Pandemic Packaging Trends: Specialty Finishes Continue to Shine

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Although 2020 events have impacted supply chains and slowed the growth of sustainable packaging, the importance of specialty finishes continues to be a pandemic packaging trend. Many brands opt for new foil techniques and innovative varnish textures as a way to keep costs down, while still achieving a high-end look.  They are also an effective touch to get your packaging spotted on social media and online shopping platforms.

Overnight Labels printed Eden BodyWorks new labels usinga soft-touch laminate film with cold foil application

Overnight Labels printed Eden BodyWorks new labels for the Almond Marshmallow line, which feature a soft-touch laminate film with cold foil application

These include:

  • Glitter: Incorporates small holographic bits of glitter.
  • MotionCoat: A UV coating system that when used with vector based artwork creates a stunning motion-like image.
  • Gloss: Creates a noticeable contrast between the glossy UV coating and the smooth matte appearance where the spot OPV is under the coating.
  • Pearlescent: Produces a pearl shimmer effect when applied over or under an ink or on a substrate and can mute an image when applied over ink.
  • Emboss: Is a multi-dimensional label with a raised effect in specific areas that gives depth to a design and adds a tactile sensation. It’s typically used on lettering, custom designs, patterns, or decoration effects to create a striking label.
  • Sandy Feel: Range of different particle sizes that allows for a very rough to soft and silky feel options.
  • Soft Touch: Creates a matte surface that has a velvety, soft feel.
  • Tactile: A finish that gives a slightly raised texture to the label that drive people touch and feel it.
  • Cold Foil: allows printers to apply foil onto a substrate at press speed.  This technique produces brilliant metallic effects and can print fine lines, reverse outs, half tones and full tones, all in accurate register.
  • Spot Coating: is used to make sections of label design stand out, while also adding dimension with the contrast of gloss and matte finishes.

    To achieve this glitter effect for Eva NYC:, Overnight Labels applied cold foil on a shrink sleeve

Overnight Labels has been widely recognized for their emphasis on innovation and an expertise in finishes.  We use a number of printing techniques in all categories including labels, shrink sleeves,  flexible packaging and package prototyping.  Currently, we are one of the only printers in the United States to offer metallic inks for digital printing. New capabilities include silk screening on shrink sleeves and HP Mosaic digital printing, which generates thousands of unique graphics from just one label design.

Seeing is believing.  To receive a sample kit that includes a wide variety of finishes, including award-winning examples from the Foil and Specialty Effects Association,  click here.

 

Covid-19 Causes Switch to Shrink Sleeves

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Once considered the new kid in town, shrink sleeves continue to grow. In fact, since the Covid-19 outbreak, some  brands that previously printed directly onto containers have switched to shrink sleeves.  This is due to shorter lead times, cost and because this type of packaging allows manufacturers to produce lower quantities.

Other benefits include 360 degree visuals, product protection, masking uneven fill lines, and tamper-proof packaging. But to avoid any sleeve slip-ups, it’s important that you’re working with an experienced label professional.

Seeing is believing.
Click here for a free sample kit.

Material Mishaps

Some US printers have had material shortages because they purchased their shrink film overseas. But even before the pandemic, Overnight Labels always felt that film from overseas was inferior.  All of our material is made in the US, and we are well stocked.  This means that even at the height of Covid-19, our customers did not face any supply chain issues because of packaging.

Design Disasters

Despite their many benefits, shrink sleeves have their own set of challenges.  When bottles with dramatic curvatures and reliefs are utilized, designers must have a clear understanding of how the artwork will distort. If the art isn’t up to spec and proofed properly, mistakes can happen.

“We size the container and provide the specifications. Then we send you a layout noting any areas of concern (i.e. high shrink areas) as well as fold and seam positioning,” said Overnight Labels President Don Earl.

Solvent  Slip-ups

Don’t forget about your label’s seam! In addition to a good design, correct converting practices are a must to ensure accurate application of the solvent used to join the label seam.  Use of the wrong solvent can cause multiple problems that impact seams.  They can lift, causing a sharp edge or split, which could cause the sleeve to fall off.  An experienced label printer will guide you to make the right choice.

Printing Pros

In business since 1987, Overnight Labels has deep experience in this category.  In fact, we have a dedicated team just for shrinks. That’s why we are able to offer lower minimums and faster turnaround times than industry averages.

In addition to shrink sleeves, Overnight Labels prints flexible packaging and pressure sensitive labels.  Click here for a  free sample kit.  For a quote, email to custservice@overnightlabels.com or call  631-242-4240.

Covid-19 Causes Switch to Shrink Sleeves

/in /by

Once considered the new kid in town, shrink sleeves continue to grow. In fact, since the Covid-19 outbreak, some  brands that previously printed directly onto containers have switched to shrink sleeves.  This is due to shorter lead times, cost and because this type of packaging allows manufacturers to produce lower quantities.

Other benefits include 360 degree visuals, product protection, masking uneven fill lines, and tamper-proof packaging. But to avoid any sleeve slip-ups, it’s important that you’re working with an experienced label professional.

Seeing is believing.
Click here for a free sample kit.

Material Mishaps

Some US printers have had material shortages because they purchased their shrink film overseas. But even before the pandemic, Overnight Labels always felt that film from overseas was inferior.  All of our material is made in the US, and we are well stocked.  This means that even at the height of Covid-19, our customers did not face any supply chain issues because of packaging.

Design Disasters

Despite their many benefits, shrink sleeves have their own set of challenges.  When bottles with dramatic curvatures and reliefs are utilized, designers must have a clear understanding of how the artwork will distort. If the art isn’t up to spec and proofed properly, mistakes can happen.

“We size the container and provide the specifications. Then we send you a layout noting any areas of concern (i.e. high shrink areas) as well as fold and seam positioning,” said Overnight Labels President Don Earl.

Solvent  Slip-ups

Don’t forget about your label’s seam! In addition to a good design, correct converting practices are a must to ensure accurate application of the solvent used to join the label seam.  Use of the wrong solvent can cause multiple problems that impact seams.  They can lift, causing a sharp edge or split, which could cause the sleeve to fall off.  An experienced label printer will guide you to make the right choice.

Printing Pros

In business since 1987, Overnight Labels has deep experience in this category.  In fact, we have a dedicated team just for shrinks. That’s why we are able to offer lower minimums and faster turnaround times than industry averages.

In addition to shrink sleeves, Overnight Labels prints flexible packaging and pressure sensitive labels.  Click here for a  free sample kit.  For a quote, email to custservice@overnightlabels.com or call  631-242-4240.