Cereal boxes are an iconic part of the breakfast cereal experience. Cereal boxes’ bright, eye-catching designs have been a staple in our pantries and grocery shelves for years. But have you ever wondered how those colorful cereal boxes are printed? In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of printing cereal boxes, from the initial design to the finished product.
Prepress
Before any cereal boxes can be printed, they must go through a prepress process. This begins with designing the custom paper box and preparing it for printing. This involves creating a design template and a printing plate to create the desired look on the box. This can include the colors, graphics, images, and text that will be seen on the finished product. Prepress also involves pre-printing operations, such as cutting and scoring. Once these steps are complete, the custom paper box is ready for printing.
Printing
Once the artwork is finalized in the prepress stage, the design is ready for printing. Depending on the quantity and size of the cereal boxes, a sheetfed offset lithographic or web-fed press may be used. The sheet-fed offset lithographic press prints one piece at a time, while the web-fed press prints multiple pieces from a continuous roll of paper. The paper is printed with a pattern of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black dots that form an image when viewed up close. The ink is applied directly to the custom paper box stock, which is then cut and folded into shape. After printing, the cereal boxes are ready to be die-cut and glued together to finish the production process.
Die Cutting
Once the printing process is completed, cereal boxes are ready for die-cutting. Die cutting uses a specialized tool to cut shapes into the paperboard material. This helps to create custom paper box sizes and shapes that make up the final product. The die cutter uses a blade to create intricate shapes, such as slits and slots. This allows the design team to create a unique look for their cereal box. Die cutting also ensures that the boxes are of a consistent size, which makes them easier to assemble later in the process. Die-cutting is essential in ensuring that your boxes have a high-quality finish.
Gluing
Once the custom paper box has been printed and die-cut, the pieces need to be put together. This is done with a gluing process. Glue is applied to the edges of each piece, and then the pieces are assembled into a box shape. The glue bonds the edges of the pieces together, creating a strong bond and a finished cereal box. Different types of glue can be used depending on the box’s material and the desired outcome. For example, cold glue is used for more intricate designs, and hot glue is for faster production times. The gluing process is an important step in creating a finished cereal box that is strong and looks good.
Finishing
Once the cereal box is printed, die-cut, and glued, it is ready for its finishing touches. This includes adding special elements, such as UV coating or a foil stamp. Finally, the cereal boxes are put into their custom paper boxes and prepared for shipping. Custom paper boxes come in many sizes and shapes and can be printed to showcase the product’s branding. A great way to make sure your cereal boxes stand out from the competition is to have a unique and memorable custom paper box design that people will remember.
What kind of cardboard is used for cereal boxes?
When it comes to cereal boxes, cardboard is the go-to material. Cardboard provides a strong and durable container for food items like cereal and is also cost-effective. Usually, the cardboard used for cereal boxes is made from recycled paper fibers or virgin pulp. The cardboard also often has a coating on one side to provide additional protection from moisture and grease.
Some manufacturers even offer custom paper boxes with special features like a glossy finish or embossed logos to differentiate their product from others on the shelf. In some cases, these custom paper boxes can also be printed with custom colors or designs to enhance the appearance of the cereal box. No matter what type of cardboard is used for cereal boxes, it will be designed to protect the contents while providing a visually appealing package.
Are cereal boxes cardboard or paper?
Cereal boxes are typically made from a combination of cardboard and paper. Most cereal boxes use strong, lightweight cardboard for the main structure. A custom paper box is often used for additional design elements, such as colorful illustrations or unique shapes.
To create a sturdy cereal box that can hold its contents while on the shelves, the cardboard must be thick enough to withstand wear and tear while still being lightweight and easy to handle. The paper used to decorate the cereal box can range in thickness depending on the desired design. To ensure the boxes stand out on the shelf, special inks may be used in the printing process to give the box vibrant colors and visuals.
Final Words
Cereal boxes are complex products requiring various processes to create the finished product. From Prepress to Finishing, every step must be completed with care and precision to produce a high-quality product. Businesses can use custom paper boxes to ensure their cereal boxes stand out from the competition. With the right materials and processes, businesses can create boxes that catch shoppers’ attention and help increase sales.
