The Hidden Cost Lever
Understanding the difference between Offset and Digital printing is the biggest "hidden cost lever" in your packaging supply chain. Choose the wrong one, and you could be overpaying by 30-50% per unit.
How Offset Printing Works (The Industrial Gold Standard)
Offset printing involves metal plates for each color. While there is a setup cost, the unit cost at large runs is extremely low. It is also the only way to achieve true Pantone matching.
How Digital Printing Works (The Quick & Nimble Approach)
Digital uses toner or inkjet. There are no plates, making it great for very small runs (1-100 units). However, the price stays high even if you order 10,000.
The Break-Even Analysis: When to Switch?
For a standard folding carton, the magic number is usually around 1,000 units. Under 500 units, digital wins. Over 1,000 units, offset becomes the clear winner in terms of both quality and cost-per-unit.
Not sure which printing method is right for your next batch?
Let our experts run a cost-benefit analysis for your project.
Get a Cost Breakdown
