Services & Printing

Artwork

We can create a design based on your ideas, or accept your own finished artwork as hard copy, on CD, or via e-mail. However, please discuss your ideas with us initially in order to avoid additional costly work.

Any work we undertake on your behalf is always proofed to you for approval before printing.

Choose from 3 Methods of Printing

Ink your coloursInk: Your CHOICE OF Colours

Flexo printing requires two printing plates (stereos) per ink colour. These are charged the first time you order, and are re-usable, but with limited life.

The range of carrier bags that can be 'ink printed' is almost unlimited. You can design your carrier bag to suit your preferred size, style, colour and type of handle.

Minimum print runs vary depending on the style and size of bag you require. For instance a polythene carrier with a simple 'punched-out' handle, can be as little as 1000 minimum, whereas a vest style (supermarket style) carrier bag is likely to be a minimum print run of 5000.

Polythene carriers are printed on a reel to reel Flexographic press, which can offer up to six separate ink colours, and certain presses can print full colour 'process' work, which produces high definition photographic or multi-coloured images. High quality PAPER carrier bags are usually produced on an off-set Litho press.

There is a wide range of polythene colours to choose from and an extensive range of inks referred to by the internationally recognised PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM.©

If you're on a budget you can choose from our standard range of inexpensive patch handle carriers or if cost is not an issue our top of the range glossy rope handle paper carriers are the bees knees!

Eye catching metallic foilEye catching metallic foil

We require one metal die which is charged on origination. This plate will last for a considerable time.

Hot foil blocking is a specialised printing process whereby eye-catching metallic or matt foils are transferred on to the material to be printed, using a combination of heat and pressure. As the stock is individually hand printed, this method enables us to offer quantities as low as 100 units. This is attractive to the smaller boutique and specialised shop such as ladies/menswear, fashion and bridal, where the volume of sales does not warrant the purchase (and storage) of thousands of bags.

Although the range of foil colours is not as large as that with ink, and only 1-colour prints are available, we are able to supply from our stock of paper or polythene bags and delivery is usually within 3 weeks. If our stock sizes are not suitable we would be happy to quote on a specially made bag, which can then be hot-foiled. (Minimum quantities would apply)

Silk screen printingSilk screen printing

We use this method for cartons and garment covers. A screen costs 30.00 GBP on origination.

Polythene

Low Density (LDPE) Naturally shiny, but can have a matt ink finish if required.

This material is available clear, or can be coloured by adding a small amount of 'masterbatch' colour.

Biodegradable and photodegradable polythene is also available at a small additional cost.

High Density (HDPE) Stronger, stiffer and lighter than LDPE, HD has a 'milky' opaque colour. Coloured film is available at extra cost, but quantities are usually quite high unless 'stock' film is available.

Both types of polythene are produced in various thicknesses, referred to in microns.

Paper

See also, the section on 'Paper Bags'

There is an increasing trend towards paper carrier bags. These can be produced from a variety of papers, typically Krafts (either brown or bleached white, both of which can have a 'ribbed' effect) or smooth clay coated papers which give a high quality print finish. All papers can be LAMINATED with a GLOSS or MATT finish, resulting in a much stronger bag with greater protection from the elements.

Styles - Polythene Carriers

Punched out aperture (with or without a re-enforcing patch) - Flexi loop - Draw tape - Duffle

Plastic Clip close - Knotted Cord - Vest style (Supermarket)

Styles - Paper Carriers

Flat paper tape - Twisted paper - Cord - Die cut (punch out through a turned-over top)