Perfect for Startups and Seasonal Products
What Are Digital Printed Pouches?
Digitally printing provides flexible packaging manufacturers and brands with more possibilities, enabling them to efficiently respond to the rapidly market changing demands of shorter run orders, multiple SKUs, faster delivery and dynamic personalized customization needs.
The printing process of digital printed pouches is simple and eco-friendly, it does not require cylinder plates, can be printed on demand and immediately.
They are perfect for:
- Small batch (low MOQ) orders
- Short run printing
- Frequent design changes
- New product launches
- Multiple SKUs
Whether you are testing the market, launching multiple SKUs, or upgrading your packaging design, digital printing gives you the freedom to move faster with less risk.
Why Choose Digital Printing for Small Batch Packaging?
Digital printing is designed for brands that do not want to commit to large volumes too early.
No MOQ Required
Perfect for small orders, seasonal products, and sample runs.
Fast Turnaround (5–7 days)
Accelerate your product launch or packaging update
No Plate Costs
without cylinder plates, print on demand, saving setup cost
High-Resolution Full-Color Printing
Vibrant colors and sharp details, suitable for premium branding
Multiple SKUs Friendly
Print different designs in a single batch without added cost
Flexible & Cost-Effective
Launch quickly with low inventory risk
Digital Printing Vs Rotogravure Printing
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right packaging solution.
Items | Digital Printing | Rotogravure Printing
|
|---|---|---|
MOQ | 1 pcs to start | 10,000-50,000 pcs |
Setup Cost | No plate cost | Higher plate cost, one color one plate |
Lead Time |
Short, 3-5 days
|
Long, 15 days +
|
Designs Changes | Easy & flexible | Expensive |
Multiple SKUs | print together, no extra cost | Each sku print seperately |
Best For | Small batch, multiple SKUs | Mass production |
Total Cost | Lower | Higher |
If your project requires flexibility and speed, digital printed pouches are usually the better option.
Cost Comparison Example: Small Batch vs Mass Production
The following example is for reference only. Actual costs vary by material, size, and specifications.
Specifications of Case
- Pouch style: Stand Up Pouch with Zipper
- Size: 160×260+40×2mm
- Thickness: 120 microns
- Materials: Matte OPP/VMPET/PE
- Print: full printing, 8 colors
- SKUs: 10
- Quantity: 500 pcs each SKU, total 5,000
Cost Overview
This price calculation is only a case demonstration for reference only
Items | Digital Printing | Rotogravure Printing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
MOQ | 1 pcs | 20,000 pcs | for each SKU |
Plate Cost | None | High | one color one plate |
Lead Time | 5 days | 20 days | working days |
Total Quantity | 5,000 pcs | 200,000 pcs | for all SKUs |
Unit Price | Higher | Lower | |
Total Cost | Lower | Much Higher |
For small batch and test-market projects, digital printing usually results in a lower total initial investment, even if the unit cost is higher.
For large, long-term production runs, rotogravure printing becomes more cost-efficient over time.
Which option is right for you?
- Choose digital printing if you:
- Need low MOQ
- Plan multiple SKUs
- Want to test the market quickly
- Choose rotogravure printing if you:
- Have stable, high-volume demand
- Will use the same design long-term
- Prioritize lowest unit cost
Customization Options
Many addons can be chose to customize your product and match market need
Zipper
Reused to maintain the tightness of the bag, could be child-resistant zipper, slider zipper
Spout
It can be used repeatedly, it is convenient to pour out liquids or particles, which is very convenient
Valve
The gas can only be discharged in one direction, and is generally used for the packaging of coffee beans
Window
Could see the packaged items inside from this window, so you can feel it more intuitively
Handle
The handle makes it easier to carry the goods, not easy to get tired, can be external or built-in
Spot Shining
By not printing the white ink, the color of the aluminum foil is leaked out to achieve a hot stamping effect
Laser Tear Line
The bag can be easily torn along this tear line without breaking it, and not affect the barrier properties
Inside Printed
Printed on the inner layer of the pouch, highlighting the product characteristics
Applications of Digital Printed Pouches
especially suitable for applications where flexibility, low MOQ, and fast design changes are required.
Coffee Packaging
Widely used by specialty coffee roasters and emerging brands, especially during product launches and seasonal releases.
Snack & Chips Packaging
Snack and chips brands often require frequent size, flavor, or design changes, making digital printing a practical choice.
Pet Food & Pet Treat Packaging
Pet food brands increasingly focus on premium positioning and multiple formulas, which aligns well with digital printing.
No MOQ Required 1 PCS to Get Started
FAQs
Personalized small batch customization, ultra-low MOQ, low overall cost, fast delivery, fast response, diverse patterns, no need cylinder plates, accurate color registration, and multiple types of the same series can be mixed together for printing
There are many factors that affect the price, such as size, material and thickness, bag type and technological requirements, quantity and SKU number, etc. Normally, the bag is larger, thicker, more complex working process, rarer material, then the cost is higher. Series SKU numbers printed together to reduce cost overall, these all can be customized according to customer requirements, and the overall cost advantage of digital printing small batch customization is obvious.