These days, many brands and businesses are looking towards paper bags for their stylish look and conservative efforts. After all, paper bags go by another name, recycle bags, for being 100% recyclable.

However, back then, they were just plain, paper bags which didn’t really do much in promoting one’s brand.

Now, times have changed – technology and innovation have taken one step further. The advent of paper bag printing has made way for storytelling, relaying of messages or the incorporation of images or company logos on one’s bag!

So, let’s get started on the different techniques of printing you can apply to your own stack of paper bags.

Hot stamping

When it comes to the hot stamping process, hot stamping press and die is a must to mention. Sometimes, you might also need to use a hot stamping foil, especially when adding colour to your item.

On the hot stamping press, a heating element heats the die, as it engages the heated die for the marking process on the paper bag. It transfers the ink from the foil carrier directly to the paper bag, which is going to receive the marking.

Then, the press will finally be removed – leaving a permanent ink on the paper bag. However, before you even start on the whole process – don’t forget to pick your design first, then let the designer take over.

Another thing worth noting about hot stamping is how simple and straightforward it is to use this method. With a potent machine, the marks can last for years, even when the paper bag undergoes severe conditions.

Spot UV

This highly effective method works well to print on paper bags, involving the use of a shiny and bright coating, which is applied to specific areas of the paper bag during printing.

In this process, rollers help to supply the sheet with ultraviolet coating, after which the sheet goes through infrared and UV lamps. This two help to dry the sheet instantly.

The end result is an attractive contrast which gives off a rather luxurious appearance. It’s great for creating a lasting impression in the minds of clients.

Inner printing

The inner appearance matters as much as the outer appearance of the bag. For some businesses, the objective could be an element of surprise or to draw people into the contents of the bag, rather than the packaging.

However, this is more focused on the safety and protection aspect. Think about the protection your product needs – is it to be away from grease? Have minimum contact with air or moisture?

Materials like Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) film and metalised film act as barriers against grease, air, and moisture. Think through this carefully before you decide on the design; this will ultimately determine the lifespan and sustainability of your bag.

Embossing

A die, also known as a personalised metal plate, will cut into the picture you want to emboss and stock paper. The die is pressed onto a stock paper, just in the same way you would do using a stamp.

Then, there’s a 3D-like effect where the image “pops” a little out of the paper of your print piece. It can be single-level, where the image is raised to one consistent height or depth, while a multi-level die results in a more complex emboss or deboss.

Usually, this method is used on a particular part of the bag – either for a pattern, company logo, initials, a personalised illustration, all for giving off a luxurious effect.

Understand how printing techniques work on your paper bags now? Then, time to find out which design will go perfectly with your preferred printing method!