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In today’s flexible packaging industry, printing technology is not only associated with the external appearance quality of packaging, but also directly influences brand image, production efficiency, cost control and rhythm of the market. With the growing market demand for customization, small batches and multiple SKUs, companies are increasingly weighing between Gravure Printing and Digital Printing when choosing printing methods.
So, what are the differences between these two printing methods? How do you choose the best solution for your product? This article will give you a detailed answer.
What are Gravure Printing and Digital Printing?
グラビア印刷
Gravure Printing is a traditional, efficient and mature printing method. It carves graphic grooves on metal rollers, uses the grooves to carry ink, and then transfers the ink to the surface of the packaging film material through high pressure. Because of its clear image and stable color, it has a very high cost-effectiveness in large-scale printing.
Technical features:
- Requires advance plate making (copperplate engraving)
- Fast printing speed, suitable for long and large orders
- Full colors, strong pattern layering
- High color consistency of the same batch of products
デジタル印刷
Digital Printing is a modern printing technology that directly prints images on the surface of film materials based on digital files. No traditional plate making process is required, design modification is more flexible, and the production cycle is short, which is especially suitable for personalized and changing needs.
Technical features:
- No plate making is required, direct file printing
- Efficient production in small batches
- Can print variable data (such as QR codes, batch numbers)
- Fast response and strong ability to adapt to market changes
Gravure Printing vs Digital Printing: Comprehensive Comparison
| Item | グラビア印刷 | デジタル印刷 |
| Principle | Transfers ink to the material using engraved cylinders | Directly prints patterns using inkjet technology |
| Plate Making | Requires engraved copper plates | No plate needed; prints directly from digital file |
| MOQ | Higher minimum order quantity, suitable for large batches | Supports small batch customization, highly flexible |
| Cost Structure | High upfront plate cost, but low unit cost in large volumes | No plate cost; more economical for small batches |
| Color Performance | Stable and rich color, ideal for high-precision designs | Bright colors, suitable for short-term or fast-moving products |
| Lead Time | Plate making + printing, longer turnaround time | Fast printing, shorter lead time |
How Should You Choose In Various Scenarios?
Ideal Scenarios for Choosing Gravure Printing
- Main product packaging for large quantities and long-term use
- Extremely high requirements for image quality and color reproduction
- Hope that the unit cost will be more competitive
- Long preparation period, can tolerate plate making time
Typical application industries:
- Main food packaging (snacks, beverages, cereals)
- Daily chemical products (laundry detergent, shampoo, detergent)
- Pet food (large packages such as dog food and cat food)
- Agricultural products (rice, seeds, fertilizer packaging)
Ideal Scenarios for Choosing Digital Printing
- Small batch, multiple SKU, seasonal products
- Quick market demand, shortened delivery time
- Personalized or high-end customized packaging
- Design with QR code, tracking code, variable information
Typical application industries:
- Health products/nutritional supplements (trial packs, combination packs)
- Boutique coffee and tea packaging
- Quick sample production for cross-border e-commerce and DTC brands
- Cosmetic trial packs, limited edition packaging for holiday gift boxes
- Pop-up/joint/festival marketing event packaging
Market Trends: Digital Printing Is Growing Rapidly, But Gravure Is Still the Mainstream
In recent years, with the maturity of flexible digital printing technology, Digital Printing Its advantages in the fields of rapid response and small-batch customization are becoming increasingly prominent, especially popular among small and medium-sized brands, new consumer brands, and cross-border e-commerce customers.
However, Gravure Printing is still the mainstream industrial printing method worldwide, especially in industries such as food, agriculture, and daily chemicals that have higher requirements for unit price, production capacity, and color accuracy. Its advantages cannot be completely replaced in the short term.
Therefore, hybrid printing strategies are becoming the choice of more and more brands and factories: using Gravure as the main SKU and using Digital for limited editions and new product trial sales.
Stanley Package: Create the Right Printing Solution for Your Product
として professional flexible packaging manufacturer, スタンレー・パッケージ has a complete Gravure Printing and Digital Printing production line. We not only provide high-quality packaging bag production services, but also provide the following according to customer needs:
- OEM/ODM customized design
- Packaging material structure and printing method suggestions
- Free proofing and fast sample delivery services
- Variable data and anti-counterfeiting printing solutions
- Environmentally friendly ink and material option support
We provide wholesale packaging bag customization services for various industries, including:
- Food-grade zipper bags, eight-side sealing bags, flat-bottom bags
- Health care soft bags, small-capacity aluminum foil bags
- Coffee packaging bags, frozen food bags, pet food bags
- Cosmetic packaging and promotional bags
- Personalized design and variable data printing services
Still hesitating about which printing method to choose? Welcome to contact スタンレー・パッケージ for professional advice and free samples. Let us help you improve the competitiveness of your products with the right packaging solutions!
