Print your logo, brand name, or designs directly onto cardboard boxes. It gives your products a professional and polished look. This method works well for shipping boxes, retail packaging, or subscription boxes. Customers will notice the effort, which helps build trust in your brand.

Temporary Displays

Looking for cheap and easily assembled banners for a short event or promotion? Cardboard printing is the solution. You print bright images for promotional displays, season-related campaigns, or other occasions. These displays are portable and relatively easy to make. In addition, you can reuse them after the promotion is complete, making it a green choice as well.

Standing Displays

Printed cardboard is also great when used in standing displays such as end caps or signs. These are mostly employed in retail outlets to gain attention. You can print a logo in a bold font, a large headline in a bright color, or any important text. Because they are rigid, portable, and cheap, standing displays are suitable to place in high traffic. 

Art Projects

Generally, cardboard printing is not limited to businesses. It is also handy for artistic or artistic creations. Custom décor, school projects, or even the latest wall art can be created using printed cardboard. Cardboard is easy to cut, fold, and embellish so you may come up with anything you desire. 

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Choosing the right printing partner is crucial for top-notch cardboard printing. Look for a partner with proven expertise, advanced technology, and a commitment to quality. The type and size of your cardboard also play a vital role—select materials in various sizes that align with your design needs to ensure vibrant and durable prints.

Invest in high-quality inks and advanced printing methods to achieve professional results. Poor-quality materials can ruin your design and waste time. Always test your print designs on a small scale before committing to bulk printing. This helps identify potential issues and saves money in the long run. By combining the right partner, materials, and techniques, your cardboard prints will leave a lasting impression.

Trends in Cardboard Printing for 2025 and Beyond

The cardboard printing industry is evolving rapidly, with several exciting trends shaping the future. Sustainability is a key driver. Expect growing demand for eco-friendly inks and recyclable finishes that reduce environmental impact without compromising print quality. Consumers and businesses alike are embracing greener options for packaging and printing.

Advancements in digital printing are making waves. Personalization is becoming easier, allowing brands to create unique designs tailored to specific customers. Fast turnarounds are also possible, meeting the need for speed in today’s fast-paced market.

Another game-changer is the integration of augmented reality (AR) and QR codes into printed designs. These technologies bring an interactive element, enhancing customer engagement and offering new marketing opportunities. By incorporating these trends, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, providing innovative and sustainable solutions that captivate customers and keep them coming back for more.

Conclusion

Cardboard printing is an affordable and long-lasting solution that can work wonders for your business. It’s perfect for packaging, promotional items, and so much more. By choosing this option, you not only save costs but also boost your brand visibility in a meaningful way.

Finding the right printing partner and top-quality materials is essential to getting the best results. Take the time to work with a partner who truly understands your needs. With the right combination, cardboard printing can take your brand’s awareness to new heights and leave customers impressed and satisfied.

Switch to Sustainable Packaging Today—Packoi Printing Has You Covered!

Now is the time to embrace sustainable packaging. It’s great for the planet and boosts your business’s appeal. Customers love brands that care about the environment. Packoi Printing makes the switch easy. We offer eco-friendly packaging and customized solutions. Contact us today to discuss your ideas and get a quote.