Print Options for Cardboard Packaging
Which print finish is best for your product? What’s the difference between Litho, Flexo, Digital, and Screen printing? How many colours do you need for your design, and should you choose a textured finish? There’s a lot to consider when selecting the perfect packaging for your brand.
At Smurfit Westrock Atlas, part of the Smurfit Westrock group, we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality print processes for cardboard boxes and packaging solutions across the south and west of England and Wales. Whether you need photo-quality litho printing, cost-effective flexo, fast-turnaround digital, or specialty screen printing, our expert team ensures your packaging not only protects your product but also captures attention and enhances brand value.
All our inks are water-based, plastic-free, and contain no animal products, making them the best choice for sustainable packaging in the UK.
Our print processes
Lithographic Printing (Litho)
- Photo-quality results: Ideal for vibrant, high-detail designs with up to 9 colours.
- Enhanced durability: Can be combined with laminates and varnishes for added protection and visual appeal.
- Perfect for: Premium packaging that demands a high-gloss, magazine-quality finish.
- Ideal for additional finishes: Foil blocking, texture and spot UV
Digital Printing
- Short-run efficiency: Economical for e-commerce, subscription boxes, and personalised packaging.
- Fast turnaround: Directly prints from digital files, ensuring quick delivery.
- Flexible: Great for variable data or custom designs.
Flexographic Printing (Flexo)
- Budget-friendly: Prints directly onto cardboard, reducing costs compared to litho-laminated options.
- Simple or detailed: Standard Flexo offers 1-3 colours, while High Quality Flexo allows up to 6 colours.
- Ideal for: Interior and exterior printing, handling instructions, or high-volume production.
Additional print finishes
Elevate your packaging with decorative embellishments to boost perceived value and brand recognition:
- Foil blocking
- Textured, soft-touch, or rough laminates/varnishes
- Spot UV
- Embossing & debossing
- Matt & high-gloss finishes
- Glitter & pearlescent effects
- Glow-in-the-dark printing
Sustainability & precision
- Eco-conscious inks: Our water-based, plastic-free inks are kinder to the environment.
- Exact colour matching: Our Ink Kitchen uses spectrophotometers to ensure consistent, accurate brand colours every time.
