Flexographic Printing (Flexo): The Standard for Corrugated Box Graphics

What Is Flexographic Printing?

Flexographic printing, commonly called flexo, is the most widely used method for printing graphics, text, and barcodes on corrugated packaging. The process uses flexible rubber or photopolymer printing plates mounted on rotating cylinders to transfer water-based ink onto the corrugated board surface. Flexo presses can print one to four colors in a single pass, making them efficient for high-volume production runs.

Flexo is a post-print process — meaning the printing is applied directly to the finished corrugated board. This distinguishes it from pre-print methods where ink is applied to the linerboard before it becomes part of the corrugated structure. Flexo printing uses GCMI-standardized ink colors and can reproduce logos, product information, handling symbols, UPC codes, and simple graphics with good clarity and consistency.

How Flexo Printing Works

In a flexo press, each color requires its own printing plate and ink station. The plate is mounted on an anilox roller system that meters a precise amount of ink onto the plate surface. The plate then contacts the corrugated board, transferring the image. For multi-color designs, the board passes through successive print stations, each applying one color. Registration systems keep the colors aligned.

Ink colors are selected from the GCMI color chart or specified as PMS (Pantone) matches for brand accuracy. Ink coverage — the percentage of the box surface covered by ink — affects both print quality and cost, so designs are optimized to balance visual impact with production efficiency.

When to Choose Flexo Printing

Flexo printing is the right choice for most corrugated packaging applications. It is cost-effective for medium to high volumes, delivers consistent results across long production runs, and works on virtually any corrugated board surface. For applications requiring photo-quality imagery, litho-lamination or digital printing provides higher resolution. For short runs or variable data, digital printing eliminates the need for plates entirely.

Flexo Printing at President Container Group

President Container operates multi-color flexo presses at our Moonachie, NJ and Middletown, NY facilities. We handle the full process in-house — from color separation and plate production to printing and converting. Our prepress team works with your artwork to optimize designs for flexo reproduction, ensuring your branding translates cleanly onto corrugated board.