Litho lamination solutions for e-commerce brands and at-home experiences
While 2020 has presented some challenges for the packaging industry, there have also been surprising upshots, with some types of packaging increasingly in demand. Market research estimates show e-commerce packaging was expected to grow by 2.9% between 2017-22, with a value of nearly $55 billion by the end of that period. With the exponential rise in e-commerce earlier this year, that figure could well be surpassed.
‘E-commerce retailers are experiencing significant uptake in consumers purchasing from their online stores. Likewise, companies are looking to extend branded experiences into their consumers’ homes, especially if they aren’t making a purchase in a brick-and-mortar store. Packaging is a great way to do this,’ says Lindsey Barbee, National Account Manager, USA. ‘As consumers adapt to the ease of purchasing online, we could well see a slight shift in shopping preferences. Looking forward, that means we can expect some brands to reassess their e-commerce service strategy and packaging as a result,’ she adds.
Subscription boxes and online shopping trends
While protecting and transporting goods will remain standard requirements for e-commerce packaging, we can expect branding and visual appeal to be more firmly on the radar.
‘As an example, here in the US, there has been increased interest in subscription boxes. To retain all-important subscribers, the brands behind the boxes have to delight customers every time they receive a box. In other words, a plain package won’t do the trick. Companies have thought long and hard about how to create packaging that has the ‘wow’ factor and they want to use innovative materials to deliver this effect,’ adds Lindsey.
The rise of social media also plays a part, especially as younger generations do more and more of their shopping online. Unboxing videos, for example, are already popular and can present companies with added branding opportunities. ‘If a brand is getting their packaging design perfectly on trend, this can actually be a catalyst for consumers to change the company they buy from. Great packaging design elevates the overall experience of a purchase and buying from that brand is perceived to be better.’ says Lindsey.
Our litho lamination solutions for e-commerce brands
AR Metallizing’s papers present technical and visual advantages for various litho lamination applications. Our papers are available either as metallized or holographic eco-friendly top sheets.
We can assist with box wrap for rigid set-up boxes or top sheet liners. Practically this means we support brands with anything from subscription boxes to e-commerce shipping boxes, point-of-purchase displays, electronics packaging and boxes for other high-end items.
Litho lamination expertise
To achieve perfect applications for our customers and the supply chain, our Research and Development team have been heavily involved in developing our products for litho lamination applications. We have incorporated extensive technical feedback from brand owners, converters, printers and laminating companies to ensure our products are performing optimally at all points in the supply chain. We work especially closely with printers to ensure that our products are adapted to meet any specific technical requirements they have. Our litho lamination top sheets are therefore able to meet the functionality and efficiency requirements needed by our supply chain partners.
‘AR Metallizing is a coating expert, our litho lamination grade have been designed with both the printer and end-user in mind. Flexible coatings allow the finished product to bend and fold without the unsightly appearance of cracking at the folds. Printers are pleased with the optimized print primer within our top coatings, allowing beautiful ink coverage with the simplicity of running a paper. After all, that’s simply what our metallized and holographic litho lamination solutions are…coated papers.’
Lindsey Barbee
Visual appeal and sustainable considerations
‘Premiumization and branding opportunities are key considerations for any litho lamination application. For brands, our holographic and metallized papers add the premium looks that command attention from consumers, regardless of if they are purchasing in-store or online. Likewise, they support extending the brand experience all the way into the home. This is particularly important in the slowdown in browsing and purchasing in brick-and-mortar stores and the increasing preference for online shopping,’ says Lindsey.
AR Metallizing’s papers are recyclable and don’t create mixed-material issues when it comes to disposing of the packaging. The package can be recycled as cardboard.
Benefits of AR Metallizing’s top sheets for litho lamination
Our metallized and holographic paper substrates are ideal for litho lamination applications. This is what separates AR Metallizing from competitive alternatives. Our products:
- Are optimized top coating specifically formulated with print primer chemistry, designed to be compatible with lithographic, flexographic and rotogravure press equipment.
- Are solutions are mono-materials, which means they are eco-friendly. The print waste is suitable for recycling.
- Have two additional layers of coating, which offer an incredibly smooth print surface, allowing for a flawless finish for solid ink coverage and better grade stability.
- Have been created by grade designers who are mindful of the technical elements that impact the visual aesthetic of completed pieces. The litho lamination coatings have been formulated with flexible chemistry, to allow the finished substrate to bend with corners and edges without cracking or flaking.
- Offer 100% sheet opacity, which allows additional flexibility and optimization in the selection of mounting materials.
Can we help?
We'd love to answer any questions you have about our expertise, products or litho lamination top sheets. Drop us a line!