When is it better to choose flexographic printing over digital printing for paper bags?

It’s best to choose flexographic printing over digital printing for paper bags when the order quantity is large, a wider color palette is desired for the bag’s appearance, or the print needs to extend to the sides and bottom of the bag. However, the printing method is not freely selectable by the customer: it is determined based on the order quantity. The following sections explain what flexographic printing entails in practice and what types of needs it is best suited for.

What is the difference between flexographic printing and digital printing on paper bags?

Flexographic printing and digital printing differ from one another in terms of technology, print area, and color profile. Flexographic printing is an industrial process suitable for larger orders and allows for printing not only on the front and back of the bag but also on the sides and bottom. Digital printing, on the other hand, is a faster option suitable for smaller orders, with a print area limited to the front and back of the bag.

The two methods differ significantly in terms of color profiles. Digital printing uses the CMYK color profile. Flexographic printing also uses the PANTONE color profile, which ensures precise, standardized color shades.

In addition, flexographic printing allows the entire surface of the bag to be colored—for example, creating a yellow bag or black handles—which cannot be achieved in the same way with digital printing. These differences make the methods complementary rather than competitive.

When is flexographic printing a more cost-effective option?

Flexopaino muuttuu kustannustehokkaaksi vaihtoehdoksi suuremmissa tilausmäärissä, koska painolaatat ja tuotannon valmistelukustannukset jakautuvat useammalle kassille. Mitä suurempi tilaus, sitä pienempi yksikkökustannus. Pienemmissä tilauksissa digipaino on tyypillisesti taloudellisempi valinta, koska siihen ei liity vastaavia valmistelukustannuksia.

Käytännössä tämä tarkoittaa, että flexopaino sopii parhaiten tilanteisiin, joissa kasseja tarvitaan säännöllisesti. Myymäläketjuille, jakeluun tai muille toimijoille, joilla on jatkuva tarve logopainatuille paperikasseille, flexopaino on usein luonteva ratkaisu.

On myös hyvä huomioida, että flexopainossa toimitusajat ovat pidempiä kuin digipainossa. Tämä on syytä ottaa huomioon tilauksen ajoituksessa, erityisesti jos kasseja tarvitaan nopeasti kampanjaa tai sesonkia varten.

Is flexographic printing suitable for all paper bag designs and materials?

Flexographic printing is suitable for a wide range of paper bag styles, but not equally so for all of them. The method works particularly well for flat-handled and drawstring paper bags, and it also allows for printing on the sides and bottom of the bag, which is a clear advantage over digital printing.

Printing options should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as the bag’s structure and material affect how well the printing turns out in practice. Flexographic printing can also be used to change the entire base color of the bag, which opens up possibilities for implementing brand colors in a way that digital printing cannot.

How does the order quantity affect the choice of printing method?

In practice, the order quantity is the factor that determines which method is used. The customer does not choose the printing method; rather, it is determined based on the order quantity. Smaller orders, starting at 100 copies, are produced using digital printing. Larger orders are produced using flexographic printing.

This distinction is practical: digital printing is well-suited for small businesses or one-off campaigns that require flexibility and speed. Flexographic printing, on the other hand, serves businesses with a continuous or high demand for logo-printed bags and for whom color accuracy and a larger print area are important.

As order quantities increase, the unit price of flexographic printing decreases, while also opening up the possibility for more extensive visual design, such as printing on the sides and bottom of the bag and changing the color of the entire bag.

Is flexographic printing the right choice from an environmental perspective?

Environmental considerations alone are not a reason to choose flexographic printing over digital printing, and neither method is automatically more sustainable than the other. What matters more is choosing paper bags over single-use alternatives and ensuring that the bags are reused.

If you’d like to find out which printing method best suits your needs, please contact us via the contact form and let us know your order quantity and preferences. Kassatieto’s experts will help you find the best solution.

Kassatieto is a second-generation Finnish family business that combines extensive experience, Finnish production and responsible business practices. Our aim is to make our customers’ daily lives run more smoothly with reliable products and expert service.