What is offset printing and why is it used for packaging?

Offset lithographic printing (offset litho) is the dominant printing method for high-quality packaging. Ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket roller, then rolled onto the printing surface — hence "offset".

Why offset printing is preferred for packaging:

• Superior colour accuracy — Pantone spot colours can be matched precisely


• Consistent quality — every print is identical across large runs


• Cost-effective at scale — per-unit cost drops significantly at higher quantities


• Versatile — prints on paperboard, corrugated, uncoated stock, and specialty materials


• Excellent detail — crisp text, fine lines, and photographic images

Offset printing process for packaging:
1. Pre-press: artwork separated into CMYK (or spot colour) plates
2. Plates mounted on press cylinders
3. Ink applied to plates, transferred to blankets, then to stock
4. Post-press: cutting, creasing, folding, gluing

When is offset best?


• Print runs over 1,000 units


• When Pantone colour matching is essential


• Premium packaging requiring the finest print quality


• Projects needing extensive finishing (foiling, embossing)

For shorter runs under 500–1,000 units, digital printing may be more cost-effective.