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Canada Front of Package Nutrition Symbol 2026- Compliance Strategy for Folding Carton Food Packaging google preview

Canada Front of Package Nutrition Symbol 2026: Compliance Strategy for Folding Carton Food Packaging

Written by Niko Yudin on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Food & Beverage, Markets, Packaging. No Comments on Canada Front of Package Nutrition Symbol 2026: Compliance Strategy for Folding Carton Food Packaging


Canada Front of Package
Nutrition Symbol 2026

Compliance Strategy for Folding Carton Food Packaging

Canada’s front of package nutrition symbol is mandatory for many prepackaged foods sold in Canada.
As of January 1, 2026, CFIA enforces compliance for foods imported, manufactured in Canada, or packaged at retail on or after that date.1

If you manage food packaging in folding cartons, this regulation affects your principal display panel, artwork approvals, and production planning.
The Canada FOP nutrition symbol is not a minor label update.
It changes front panel hierarchy, bilingual layout structure, and compliance governance.2

Food brands searching for Canada front of package nutrition symbol requirements, FOP nutrition symbol Canada 2026 enforcement,
or folding carton packaging compliance Canada need implementation clarity.

This article outlines what the regulation requires, where packaging programs fail, and how a folding carton partner such as Netpak supports structured compliance.

What CFIA will enforce.
Foods imported, manufactured in Canada, or packaged at retail on or after January 1, 2026 must comply.
Foods imported, manufactured, or packaged at retail before that date may continue to be sold under sell through provisions.
Your compliance trigger is the production and packaging date, not the retail sell through date.1

What the Official Canada FOP Nutrition Symbol Looks Like

Health Canada prescribes standardized black and white symbols. You must use official artwork formats and follow the presentation rules.2

High in Saturated Fat, Sugars, Sodium

FOP symbol high in saturated fat, sugars, sodium
Official example from Health Canada guidance.

High in Sodium

FOP symbol high in sodium
Official example from Health Canada guidance.

High in Saturated Fat and Sugars

FOP symbol high in saturated fat and sugars
Official example from Health Canada guidance.

High in Saturated Fat

FOP symbol high in saturated fat
Official example from Health Canada guidance.

Core presentation requirements that affect folding cartons

  • English and French text, using the official formats and language rules.2
  • Minimum size based on principal display surface area, using Health Canada size tables, not estimates.2
  • Required clear space around the symbol, treated as a locked zone in dielines.2
  • Placement in the upper half of the principal display panel, generally on the right half when the panel is wider than tall, consistent with Health Canada examples.2

From a folding carton perspective, these requirements affect dieline design. If your front panel is built around dense branding or multiple callouts, symbol integration often requires structural adjustment.

When the Canada Front of Package Nutrition Symbol Is Required

Health Canada sets nutrient thresholds based on percent Daily Value for saturated fat, sugars, and sodium.
Trigger logic depends on reference amount and category rules in the guidance.2

Most foods

Reference amount greater than 30 g or 30 mL.

Symbol required at 15 percent Daily Value or more.

Small reference amounts

30 g or 30 mL or less.

Symbol required at 10 percent Daily Value or more.

Main dishes

Reference amount 200 g or more for children and adults, or 170 g or more for products only for children 1 to 4, under the guidance criteria.

Symbol required at 30 percent Daily Value or more.

What goes wrong in real portfolios

You must assess each nutrient independently. If one nutrient meets or exceeds the threshold, the symbol is required.2

  • Incorrect reference amount classification across a SKU family.
  • Misinterpretation of main dish criteria across multi component products.
  • Failure to reassess after reformulation, especially sodium creep.
  • Overlooking 10 percent Daily Value triggers for small reference amounts.

Example. A 26 g snack with sodium at 11 percent Daily Value triggers the symbol under the 10 percent rule.
If your previous formula was 9 percent Daily Value and the carton had no symbol, a minor reformulation forces a front panel redesign.2

Treat FOP as a controlled change, not a one time artwork update.

January 1, 2026 Enforcement and Production Risk

CFIA ties compliance to when food is imported, manufactured, or packaged at retail. Sell through depends on the production side date, not the retail date.1

Three exposure scenarios for folding cartons

  • Cartons printed before 2026 but filled in 2026.
  • Co packers holding legacy packaging inventory beyond the year boundary.
  • Reformulated SKUs produced in 2026 without updated artwork and dielines.

If a product packaged in 2026 exceeds thresholds and the carton lacks the required symbol, corrective action follows CFIA enforcement.1

How to prevent carton scrap and line disruption

Treat the carton as a controlled component. Track three dates per SKU.

  • Artwork release date.
  • Print and delivery date.
  • First fill date.

Reverse schedule from the first fill date. Segregate legacy inventory. Require written changeover acceptance from co packers.

Structural Implications for Folding Carton Programs

The front of package symbol affects more than graphics. It affects the packaging system, not only the layout file.

What changes in a well run carton system

  • Front panel hierarchy becomes a template decision.
  • Multi SKU family alignment reduces repeated redesign across flavours and sizes.
  • Bilingual layout spacing becomes a structural rule.
  • Club pack principal display panels need consistent placement logic across faces.
  • Prepress QC includes symbol size, clear space, and orientation checks.
  • Inventory and print run forecasting aligns to first fill dates under CFIA date logic.1

Where programs fail

Decentralized SKU governance increases scrap and relabelling costs because thresholds and artwork changes do not move together.
Compliance needs repeatable control across functions.

