​Offset or digital printing - which is the better choice for paper packaging?

Digital printing technology marks an important step for the printing industry. However, compared to traditional offset printing, does the digital printing method really "outperform" its predecessors in this field?
 

What is the difference between offset printing and digital printing?

In the traditional offset printing process, the image is first made out of film and out of zinc, then the ink from the zinc plate is transferred to a piece of rubber, finally printed onto the paper. In general, offset printing is relatively time-consuming to produce the final product.
Meanwhile, the modern digital printing method has removed many of the complex stages used in offset printing and other conventional methods. In pdf format, images are printed directly onto paper. Therefore, digital printing helps to increase printing productivity. 
 

Offset printing and digital printing - which is less expensive?

In offset printing, the cost of zinc plates and auxiliary materials is relatively high. However, when printing a large number of same prints, offset printing will save you much cost because you only need to spend the cost of creating zinc sheets out of the set.

In contrast, the digital printing method reproduces full color printing effects without setting up time and cost. Therefore there is no limit to the minimum number of prints or initial costs incurred.


 

Is the quality of offset and digital printing different?

In offset printing system, Pantone ink is the standard color system. Meanwhile, the digital printing method simulates colors by synthesizing the CMYK color system.

Therefore, for publications designed using standard Pantone tones and requiring sharp, accurate color system, especially those related to brand identity such as packaging, labels, cards, hang tag, catalog, most businesses choose the offset printing method to have accurate color tones.

Read more: The power of CMYK color system in offset printing
 

What kind of material can digital and offset printing be used?

Currently, offset printing can print a series of finished prints on different surfaces, even on wood and fabric. Meanwhile, digital printing is mainly used on paper materials and is limited to other surfaces.







Depending on each purpose, quantity and quality requirement, businesses can choose the printing technology suitable for the product they need to process.

However, if you are still confused about choosing packaging printing technology, Khang Thanh's printing experts will help you choose the appropriate digital and offset printing technology to have the best packaging products.

Khang Thanh - The packaging manufacturer in Vietnam specializes in producing paper bags, carton box, carton offset, labels, hangtag, books, calendar, POSM and so on. Contact us to support your brand with the right packaging: 


KHANG THANH CO., LTD - ​HOUSE OF PACKAGING
Tel: (+84) 77 8878 222 ​
Email: info@khangthanh.com