PrintingFlexoOffset

Flexo vs Offset for corrugated

Flexo prints directly on liner; Offset prints on a sheet laminated onto board. Choose by run length, quality and cost.

Printing
6 minintermediate·Updated 2026-06-18

Overview

Flexography uses flexible plates and water-based inks printed directly onto the corrugated liner — ideal for high-volume shipping cartons. Offset lithography prints a top sheet at photo quality, which is then laminated onto the board — ideal for retail-visible packaging.

Comparison

CriterionFlexoOffset
QualityGoodPhotographic
MOQ1,000+500+
Lead time5–7 days10–14 days
Cost/unit @10kLowMedium
AI Summary

Flexo: fast, cheap per unit at scale, limited screen resolution (~55–85 lpi). Offset (litho-lam): photographic quality, higher setup and lamination cost, ideal for retail-ready packaging.