New Digital Flexible Packaging Press At ONL

/in , /by

Stand-up pouches, single-use sample packets, stick packs and bags; the growth of the flexible packaging segment continues to explode. But long lead times and high minimums often curtail small to mid-size brands from adopting this popular format. Even if a company can find a converter who promises low MOQs or rapid lead times, the quality is often poor.

With the purchase of our 15th press, Overnight Labels becomes one of the only full-service packaging converters in the country to own a HP Indigo 25K. This state-of-the-art digital flexible packaging press optimizes production efficiency and is expected to disrupt the packaged goods industry by allowing more businesses to compete.

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

Raising the Bar by Lowering Minimums

“Quantities for flexible packaging are typically 5,000 for roll stock and 10,000 for bags and pouches. Because of theDigital Flexible Packaging Press quicker turn-around production time, no plate charges or setup fees, and higher quality results, we are able to lower our minimums.  This levels the playing field for emerging players in multiple categories including beauty, food, nutritional supplements, and cannabis,” said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels.

“This high-tech digital flexible packaging press was designed to work with our new lamination and pouch-making equipment and allows us to work with most companies achieve their vision. We can help lower inventory and create limited edition or personalized units.  Most importantly we can produce beautiful packaging that stands up and stands out on shelves and online, “ he added.

Pouch orders and roll stock minimums at the award-winning converter start at 2500 per SKU. Turnaround times are flexible and typically faster than industry averages for flexible packaging. Overnight Labels offers traditional, recyclable, and compostable options for flexible packaging, labels and shrink sleeves.

 Click here to receive a free sample kit, which contains a wide variety of award-winning labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging.  In a hurry for a price quote? Email your needs to custservice@overnightlabels.com or call us at 631.242-4240.

 

.

Digital Printing Vs. Flexo Printing: Weighing What’s Right for Your Packaging Project

/in , /by

Sustainable, embellished, smart, and tactile; innovation has driven the label business to explode over the last few years.  Brand owners have a plethora of label options to choose from, but it’s important to start by selecting the printing process since it impacts the entire project. In the great debate between flexographic or digital printing, these are the factors to examine to determine which press is best.

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

Is the Label Info Subject to Change?

If your product is a highly regulated such as CBD, Cannabis or a Pharmaceutical drug, the information on the label may change frequently. If that’s the case, go digital so you don’t need to incur plate charges any time you need an update.

Specialty Labels

Although digital printing continues to add new capabilities every year, if your packaging has any special features or effects, flexo is the way to go.  In general, this method supports a wider variety of print techniques and can produce more elaborate designs.

Inventory

It’s common knowledge that larger quantities mean lower unit costs.  That works for bigger companies who have the storage space and can take advantage of discounted costs.  If larger lots aren’t an option, a short run on a digital press should fit the bill while your brand grows.

Up Close and Personal

Nowadays, variable package printing is becoming a larger part of the marketing mix.  Brand’s like Coca Cola and Bud Light received millions of media impressions for their promotions that featured digitally printed packaging using HP Mosaic software, which generates thousands of unique graphics from just one label design. In other applications, variable data can  help protect a brand against counterfeiting or to authenticate promotional purchases.

Material Matters

One of the benefits of flexographic printing is the variety of substrates one can use.  Plastic films, foils, sustainables, textiles, fabrics, paper, parchment, and more are all suitable.  While material options for digital printing are growing, they are not as plentiful as with flexo.

Everything Counts in Large Amounts

Depending on label size, quantities of up to 5,000 are probably most cost-effective when run on a digital press. Anything more than that, flexographic printing is the better option because it can produce more labels at a quicker speed.  Flexo is also better if you know the job will repeat without changes.

Capable Converter

The best way to choose the right printing method for your job is to actually consult with a  printer who has expertise in both flexographic and digital printing. Overnight Labels has been in business since 1987 and has won numerous awards for both their flexographic and digital printing.  Not only are we uniquely qualified to recommend the right printing method, but will value-engineer the entire project to find the most economical way to produce it without sacrificing the quality and look of the final product.

 Click here to receive a free sample kit, which contains a wide variety of award-winning labels featuring many different finishes, laminations, and effects.  In a hurry for a price quote? Email your needs to custservice@overnightlabels.com or call us at 631.242-4240.

 

.

2022 Packaging Trend: Specialty Labels

/in /by

Packaging needs to be on point in order to stand out on shelves and online.  But with so many beauty products fighting for attention, bold color choices or unique container shapes may not be enough.  Specialty labels with eye-catching finishes, tactile coatings, or a combination of both deliver the wow factor that is influencing today’s consumer purchase.

Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels says, “Every week we see more and more requests for label embellishments, which are produced using a variety of techniques with varnishes, laminations, substrates, and equipment.” Because of the converter’s expertise in this area, Overnight Labels has actually created their own proprietary textures and finishes like leather and snakeskin.

 

“Sometimes the packaging industry has not yet caught up to a designer’s imagination, so we like to do our own new product development,” said Earl.  It’s almost like being a chemist, experimenting with different formulas to find the perfect combination of elements.  Done well, the consumer is left with a unique sensory experience just by holding a product in their hand.”

Earl says. “Adding dimension to a label opens up an array of design options that range from strong to subtle and soft to scratchy.”

Tempted to Touch

Spot UV TactileHere is a breakdown of some of the most popular possibilities:

  • Soft Touch is a type of coating that gives the label a velvet-like texture and enhances its look. It also serves as fingerprint-resistant barrier.
  • Embossing produces a raised area very often used in the type, logo or patterned background.  This aesthetic provides a rich depth that instantly signals an expensive feel.
  • Glitter Coating amps up the glam by adding glitter particles to spot UV coating. Consumers can’t help but reach out and touch when they see packaging with this eye-catching decoration.
  • Pearlescent Coating is glitter coating’s more subtle counterpart. It produces a shimmering, reflective effect that feels lush to the touch.
  • Spot UV Coating brings a unique element by emphasizing specific areas of the label. Using a thicker coating has a 3D effect and can be used quite effectively in the overall design.
  • Sandy Finishes offer a slightly coarse feel similar to fine sandpaper and adds a small surprise to consumers when they check out the goods.

Seeing is believing.  To receive a sample kit that includes a wide variety of finishes, including award-winning examples, click here.

 

.

Want Packaging Perfection? It’s All About Prototyping.

/in /by

No matter how great a product is, the packaging could be the deciding factor for many consumer purchases.  That’s why it’s important not to skip the prototyping step when launching a new product. Creating a comp is crucial as it allows marketers, designers and engineers to try out packaging effectiveness by reviewing and testing its color, shape and form, brand identity and manufacturing viability before finalizing the concept.

In addition to eliminating any design errors or print problems before mass production, stakeholders need to see, touch and interact with the packaging at trade shows, focus groups, meetings with senior management or investors sales calls and photo shoots.

Mock-Up Methods

Some opt to hand-make a facsimile by cutting materials like paperboard to simulate the final look. Then graphics are printed and applied separately. This time-consuming, laborious approach is prone to mistakes and usually delivers low quality results.  So while it’s possible to create a rudimentary looking prototype on your own, consider using a professional package prototyping company.

Overnight Labels is a full-service printing company that provides a multi-tiered approach to any packaging needs.  So in addition to printing custom labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, we also offers prototyping services, which also includes short-run cartons.

Go For The Pro

“Having a fully printed, smart-looking package shows the level of confidence and professionalism,” says Mark Lamberti, Business Development Manager at Overnight Labels. “Think of it as buying a new suit for an important job interview. You need to put your best foot forward.”

If you’re ready for this critical element in launching your product, call 631.940.6109, or email mark@overnightlabels.com.  For a free sample kit, email samples@overnightlabels.com.

Specialty Labels Deliver the ‘Feel Appeal’ to Consumers

/in /by

 

Brand owners know that their packaging needs to be on point in order to stand out on shelves and online.  But with so many products fighting for attention, bold color choices or unique container shapes may not be enough.  Over the last few years, specialty labels have been the break-out stars in the packaging world.  Shiny finishes, tactile coatings or a combination deliver the wow factor that is influencing today’s consumer purchase.

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

Tempted to Touch

Spot UV TactileAdding a textured dimension to a label opens up an array of design options that range from strong to subtle and soft to scratchy.  Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular possibilities:

  • Soft Touch is a type of coating that gives the label a velvet-like texture and enhances its look. It also serves as fingerprint-resistant barrier.
  • Embossing produces a raised area very often used in the type, logo or patterned background.  This aesthetic provides a rich depth that instantly signals an expensive feel.
  • Glitter Coating amps up the glam by adding glitter particles to spot UV coating. Consumers can’t help but reach out and touch when they see packaging with this eye-catching decoration.
  • Pearlescent Coating is glitter coating’s more subtle counterpart. It produces a shimmering, reflective effect that feels lush to the touch.
  • Spot UV Coating brings a unique element by emphasizing specific areas of the label. Using a thicker coating has a 3D effect and can be used quite effectively in the overall design.
  • Sandy Finishes offer a slightly coarse feel similar to fine sandpaper and adds a small surprise to consumers when they check out the goods.

