Eye-catching packaging is crucial for grabbing customer attention. However, what’s often overlooked is the durability of its decoration. Even the most attractive packaging can quickly lose its charm if its design succumbs to scratches, fading, or damage during transit or storage, potentially leading to lost sales and disappointed customers.
This is where screen printing steps in as a game-changer for decorating packaging. Unlike other methods, screen printing offers exceptional durability, making it ideal for decorating packaging that will endure the rigors of shipping, storage, and everyday handling.
The durability advantage of screen printing
Screen printing is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a stencil onto the product packaging. It can produce designs that stand the test of time due to the following reasons:
Use of thick inks
Unlike many other printing methods that use thin inks, screen printing uses a thicker, more robust ink formulation, which is typically plastisol-based. Plastisol is a type of polyvinyl chloride resin that exists in a liquid state at room temperature. Here’s what makes it ideal for decorating product packaging:
- High viscosity: Plastisol ink is thicker and more syrupy than standard inks. This allows for a substantial layer of ink to be deposited on the packaging material, creating a raised, textured effect.
- Solid opacity: Plastisol ink delivers complete coverage, unlike thinner inks that can become faint on dark or colored materials. This ensures your design stays crisp and vibrant, no matter the packaging’s base color.
- Durable binders: The strong and flexible binders (i.e., the glue that holds the ink together) used in plastisol ink ensure excellent adhesion to the packaging material. This translates to resistance against cracking, peeling, or flaking, even with repeated use or exposure to harsh conditions.
Ability to use specialty inks
With screen printing, you can use specialty inks that are significantly more resistant to fading and wear compared to standard inks. Here’s what makes them so durable:
- High-performance pigments: These pigments are specially formulated to resist fading and offer superior lightfastness, which means they won’t lose their color intensity even when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors.
- Chemical-resistant binders: Specialty inks use binders that are specifically designed to form a stronger and more durable bond with the packaging material. This enhanced adhesion allows the ink to withstand exposure to chemicals, solvents, or moisture without smudging, peeling, or losing its vibrancy.
- Advanced additives: Depending on the desired effect, specialty inks may incorporate specialty additives, such as those that make the ink more resistant to scratches or abrasions.
The unique properties of specialty inks make them perfect for decorating products that need to maintain their appearance over an extended period, such as medicine bottles, skincare product labels, or high-end packaging.
Curing process
While the thickness and type of ink used in screen printing provide a solid foundation for durability, the true magic lies in the curing process. In this process, the ink is baked onto the packaging, transforming the ink into a tough, permanent part of the surface. Screen-printed designs are thus resistant to scuffing, moisture, and the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. This enhanced durability is especially important for products such as food and beverages that may be exposed to harsh conditions during transport or storage.
There are two common ways to cure ink in screen printing: heat curing and UV light curing. Heat curing uses heat lamps or conveyor ovens to heat up the ink. The heat evaporates the solvent that carries the ink, leaving behind the concentrated pigment particles. It also triggers a chemical reaction in the binder. This reaction makes the binder form stronger connections between itself and the packaging material, creating a permanent bond.
UV curing, on the other hand, uses high-intensity UV light to activate special ingredients in the ink called photoinitiators. These photoinitiators then start a chain reaction that links the ink molecules together, forming a solid and durable layer on the packaging surface.
Why choose Pro-Motion for screen printing on packaging?
At Pro-Motion Industries, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier screen printing services that elevate your packaging needs. When you work with us, you can expect to enjoy the following advantages:
Seasoned decorating professionals
Our team has extensive experience in screen printing and possesses a deep understanding of the entire process. From the initial design concept to final production, our specialists will ensure your vision is flawlessly translated into reality.
Cutting-edge technology
We invest heavily in the latest screen printing equipment, which allows us to achieve sharp, consistent printing, even for complex designs or packaging with challenging materials or shapes.
Unmatched customization
We offer a wide range of customization options, including a vast selection of inks, colors, finishes, and even special effects. This means we can tailor the look and feel of your decorations to perfectly match your brand identity and help your product stand out from the competition.
Flexible solutions
Whether you’re launching a new product that requires a small batch of decorated packaging or need a large-scale production run, we can accommodate your needs. We offer flexible solutions that cater to your specific requirements and order quantities.
Rigorous quality control
At Pro-Motion, quality is paramount. We enforce stringent quality control measures throughout the entire process to ensure that every decorated packaging meets our rigorous standards before it leaves our facility. You can rest assured knowing that your packaging will arrive looking flawless and consistent, every single time.
By choosing us for your screen printing needs, you’re not just getting attractive and durable screen-printed packaging — you also gaining a partner that is committed to your product’s success.
Ready to discuss your project and see how Pro-Motion Industries can help your brand stand out with exceptional screen-printed packaging? Get in touch with us at 856-809-0040.