Flexographic printing
Flexographic printing is a practical choice for packaging that needs consistent colour across longer runs. From wraps and sleeves to printed cartons, we handle production, finishing, packing and despatch from Durban for clients across South Africa.
What our flexographic printing service covers
Our flexographic printing service is aimed at packaging work that needs repeatable results over medium to high volumes. It is commonly used for printed wraps, sleeves, labels applied as part of a packaging line, and carton related work where the print layout and substrate are suited to flexo production. We work with businesses in Durban, across KwaZulu-Natal and further afield, supplying printed packaging for retail, food related distribution, promotions and general product presentation.
The service includes pre-production checks, plate planning, substrate selection guidance, print production, colour control, finishing and practical packing for delivery. Where needed, we also coordinate die cutting, folding and gluing so that cartons arrive ready for filling or final assembly. If your job includes multiple pack sizes or recurring orders, we can help set the work up in a way that keeps future repeat runs more straightforward.
- Printed wraps and sleeves for product packaging
- Flexo printed carton work for folded packs
- Spot colour and process colour packaging graphics
- Finishing linked to die cutting, folding and gluing
- Packing for palletised despatch or courier distribution
How the process works from enquiry to despatch
We start with the intended use of the packaging. That means looking at the product, the environment it will be stored in, whether it will travel long distances, and how the printed piece must fold, wrap or fit on the item. Coastal humidity in Durban can affect some materials and adhesives, so substrate choice and packing method do matter, especially for stock moving inland or into refrigerated chains.
Once we have the brief, we review artwork, dimensions and print coverage. We confirm the print method, estimate the number of colours, and check whether any finishing such as varnish, die cutting or gluing is required. After approval, plates are prepared, stock is booked and production is scheduled. During printing, colour and registration are monitored, then sheets or reels move into the required finishing stages before packing and despatch.
- Brief review and application check
- Artwork and dieline assessment
- Substrate and print method confirmation
- Plate preparation and production planning
- Printing, finishing, quality checks and packing
- Collection or national delivery by despatch
What to prepare before production
Good preparation saves time and reduces avoidable delays. Before we book a flexographic job, the client should provide final artwork, confirmed dimensions and clear information about how the packaging will be used. If the print is for a wrap or sleeve, we need the finished layflat size and any overlap allowance. If it is for a carton, we need the dieline or a sample pack to measure from. For repeat work, a previous sample is always helpful.
Artwork should be supplied at print quality with fonts converted or packaged correctly, linked images included, and colours clearly identified. Barcodes should be supplied in a suitable format and positioned away from folds or glue areas. Small text reversed out of dark solids may need adjustment to keep it readable, and very fine lines can fill in on some substrates. If a job must match an existing product range, send a physical reference where possible because screen colour can mislead a bit.
- Final artwork in a print ready format
- Dieline, cutter guide or physical sample
- Finished size, quantity and version count
- Colour references for branded packaging ranges
- Delivery split details if stock must go to more than one site
Materials, print options and finishing
Flexographic printing can be used across a range of packaging materials, depending on the product and the final use. We assist with suitable options for wraps, sleeves and carton components, balancing print appearance with handling needs, folding performance and storage conditions. Some packs need a cleaner shelf finish, while others need to cope with scuffing during transport and warehouse movement.
Print layouts can include spot colours, process colour images, line work, ingredient panels, handling icons and variable pack copy across a product family. Finishing may include varnish, die cutting, creasing, folding and gluing. For carton work, glue areas and fold memory are checked carefully so packs close properly on the line or by hand assembly. For promotional runs tied to launches or event stock, we can also advise on packing the finished work in countable bundles that are easier to issue on site.
- Wraps and sleeves for product presentation
- Carton blanks for folding and glued assembly
- Matte or gloss style finishing options where suitable
- Die cutting and creasing for shaped packs
- Folding and gluing for ready to use cartons
How pricing is worked out
Flexographic printing is normally priced around the full job setup and the total production volume rather than only the number of printed pieces. The main factors are artwork complexity, size, number of colours, substrate type, plate requirements, finishing steps, packing method and delivery arrangement. A straightforward one version wrap will price differently from a carton set with several SKUs, die cutting and glued assembly.
Run length matters because setup and plate preparation are spread across the quantity produced. This is why flexo often suits repeat packaging work and longer runs better than very small once-off quantities. If your job includes national distribution, split deliveries, or packing to specific carton counts, that will also be allowed for in the quote. We do not publish generic rates because each packaging job is built around its own spec, so send the details through the enquiry form for a proper quotation.
Packing, delivery and aftercare
After printing and finishing, work is packed to suit the product and the route it must travel. Cartons may be bundled, shrink wrapped, boxed or palletised depending on quantity and the way the stock will be received at your site. For clients outside Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, we arrange despatch across South Africa with practical labelling and count control to make receiving easier.
Once stock arrives, it should be stored clean and dry, away from direct sun, heat and damp floors. Packaging materials should not be crushed under uneven weight, and printed items intended for later filling are best kept sealed until use. If you are ordering for staged use over time, ask us about packing in manageable batch quantities. That makes stock rotation simpler and helps avoid damage in busy stores or factory areas.
If you notice any issue on delivery, report it promptly with batch details and photos of the pack and label. That lets our production team trace the job quickly and sort out the next step without unneeded back and forth.
What our Commercial Printing customers say
Verified Google reviews
Questions we get asked
Is flexographic printing right for a short run?
It can be, but flexo usually makes more sense where quantities are high enough to justify setup and plate preparation. For smaller quantities, another print method may be more practical.
Can you print and finish cartons ready for packing?
Yes. Where the job requires it, we can include die cutting, creasing, folding and gluing so the cartons are supplied ready for filling or final assembly.
What if our packaging has several product variants?
That is common. We can quote on multi version work, but each variant should be clearly marked in the artwork and quantity schedule so production and packing stay accurate.
Also worth a look
Ask for a quote
Send the print, packaging or branding details, sizes, quantities and delivery town through the contact form, and MGP Services will reply with a quote for the work.
Open the contact form