Direct-Printed Corrugated Packaging

Flexographic Corrugated Printing & Rotary Die Cutting

PM Packaging manufactures custom direct-printed corrugated packaging across three rotary die-cutting production lines. Our capabilities include up to 4-color flexographic printing, varnish, large-format sheets up to 62" × 110", and custom rotary die-cut structures for shipping, retail-ready, display and distribution programs.

Three RDC lines, up to 4-color flexo, inline varnish, and large-format sheet sizes up to 62" × 110".

Flexographic corrugated packaging production at PM Packaging
3 RDCProduction Lines
Up to 4Color Flexo Printing
Varnish4-Color + Varnish Capability
62" × 110"Up to Sheet Size
Manufacturing Process

What Is Flexographic Corrugated Printing?

Flexographic corrugated printing applies ink directly to corrugated board using flexible printing plates. Printing and rotary die-cut converting can be used to create branded corrugated cases, trays, retail-ready structures, displays and custom die-cut packaging at production scale.

Direct flexographic printing can be a strong fit when a corrugated package needs clear branding, product identification, distribution information or retail-facing graphics without requiring a separately printed lithographic top sheet.

Manufacturing Equipment

Three Rotary Die-Cutting Production Lines

PM Packaging operates three dedicated RDC lines configured to balance blank dimensions, printing stations, and structural die-cut requirements across diverse packaging programs.

RDC 1

RDC Line
Minimum Sheet:17" × 25"
Maximum Sheet:62" × 110"
Printing:3-color flexo
Typical Applications:

Large corrugated cases, trays, industrial packaging and branded shipping structures.

4-Color + Varnish Flagship

RDC 2

RDC Line
Minimum Sheet:19" × 27"
Maximum Sheet:62" × 110"
Printing:4-color flexo + varnish
Typical Applications:

Retail-ready packaging, branded consumer corrugated, displays and higher-graphic direct-print programs.

RDC 3

RDC Line
Minimum Sheet:17" × 23"
Maximum Sheet:47" × 96"
Printing:2-color flexo
Typical Applications:

Functional shipping cases, industrial packaging, distribution cartons and simpler branded corrugated applications.

Print Capabilities

What Can Be Printed With Flexography?

Direct flexographic printing supports clear, high-contrast visual communication directly on corrugated packaging panels for brand identification, compliance, and merchandising.

Graphics, Markings & Information Supported on Direct Flexo

Brand Marks & Logos
Product Names & Titles
SKU Identification
Barcodes & Distribution Markings
Handling & Transit Instructions
Line Art & Technical Icons
Promotional & Product Messaging
Shelf-Facing Merchandising Graphics
Multi-Panel Branded Layouts
Retail-Ready Opening Instructions

Color Capabilities Across the Production Lines

2-Color Flexo

Functional Logistics & Brand Basics

Suitable for functional packaging, logistics information, basic brand graphics, SKU differentiation and industrial applications.

Available on RDC 3 (up to 47" × 96")
3-Color Flexo

Recognizable Brand Systems

Provides greater flexibility for branded cases, product differentiation and more developed merchandising graphics.

Available on RDC 1 (up to 62" × 110")
4-Color Flexo

Higher-Graphic Applications

Provides greater flexibility for higher-graphic direct-print corrugated applications.

Available on RDC 2 (up to 62" × 110")
4-Color + Varnish

Protective Layer & Finish

RDC 2 also adds varnish capability for programs where an additional protective or finishing layer is appropriate.

Exclusive to RDC 2 platform
Featured Production Platform: RDC 2

4-Color Flexographic Printing + Varnish

With sheet sizes up to 62" × 110", 4-color flexographic printing and varnish capability, RDC 2 expands the range of direct-print corrugated programs PM Packaging can support where the package plays a greater role in branding, merchandising and customer-facing communication.

Supported Corrugated Packaging Programs:

Retail-ready packagingShelf-ready casesBranded shipping casesClub-store packagingPromotional shippersBeverage casesConsumer product packagingAgricultural packagingHousehold product packagingCorrugated display components
Request an RDC 2 QuoteMinimum sheet: 19" × 27" | Maximum sheet: 62" × 110"
Structural Converting

Flexographic Printing + Rotary Die Cutting

Rotary die cutting allows printed corrugated sheets to be converted into structural packaging with custom openings, perforations, handles, tabs, tear-away areas and other functional features.

Hand Holes

Ergonomic handle cutouts for manual handling, pallet loading, and distribution transit.

Tear-Away Panels

Engineered perforations allowing rapid removal of covers for retail shelf presentation.

