Creating perfect packaging often requires trial and error, because the 3D reality of flat artwork doesn’t always live up to expectations. There’s nothing worse than freshly-printed packaging that reveals gaps, unsightly seams and overall wonkiness when it’s assembled.
To eliminate costly mistakes before they occur, Soar includes a mocked-up prototype in our pack print process. As far as we know, we’re the only NZ packaging printer to make printing of an accurate prototype standard procedure.
“Sometimes we receive artwork files that look fine flat, but problems appear when they’re made up. Like closure flaps at the bottom of the pack that won’t stay closed once the product is in the pack, or unsightly seams at the front of the pack, instead of the back where they won’t be seen”, says Soar sales manager Peter Lloyd. “We even had one pack where the flaps covered an essential barcode.”
One-off prototypes are printed digitally and laser cut using the correct stock. If problems are discovered, adjustments can be made before the digital or offset print run.
Why do we recommend pre-press prototyping?
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A paper mock-up is never as good as a prototype on the correct stock
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Errors can be exposed, such as flaps covering important information or pack seams in the wrong place
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Packaging can be tested for functionality, i.e. is it strong enough for the product it holds?
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Migrating existing packaging to a different stock can create problems that didn’t exist before
Soar's proven process for perfect packaging
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Need advice for a New Year packaging project? Contact natalieh@soarprint.co.nz
