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Your product packaging is the first interaction between your brand and consumer. To make a remarkable first impression, you need to add unique finishes to your product packaging. There are two popular finishes: matte and gloss. The choice of an ideal lamination for product packaging has an impact on durability and visual appeal by considering the difference between gloss and matte lamination.
Both enhance the visual appeal of the packaging boxes that helps to influence buying decisions. The gloss finish offers a striking appearance to branding details such as a logo and color scheme, ensuring a reflective surface for an appealing print. Whereas, matte ensures a smooth finish for the elegant and subtle look of the print. But which is better, matte or glossy, for packaging? Let’s decide by discussing the different aspects of both laminations.
Understanding Lamination Finishes
- What Is Lamination?
- Two Main Types of Lamination
- Quick Facts & Figures
What Is Lamination?
Two Main Types of Lamination
There are two main types of laminations which are as below:
- Matte Lamination: Soft, elegant and non-reflective finish.
- Gloss Lamination: High-shine, reflective, vibrant finish.
Quick Facts & Figures
According to Future Market Insights, the packaging laminate market is projected to grow from USD 42.5 billion in 2025 to USD 78.3 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 6.3%.
Matte Lamination: Subtle Elegance
- Key Features
- Best Applications
- Quick Facts & Figures
Key Features
- It gives a soft, velvety touch to the surface of packaging boxes.
- Matte lamination absorbs light, resulting in a non-reflecting surface.
- Scratches and cuffs are less visible in matte laminated packaging.
- Writing on matte lamination is easy.
- It is resistant to fingerprints.
Best Applications
- Annual Reports: Premium feel for corporate documents.
- Books Covers: Durable and sophisticated finish.
- Brochures: Elegant and smooth finish improving readability.
- Business Cards: Professional appearance for business details.
- Magazines: Ideal readability without additional shining.
- Menus: Premium look while minimizing fingerprints.
- Packaging: Luxurious and refined look for custom product packaging to stand out.
Quick Facts & Figures
Soft touch film market is estimated to achieve a value of USD 2.9 billion in 2024 and is likely to reach beyond USD 3.9 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 3.1% during this period.
Gloss Lamination: Bold and Eye-Catching
- Key Features
- Best Applications
- Quick Facts & Figures
Key Features
Here are some of the key features of gloss lamination:
- Gloss lamination reflects the light falling on it, making the surface shiny.
- It provides dynamic, shiny, and luxurious appeal.
- It adds a protective layer that resists moisture and fading.
- Gloss laminated packaging is easy to wipe to get rid of marks or cuffs.
Best Applications
- Brochures and Flyers: A visually appealing appearance, highlighting graphics and images.
- Catalogs: Vivid and crisp look of text and images.
- Children’s Books: Excellent readability while ensuring fabulous illustrations.
- Posters: Brightness to ensure visually striking designs.
- Photo Albums: Elegant and protective finish for photos.
- Product Labels: Durable and shiny surfaces to make products more appealing on shelves.
- Packaging: Perfect for custom gift packaging to engage potential customers while conveying brand values.
Quick Facts & Figures
The global decorative laminates market size was estimated at USD 8.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2024 to 2030.
5 Common Uses of Matte vs Gloss Finishes
- Business Cards
- Custom Stickers
- Product Packaging
- Brochures & Posters
- Books & Journals
Business Cards
The importance of matte vs gloss coating can’t be overlooked in business cards. Finishes determine the vibe of your cards and business as well. If you want to create an energetic feel, opt for gloss coating. And if you want to impress buyers with premium appeal, choose matte finishing for your business cards boxes.
Custom Stickers
Finishes for stickers can be determined based on where they are pasted. If they are showcased in an outdoor environment, like on cars or at the windows of your shops, go for matte finishing. However, if you want to attach it to your products present on the retail shelf, choose gloss coating to enhance the viability of your items.
Product Packaging
The importance of finishing can’t be overstated in packaging. The type of finishing you choose depends on the type of products packed inside. For instance, matte goes perfectly with cosmetic and jewelry boxes. Gloss coating is more suitable for everyday consumer goods packaging.
Brochures & Posters
The type of finishing you choose for your brochures and posters should be determined according to your preferences. Gloss coating is more suitable if you want to advertise an offer. Matte coating is appropriate to showcase your brand identity.
Books & Journals
Cover pages of books and journals should be well-finished to persuade readers. Finishing options of such items are determined according to the nature of the target readers.
Comparing Matte vs. Gloss Lamination
| Feature | Matte Lamination | Gloss Lamination |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth, soft, non-reflective | Shiny, vibrant, reflective |
| Durability | Moderate scratch resistance | High moisture and UV resistance |
| Visual Impact | Elegant and modern | Bold and colorful |
| Colour Enhancement | Muted colour | Vibrant colour |
| Fingerprint Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Cost | More affordable than gloss | More expensive than matte |
| Best For | Luxury, minimal designs | Retail, colorful prints |
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Brand
- Brand Image
- Product Type
- Consumer Experience
- Environmental Impact
Brand Image
Product Type
Consumer Experience
Customers are always looking for unique and enticing products that enhance their experience. Meeting their expectations is one of the key reasons behind brand success. If your products are to be displayed on retail shelves under heavy lighting you can use matte lamination. It prevents harsh glare on the packaging surface and offers ease of reading even at a distance. Otherwise, you can choose gloss lamination if glare does not affect the attractiveness of your packaging. This might work well in the case of ecommerce packaging.
Environmental Impact
You need to choose eco-friendly materials and finishes that are not harmful to the environment. Consumers now prefer eco-friendly packaging that is made from environmentally friendly materials. You need to select glossy or matte materials that are eco-friendly.
By prioritizing this factor, you can help showcase your commitment to sustainability. Hot Custom Boxes provides its customers with trendy environmentally friendly options such as biodegradable film coatings and water-based laminates.
Stat: 78% of consumers prefer packaging from eco-conscious brands.
Choose The Right Finish With Hot Custom Boxes!
Hot Custom Boxes is a reliable packaging supplier. Our experts can guide you to select the ideal lamination finish for your packaging needs. Contact us now through call (332) 263 6086, (720) 604 9515 or by email [email protected]!