  • Regulatory and R and D update nutrition data, packaging does not receive an automatic trigger review.
  • Design locks front panels without a reserved symbol zone.
  • Operations prints to forecast without tying cartons to first fill dates.
  • Co packers run legacy cartons in 2026 because the changeover plan is informal.

Placement examples, use these early in dieline planning

Wide PDP placement example
Wide principal display panel example from Health Canada guidance. Placement is shown within the upper half and typically in the right half when the panel is wider than tall.2

Tall PDP example

Tall PDP placement example

Upper half placement example from Health Canada guidance.2

Vertical symbol example

Vertical symbol example

Vertical orientation example from Health Canada guidance.2

Language and Display Options

The symbol has English, French, and bilingual format rules. Decide your approach early so the rule stays consistent across SKUs and faces.2

Bilingual symbol example

English first bilingual symbol example

English first bilingual example from Health Canada guidance.2

Bilingual symbol example

French first bilingual symbol example

French first bilingual example from Health Canada guidance.2

Health Canada allows equal principal display panels to carry language specific symbols on the matching language face in certain cases.
Plan this choice early because it affects hierarchy, spacing, and SKU family consistency.2

How Netpak Supports Folding Carton Compliance

Netpak approaches Canada FOP compliance as an integrated packaging governance process. The goal is repeatable execution across SKUs.
You reduce scrap, stabilize launch timelines, and keep artwork systems under control.

SKU level trigger validation

We confirm reference amounts and document trigger logic for saturated fat, sugars, and sodium per SKU, using Health Canada guidance as the baseline.2

Output: a SKU trigger map tied to your nutrition facts inputs.

Dieline and front panel assessment

We validate symbol size, clear space, and placement against your principal display panel geometry. We adjust dielines and layouts before art lock.2

Output: dieline impact notes with placement checks.

Reformulation risk mapping

We flag SKUs near threshold boundaries where a small nutrient shift changes symbol requirements. We prioritize items near 15 and 10 percent Daily Value triggers.2

Output: a risk band list for governance and planning.

Production cutover planning

We tie cartons to first fill dates and build a cutover plan aligned to CFIA’s enforcement trigger. This limits obsolete inventory and line disruption in 2026.1

Output: a cutover plan by SKU and facility.

Prepress compliance integration

We integrate symbol verification into artwork approvals, including size table checks, clear space locks, bilingual format control, and placement validation.2

Output: a repeatable prepress checklist for your team.

Quote and timeline inputs

We scope quickly when you share SKUs, current dielines, principal display panel dimensions, and first 2026 fill dates. Co packer sites and changeover dates tighten planning.1

Output: a scoped timeline and quote inputs checklist.

Sticker Labels, Assortments, and Front Panel Claim Guardrails

In store labels and assortment packs add operational complexity.
Front panel claims also face restrictions when the same nutrient appears in the symbol.
Treat these as separate workflow checkpoints in your packaging system.2

Scale label sticker example

Scale label sticker example

Sticker placement example from Health Canada guidance. Use adhesive that survives distribution and retail handling.2

Assortment pack example

Assortment pack example

Assortment example from Health Canada guidance. Decide whether one symbol applies across flavours or if the pack needs more than one presentation.2

Same nutrient claims

If a nutrient appears in the symbol, review whether front panel claims for that nutrient are restricted under the guidance.
Validate claim eligibility before you lock your front panel copy.2

Visibility and contrast

Keep the symbol high contrast and unobscured. Treat clear space as a locked zone in your dielines so brand elements do not creep into the buffer.2

Look alike seal risk

Avoid front panel marks that mimic the symbol’s structure. Treat this as a governance standard across agencies and co manufacturers.2

Download Official Specifications and Formats

Use Health Canada’s official files to avoid sizing, spacing, and language errors.
Treat these as your single source for symbol artwork and tables.2

Download the Directory of Specifications and Compendium of Formats from Health Canada’s front of package nutrition labelling resources.
Use these files in prepress to confirm minimum size and placement rules before plates are made.2

FAQ

These are common operational questions from packaging teams managing multiple SKUs and co packer sites.

Does every food product require the Canada front of package nutrition symbol?

No. The symbol is required when saturated fat, sugars, or sodium meet or exceed Health Canada’s percent Daily Value thresholds.
Assess each nutrient independently using the product’s reference amount and the guidance criteria.2

Are there exemptions or cases where the symbol is prohibited?

Yes. Health Canada defines category based exemptions and situations where the symbol is prohibited.
Confirm category conditions before you lock artwork, especially for products with specialized regulatory status.2

If my product was manufactured in December 2025 but sold in 2026, does it need the symbol?

CFIA ties compliance to foods imported, manufactured, or packaged at retail on or after January 1, 2026.
Foods imported, manufactured, or packaged at retail before that date may continue to be sold.
The key date is the production and packaging side date, not the retail sell through date.1

If I reformulate in 2026 and cross a nutrient threshold, do I need new cartons immediately?

