In-House Post-Print Capabilities
President Container prints directly on corrugated board at our Moonachie and Middletown facilities — with fast turnaround and flexible order sizes.
What Is Post-Print?
Post-print refers to any printing method that applies graphics directly onto finished corrugated board — after the board has been formed on the corrugator. This is the most common production workflow in corrugated packaging: corrugated sheets are produced first, then run through printing and converting equipment that applies ink, cuts, scores, and slots the sheets into box blanks.
The most prevalent post-print method is flexographic printing, where rubber or photopolymer plates transfer water-based ink onto the board surface. Digital printing — using inkjet technology to print directly onto corrugated — is a newer post-print method that eliminates the need for plates entirely.
Post-Print vs. Pre-Print
In pre-print, graphics are applied to the linerboard roll before corrugating. Because the linerboard is flat and smooth at that stage, pre-print can achieve higher image resolution. Post-print applies ink to the corrugated surface, which has a slight texture from the fluted structure underneath. This can produce a subtle washboard effect in large solid color areas, though modern flexo presses and board manufacturing have significantly reduced this issue.
The trade-off is flexibility. Post-print does not require coordination with a corrugator schedule, so it supports shorter lead times and lower minimum order quantities. Most corrugated box plants — including President Container — operate post-print as their primary production method because it serves the widest range of customer needs.
Advantages of Post-Print Production
Post-print offers several practical advantages for the majority of corrugated packaging buyers:
- Lower minimums: No need to print entire linerboard rolls, so smaller orders are economical.
- Faster turnaround: Corrugated sheets can be stocked and printed as orders come in.
- Design flexibility: Changing artwork only requires new plates, not a new board run.
- Cost efficiency: Setup costs are lower than pre-print for moderate volumes.
Post-Print at President Container Group
President Container operates multi-color post-print flexographic presses at both our Moonachie, NJ and Middletown, NY facilities. We handle color separations, plate production, and printing in-house for fast turnaround. For applications requiring higher graphic quality, we also offer litho-lamination and digital printing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is post-print in corrugated packaging?
Post-print is the process of printing graphics directly onto finished corrugated board, as opposed to pre-print, which prints on the linerboard before corrugating.
Is post-print the same as flexo printing?
Flexographic printing is the most common post-print method, but digital printing is also a post-print process. The term post-print refers to the timing of printing relative to board formation, not the specific technology used.
When should I choose post-print over pre-print?
Post-print is the better choice for moderate volumes, shorter lead times, and applications where design flexibility is important. Pre-print is reserved for very high-volume runs requiring maximum graphic quality.
Get Post-Print Corrugated Packaging
President Container Group · 200 W Commercial Ave, Moonachie, NJ 07074 · (201) 933-7500