Can printing options
Can printing options and minimums
There are four ways to put your design on a can. A wrap label starts at 500 labels, digital print on the can has no minimum, a shrink sleeve starts at about 2,500 cans and a classic printed can at about 150,000.
500
Labels, wrap label minimum
None
Minimum, digital print
About 2,500
Cans, shrink sleeve
About 150,000
Cans, classic printed can
01At a glance
The numbers.
| Wrap label | From 500 labels per design, ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork |
|---|---|
| Digital print on the can | No minimum, ready about 4 weeks from approved artwork |
| Shrink sleeve | From about 2,500 cans a design, timing confirmed with your quotation |
| Classic printed can | From about 150,000 cans a design, ready about 16 to 20 weeks from approved artwork |
Updated
02Which finish fits your volume
Match the finish to the cans per design.
The numbers are cans per design. The drink run has its own minimum, from 1,000 litres a flavour.
| Cans per design | Suits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,500 | Wrap label | Your design on a standard can, the lowest start |
| 2,500 to 5,000 | Wrap label or shrink sleeve | A sleeve adds full 360 degree coverage |
| 5,000 to 150,000 | Digital print on the can | No label at all, and the price per can falls with volume |
| 150,000 and more | Classic printed can | The lowest price per can of the four, planned months ahead |
03Wrap label
Digital print on film.
A wrap label starts at 500 labels per design and is ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork.
| Minimum | From 500 labels per design |
|---|---|
| Digital, full colour, no plates or setup | |
| Film | White, metallic silver or clear film, waterproof and condensation proof |
| Finish | Matt or gloss laminate, or a tactile sand varnish |
| Effects | White ink, holographic accents |
| Size | About 125 x 180 mm on the 330 ml sleek can |
| Ready | About 2 weeks from approved artwork |
04Digital print on the can
Printed straight on the aluminium.
Digital print on the can has no minimum. The price per can falls with volume, and it suits 5,000 cans a design and more.
| Minimum | None |
|---|---|
| Full colour straight on the aluminium | |
| Cans | 250 ml slim, 330 ml sleek or standard, 440 ml, 500 ml |
| Effects | Selective gloss varnish, metallic colours |
| Batch data | Lot and best before printed per batch |
| Samples | Printed sample cans before the run |
| Ready | About 4 weeks from approved artwork |
05Shrink sleeve
360 degrees, top to bottom.
A shrink sleeve covers the whole can, with no seam on show. It starts at about 2,500 cans a design.
| Minimum | From about 2,500 cans a design |
|---|---|
| 360 degrees, top to bottom | |
| Look | No seam on show, full coverage |
| Ready | Confirmed with your quotation |
06Classic printed can
Printed at the can mill.
A classic printed can starts at about 150,000 cans a design and has the lowest price per can of the four at volume.
| Minimum | From about 150,000 cans a design |
|---|---|
| Printed at the can mill | |
| Finish | Gloss or matt |
| Ready | About 16 to 20 weeks from approved artwork |
| Price | Lowest per can of the four, at volume |
07Questions
The short answers.
What is the smallest order for printed cans?
A wrap label starts at 500 labels per design. Digital print on the can has no minimum. The drink run itself starts at 1,000 litres a flavour.
How long does can printing take?
A wrap label is ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork and a digitally printed can about 4 weeks. A classic printed can takes about 16 to 20 weeks. A shrink sleeve is confirmed with your quotation.
Which finish suits my volume?
Up to 2,500 cans a design, a wrap label. From 2,500 to 5,000, a wrap label or a shrink sleeve. From 5,000 to 150,000, digital print on the can. From 150,000, a classic printed can.
Can I see a printed can before the run?
With digital print on the can, yes. Printed sample cans are available before the run.
Are lot number and best before printed on the can?
With digital print on the can, lot and best before are printed per batch.
Which can sizes can carry digital print?
250 ml slim, 330 ml sleek or standard, 440 ml and 500 ml.
Related
Also under your brand.
Contact
Tell us what you want to make.
Send your logo, your website and the format. We reply with the next step.