Using texture to differentiate your packaging might be just the edge you need to separate your products from your competitors. Many consumers use touch when deciding on products. If your product is fully packaged but small enough that the consumer will pick it up, it is key that you will need to spend time thinking about first impressions. Graphic Design is always going to be number one in this strategy, but with so many options for texture why choose just the basic stock options.
Embossing is the process of raising graphics above the surface whereas de-bossing is the process of sinking the graphics below the surface. Both embossing and debossing can create a dramatic effect on your packaging when used on key elements of your design. Another great use from both embossing and debossing is to include a foil stamp.
“Out shine” your competitors with a ultra high gloss finish. There are two main types of high gloss finishes: aqueous (water based coating) coating and U.V. coating.
Aqueous coatings are not as impressive as U.V. coatings but they are budget friendly. They also can be food safe and FDA approved (make sure to let us know if you require food safe or FDA approved coatings).
U.V. Coatings are known for there impressive finishes. They make colours pop out and shine. U.V. coatings are also known to be more durable against scuffs and abrasions. If you really want to impress your consumers try spot U.V. coatings. Spot U.V. is when you use two different dies to make some elements high gloss but others matte. Another option to add even more texture using U.V. coatings is to create a “soft-touch” coating.
Is your product targeting a environmentally conscious market? Try using kraft stock without extra coatings and vegetable based inks. Another option is to use 100% recycled cover stock. There are options for smooth or very grainy stock.
There are too many options of paper stock to chose from but we can break it down to the 4 most common: Column, felt, laid and Linen.
Column has a ribbed texture. You will commonly see ribbed textured materials used a wrapper. As it isn’t the easiest material to print on it is better to emboss or deboss the material where you plan to use graphics.
Felt has a great touch to it is easily printed on.
Laid has a ribbed texture and is easily printed on.
Linen is the most common textured material used for textured packaging material. It is very versatile and easy to print on.
As you can see there are many different options for outshining your competitors using texture within your packaging strategy. The options can become overwhelming and limitless. Many of the options listed above can be combined with one another to create mind blowing designs. Contact us today to discuss which methods can work best with your products.
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