Complete Guide to Custom Printed Plastic Bags
Want to print your store name, logo, or brand design on plastic bags but unsure where to start? This guide covers everything from color selection and artwork requirements to the complete printing process and common pitfalls.
CHIN TZON Plastics, established in 1977 in Chiayi, Taiwan, has provided high-quality vest bags, hole punch bags, and flat bags with professional custom printing services for nearly 50 years.
Why Print on Plastic Bags?
Brand Exposure: Every customer carrying your branded bag is a walking advertisement. A well-designed custom bag is one of the most cost-effective mobile billboards available.
Professional Image: Printed bags convey professionalism and build customer trust compared to plain unprinted bags.
Customer Recall: Repeated exposure to your brand name and contact information builds long-term memory and encourages repeat business.
Printing Method: Flexographic (Flexo) Printing
CHIN TZON Plastics uses flexographic printing, the industry standard for plastic bags. Flexo uses water-based inks applied directly to the bag surface, suitable for large production runs with consistent color quality and reasonable costs.
Key characteristics:
- High-speed production suitable for large orders
- Excellent ink adhesion to plastic surfaces
- Consistent color reproduction across batches
- Environmentally friendly water-based inks
How Many Colors? 1, 2, or 3?
1-Color Printing
Most economical. Ideal for store name, phone number, and simple logos. Best for budget-conscious small businesses, market vendors, and breakfast shops. Clean, professional look.
2-Color Printing
Approximately 40-60% more than single color. Adds visual depth with brand primary and secondary colors. Best value for medium businesses, bakeries, and restaurants. Most recommended starting point.
3-Color Printing
Approximately 80-120% more than single color. Strongest visual impact for mature brands. Suitable for chain stores, department store counters, and premium packaging.
Artwork Requirements
- File format: AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS vector files preferred. PDF with outlined fonts acceptable. Resolution minimum 300 dpi.
- Color mode: CMYK with Pantone color codes for brand colors
- Bleed: Minimum 3mm bleed for edge-to-edge designs
- Safe zone: Keep important text and logos 5mm from bag edges
- Minimum text: 8pt for body text, 0.25pt minimum for fine lines
No Artwork? No Problem.
Share your store name, contact details, preferred style, and reference images. CHIN TZON Plastics can provide basic layout suggestions from our extensive template library.
Custom Printing Process
- Requirements confirmation: Bag type, size, material, colors, print colors, quantity
- Artwork submission: Provide finished design files or brief for layout assistance
- Proof approval: First-time orders include a proof for color and position verification
- Quotation & order: Confirm pricing, plate fees, quantities, and delivery timeline
- Production: 7-15 business days depending on order size
- Quality check & delivery: Final inspection before nationwide shipping
Important Printing Notes
- Avoid lines thinner than 0.5pt and text smaller than 6pt (reversed white text requires extra care)
- Large dark-colored area prints may show unevenness; proof approval recommended
- Minor batch-to-batch color variation is normal; specify Pantone codes for critical brand colors
- Avoid placing designs in the bottom fold area of vest bags
- Double-sided printing available at additional cost
Which Bag Types Can Be Printed?
All three of CHIN TZON's main products support custom printing:
- Vest bags: Largest print area, ideal for brand exposure
- Hole punch bags: Refined appearance, excellent for retail and gifts
- Flat bags: Flexible print area for inner packaging and food
FAQ
Q: Do I pay plate fees every time? A: No. Plates are stored after first production. Reorders with the same design have no additional plate charges.
Q: Can you print barcodes or QR codes? A: Yes. Barcode artwork must be scan-verified during proofing before mass production.
Q: Is the printing ink food-safe? A: CHIN TZON uses safety-compliant water-based inks. Printing is on the bag exterior, not the food contact surface.
Get Started
Contact us at 05-221-1717 or submit an online inquiry. Minimum order quantities available upon request.
Written by CHIN TZON Plastics. Specifications and pricing subject to current quotation.