Clean Perforations

Predictable tear lines engineered for store-level restocking and tool-free opening.

Ventilation Openings

Vent cutouts for temperature regulation in agricultural, fresh produce, and cold-chain goods.

Self-Locking Tabs

Precision tabs and slots eliminating or reducing manual taping and adhesive assembly.

Display Fronts

Lower front wall cuts engineered to showcase products while maintaining side stacking strength.

Dispensing Openings

Die-cut punch-outs designed for gravity feed dispensers and retail counter pick-bins.

Product-Access Openings

Clear window geometries enabling barcode scanning or product tactile inspection.

Custom Panel Geometry

Specialized structural dielines configured around irregular product contours and footprints.

Shelf-Ready Conversion

Integrated dual-function geometry transforming transit shippers into merchandising trays.

Corrugated Formats

Corrugated Packaging Formats

Our flexographic printing and rotary die-cutting lines support four primary corrugated packaging categories across shipping, retail merchandising, and custom structural applications.

Corrugated shipping and distribution cases

Shipping & Distribution Packaging

Examples:

Corrugated shipping cases, master cases, distribution cartons, industrial shippers

Direct flexographic printing applies clear barcodes, handling graphics, branding, and SKU identifiers directly to structural shipping blanks converted on high-speed RDC lines for resilient transit.

Flexographic retail-ready and shelf-ready corrugated packaging

Retail-Ready & Shelf-Ready Packaging

Examples:

Tear-away cases, shelf trays, retail-ready cartons, club-store structures

RDC lines convert printed corrugated blanks with precision tear-away perforations, shelf-facing graphics, and clean edge profiles for rapid replenishment and front-facing retail merchandising.

Printed corrugated display trays and PDQ packaging

Trays & Display Packaging

Examples:

Display trays, PDQs, promotional shippers, corrugated display components

Up to 4-color flexo and varnish combined with rotary die-cut geometry create durable countertop PDQs, pallet display modules, and modular promotional display trays engineered for high visibility.

Custom rotary die-cut corrugated packaging structures

Custom Die-Cut Corrugated Packaging

Examples:

Custom openings, handles, locking features, perforations, unusual structural formats

For products with unique protective, dimension, or unboxing criteria, our RDC equipment cuts specialized panels, self-locking tabs, and integral structural features in a single streamlined converting pass.

Sheet Dimension Capability

Large-Format Corrugated Production

With maximum sheet sizes up to 62" × 110", PM Packaging can support larger corrugated blanks for packaging programs involving oversized products, large cases, trays, displays and other structures requiring substantial printable and die-cut surface area.

Important Technical Note: The 62" × 110" specification refers to the maximum raw corrugated sheet or flat die-cut blank size fed into the RDC machinery, not the dimensions of the final folded and assembled box.

Common Programs Utilizing Large-Format RDC Blanks:

Automotive components
Industrial products
Household goods
Large consumer products
Lawn and garden
Sporting goods
Club-store packaging
Larger retail trays and display structures
Process Comparison

Flexo vs. SFL vs. Folding Cartons

PM Packaging manufactures several paper-based packaging formats. The right construction depends on product weight, package dimensions, graphic requirements, distribution conditions, and presentation goals.

Capability FactorFlexographic CorrugatedSingle-Face Lamination (SFL)Folding Cartons
Printing MethodDirect printing on corrugated boardLithographic top-sheet printing laminated to corrugated flutingOffset-printed folding paperboard (non-corrugated)
Primary Program FitEfficient branded shipping packaging & retail-ready applicationsPremium visual presentation & detailed retail imageryCompact retail packaging for smaller or lighter consumer goods
Production EconomicsStrong for high-volume corrugated production and repeat runsTargeted for high-fidelity retail packaging with premium finishesHigh-speed paperboard converting for unit retail cartons
Sheet & Format ScaleSupports large-format structures with blanks up to 62" × 110"Corrugated rigidity combined with refined offset top sheetPaperboard cartons tailored to primary product packaging
Color & Finish CapabilityUp to 4-color flexo + varnish capability on RDC 2Full-color offset lithography with specialty coatings & foilFull-color offset lithography, embossing, foil & coatings
Direct-Print Flexo Positioning

Strong Fit for Direct Flexo

  • Direct printing on corrugated board
  • Efficient branded shipping packaging
  • Retail-ready applications and shelf trays
  • Large-format corrugated structures requiring up to 62" × 110" blanks
  • High-volume repeat production runs
  • Up to 4-color printing + varnish capability
  • Bold logos, large typography, icons, and line art
  • SKU differentiation, distribution markings, and barcodes
Offset Litho / SFL Positioning

Consider SFL / Lithographic Corrugated When

  • Lithographic top-sheet printing on corrugated structure
  • Finer graphics, detailed imagery, and photographic reproduction
  • Subtle color gradients and smooth tonal transitions
  • Premium visual presentation is the primary commercial objective
  • Applications where print fidelity is a primary requirement

SFL is typically selected when finer offset graphics and a more refined printed surface are required while retaining a corrugated structure. Folding cartons remain clearly separate as paperboard packaging for lightweight retail units.

