Printing without ink sounds unreal, but is definitely possible. By merely adding relief to paper or cardboard, a tactile and visible image or text appears. The relief is three-dimensional and plays with light, shadows, textures and the position of the viewer. The 3D relief effect is not dependent on colour. The material and (packaging) design, thus, speak for themselves.
Packaging without ink printing, whereby one merely communicates through shape and relief, is a relatively new phenomenon within the packaging industry. It generates a pure delicate ‘look and feel’ with a focus on material and a visual and tactile appeal. In the interests of people, the environment and society, it is important to mention that printing without ink is an environmentally friendly option, because it does not require any ink.
How do we print images or texts without ink?
To print an image or text without using ink, we use the technique of embossing. Embossing can be done with or without ink. When no ink is used during the embossing, this is referred to as blind embossing.