Yes. If the reformulated product exceeds a threshold and is imported, manufactured, or packaged at retail on or after January 1, 2026, the required symbol must appear.
Align nutrition change control with carton artwork updates so the change reaches the line before the first fill date.12

How is minimum size determined for the symbol on a folding carton?

Minimum size is tied to the principal display surface area. Health Canada provides tables and format rules in the guide and related files.
For folding cartons, confirm the PDP geometry on the dieline, then apply the official size table before prepress release.2

What should I send Netpak to request a quote?

Share your SKU list, nutrition facts data, reference amounts, current dielines, principal display panel dimensions, and first fill dates by facility.
If applicable, include co packer sites and planned changeover timing.1

Request a Folding Carton FOP Quote

If you manage multiple SKUs and need support aligning folding carton artwork and production planning with Canada’s FOP nutrition symbol requirements, use the form below to request a quote.


Request a quote

References
  1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Nutrition labelling regulations and transition details for front of package nutrition symbol.
  2. Health Canada. Front of package nutrition symbol labelling guide for industry, specifications, formats, placement examples, exemptions, and restrictions.


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UV coating: The touch that makes your folding carton shine

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Packaging, Trends.

The finishing touch on your packaging project can make the whole difference in its success and overall aesthetics. Coatings not only protect your final product, but also gives it a higher-end and refined appearance. How do coatings actually work? Are there several types to choose from? Let’s take a closer look.

What is UV coating?

UV coating begins with the application of a wet compound on top of paper that is then dried by using ultraviolet light. Generally, any type of paperboard can have a UV coating applied to it! However, usually this technique works best with thicker paper. That’s what makes it ideal for packaging, especially in folding carton applications. You can even take it up a notch and customize the extent of reflectivity of your final packaging.

UV coating your marketing packaging initiatives can be very beneficial. As previously mentioned, the main reason for opting for this packaging technique is the aesthetics it brings to the table. It enriches your design and enhances the colors used. This leads to increased customer satisfaction as the packaging will have such a high-end look to it. Moreover, the process of UV coating also protects your packaging, and allows it to last longer. Now that’s a true return on investment!

UV coating is not a one trick pony. There are several types to choose from depending on the look you wish to accomplish. Two of the main ones we will be focusing on are Gloss UV coating and Matte Coating.

Gloss UV Coating

Just like the name suggests, gloss UV is all about the shine. If you are looking for packaging with a lot of sheen, this would be the option to go with. A word of warning however: make sure everything is still legible on the package and avoid over-glossing. This defeats the purpose of the process.

Matte UV Coating

Matte coating on the other hand is a satin finish that allows colors to look more vibrant and doesn’t leave fingerprints. Synonymous with elegance and luxury, this type of finish can be used in certain areas of the design to make them stand out from the rest.

No matter which type you use, if you are looking for a high-end look to your packaging, you can’t go wrong with UV coating. At Netpak, we have a variety of enhanced printing options to choose from for your packaging to make every project stand out more than you thought possible.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

PANTONE Color of the Year 2020: CLASSIC BLUE 19-4052

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Food & Beverage, Packaging, Trends.

For over 20 years, the Pantone Color Institute has been a strong influence in product development in all areas of design, including graphic and packaging design. Every year, Pantone announces a color that will represent the new year, forecasting global color trends.

Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2020 – it just so happens to be right up our alley: Pantone Classic Blue #19-4052… We love this color! Can you tell by our branding?

The true meaning behind blue

As all colors generally evoke emotions and psychological insinuations, the palettes you choose from can be vital in boosting your brand’s image. Read more about colors and what they represent here.

Blue is color that is known as being trustworthy, while representing honesty, trust and integrity. Far beyond our love for blue, which Netpak uses strongly in their branding, the color fosters resilience and trustworthiness, often bringing a sense of peace and calmness to consumers.

Blue in packaging

The colors used in your packaging can help set your product apart from others on the shelf by boasting appealing aesthetics. In packaging design, blue represents an honesty and a credibility that today’s consumers are connecting to, making it the ideal shade for many applications in graphic design. In the Food and Beverage industry, the color blue is often related to products promoting good health and sustainability, an ever-growing trend.

When designing packaging in today’s competitive market, it is important to keep in mind the feelings each color represents, including our favorite hue: blue! Our team of prepress and graphic experts can help you select the right colors for your branded packaging and give you the advice you need to ensure your product stands out and portrays the message you desire. 

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Ink-credible options for designing your packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Innovation, Packaging, Trends.

When designing the packaging for your product, there are many aspects that need to be considered. One of the main attributes that would make your product stand out is color. But there are different ways to use them. How do we narrow it down? Depending on how you want to brand your product, you have several specialty ink alternatives to choose from to take your packaging to the next level.

Shine bright with metallics

If you’re looking to make an impression with your design, it might take more than your ordinary color palette to do so. Adding a little bling with metallics can do the trick. Metallic inks contain reflective metal particles such as copper or bronze. When the ink dries, the light hits those particles in a way that creates a lustrous sheen to the material. The most common metallics that are used are silver and gold, and you can imagine why. This specialty ink gives a high-end and luxurious finish to your product. It also can be a great substitute for foil stamping because of its cost efficiency. Venture into new design territories and let your creativity take over with this type of ink.

