Printing is where your packaging vision becomes reality. After weeks or months of design and preparation, the print production stage is what transforms your ideas into tangible packaging that customers will see, hold, and interact with. But print production isn’t as simple as hitting “print” on a computer. It’s a detailed process that requires precision, expertise, and collaboration with your supplier.

Halfway through 2025 and the packaging world isn’t slowing down. From foil demos at Amplify to new EPR deadlines and a dieline oops you’ll want to avoid. Here’s what stood out this month, plus a 3-minute gut-check for your next box.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging are no longer a “someday” problem. They’re rolling out now; and depending on your sales and shipping volume, you may already be on the hook.

But don’t panic.

Let’s walk through what EPR is, who it applies to, and what to do next—even if you haven’t collected a single material spec sheet yet.

Proofing is one of the most critical steps in the packaging process. It’s the final checkpoint before your designs move into production, ensuring that everything from colors to layout is accurate and aligned with your expectations. Without thorough proofing, errors in your packaging could go unnoticed until it’s too late, leading to costly reprints, delays, or even damaged brand reputation.

In the packaging world, there’s a big difference between design concepts and files that are ready for production. This is where production art comes into play. Production art bridges the gap between your creative designs and the technical requirements of manufacturing, ensuring that your packaging is both beautiful and functional when it comes off the production line.

When it comes to creating packaging, a dieline is one of the most essential tools you’ll encounter. Think of a dieline as the blueprint for your packaging design—it outlines where your packaging will be cut, folded, and glued, ensuring the final product comes together exactly as intended. Without a properly prepared dieline, even the most beautiful designs can fall apart during production.

When it comes to packaging, timing is everything. Packaging isn’t just about choosing the right design or materials—it’s about ensuring every piece comes together on schedule. From development and production to shipping and delivery, the packaging timeline can significantly impact your product launch. Delays at any stage can disrupt your supply chain, increase costs, and cause frustration for both you and your customers.

Choosing the right vendor for your packaging needs is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in the packaging process. A reliable vendor doesn’t just supply materials—they become a partner in bringing your vision to life. From ensuring the quality of your packaging to meeting production deadlines, the right vendor can make or break your project’s success.

The design of your packaging is only as good as the print techniques that bring it to life. From vibrant graphics to subtle textures, the right printing process can transform your packaging into a powerful branding tool. However, not all print techniques are created equal. Understanding the basics of how printing works and which processes are best suited for your materials and design can save you time, money, and frustration.