Flexible full-colour artwork
Matched to the product, structure, artwork and production quantity rather than selected in isolation.
Colour planning for custom boxes
CMYK & Pantone Packaging Print
CMYK process colour is flexible for imagery and multi-colour artwork, while Pantone spot colours provide a defined ink reference for important brand shades.
Specification guide
Choosing the right option
CMYK combines cyan, magenta, yellow and black to reproduce a broad colour range. Pantone systems specify named colours that can be mixed as dedicated inks on compatible print processes.
Neither method guarantees identical appearance across every board. Surface colour, coating, lamination and viewing light affect the result, so physical proofing remains important.
Key advantages01 02 03 04
What this option can add
Defined brand colour references
Matched to the product, structure, artwork and production quantity rather than selected in isolation.
Process and spot combinations
Matched to the product, structure, artwork and production quantity rather than selected in isolation.
Clearer proof approval
Matched to the product, structure, artwork and production quantity rather than selected in isolation.
Suitable applications
Where it works well
- Photographic packaging
- Brand-led cartons
- Retail campaigns
- Repeat packaging ranges
Production notes
Confirm before artwork approval
- Build images in CMYK, not RGB.
- Use Pantone references only where a spot ink is intended.
- Review colour on the selected substrate and finish.
Frequently asked questions
CMYK & Pantone Packaging Print FAQs
Should packaging artwork be CMYK or RGB?
Production artwork should normally be supplied in CMYK with any intended spot colours clearly defined.
Will a Pantone colour look identical on kraft board?
The brown substrate influences unprinted and translucent areas; white ink or a lined board may be needed for closer colour reproduction.
Can CMYK and Pantone be combined?
Yes, where the print process and budget support process colours plus one or more spot inks.
Build your packaging specification
Start your packaging brief →Need advice for your product?
Send the dimensions, quantity, artwork status and intended use. We will recommend a practical route for structure, board, printing and finishing.