The Ultimate Litho Lamination Guide
When it comes to high-quality, eye-catching packaging and point-of-sale (POS) displays, litho lamination is one of the most versatile and effective manufacturing methods available. Swanline specialises in delivering litho lamination solutions that balance premium aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about litho lamination, from the basics to best practices and applications.
What Is Litho Lamination?
Litho lamination is the process of printing high-quality graphics onto a paper liner using offset lithography. These printed sheets are then laminated onto a backing substrate such as corrugated board or rigid board.
Key benefits of litho lamination:
- High print quality: Perfect for intricate designs and vibrant colours.
- Durable finish: Laminated surfaces protect the print from wear, moisture, and scuffing.
- Versatile applications: Ideal for POS displays, retail-ready packaging, and e-commerce packaging.
Litho lamination allows clients to achieve professional, premium finishes that stand out on shelves.
View our other blog post explaining what Litho Lamination is all about here
How Litho Lamination Works
Design & Print: Graphics are created and printed on a smooth paper sheet using lithographic printing techniques.
Lamination: The printed sheet is bonded to a substrate—typically corrugated or rigid board—using high-precision laminating machines.
Cutting & Finishing: Once laminated, the material can be die-cut, creased, glued, or hand-finished, depending on the project requirements.
This process ensures that even complex designs maintain their integrity and visual impact when applied to packaging or displays.
Applications of Litho Lamination
Litho lamination is incredibly versatile and can be applied to various types of packaging depending on your needs. Some examples of this are as follows:
- Retail-Ready Packaging: Draws attention on shelves with vibrant, detailed graphics.
- Point-of-Sale Displays: Creates impactful displays that enhance brand recognition.
- E-Commerce Packaging: Protects products while maintaining a premium unboxing experience.
- Specialty & Bespoke Packaging: Customised solutions for unique products or campaigns.
Swanline’s Litho Lamination Capabilities
Swanline operates a range of advanced laminating equipment, including the BOBST Asitrade Foliostar, Stock Maschinenbau, and Automatän EM. These machines allow us to handle:
- Single and double-wall corrugated materials
- F-flute, B-flute, and BC-flute boards
- Rigid base boards for high-end POS units
Our in-house capabilities mean you benefit from expert knowledge, faster turnaround times, consistent quality, and reduced risk of errors.
Sustainability Considerations
Sustainability within packaging manufacturing should be a top consideration on how you choose your supply chain partners. Swanline recognises the importance of environmentally responsible packaging, which is why our litho lamination services can use materials such as corrugated board or our flagship Cygnus® Eco Board, which are both fully recyclable and compostable. This allows you to deliver premium packaging while aligning with sustainability goals.
View our video on Litho Lamination at Swanline here
Tips for Successful Litho Lamination
- Choose the right substrate: Consider the product’s weight, fragility, and presentation requirements.
- Optimise graphics for litho printing: Ensure high-resolution artwork and accurate colour profiles.
- Plan finishing early: Incorporate cutting, folding, and gluing considerations into the initial design.
- Work with an experienced partner: A skilled laminator ensures consistent quality, reduces waste, and shortens lead times.
Litho lamination is a powerful tool to create visually stunning, durable, and sustainable packaging solutions. If you’re unsure of the process or which substrates to use then partnering with a reputable and experienced market leader in litho lamination is a must.
Swanline Group combines state-of-the-art equipment, expert knowledge, and end-to-end service to make sure your projects succeed from concept to delivery.
If you’re ready to elevate your packaging or POS displays with litho lamination, contact Swanline today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can bring your vision to life.