Custom packaging has become a critical part of brand strategy. In a market where consumers make purchasing decisions in seconds, the box your product arrives in can be just as important as the product itself. Delhi is home to a thriving packaging printing industry, and understanding your options helps you create packaging that protects your product, communicates your brand, and stays within budget.
Types of Packaging Boxes
The right box type depends on your product, shipping requirements, and brand positioning. Corrugated boxes are the workhorse of shipping and e-commerce packaging. They offer excellent protection, can be printed with brand graphics, and are available in single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall configurations for different weight requirements.
Folding carton boxes are the standard for retail packaging. Made from paperboard, they are lightweight, easy to print on, and ideal for products displayed on store shelves. Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food products, and electronics commonly use folding cartons.
Rigid boxes (also called set-up boxes) are the premium option. They do not fold flat and are used for luxury products like perfumes, jewellery, electronics, and gift sets. The unboxing experience with a rigid box creates a lasting impression. At Aarya Printers, we produce all three box types with custom dimensions and printing.
Material Selection for Packaging
Material choice affects durability, print quality, cost, and environmental impact. Kraft paper and board offer a natural, eco-friendly look and are popular with organic and artisanal brands. White-coated duplex board provides a smooth surface for high-quality printing and is the most common choice for retail cartons.
For corrugated boxes, the flute type determines cushioning and stacking strength. E-flute is thin and ideal for retail-ready corrugated packaging with detailed printing. B-flute offers more cushioning for heavier products. Combining flutes (like BC or EB) provides both print quality and protection.
Printing Techniques for Packaging
Offset printing delivers the highest quality for packaging with detailed graphics, gradients, and brand colours. It is cost-effective for runs of 500 or more boxes. Flexographic printing is commonly used for corrugated boxes and is economical for large volumes with simpler designs.
Digital printing is gaining ground in packaging, especially for short runs, prototyping, and personalised packaging. It allows brands to test designs before committing to large offset runs and supports variable data printing for limited editions or regional variations.
Finishing That Elevates Your Packaging
The right finishing transforms a printed box into a brand statement. Matte and gloss lamination protect the surface and enhance visual appeal. Spot UV draws attention to logos and key design elements. Foil stamping in metallic colours adds luxury. Embossing and debossing create tactile depth that customers notice immediately.
Window patching adds a transparent panel that lets customers see the product inside, commonly used for food, bakery, and gift packaging. Die-cutting creates custom shapes and openings that make your packaging unique.
Getting Started with Custom Packaging
Begin by defining your product dimensions, weight, and protection requirements. Share your brand guidelines and design files with your printer. Request a structural sample (blank box without printing) to verify dimensions and functionality before approving the printed version.
For pricing, the key variables are box type, material, size, print colours, finishing, and quantity. Larger quantities significantly reduce per-unit cost. Plan your packaging needs quarterly to take advantage of bulk pricing. Check our packaging printing tips for more detailed guidance on getting the best results.