Fluorescents is the new black

When you think vibrancy, you think bold colors. Fluorescents don’t have to be only for highlighters. If you are looking to make a statement and make your packaging pop, consider this fabulous palette of color. Fluorescent ink is made from pigments that absorb ultraviolet energy and release it within the perceptible spectrum. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that these vibrant colors be printed on a black or white background to really have them reach their full colorful potential. To really ensure a pop of color, a double layer of this ink is suggested. So out with the dull colors, in with the bold and the beautiful!

Softness and elegance with pastels

Sometimes simplicity can go a long way. Subtle and delicate colors can reflect a message of calmness and ease. Many companies are opting for this approach when designing their packaging. Pastel colors have made a resurgence with their softer tones such as baby blue, peach, and light mint. It might be slightly trickier to achieve these hues with the standard color palette, but more and more cosmetic brands are choosing this specialty ink option for their packaging. This now trendsetting pantone of colors has become the next fashionable thing, after glitter and unicorns!

No matter what path you take when it comes to choosing your ink, know that there’s a strategy that should be kept in mind. Different colors can make you feel different things as there is a psychology behind every hue (read more about the psychology of colors here). Therefore, choosing what fits best for your brand is crucial. Netpak’s team can help you narrow it down. With their variety of enhanced printing options, such as the metallic inks mentioned above, we are certified to help make your packaging simply ink-credible.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Printed sleeves: A way to spice up your packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a product by its packaging? In this day and age, shelves get saturated with products. It’s up to you, the manufacturer, to find ways to set your brand apart from the rest. One of the ways to do this could very well be staring you in the face: it’s time to revamp your packaging. This might seem like a tedious and expensive endeavour. However, it doesn’t have to be when you can use printed sleeves.

A customized printed sleeve is an extra packaging technique that wraps or covers your product, while still allowing you to add elements that will make your brand stand out, and ultimately attract your customer. This method is not only used to spruce up your current packaging, but also to brand your holiday or seasonal pack, showcase promotions, or package specials. Whatever the case may be, you can increase your product’s shelf appeal and add a little zing to your packaging.

There are several options to choose from depending on your visual needs. What is referred to as a paperboard sleeve is usually the most affordable and is a great way to dress up your package. With this, the product itself is still visible so the brand is still recognizable. You can let your ingenuity take over by incorporating custom shapes and giving your product a unique look. Another option to spruce up your sleeve is the use of cutouts. As the name implies, these allow your logo to be seen, and any important aspect of the product to be visible to the customer. Therefore, there are many ways to impact your customer and set your brand apart from all the rest when using printed sleeves.

At Netpak, we are all about raising your brand’s shelf esteem. We recognize that elevating your brand to new heights is key and that bands or sleeves can be a cost-effective way of doing so. We have the ability to create printed sleeves, customized to your liking, for your product. Because we know and are familiar with the different industry packaging standards and requirements out there, we not only create sleeves for boxes but also for such things as bottles, beverage holders, etc.  With our team of experts, we are here to stimulate you with new ideas that showcase the uniqueness of your product.

So, roll up your sleeves, let your creativity come through, and take your brand to the next level!

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

The Power of a Canvas of Color in Packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Trends.

We’ve all heard the expression “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. However, when it comes to a product, the color and aesthetics of the packaging is what sets it apart form all others. Color is the most crucial attribute in packaging, making the final product stand out. The appropriate selection is an art as it might help determine the success of a product. Like a peacock strutting its colors, the palette you choose can help boost your brand’s image.

The meaning behind colors

Each color has been known to evoke certain emotions along with it as it carries psychological insinuations, therefore influencing the purchasing decision of a consumer. Hence, whether you are designing a package, or simply buying a product, it’s important to keep in mind the feelings induced by each of the colors:

  • Blue represents integrity, honesty, and trust.
  • Red represents excitement, passion, and contemporary.
  • Green represents eco-friendliness, environment, and freshness.
  • Purple represents uniqueness, luxury, and creativity.
  • Yellow represents warmth, energy, and joy.
  • Orange represents attraction, engagement, and youthfulness.
  • Pink represents tenderness, sensitivity, and sympathy.
  • Black represents boldness, elegance, and sophistication.
  • White represents purity, hope, and simplicity.
  • Grey represents stability, security, and strength.

The colors that are trending

Like every industry, there are fads that manufacturers and consumers go through depending on what is popular in the market that year. The same theory is holds true for packagingand the colors that apply to them.

  • Soft neutrals have made a resurgence in the design and packaging world due to their ability to create a sense of relaxationin consumers.
  • Black and white, the ying and yang of the color pallet, are trending again. Well, they’ve never really stopped. The reason they have been so popular over the years and continue to do so is because of the sophistication and simplicity they evoke.
  • Gradients of color are notorious for adding depth to a package while still focusing on the product itself. They attract the customer without distracting them from the brand itself and what it evokes.
  • Green, the color of sustainability, is an ever-growing trend. As people become more conscious of the effects of our everyday habits on the environment, so do manufacturers and brand owners. To show their values when it comes to the environment, many brands are opting to not only use sustainable materials, but also include green colors to market their eco-friendly products. 

