Finishing techniques for cartonboard packaging: which one is right for which application?

What determines the right finishing technique?

The starting point is the desired effect. Should a logo stand out? Is a distinctive tactile finish required? Or should the surface provide additional functional properties?

Key selection criteria include:

• visual and tactile effect
• cartonboard grade and surface characteristics
• packaging construction
• print design and graphics
• production volume and manufacturing process
• requirements during transport and use

Ideally, construction, printing and finishing should be considered together at an early stage. This makes it easier to turn design ideas into technically feasible solutions.

An overview of finishing techniques for cartonboard packaging

Cold foil: metallic and holographic effects

With cold foil, the foil is transferred to the cartonboard as part of the printing process. In addition to classic metallic effects, holographic effects can also be created, depending on the foil used.

Thanks to their fine structures, holographic foils produce shimmering, multicoloured effects that change with the light. They can be used to highlight larger areas as well as individual graphic elements. Depending on the application, holographic foils are also available for other foil finishing processes.

Example from PAWI:

Hot foil stamping: adding metallic accents

With hot foil stamping, a foil is transferred to the cartonboard using heat and pressure. Gold, silver and other metallic effects are among the classic applications. Depending on the foil selected, other colours and special effects are also possible.

This technique can be used to highlight logos, lettering or decorative elements.

Examples from our production:

Embossing, debossing and blind embossing: creating visible and tactile structure

With embossing, a design is raised above the cartonboard surface, while debossing presses it into the material. This gives logos, lettering and graphic elements a three-dimensional, tactile effect.

Blind embossing requires no additional ink or foil. Its impact comes entirely from light, shadow and texture, making it particularly suitable for understated packaging designs.

Depending on the design, embossing can also be combined with other finishing processes, such as foil stamping.

Examples from our production:

Coatings: matt, gloss and targeted contrasts

Coatings can be applied across the entire surface or selectively. Depending on the application, UV coatings or water-based dispersion coatings can be used. They can create gloss or matt surfaces and selectively highlight graphic elements.

Contrasts can be particularly effective. For example, a gloss element on a matt surface can emphasise a logo or illustration without the need for an additional printing colour.

Examples from our production:

Film lamination and laminating: combining surfaces and materials

With film lamination, a film is bonded to the cartonboard surface. Depending on the specification, it can create a matt or gloss finish and increase resistance to external influences such as moisture, dirt or mechanical stress.

Laminating combines different materials or layers of cartonboard. Depending on the application, this can be used to create distinctive inner surfaces, visual contrasts or additional stability.

Examples from our production:

Laser cutting: intricate designs

Laser cutting is not a traditional surface finishing technique, but it offers additional creative possibilities. It can be used to produce very fine contours, patterns, lettering and engravings.

For intricate designs in particular, laser cutting can be an interesting complement to printing, embossing or foil finishing.

Examples from our production:

Which finishing techniques can be combined?

The desired effect is often achieved by combining different processes. Foil stamping can, for example, be combined with embossing, while matt surfaces can be complemented by gloss elements.

However, more finishing does not automatically create a stronger result. The key is to ensure that the chosen effects support the packaging design and brand message.

How does finishing affect recyclability?

The recyclability of packaging cannot be assessed solely on the basis of an individual finishing technique. What matters is the complete packaging structure. This includes the cartonboard material, coatings, foils and adhesives, as well as their respective proportions.

It should therefore not be assumed that a particular foil or coating either affects or does not affect recyclability in general. The specific packaging structure and execution are decisive.

If there are requirements relating to material use or recyclability, these should be considered from the start of the packaging development process. This allows the material, construction and finishing to be coordinated accordingly.