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Matte vs Glossy Finish: Which Should You Use?

Matte vs Glossy Finish: Which Should You Use?

Matte vs Glossy Finish: Which Should You Use?

When You Should Use Matte vs. Glossy Lamination on Packaging

When it comes to packaging, the choice between matte and glossy lamination can significantly impact the overall appearance and functionality of your product. Both options have their advantages and are suitable for different purposes. Depending on what your business needs, you can decide which lamination works best for you. However, both matte and glossy laminations are a great choice. Let’s dive into their differences and help you decide which route is best for you!

Matte Lamination

Matte lamination offers a softer, more natural look that doesn’t reflect as much light as its glossy counterpart. This makes it easier to read the packaging, especially in bright lighting conditions. Moreover, matte lamination is less likely to show scratches and scuffs and resists fingerprints and dust.

A matte finish gives your packaging an overall ‘softer’ look and smooth texture. Because of this, it’s not reflective (like glossy finishes), making it easier to read and handle the packaging without worrying about fingerprints or glare. Matte lamination is often used when a more sophisticated, high-quality look is desired.

Matte packaging has become a popular choice in several industries due to its sophisticated look and ability to enhance the perceived value of products. Here are some industries where matte packaging is widely used:

Food & Beverage Industry

Matte packaging is often used in the food and beverage industry because it can make food appear more natural. This is particularly beneficial for brands that market their products as organic or healthy. For example, coffee companies frequently use a matte finish on their packaging for a softer appearance.

Snack Industry

The snack industry is another sector where matte finishes are likely to boom. Experts predict that matte finishes will take off dramatically in this sector over the next few years.

Cosmetics & Beauty Industry

Matte packaging can give a high-quality, luxurious feel to cosmetics and beauty products, making it a popular choice in this industry. The absence of glare on matte packaging also makes it easier for consumers to read the product information.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, matte packaging can help enhance the perceived value of products. It can also make the packaging easier to handle and read, which is crucial for products that require detailed usage instructions or ingredient lists.

Overall, matte packaging can be an excellent choice for any industry that wants to convey a sense of sophistication, luxury, and quality. However, the choice between matte and glossy packaging should ultimately depend on the specific product and the brand’s image.

Glossy Lamination

On the other hand, glossy lamination catches the eye with high-contrast hues and a lustrous finish. It offers an eye-catching finish and is safer and more durable. Glossy lamination can easily protect the packaging against minor scratches, smudges, and repels dust and dirt.

Glossy finishes are also easier to clean, making them a popular choice for products that need to stay pristine on store shelves. However, glossy lamination reflects light, which can sometimes cause glare, making the packaging harder to read in bright light.

Glossy packaging, with its shiny and vibrant finish, is particularly suitable for several industries where visual appeal is crucial. Here are some sectors that can significantly benefit from glossy packaging:

Food & Beverage Industry

Food manufacturers often rely on glossy finishes to enhance the appearance of their packaging. The gloss finish can be very eye-catching to consumers, making it a popular choice for this industry. For instance, candy manufacturers who want to express high-energy fun with their packaging might benefit from the durability and vibrancy of a glossy finish.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

The cosmetics and personal care industry also heavily utilizes glossy packaging. The high gloss labels market caters to a wide range of industries, including cosmetics and personal care. A glossy finish can make these products stand out on the shelf and appear more luxurious or high-quality.

Electronics Industry

For electronic packaging, a glossy finish can provide a sleek, modern look that appeals to consumers. It can also offer a higher degree of protection against scratches and smudges.

Specialty Coffee Industry

In the specialty coffee industry, several roasters choose to use unique finishes on their coffee bags to attract customers and increase sales. A glossy finish can make these bags more visually appealing and draw attention to the product.

Small Businesses

Small businesses, especially those in the retail sector, often use glossy packaging to attract attention and create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. For example, lip gloss packaging with a smooth, glossy texture can add an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.

Which One to Choose?

The choice between matte and glossy lamination ultimately depends on the type of product you’re packaging and the image you want to convey to your customers. If you want a luxurious, sophisticated look, matte lamination might be the way to go. However, if you’re aiming for a vibrant, eye-catching design, glossy lamination could be a better choice.

Both types of laminations provide a robust and transparent covering that makes the packaging, text, and graphics completely visible but protected. So, whether you choose matte or glossy lamination, you can rest assured that your packaging will be durable and attractive.

The Easy Choice: Albert Paper Products

Whether you want to have a luxurious look with matte lamination or you’re looking to have an eye-catching packaging design with glossy lamination, we are here to help! While both options have their own unique attributes, you really can’t go wrong with either option. At Albert Paper Products, we want to help you stand out to your customers. Contact us today to learn more about our glossy and matte laminations for packaging!



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