In a competitive market that is exponentially growing, it is imperative to not only be strategic in the products you put on the shelf, but also in the message you portray through the packaging. It can sometimes be overwhelming to choose from a large variety of options. Luckily, with the help of an experienced team like the one at Netpak, you can get the advice and help you seek for your packaging needs, from pre-press to graphic services.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

The right finish is just the beginning: Polycoated paperboard

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Food & Beverage, Packaging.

The aesthetics of your packaging is what can set your product apart from competing brands on the shelf. But it’s not only about the appearance of a box. The durability and strength are just as crucial. So, what’s the best way to incorporate these specifications?

As you might already know, paperboard is a thicker type of paper usually used when a sturdier type of packaging is needed. With polycoated paperboard, you can take things one step further. Aside from the attractiveness of the package, the polyethylene coating also protects against any liquid spillage such as water or oil for example. A shiny coating is applied on either side, which gives the package and design a special touch. This type of paper then becomes useful in different industries.

The foodservice industry is the perfect example of the type of business that utilizes this material when it comes to their packaging. From pie boxes to your favorite local take-out food chain, chances are you’ve seen polycoated paper being used. For oily components, this reduces the chance of leakage through the paperboard. Why go through all this hassle you might ask? In fact, this coated paperboard almost acts as insulation. This waxy and shiny layer of coating helps preserve your food by locking in the moisture it contains and not letting it seep out. This prevents the food from therefore drying out.

It’s not simply the food industry that benefits from this but also certain industrial products. As you can imagine, certain heavy-duty materials such as steel or wood need a packaging material that has strength and durability. This why a coated paperboard would do the trick. It can be coated on one side or both. Even in the shipping industry, a sturdier type of packaging is needed. No matter what industry you are in, there are several types of polycoated paperboard that can be used, where polyethylene can be applied on one or both sides. Whatever the case may be, this type of material is not only gives a nice finish to the final package, but also protects the product.

At Netpak, we believe in delivering the highest quality product for your product and brand. This is why we are proud to have an array of certifications under our belt that guarantee safety and reputation. Whether you are in the food industry or simply looking for a long-lasting packaging solution, these seals of approval make Netpak your go to choice for all your packaging needs.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

It’s all in the details: Specifications in printing

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Packaging.

Rules and regulations are everywhere, even in the projects we seek to accomplish. From the beginning to the end of the packaging process, there are guidelines that need to be followed and respected in order to ensure that projects are completed correctly. These set of requirements are called specifications or specs. It should come therefore as no surprise that there are as many of types of specifications as there are steps in the packaging creation. In order to minimize any confusion, let us start at the very beginning with print specifications.

When it comes to printing, specs are crucial in order to ensure that what is asked for from the customers is delivered to press properly. Having been in the business for many years now, we have a checklist of specs that we stick to, ensuring we deliver the highest quality print to our customer.

  • Bleed specifications

Don’t worry, no Band-Aids or stiches are needed for this! When images or designs touch the edge of a page and go beyond the trim line, leaving no white margin, this is referred to as a bleed. It’s therefore the area that will be trimmed off. In order to ensure that no misalignments or inconsistencies affect the final print, a bleed is set in place and serves as a safety zone for the printer. At Netpak, we require that all design files submitted for printing include a bleed. Better safe than sorry!

  • Type and type size requirements: general guideline for font thickness

Another specification that is important when it comes to printing focuses on size and type of font used. With a vast array of fonts in existence, each of different size, requirements are set in place to make sure that the final text in the design is legible when printed. Every word counts and size does matter when it comes to a quality print project.

  • Image resolution

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a hi-res image worth? It’s truly priceless. There is nothing worse than having a hyper-pixelated or blurry printed image on a final design. To avoid poor quality printing, it is usually recommended that images submitted be 300 DPI (300 pixels per inch or dots per inch) or more. A higher DPI produces a clearer printed image.

  • CMYK

A term that you might see often when looking at print specifications is CMYK. This stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black and is thecolor profile used in print. Without throwing printing jargon at you, in a nutshell, images printed using CMYK use layers of dots and utilize a wider range of colors.

These are a few of the print specifications that are covered and expected when submitting your artwork files. As you move through the steps of the packaging process, from material to finish to product, more requirements are expected at every stage. This can quickly be very overwhelming and daunting as specifications are different depending on the industry you are in. At Netpak, our prepress department verifies your files for these specs and ensures, whether you are in the health and beauty industry or in the food industry, everything is according to standards for a high-quality print and a “spec”tacular final product.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Making natural packaging great again

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Markets, Trends.

We’ve all heard the expression “what really matters is invisible to the eyes.” This holds true even when it comes to product packaging. The way you market your brand through your packaging is the first step. With the rising concern for the environment and the growing need for sustainability, the natural approach can make packaging great again. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Shielding your product

No one wants a product that has been exposed to outside contaminants. Packaging forms a wall to help protect the product and also avoid any spoilage. This is particularly important for products that can go bad more quickly or foods with ingredients that have been omitted for health reasons. Whatever the case may be, packaging is a must to protect the product.

