Custom Packaging: Rotogravure or Digital Printed Coffee Bags?

What is Rotogravure printing?

Rotogravure printing (roto for short) is the most stable and cost-effective print process for volume printing. Here is a breakdown of Rotogravure printing: MOQ - Minimum order quantity of 10,000pcs per SKU Lead Time - Lead time is 9-11 weeks (this includes production time + shipping to door) - Order is shipped via ocean Customization - You're able to fully customize your bag dimensions down to the millimeter - Plate charges are incurred - Typically, 1 color = 1 plate/cylinder Rotogravure printing is great if you have solid branding and know you’re not going to change your design in the upcoming years. Why is that important to know? One of the main benefits of rotogravure is the cost savings you’ll receive with every subsequent order after your initial order. After your initial order, you will not need to pay for additional plate charges unless you plan on making changes to your design. However, plates need to be used annually to ensure proper maintenance. In the long term, rotogravure printing will be more cost-effective over the digital process and you will see more cost savings.

We spoke with our partner Taylor Fields from Nostalgia Coffee Roasters on why they chose Roto over Digital:

How did you decide Roto was the right print process for you? I didn’t know anything about roto printing bags until we met you all at Savor. I remember the first conversation we had with the team and remembering wow they really have the same exact vision for sustainability, and caring about people and the earth as we do. And so, we really put our trust and faith in Savor and I have to do that as a founder, and you know sometimes you learn hard lessons and other times like this relationship, it has opened new doors for us. It has launched our business, sustained our business, and pushed us further in newer better ways. So, the first time around we went with kraft and then we switched to polyester. The reasons why we went with roto was simple. The consistency, the vibrant color I’m looking at right now at our bag is absolutely gorgeous and the detail is exquisite. For us, the brand and our brand colors, our bags are the representation of everything that goes into that coffee, all the way down to the person opening it at home. And so, we made the initial investment although a little expensive up front and a little bit more time. We made the investment so that our bags will actually be cheaper than digital printing and more consistent, more bright, and going for that elegant style that we go for and it just nailed it. The price per piece is really important too as we are able to sell our bags at a more competitive price point even though our mission is working with producers to ensure our producers receive a thriving rate for their coffee and paying on average 2x the fair-trade price last year. Most consumers will then think the bags gotta be really expensive but we are able to compete with national brands because roto gave us the ability to have a much less costly 12oz bag that is more beautiful, consistent, brighter than anyone else’s bag. I am looking at the bag right now and am still so obsessed with it. I think those are some of the reasons, the fine details, the pantone color we are able to use and I believe we had to switch to pantone C which is so vibrant. Love it!

What was your experience like, working with the Roto print process? The experience was fantastic. Savor walked us through the whole process and even got us a proof and helped us move from kraft to polyester to further our sustainability initiatives and to make sure our bags are gorgeous. From sending a proof and samples, from start to finish, phenomenal! This bag truly helped us with investments into the company, has won us new clients and customers. Our producers are thrilled when they receive one of our bags. I say our, Savor and us because it was a team effort. So, the process was great! Anything else you’d like to share? I would like to share the fact that anyone that is considering to go with roto or whether or not to go with Savor. The answer is yes and yes – go with Savor and go with roto. In the long run, you will save a tremendous amount of money and you will be able to keep your costs low and be able to pay your producers higher and charge customers lower and have a more precise and brilliantly colored consistent bag from a consistent experience that is phenomenal. Yes, there is a bit more of a start up cost and it is well worth it. And I could see why digital may work if you’re short on budget or need something quicker but if you have the time and a little bit extra capital for the start up costs, it’s going to be great in the long run. I am a huge proponent of it. I LOVE SAVOR. Everyone knows that. A huge thank you to Taylor from Nostalgia Coffee Roasters for sharing your thoughtful tips and valuable insight.