How Does It Happen?

Tactile labels are produced using a variety of techniques with varnishes, laminations, and equipment such as a UV Rotary Silk Screen unit.  Some converters like Overnight Labels have an expertise in this area and have actually created their own proprietary textures and finishes like leather and snakeskin.

tactile snakeskin effect

“Sometimes the industry has not caught up to packaging designer’s imagination, so we like to do our own new product development,” said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels. It’s almost like being a chemist, experimenting with different formulas to find right combination of elements to produce a unique sensory experience just by holding a packaged good in your hand.”

Seeing is believing.  To receive a sample kit that includes a wide variety of finishes, including award-winning examples, click here.

 

.

Tactile Labels Deliver the ‘Feel Appeal’ to Consumers

/in /by

 

Brand owners know that their packaging needs to be on point in order to stand out on shelves and online.  But with so many products fighting for attention, bold color choices or unique container shapes may not be enough.  Over the last few years the break-out stars in the packaging world have been tactile labels.

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

Tempted to Touch

In the past, textured elements were prevalent in luxury goods especially within cosmetics, wine and spirit offerings. In fact, in a 2014 study, researchers found that consumers were more inclined to purchase an item with a tactile finish and pay extra for it.  Since then, this embellishment has made a mark in other CPG industries including food, beverage, and supplements.

Tactile

Shrink Sleeve with tactile bottle condensation effect

An Array of Options

This year, tactile labels were included on many packaging design trend lists.  Adding this textured dimension to a label opens up an array of design options that range from strong to subtle and soft to scratchy.  Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular possibilities:

  • Soft Touch is a type of coating that gives the label a velvet-like texture and enhances its look. It also serves as fingerprint-resistant barrier.
  • Embossing produces a raised area very often used in the type, logo or patterned background.  This aesthetic provides a rich depth that instantly signals an expensive feel.
  • Glitter Coating amps up the glam by adding glitter particles to spot UV coating. Consumers can’t help but reach out and touch when they see packaging with this eye-catching decoration.
  • Pearlescent Coating is glitter coating’s more subtle counterpart. It produces a shimmering, reflective effect that feels lush to the touch.
  • Spot UV Coating brings a unique element by emphasizing specific areas of the label. Using a thicker coating has a 3D effect and can be used quite effectively in the overall design.
  • Sandy Finishes offer a slightly coarse feel similar to fine sandpaper and adds a small surprise to consumers when they check out the goods.

How Does It Happen?

Tactile labels are produced using a variety of techniques with varnishes, laminations, and equipment such as a UV Rotary Silk Screen unit.  Some converters like Overnight Labels have an expertise in specialty finishes and have actually created their own proprietary textures that feel similar to leather and snakeskin.

tactile snakeskin effect

“Sometimes the industry has not caught up to packaging designer’s imagination, so we like to do our own new product development,” said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels. It’s almost like being a chemist, experimenting with different formulas to find right combination of elements to produce a unique sensory experience just by holding a packaged good in your hand.”

Seeing is believing.  To receive a sample kit that includes a wide variety of finishes, including award-winning examples, click here.

 

.

Tactile Labels Deliver the ‘Feel Appeal’ to Consumers

/in , /by

Brand owners know that their packaging needs to be on point in order to stand out on shelves and online.  But with so many products fighting for attention, bold color choices or unique container shapes may not be enough.  That’s why, over the last few years, the break-out stars in the packaging world have been tactile labels.

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

Tempted to Touch

In the past, textured elements were prevalent in luxury goods especially within cosmetics, wine and spirit offerings. In fact, in a 2014 study, researchers found that consumers were more inclined to purchase an item with a tactile finish and pay extra for it.  Since then, this embellishment has made a mark in other CPG industries including food, beverage, and supplements.

Tactile

Shrink Sleeve with tactile bottle condensation effect

An Array of Options

This year, tactile labels were included on many packaging design trend lists.  Adding this textured dimension to a label opens up an array of design options that range from strong to subtle and soft to scratchy.  Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular possibilities:

  • Soft Touch is a type of coating that gives the label a velvet-like texture and enhances its look. It also serves as fingerprint-resistant barrier.
  • Embossing produces a raised area very often used in the type, logo or patterned background.  This aesthetic provides a rich depth that instantly signals an expensive feel.
  • Glitter Coating amps up the glam by adding glitter particles to spot UV coating. Consumers can’t help but reach out and touch when they see packaging with this eye-catching decoration.
  • Pearlescent Coating is glitter coating’s more subtle counterpart. It produces a shimmering, reflective effect that feels lush to the touch.
  • Spot UV Coating brings a unique element by emphasizing specific areas of the label. Using a thicker coating has a 3D effect and can be used quite effectively in the overall design.
  • Sandy Finishes offer a slightly coarse feel similar to fine sandpaper and adds a small surprise to consumers when they check out the goods.

