Ensure Your Packaging Stands Out with Foil Blocking
With so many options on the market, it’s never been harder to ensure your products stand out on the shelf. That’s why you need to explore foil blocking.
Also known as foil stamping, blocking with foil is a decorative technique that leaves your packaging with an elegant and luxurious metallic finish. It’s used across many industries, from business cards to book covers – adding a reflective finish leaves a premium finish. It works especially well on packaging where you want to communicate a feel of quality.
It works by applying ultra-thin metallic foils to a surface, which creates an effect that’s practically impossible to achieve with traditional ink printing. The effect is produced via a heated metal stamp, also called a die, onto which the design is chemically etched or crafted by hand.
Our foils are available in a variety of finishes, including:
- Gloss
- Matte
- Satin
Which you can choose to be in gold, silver, or many other colours that complements your overall packaging design. Our services include an extensive range of options. From combining foil with embossing to using metallic accents to enhance your design, we use foil blocking to help your packaging stand out.
An Eco-Friendly Finish
Another aspect of foil blocking that we love is that it’s completely recyclable. While it offers a premium, eye-catching finish, it doesn’t come at the expense of recyclability. Foiled paper and cardboard are fully pulpable and can be recycled alongside all other cardboard.
Sustainable packaging isn’t only about the box itself anymore; it’s about every detail that goes into it. Eco-friendly packaging is highly sought after, especially as the focus on sustainable products is growing more evident than ever. By choosing eco decorative finishes, you no longer have to compromise on style to stay environmentally responsible.
On top of that, foiled print is 100% biodegradable, because the aluminium used is a natural material that’s non-toxic to both plants and animals. It’s a simple way to elevate your packaging whilst still making a conscious, responsible choice.
If you’re looking to balance aesthetics with sustainability, foil blocking is a great place to start. Explore our wider eco-friendly packaging options today.
The Process of Foiling
Once you’re happy with your design, the next step is to bring it to life. Your artwork is etched onto a custom metal die, which acts like a stamp. This die is then heated and pressed onto the foil, transferring the design onto your packaging with precision. The combination of heat and pressure ensures the foil bonds cleanly and permanently to the surface, creating a smooth and reflective finish.
We use two specialist machines for foil blocking, each suited to different materials and project requirements: the Bobst BMA stamper and the Steuer Foil-Jet Rotary stamper.
The Bobst BMA is our go-to for more robust jobs. It’s a heavy-duty machine that handles heavier boards with ease, without compromising on detail. If your design includes fine lines, intricate elements, or you’re looking to combine foiling with embossing, this machine helps us deliver sharp and consistent results every time.
For lighter papers and boards, we utilise the Steuer Foil-Jet. This machine is built for speed and efficiency, capable of running up to 2,000 sheets per hour. Despite its pace, we’re able to produce smooth, high-quality finishes on your packaging.
Foil stamping is a simple way to transform standard printed packaging into something far more distinctive. It’s able to give your products an extra level of polish needed to exude luxury. Whether you’re refining an idea or ready to get started, we’re always happy to guide you through our services and offer tailored advice to your needs.
Check out more of our production techniques, like windowing, and start elevating your packaging today.