  • Increasing durability

Preservative-free is usually the best way to go when it comes to food. Alas, that means that certain products might therefore have a shorter lifespan. That’s where the right packaging can come to the rescue. It can help preserve the product by creating the appropriate atmosphere for it. Each product needs certain conditions in order for it to last on shelf. Luckily, there are packaging options that are now able to mimic the environment a product needs to be in to optimize its shelf life.

  • Brand yourself

The way a package looks on shelf can speak volumes about your brand. Before any sales force or representative, the packaging itself is what the consumer first sees and what creates the initial attraction. Therefore, optimize your packaging so that the brand message is conveyed with just one look. Don’t sell yourself or your brand short!

  • Easy, breezy solutions

We all lead busy lives and are always appreciative of convenience, even when it comes to products we see on the shelf. We can’t deny that we’ve all reached for the product with either tear notches or zipper closures; basically, a package with no extra bells or whistles to figure out. As a consumer, we gravitate towards ease. Therefore, packaging that is a breeze to deal with will most likely be the choice of many customers and what you should aim for when it comes to your brand.

  • Be efficient from start to finish

Time is money as we all know. Making sure that the production portion of the packaging process is operating in an efficient and seamless way is a must. As a brand, ensuring that no waste is generated due to faulty packaging, that resources are available when production begins, and that backorders are avoided as much as possible, are all elements that need to be evaluated. The design and production efficiency of the package go hand in hand.

Netpak can help you create packaging options that take all these criteria into account when designing your natural or organic product package. We ensure that the packaging respects the product’s shelf life by using food-friendly materials.

Therefore, to persuade the consumer of this approach when it comes to product packaging, all these facets are important to the process; it’s only natural.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Plastic Pollution: It’s the Last Straw

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Certification, Education, Folding carton, New/Press Release.

Canada: The True North, Strong and, soon to be, Plastic-Free. It has been announced that by 2021, Canada will ban single use plastics. As the name implies, single-use plastics are defined as “items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled.” However, this still leaves room for confusion. There remains a grey zone in what constitutes a single use plastic and what items won’t make the cut. We suspect that items like plastic straws, polystyrene, plastic bags, cutlery, takeout containers and plastic bottles, are just a few of the everyday elements that will soon be banned.

Nevertheless, this new injunction will undoubtedly impact the food service industry. Whether it’s at the coffee shop or in a grocery store, plastic and polystyrene have played a large role in most types of businesses. What will the food service landscape look like? For larger food franchises, this will be an easier and more affordable transition, as long as the materials needed are readily available for packaging. However, for smaller business owners, this might be more challenging than expected, especially from a financial standpoint. Even though it’s clear that conversations are still needed regarding this topic, the wheels have already been put in motion for some commercial entities as we move towards more sustainable packaging for products.

Sustainable packaging isn’t a complicated concept to understand, but it’s still complex to execute. There are many factors that come into play as it’s not only about recycling anymore. The complete life cycle of a package is just as important as the end stages. From the raw materials that are used to create a package, to the disposal of it, every step in the process is now evaluated for sustainability. A new wave of eco-innovation, based on a demand for sustainability at both the manufacturer and the consumer level, has forced both brand owners and packaging producers to now think outside the box, quite literally!

At Netpak, our commitment to developing sustainable options from the beginning of the packaging process to the end is ongoing. Every day, we strive to work efficiently, by reducing waste, resources and energy, while still delivering the highest caliber product to our customers. Our efforts have been rewarded as we have received several “Eco-Responsible” certifications, from The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFIâ) to The Forest Stewardship Council (FSCâ); we keep the wellness of the environment at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Follow the Green Brick Road to Sustainable Packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Packaging.

“Going green” is an expression that seems to be everywhere. As the environmental landscape is changing, people are becoming more conscious of the choices they make and how these options have a long-term impact on the environment. However, it’s not only about going green anymore. It’s about staying green, especially in the packaging industry.

Sustainable packaging: what is it?

Packaging usually involves quite a bit of waste and that’s why more businesses are looking for an eco-friendly alternative. Sustainable packaging might sound like an oxymoron, but it refers to the creation and use of packaging that improves sustainability. Its life cycle is thoroughly assessed from beginning to end to ensure that every step of the process involves sustainable procedures. From the source of the material being used, to the procedures and technology used to manufacture it, the aim is to decrease the impact that waste has on the environment and reduce ecological footprint. These proactive initiatives trickle down the chain and affect both the consumer and the product itself.

Sustainable packaging and the consumer

Consumers’ shopping habits are evolving. Once quality and affordability were the only criteria that mattered, now sustainable packaging plays a big role in the consumer’s purchasing decision. They have become more conscious of the waste process and are even willing to pay extra for a product that has a positive impact on the environment. Industries across the board, such as food, cosmetics and even clothing, have therefore had to listen to the consumer’s needs. It has been recently shown that sustainable packaging has become one of the main purchasing drivers. All this has therefore forced companies and businesses to re-evaluate their packaging strategies. They not only have to take into account cost and convenience, but also incorporate their customers’ values into their own business model. This ongoing approach will set your company apart in a competitive market.