How Does It Happen?

Tactile labels are produced using a variety of techniques with varnishes, laminations, and equipment such as a UV Rotary Silk Screen unit.  Some converters like Overnight Labels have an expertise in specialty finishes and have actually created their own proprietary textures that feel similar to leather and snakeskin.

tactile snakeskin effect

“Sometimes the industry has not caught up to packaging designer’s imagination, so we like to do our own new product development,” said Don Earl, president of Overnight Labels. It’s almost like being a chemist, experimenting with different formulas to find right combination of elements to produce a unique sensory experience just by holding a packaged good in your hand.”

Seeing is believing.  To receive a sample kit that includes a wide variety of finishes, including award-winning examples, click here.

 

.

Pandemic Packaging Trends: Specialty Finishes Continue to Shine

/in , /by

 

Although 2020 events slowed supply chains, specialty finishes has accelerated during the pandemic as an important packaging trend. Many brands opt for new techniques and innovative  textures as a way to keep costs down, while still achieving a high-end look.  They’re also an effective touch to get your packaging spotted on social media and online shopping platforms.

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

Some of the most popular finishes this year include:

  • Holographic:  An iridescent effect vinyl, giving an eye-catching rainbow effect to your design.
  • Glitter: Incorporates small holographic bits of glitter.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.  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.

 

.

Pandemic Packaging Trends: Specialty Finishes Continue to Shine

/in , /by

 

Although 2020 events slowed supply chains, specialty finishes has accelerated during the pandemic as an important packaging trend. Many brands opt for new techniques and innovative  textures as a way to keep costs down, while still achieving a high-end look.  They’re also an effective touch to get your packaging spotted on social media and online shopping platforms.

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

Some of the most popular finishes this year include:

  • Holographic:  An iridescent effect vinyl, giving an eye-catching rainbow effect to your design.
  • Glitter: Incorporates small holographic bits of glitter.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.  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.

 

.

Four Questions to Ask a Printer

/in , /by

 

Covid-19 upended the business community and created a great deal of stress, especially for manufacturers of essential items.  Part of the pressure fell to packaging converters trying to keep up with material shortages, increased quantities, and lockdowns.  While some struggled, others had the infrastructure in place to persevere.  That’s why these challenging times call for an additional layer of questions to ask a printer during a pandemic:

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

Think of Printers as Partners and Dig Deep to Ensure You Have Chosen Wisely

Pre-pandemic converters may have been chosen because of price, location or perhaps a referral.  Brands should assess if a printer can easily pivot to a packaging change, increased quantity or a new product launch brought on by Covid-19.  When launching a new product not in a brand’s wheelhouse, it’s important to look the printer to recommend the appropriate stocks, films, adhesives, and coatings. Inexperienced printers may not have the technical expertise to choose the right combinations in order to avoid labels that peel off or ink that runs or smears.

To Ensure Quality and Inventory Levels, Look for Printers with Domestically Sourced Material

COVID-19 caused material shortages for many printers that sourced overseas.  Have direct conversations to ensure that the converter is well-stocked with your brand’s packaging materials.  If you foresee a potential issue, it’s important to know that the supplier has a plan B that won’t impact the packaging integrity and ship date.  Shortages aside, most domestically sourced stock and films are better quality.

Ask How Different Elements of the Printing Process are Handled

Turnaround times for printers that farm out steps like pre-press, proof generation, ink mixing and plate making are typically longer. Overnight Labels produces everything in-house, and are not dependent on other vendors, which saves crucial time. This was especially relevant to clients last spring and summer since the essential products they produced were flying off the shelves.

Look for Printers with an Eye Towards the Future

The current crisis won’t last forever.  Smart brands and converters know that innovation gives them a competitive edge.  Ask about capabilities in areas of advancements like smart labels and mosaic printing.  While sustainable options may not be perfect just yet, savvy printers should also offer a well-rounded portfolio that includes film, ink, and adhesive options.  Don’t forget to ask about the sustainability steps they take internally to run the business.

Click here to receive a free sample kit, which contains a wide variety of award-winning labels featuring many different finishes, laminations, and effects.  In a hurry for a price quote? Email your needs to custservice@overnightlabels.com or call us at 631.242-4240.