Because PM Packaging supports both direct flexographic corrugated printing and litho-laminated SFL, the manufacturing method can be selected around the structural, graphic and production requirements of the specific program.
Market Applications

Industries Supported

Direct flexographic printing and rotary die-cut corrugated packaging support high-volume programs across commercial sectors:

Food and beverageAgricultureAutomotiveIndustrial partsHousehold productsHome improvement and hardwarePet productsLawn and gardenSporting goodsConsumer goodsRetailE-commerceContract manufacturingCo-packing
Quotation Guidance

What Determines a Flexographic Corrugated Quote?

Providing these technical program specifications helps our estimating and engineering teams determine the optimal RDC line, tooling layout, and production approach for your quote:

Program Specification Checklist

  • Finished package dimensions (L × W × D)
  • Corrugated blank dimensions (if dieline is developed)
  • Required board / flute specification (submit your required specification)
  • Estimated order quantity and annual production volume
  • Number of flexographic print colors (1 to 4 colors)
  • Varnish requirement (available on RDC 2)
  • Number of SKUs or artwork versions
  • Artwork coverage and print panel requirements
  • Die-cut complexity (hand holes, tear-aways, vents, perforations)
  • Repeat-order requirements and reorder frequency
  • Packing requirements
  • Distribution requirements

Request a Corrugated Packaging Quote

Submit your project requirements to receive pricing and structural guidance from the PM Packaging team.

Direct-Printed Corrugated Packaging Solutions

Buyer Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Flexographic corrugated printing applies ink directly to corrugated board using flexible printing plates. Printing and rotary die-cut converting can be used to create branded corrugated cases, trays, retail-ready structures, displays, and custom die-cut packaging at production scale without requiring a separately printed lithographic top sheet.
PM Packaging's RDC lines support direct flexographic printing up to four colors. RDC 1 provides 3-color flexo, RDC 2 provides 4-color flexo plus varnish, and RDC 3 provides 2-color flexo.
The maximum sheet size is 62" × 110" on RDC 1 and RDC 2. RDC 3 supports sheets up to 47" × 96". Note that 62" × 110" refers to the maximum corrugated blank or sheet size running through the rotary die cutter, not the finished folded box dimensions.
Yes. RDC 2 features dedicated varnish capability in addition to four flexographic print stations, supporting programs where an additional protective or finishing layer is appropriate.
Rotary die cutting allows printed corrugated sheets to be converted into structural packaging with custom openings, perforations, handles, tabs, tear-away areas, ventilation holes, display fronts, dispensing openings, and other functional features.
Flexographic corrugated packaging prints graphics directly onto the corrugated surface, providing an efficient production method for branded shipping, retail-ready, and industrial packaging. SFL is typically selected when finer offset graphics and a more refined printed surface are required while retaining a corrugated structure.
Direct flexo is a strong fit when structural performance, bold logos, clear typography, SKU differentiation, distribution markings, large-format blanks, and high-volume repeat manufacturing efficiency are primary. SFL is appropriate when photographic reproduction, fine gradients, very small typography, or premium visual presentation is the primary requirement.
Yes. Direct flexographic printing combined with rotary die cutting is widely used for retail-ready packaging (RRP), shelf-ready cases, and club-store packaging requiring clean shelf-facing branding, tear-away perforations, and quick restocking features.
Yes. With maximum sheet sizes up to 62" × 110" on both RDC 1 and RDC 2, PM Packaging supports larger corrugated blanks for oversized products, industrial parts, automotive components, and larger retail trays and displays.
Knowledge Center

Corrugated Packaging Insights

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Direct Manufacturer Consultation

Discuss Your Flexographic Corrugated Packaging Program

Share your package dimensions, board specification, print requirements, quantities and structural needs with PM Packaging to determine the appropriate flexographic and rotary die-cut production approach.

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We are happy to talk you through any projects. If you are interested in our services please contact us to discuss the opportunity.