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The right type of print for your tote bag determines the quality

Different materials, designs and possible uses mean that a wide variety of printing techniques and framework conditions need to be taken into account when producing carrier bags. Here is a brief introduction to ensure the quality of your carrier bag project is a complete success. After all, choosing the right type of printing for the respective bag material is crucial for print quality, durability, costs and environmental compatibility.

There is (unfortunately) no one-size-fits-all printing process for one type of material. Rather, the choice of print type depends on several factors. The following is a short list of the possible types of printing for carrier bags:

Offset printing - the classic

Offset printing is an indirect flat printing process: The printing plate first transfers the motif onto a rubber blanket, from where the ink is transferred to the paper. This method delivers razor-sharp results for large print runs and is particularly suitable for smooth surfaces and detailed designs.

Flexographic printing - the adaptable one

Flexographic printing is a letterpress process in which flexible rubber printing plates are used to transfer the motif directly onto the material. It is particularly suitable for packaging materials, films and coarser papers, as it adheres well to uneven or absorbent surfaces and allows very fast production speeds.

Gravure printing - the high volume one

In gravure printing, the motif is etched or engraved into small indentations in an engraved printing cylinder roller and the ink fills these indentations. Printing enables photorealistic quality and brilliant colors - but is only worthwhile for very large print runs due to the high upfront costs.

Screen printing - the textile lover

Screen printing is a stencil process in which ink is pressed onto the material through a fine-mesh fabric (screen) - the ink only passes through where the motif is open. It is very versatile, durable and particularly suitable for textiles or structured surfaces with high color coverage.

[Translate to English:] porto tragetaschen textilliebhaber

Transfer printing - the alternative

With transfer printing, the motif is first printed in reverse on a carrier film and then transferred to the target material using heat and pressure. This allows for detailed motifs, including photos, on textiles - but is usually less wash-resistant than direct textile printing.

Digital printing - the fast one

Digital printing transfers the motif directly from the computer to the material - without any printing plates. It is flexible, fast and ideal for short runs with many colors or changing motifs, but tends to be less color-intensive and abrasion-resistant compared to traditional methods.

Direct printing on textiles - the specialist

DTG is a form of digital printing in which special inks are sprayed directly onto the fabric and then fixed. This allows photorealistic motifs with color gradients to be printed directly onto cotton - ideal for individual items, but less durable than screen printing.

[Translate to English:] Direktdruck Textil

Hot stamping/embossing - the noble one

Here, a motif is “burned” or pressed into or onto the material using heat, pressure and possibly foil - completely without color. It creates an elegant, tactile texture (e.g. metallic effect), but is more limited to logos and simple designs.

[Translate to English:] matchsack index porto tragetaschen

Rotary screen printing

Here, the ink is pressed onto the material through a fine-meshed, cylindrical screen while the screen rotates continuously. The print image is created on the screen using a stencil. This printing technique is particularly suitable for printing on continuous materials such as textiles, wallpaper or packaging film in large quantities and with consistent quality.

Which print for which material?

The choice is large, the possibilities are diverse. To make sure you choose the right production process for your carrier bag, simply ask your bag manufacturer for advice. Experience and know-how about machinery and the expected results will certainly give you the greatest certainty. To give you a little help, here is a brief overview that may help:

porto carrier bags table printing process

porto carrier bags - your point of contact

Give us your carrier bag question and we will be happy to support you. We have been working for you in the carrier bag sector for more than three decades. There is almost no challenge that we have not already mastered. And if there is a new one: Challenge us!

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