What Is Embossing And Debossing In Custom Packaging?

A buyer stumbles upon an an item and gets carried away by how it is it is placed in stunning packaging. But the real catch is the design with intricate patterns and the right touch of colors. Brands often use this tactic to lure customers towards themselves. While the colors do the magic on the minds, the sensory touch also matters for the consumers. This is why many companies choose custom packaging coatings other than matte or glossy ones. This blog will explore what embossing and debossing finishes are in custom packaging. Let’s understand the difference and importance of both these finishes.

Key Points for Embossing and Debossing

Before going into the nitty gritty details of both finishes, it is vital to consider some key points about these techniques to avoid any confusion. Simply put, embossing and debossing are two design techniques in which images and texts are pressed on paper or any other material surface. They are used on brochures, business cards, postcards, certificates, letterheads, and packaging. Embossing and debossing use two materials for the working- a die and a stock. A die is a metal plate or mold used to create a raised or sunken design on the boxes. It acts like a stamp that presses the design on the material. On the other hand, a stock is the material that is being used for the packaging. It can be either cardboard, paper, or another substrate. Stock is the surface on which the die presses for the design effect. Three different types of materials are considered for the die. The type of die chosen will have a major role in the process and the final outlook. Here are a few of them:

Brass- Brass is the hardest metal to be used in the packaging. However, its durable nature makes it last for a longer time and is quite expensive on the wallet.
Copper- Copper is another metal that is considered by brands. This material is applied for single-level dies.
Magnesium- Magnesium is the softest one among all three. It is also used for single-type dies and is lighter on the brand’s pocket. However, this metal is risky as it can cause wear and tear to the overall design, leading to the downfall of the brand.

What is Embossing?

After understanding the key insights of the technique, let’s take a look at the process. Embossing is the method of molding or carving text or logos on the backside of the material. This gives the text a raised 3D effect.

Depending on the client’s needs, brands prepare the design in digital form, making sure that it is clear for the next steps. After the design selection, the die is created. The type of metal selected is based on the complexity of the design and the production volume. The die is then engraved into the die in an opposite manner, so it pops out from the surface when pressed. Afterward, the material is considered. Brands must verify that the packaging material is durable enough to handle the pressure.

It is then placed in the press machine. The material must be adjusted at the right place so that the design gets embossed correctly. The die is then pressed into the surface and during this process materials go in and out to form the press. Whether heat is needed or not depends on the material's properties. A great deal of pressure is applied to push the logo or the text into the packaging. How much pressure is applied determines how deep or sharp the final result will be. This technique can be used for different types of custom packaging including display boxes, tuck boxes, and custom-printed boxes. After embossing is done, the packaging surface is then cooled down so that the design stays put.

What is Debossing?

Debossing is a technique that is almost similar to the embossing one. As above mentioned, a die is chosen and then the material surface is opted to withstand the pressure. However, in this process, the design or the logo is pressed on the front side of the packaging. Instead of bringing it out, the logo or the text gets pushed downwards.

Upon getting engraved on the front side, the design gets sunken in the final outlook. Debossing is a popular choice for brands who want to make buyers excited They can give a tactile experience to them and make the packaging more attractive.

Benefits of Embossing and Debossing

This section will discuss some of the benefits of embossing and debossing. Let’s take a peek into them:

Tactile Experience: One of the key perks of opting for embossing and debossing is that they both give a tactile experience to the buyers. When the customer touches the surface of the custom packaging like tuck boxes then he can feel the design being raised or lowered. This gives them a sense that the brand truly focuses on personal touch. Consumers feel more connected with the brand on an emotional level this way.
Brand Persona: Another benefit is that both of these techniques build a strong brand persona. They make the dull-looking boxes look catchy and unique. Embossing and debossing allow the brand to stand tall from the crowd in the market. Customers with the stunning design believe that the brand has good taste in packaging. Brand raises the bar high for buyers, enabling them to come back again for another order.
Bring Out Product Essentials: These finishes bring out the product essentials. Their 3D print effect makes the info visible to the buyers. If the details are added in a clean and readable font style then it makes it much easier for the consumers to grasp the details and the brand logo.

Factors to Consider for Embossing and Debossing

This section will share some of the key considerations that brands need to keep in mind for embossing and debossing finishes.

Cost- One of the important factors is the cost. Money has a huge impact on the business growth and its failure. Brands need to keep an eye on their finances before going for embossing or debossing. This holds even more vital for smaller brands like startups. It is best to choose the either finishing method that does not go overboard with the set budget. While both can be more costly than typical printing methods, embossing is way more expensive. It uses an additional metal element known as a counter to give a sharp and crisp appeal.
Position- Choose the position of the finishing carefully. Brands must make sure that they are placing the finishing on a specific portion of the boxes instead of the whole surface. It will otherwise ruin the other design aspects of the packaging like hiding the product name or a specific pattern. Having a solid area in mind will ensure that the brand stands different from the rest.
Design- Design is necessary to make the customers lean in towards the brand. However, the type of design does matter. Brands must go for a minimal design for custom packaging with pastel shades and fewer patterns. While it might be a turn-off for clients in need of a flashy look, it works wonders for luxury companies. Moreover, the embossing and debossing finishes are applied better on the boxes with less noise on them. These coatings do not work well with complex design elements.
Volume: It is crucial for companies to see whether they wish to apply the finishes for a larger volume of packaging or a smaller order. If the volume is in bulk, then the initial cost of creating the dies for the embossing or debossing can be cut down. Brands can contact reliable suppliers to get discounts on custom packaging. This will make the finishing techniques cost-effective.
Environment: Safety for the environment is important for the brands. They need to go for the dies and the stock of embossing and debossing that is safer for the planet. Materials like kraft paper can be used as it leaves a low impact on the environment. It also limits the carbon print on the planet, keeping it sustainable for everyone. Customers love companies that focus on saving the planet. Thus, debossing and embossing must be in sync with the planet's health.

Wrap Up

This blog has explored what is embossing and debossing in detail. Brands can use these coatings for custom packaging and printed boxes. Both of these finishes uplift the brand image in the industry. Are you looking for a reliable packaging solution to get debossing or embossing? Contact Packaging Mania to get customized packaging at your wallet-friendly price. We have been serving our customers for the last 10 years. Having expertise in making catchy designs, we offer our clients the best packaging services in a quick turnover time.