Once you have chosen the best material and format for your product, you need to take the next step of deciding what type of printing you want to use. You will need to ask yourself the following questions: Which printing technique for flexible material is best for my product? What run length do I want? What am I trying to communicate with my brand?
There are different printing options on the market, including rotogravure, HD flexography, offset and digital printing. Knowing the advantages of each one will help you make your decision, bearing in mind the length of the run, the packaging material and the required finish.
Today we are going to look at the EB offset technique for flexible plastic, focusing on its advantages and uses, and discovering the latest technological advances related to this printing system.
How does EB offset printing work?
Offset is a direct printing technique that has its origins in lithography. The artwork is broken down transferred to a plate using laser technology. The plates are printed with the design, with one plate for each colour. The printed plates are then placed on cylinders which turn the whole mechanism for the plate to transfer the ink. The EB (Electron Beam) inks used also contain no solvents, which translates into quicker drying times and greater sustainability.
This option is ideal for short and medium runs with a high rotation of designs, or for combinations of designs in a single run.
EB OFFSET PRINTING ON FLEXIBLE MATERIAL
The offset printing system has been used for many years to print on paper. However, thanks its advantages when printing on plastic, it has become one of the best options for flexible packaging.
In the food sector, it is used with:
- Packaging for cold cuts and sausages
- Packaging for sauces and liquids
- Packaging for fish and shellfish
- Packaging for cheese
- Packaging for fruit and vegetables
- Packaging for dry food products
- Packaging for confectionary, cakes and breakfast items
- Packaging for dried fruits and nuts, pickles and spices
- Packaging for food and dietary supplements
- Packaging for pet food products
Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, in the non-food market it is used for printing packaging for perfumes, personal care products, and chemical and biological products.