Custom Printed Roll Stock

What custom printed roll stock is

Custom printed roll stock is a continuous web of film, printed and slit to a width, then wound on a core. Your form fill seal, flow wrap, or similar machine forms the package. The print is part of the film, not a label applied later. Unprinted roll stock is the same supply form without graphics. If you are buying printed roll stock, the artwork, the repeat, and the eye mark belong in the spec with the film.

Printed packaging film

Printed packaging film is the film itself: the structure, the inks, and the way it is finished for a package. On a roll, that film is custom printed roll stock. Buyers also call the category flexible packaging film. A manufacturer quote still comes back to the structure, the press, and the roll spec, not the category name. Ask whether the ink sits on the surface or is buried between layers, how many colors print in one pass, and how color is approved. PCI prints by flexographic printing only, on 10 color presses, so a design can use up to ten inks in one pass. PCI does not print digitally.

Roll stock film packaging

Roll stock film packaging means the package is formed from that roll on your line, rather than arriving as a finished pouch. The quote has to include web width, repeat or cutoff, unwind direction, core size, and the largest roll the machine will accept. A print file without those roll details is not enough to price the job or to run it.

Food packaging roll film

Food packaging roll film is printed or plain roll stock used to pack food. The film still has to match the product, the filling conditions, and the machine. For food, ask for the current food safety certificate for the plant that will run the job, and for food contact letters that match the film and inks. PCI is SQF certified for food safety and GMI certified for print quality. SQF does not replace your specification, and GMI does not choose the film structure.

Structure and print

Name the structure if you have it. If you do not, send a sample or the current spec instead of guessing layers. Send the artwork, or say that the art is not ready and give the color count. PCI's standard lead time is 3 to 4 weeks after artwork approval.

What to send for a quote

Send the product and how it is packed, the machine make and model, web width, repeat or cutoff, unwind direction, core size, maximum roll diameter or weight, eye mark needs, structure or a sample, artwork or color count, order quantity, annual usage, and the ship to location. If a field is unknown, label it unknown.

How to compare your shortlist

Ask every supplier the same questions on the first call. Which plant will run the job, and does its certificate cover that site? Which print method and how many colors in one pass? How is color approved and by what standard? What starts the lead time clock, purchase order or approved artwork? What documents come with the first order? Who is your day to day contact when something goes wrong? Write the answers in one table. The supplier that answers clearly and in writing is usually the one that will run your job the same way every time.

Where PCI fits

Where PCI fits: Matt Louie, who writes this site, sells for Poly Craft Industries (PCI). PCI prints by flexographic printing only, runs new 10 color presses, is SQF and GMI certified, quotes a standard lead time of 3 to 4 weeks after artwork approval, and supplies brands sold at major retailers. That makes PCI one supplier to put on a short list, not an automatic answer. Use the checks on this page to compare PCI with every other supplier you are considering.

Next step

If you want PCI to quote the film, use the quote form or Ask Matt, email Matt@PolyCraftInd.com, or call 516 849 6237.

What is the difference between printed roll stock and printed packaging film?

Printed packaging film is the printed film. Printed roll stock is that film supplied on a roll, with a set width, repeat, and core, so a machine can run it. Custom printed roll stock means the print is made for your artwork.

What is roll stock film packaging?

It is packaging formed on your line from film on a roll. The supplier prints and slits the film. Your machine forms, fills, and seals the package.

What should I send for food packaging roll film?

Send the food product, storage conditions, machine details, roll specs, structure or a sample, artwork or color count, quantities, and ship to location. Ask for food contact letters and the plant food safety certificate.

How long does custom printed roll stock take?

PCI's standard lead time is 3 to 4 weeks after artwork approval. The clock starts once the artwork is approved.