Sustainable packaging and the product

So how should you as a company begin to look at this sustainability concept and adapt it to your product? There are 4 facets to consider:

  1. What materials are used;
  2. How are they produced;
  3. How is the product shipped;
  4. How the materials are disposed by the consumer.

Using paper instead of plastic would be the first step in the right direction. Paper is made from fibers that can easily be recycled. You can even use plant-based packaging as this has become very popular in the last few years.

Look for a packaging company like Netpak that uses sustainable materials every day and makes environmentally friendly choices from the beginning to the end of the packaging lifecycle.

Try to ship products in packages that are not too big, where a lot of void fill is required. Opting for materials that are sized to fit would be best.

Make sure your product is recyclable or reusable and share that information with the consumer.

Sustainable packaging: stamp of approval

As we move towards a more environmentally conscious tomorrow, we will have to make crucial packaging changes and opt towards long term sustainability. Luckily, there are several options to choose from when it comes to your product. Netpak operates responsibly as it shares the same values as its customers when it comes to the environment. Its continuous commitment to sustainability and its certifications allows it to pave the road towards a greener future. Learn more about Netpak’s eco-friendly designations here.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

BRC® Certification: Netpak receives its sixth consecutive designation

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Certification, Education, Markets.

Netpak is proud to announce it has obtained its sixth consecutive BRC® “GRADE AA” certification by GFSI®.

Netpak’s commitment to our customers and continuous process improvement is at the heart of our core values. Being the first North American printer to be accredited with the highly coveted BRC® certification is among one of our many industry achievements and a true testament to our outstanding performance and quality.

What is the BRC® certification?

Setting the standard in the food industry, the British Retail Consortium (BRC®) is a globally recognized organization that establishes a series of standards to help companies be compliant with food safety laws at all levels of the supply chain. Many food manufacturers are now requiring their suppliers to implement rigorous quality control programs and obtain highly-recognized certifications.

The BRC® Global Standards programme is fully approved by the Global Food Standard Initiative (GFSI®) and has become a benchmark in for best practice in the food and beverage industry. Being BRC® certified allows Netpak to validate our production process with the highest standards of quality, safety and traceability in the industry.

What is the BRC® certification process?

Receiving the BRC® designation requires an extremely thorough auditing process, conducted yearly. These formal performance reviews completed at our facility assess the various key components of our production process including our safety and hygiene systems, as well as our control on the manufacturing processes and production line. Risk management systems must be implemented, as well as a rigorous quality control process and upstream and downstream product traceability processes in order to successfully complete the audit and ensure we benchmark against the highest and most demanding standards in the industry.

Years ago, Netpak was among the first in North America to successfully complete the BRC® auditing process and to this day, we have successfully completed this process for the sixth consecutive year.

What does the BRC® certification mean for Netpak?

Obtaining the BRC® designation is of the utmost importance for Netpak. Our customers can rest assured that our facility and packaging solutions meet and achieve the highest levels of the GFSI-recognized certifications for food safety, all while fulfilling their legal obligations and providing protection for the end consumer.

As the industry grows and adds various standards and requirements to meet, Netpak has made a continuous commitment to our customers and our company to maintain these strict standards of quality control, hygiene and food safety. We are proud to be pioneers in the folding carton packaging industry and we will continue to improve our processes to better help our customers and partners achieve their business goals.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

 

Packaging 101 – The terms you need to know

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Packaging.

When looking for the ideal way to package a product or a project, it can quickly be overwhelming. Terms and lingo are used that you are not always familiar with, causing even more confusion. You can rapidly resort to choosing something that is not quite what you had in mind, leaving you disappointed and unsatisfied. If only there were a way to know what each packaging term meant before the point of no return. Now there is!  A quick glossary of the most common packaging terms and techniques can help any beginner navigate through the packaging dictionary to find the best solution for their project needs. There is no need to be the new kid on the block any longer!

  • Dieline/Diecut

As a customer, you might be looking to get a package printed a certain way. This is where dielines come into play. Think of a dieline as a cookie cutter, it serves as a package template that guarantees an accurate layout for a printed product. It would therefore illustrate where the folds and cut lines would be in a flattened format.

  • Enhanced printing

You are perhaps looking to take your packaging to the next level and really make it stand out. Our team of experts can help you enhance the printing with several techniques such as hot stamping, metallic ink, embossing etc. and let your creativity speak for itself.

  • Lamination

The word lamination is most commonly used in the printing industry. It refers to the process of enclosing and bonding printed material between two pieces of plastic film. This technique is used to protect a printed piece from any damage such as stains, moisture or wrinkles. This inevitably leads to durability and strength of the print, at a reasonable cost over time. Let your printed project stand out and seal the deal.

  • Lot/SKU

All inventory needs to be identified to minimize any confusion or error. SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit and refers to the identification code relating to an individual product. On the other hand, a lot number is a number given to a group of products that have common characteristics such as material or manufacturing location.

  • Mock-ups 

Is the suspense getting to you? Do you just want to know what a finished package will look like before it goes to print? This is where mock-ups come in handy. A mock-up is a realistic representation of what the product will look like. It is a visual aid to help you envision what the final result will be.

