Custom printing · Flexo print
Flexo print packaging — low cost branding for shipping boxes.
Flexo printing is an economical way to add your brand to corrugated shipping boxes. With one or two colours, a once-off printing plate and a minimum of 250 units, it’s the ideal entry-level branded packaging for businesses shipping at volume.
What is flexo printing?
Reliable, low-cost branding at volume.
Flexo (flexographic) printing uses a flexible rubber plate to apply one or two spot colours directly onto corrugated shipping boxes. The once-off plate pays for itself across a print run — and it can be reused for future orders, making flexo more economical every time you reorder.
Low cost per unit
Once the plate is made, the per-unit print cost is very low — ideal for ordering at volume.
Shipping boxes
For our corrugated shipping box range — the workhorse of eCommerce and fulfilment.
Reusable plate
Your plate is stored and reused for future orders — no new plate cost each time you reorder.
Australian made
Printed in our Melbourne facility — consistent quality and faster turnaround than overseas.
The printing plate
What you need to know.
Flexo needs a once-off printing plate made from your artwork — a flexible rubber plate that transfers your design onto the cardboard. It’s a one-time setup cost, separate from your box and print costs.
Once-off cost
A one-time setup fee. It doesn’t need to be remade each time you reorder — only when your design changes.
Plate cost
Depending on the size of your box. Larger boxes need larger plates, which cost more to produce.
More panels = higher cost
Each printed panel needs plate coverage for that area — more panels means a larger or additional plate.
We recommend printing on two panels — typically the top and one side, or the front and back. Strong brand presence at the lowest setup cost. Contact us for a quote based on your box size and panels.
Once your plate is made, reorders don’t need a new plate (unless your design changes) — so flexo becomes more cost-effective the more you reorder the same design.
Panels
How many panels can I print?
We can print up to 4 panels of your shipping box, but we recommend starting with 2 for the most cost-effective result. The more panels, the higher the plate cost.
Panels
Top + one side, or front + back. Best value — strong brand presence at the lowest plate cost.
Best valuePanel
Single panel print — perfect for a logo or brand name on one side.
Most economicalPanels
Three panel coverage for greater brand visibility. Plate cost increases with each extra panel.
Higher plate costPanels
Maximum coverage — all four sides printed. Best for maximum brand impact at volume.
Highest plate costSpecifications
Flexo print specifications.
A full overview of our flexo print requirements before you order.
| Suitable products | Corrugated shipping boxes onlyNot available for paperboard gift boxes or mailer boxes. |
|---|---|
| Colours | One or two spot colours onlyFull colour CMYK printing isn’t available with flexo. |
| Panels | 1 to 4 panelsWe recommend 2 panels for the best balance of brand presence and cost. |
| Printing plate | Once-off plate from $250 to $500+, depending on box size and panelsReusable for future reorders of the same design. |
| Minimum order | 250 units |
| Artwork format | High resolution PDF or Adobe Illustrator (.ai) with fonts outlinedSimple, bold artwork with solid shapes and no gradients works best. |
| Artwork suitability | Simple logos, text and solid designsNot suitable for photographic images, gradients or fine detail. |
| White ink | Not availableWhite ink isn’t available for flexo printing. |
Flexo works best with simple, bold designs — clean logos, solid text and basic shapes. Fine lines, gradients or shading may not reproduce well. Unsure? Email your artwork to info@packqueen.com.au before ordering.
Digital print is available from just 25 units — and no printing plate is needed.
Is it for you?
Is flexo print right for your business?
It depends on your order volume, design and budget. Here’s a quick guide.
Flexo is right for you if…
- ✓You want low cost branded shipping boxes at volume
- ✓Your logo or design uses one or two colours
- ✓Your artwork is simple, bold and without gradients or fine detail
- ✓You’re ordering 250 units or more
- ✓You’re happy to pay a once-off plate cost upfront
- ✓You plan to reorder the same design regularly
- ✓You ship products in corrugated cardboard boxes
- ✓You want a consistent, professional brand on outbound shipments
Flexo is not right for you if…
- ✕You need full colour or CMYK printing
- ✕Your design includes gradients, shading or photographic elements
- ✕You’re printing on paperboard, gift boxes or mailer boxes
- ✕You need fewer than 250 units (consider digital print from 25 units)
- ✕You need white ink printing
- ✕Your design changes often — each design change needs a new plate
We also offer digital print (from 25 units), screen print, foil and offset. Contact us to find the best solution.
FAQs
Flexo print questions, answered.
Send us your box size and artwork and we’ll quote plate and print costs.
What is a printing plate and do I need one?
How much does the printing plate cost?
How many panels should I print on?
Can I use my plate for future reorders?
What boxes can I use flexo printing on?
What is the minimum order for flexo printing?
How do I get a flexo print quote?
- Your preferred box size (or PackQueen product code)
- Your order quantity
- Number of colours (1 or 2)
- Number of panels you’d like printed
- Your artwork file if available
Ready to brand your shipping boxes?
Flexo print from 250 units.
One or two colours on corrugated shipping boxes. Once-off printing plate from $250, reusable for future reorders. Australian made in Melbourne.