 

  • Paperboard 

Thicker than paper, paperboard is a paper-based material that is more rigid and foldable. It is still considered to be lightweight and easy to cut regardless of its thickness. Typically used to package products, paperboard is available in different grades depending on your packaging needs. From Solid Bleached Sulfate to Corrugated Fiberboard, Netpak offers an array of paperboards to choose from.

  • Paperboard Gauge

Thickness is a crucial property of paperboard as a variation in it can have an effect on such things as the permeability or stiffness of the finished package. The paperboard gauge is a thickness tester that measures the width of paper and cardboard and is widely used in the packaging industry.

  • Specs (Specifications)

Let’s be specific! Specs or specifications define parameters used by the customer to verify the product of a supplier upon delivery. It is essentially a statement relating to the materials, dimensions, etc. of the package being built.

  • Varnish

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but also in the hands of varnish. A varnish is a thin-protective layer that is applied to a printed project for protection or esthetic purposes. It enriches the visual appearance of the print or package, as it increases the perceived quality of the project. There are several types of varnishes available and are usually an affordable means to enhance the beauty of your package.

So, if you are new to the world of packaging, you don’t have to worry about learning a new language. With the right service and the knowledge of the industry lingo, you will be speaking like one of our own in no time.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

 

How to choose the right coating or lamination for your packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Certification, Education, Folding carton, Innovation.

The folding carton and printing industry is flooded with coating and lamination options. These print coatings can help your packaging stand out from its competition by providing a unique texture, making them more durable and elegant. There are many different options available today ranging from standard to speciality finishes that can be applied to the full packaging or to selected spots. Our team of industry experts will help you select the best type of lamination or coating available for your project.

Lamination

This is the ideal finish for paperboard boxes, although it can be costly compared to other options because of its protective properties, such as moisture protection. If your product has to stay in storage for some time, lamination could be the way to go for your packaging finish.

There are various types of laminations available at Netpak, including the three most popular: gloss, matte and soft touch lamination. The most common gloss lamination offers a clear and lustrous finish to enhance the look of your packaging and intensifies its color. Matte lamination, often chosen over gloss in luxury products, offers a minimalist and elegant look, while soft touch offers all the benefits of matte lamination while giving your packaging a velvety, brushed-hand feel. Learn more about the different types of laminations Netpak offers here.

Aqueous (AQ) Coating

Commonly used as a cost-effective solution, AQ coating is used to protect printed pieces by providing a gloss or matter surface that deters dirt and fingerprints. AQ coating is water-based and food safe, making it the ideal sustainable solution for the food and beverage industry. Netpak’s team of experts is well-versed in the rules and regulations of the food and beverage industry, allowing us to suggest and provide the most cost-effective and best-suited solutions for your packaging. Learn more about Netpak’s highly-coveted certifications here.

Ultraviolet (UV) Coating

Ultraviolet coatings, commonly called UV coating, provides a glossy finish that is often compared to a gloss lamination. Though similar and eco-friendlier, UV coating is not as strong and does not protect your packaging as lamination would. UV is a cost-effective solution and quick to produce if you’re on a budget and in a time crunch.

Varnish & No-Coating

Varnishes can be another option for smaller budgets. It is basically a clear ink available in gloss, satin or matte. Digital printing is great for efficiency, fast turnarounds and lower per unit cost. Meanwhile, when the packaging is mostly used for shipping and transportation, embellishments and expensive coating are typically not required, which results in no coating.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

 

Soft-Touch Coating vs Soft-Touch Lamination

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Innovation.

It’s no secret that branding is paramount in today’s business world, and the image you project to the world is key. Consumer packaging companies emphasize visual, tactile and various other sensory elements in their packaging design to maximize allure and ensure a strong engagement between brand and consumer. The finish you choose for your folding carton packaging can make it that much more unique.

A soft-touch finish has become popular in the printing and packaging industry and taken the lead over other types of finishes, as it improves the exterior appearance of your carton. This finish, when applied, creates a velvety texture that is “soft” to the touch.

Industries, especial in retail and luxury, use this option as it offers a drastic impact on quality and perceived value of the final product. However, there are variations between a soft-touch coating and soft-touch lamination. Read on below to learn more about the two options.

Soft-touch Coating

Soft-touch coating is achieved in-line during the printing process and offers quick drying times. This type of coating will not alter the coloration or quality of your finished product. It is the more-cost effective alternative to the soft-touch lamination. It is a great option for clients seeking a soft look and feel that is fingerprint resistant, all while being resistant to yellowing and offering different options in surface thickness.

Netpak and its team of experts are where you can find the best options for your product to stand out on the market. Learn more about our enhanced printing options, including the soft-touch lamination and coating. Our team will guide you in selecting the ideal finish for your product, while taking into account your final budget.

Soft-touch Lamination

The soft-touch lamination process uses a laminate plastic film that is bonded on top of the printed paperboard. While creating a barrier that is fingerprint resistant, this type of coating will generally mute and add a level of sophistication to darker colors with a fingerprint resistant finish. A laminate is costlier than the coating option; however, it provides added durability and strength to your packaging, whereas the coating does not.

Soft-touch lamination is more resistant to scuffs and scratches, which makes it useful in shipping. It will provide you with a softer look and is resistant to fingerprints smudges and changes in colors over time, which is helpful if your product is meant to be kept in storage for a period of time.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544