The Power of Custom Printed Packaging
Custom printed packaging is a powerful tool for companies looking to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a small business launching a new product or a large corporation seeking to revamp your brand image, custom printing allows you to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression on customers.
Providing excellent custom printed packaging service at a competitive price
Hart & Clough offers you a complete custom packaging printing solution. We’re able to print almost anything, from a single simple business card to a million full-colour catalogues.

Why choose Hart & Clough?

Celebrating over 135 years of printing
Hart & Clough is proud to be a fifth-generation family-run business based a few miles from our original location

Expert advice every step of the way
Print can be complicated, so our friendly and experienced team are here to help guide you from artwork to delivery

Print options to suit every project
Our range of equipment allows us to offer high-quality printing at a competitive price, no matter how big or small the job

Taking steps to protect our environment
We’re committed to creating print in a way that preserves the planet and work closely with suppliers that share our ambition
Print solutions for custom printed packaging
From creative design solutions through to printing on behalf of other companies, Hart & Clough have the unrivalled focus on quality and attention to detail to be your partner in print.
Printing packaging and design solutions for business
At Hart & Clough Printers, we understand the impact custom printed packaging can have. With over 135 years of printing experience under our belt, we know how to unleash the full potential of packaging and help our clients achieve their goals. In this article, we’ll explore why custom printed packaging is so effective and how it can benefit your business.
Make Your Product Pop on Store Shelves
One of the biggest advantages of custom printed packaging is the ability to catch the consumer’s eye. On crowded store shelves, you only have a few seconds to grab people’s attention before they move on. Printed packaging allows you to feature eye-catching colours, bold branding, and compelling product photos to stand out.
Whether it’s an intricate pattern, unique shape, or creative use of textures, custom printing enables you to develop packaging that reflects your brand identity. This not only looks great in stores but also reinforces your brand in the consumer’s mind. You can drive brand recognition and loyalty through smart packaging design.
At Hart & Clough Printers, our lithographic printing capabilities allow us to reproduce photography and illustrations in incredible detail. We can print on a wide variety of materials from cardboard to metal to develop packaging that showcases your product’s best features. With custom printing, the possibilities are endless.
Share Your Brand Story and Values
In addition to showcasing products, packaging can also be used to share your brand’s story. Through custom printing, you can include information on company history, founding stories, or core values right on product packaging. This helps consumers form a deeper connection with your brand on an emotional level.
For example, eco-friendly brands may want to highlight their sustainability efforts or manufacturers with a long local heritage could share their roots. QR codes can also be printed on packaging to link to online content and give consumers a behind-the-scenes look.
At Hart & Clough Printers, we leverage our experience with lithographic and digital printing to add storytelling elements to packaging. This could include a founder’s signature, historical images, or QR code linking to a “Meet Our Team” video. We help brands strengthen their identity through packaging narratives.
Appeal to Your Target Audience
One of the most valuable applications of custom printed packaging is the ability to personalise packaging to resonate with your target demographic. Age, gender, income level, interests – printing can be tailored to align with the preferences of your ideal customers.
For example, bright colours and fun graphics appeal to children while minimalist, clean designs attract upscale buyers. Local references can connect with customers on a community level. Seasonal packaging drives sales among holiday shoppers.
At Hart & Clough Printers, our team consults with clients to understand their target audiences inside and out. We then translate those insights into packaging that speaks directly to those desired consumers. With demographic-focused custom printing, you can achieve higher conversion rates and sales.
At Hart & Clough Printers, we’ve helped companies of all sizes transition to custom printed packaging with great success. Our integrated printing services combined with over 135 years of expertise make us the ideal partner for your packaging needs.
Whether you’re looking to launch an innovative new product or relaunch your brand, custom printed packaging can help drive visibility, engagement, and sales. For high-quality packaging printing in the UK, trust the team at Hart & Clough Printers. Reach out today to get a free quote!
Custom Printed Packaging — FAQs
What is custom printed packaging and how can it help my brand?
Custom printed packaging refers to product packaging designed specifically for a brand—incorporating unique elements such as company colours, logos, images, patterns or textures to create a distinct look. It helps products stand out from competitors on crowded shelves and reinforces brand identity. Brands can also use packaging to tell their story, highlight sustainability efforts or direct customers to digital content via printed QR codes.
What materials can be used for custom printed packaging?
A wide variety of materials can be printed on including cardboard for cartons and folding boxes, rigid board for premium cases, and even metal surfaces for specialty packaging. The choice depends on the product’s protection needs, desired aesthetic and production method. Lithographic printing supports rich detail on many substrates, allowing packaging to feel both functional and visually striking.
How does the custom packaging design process work?
The process typically starts with an initial discussion about design concepts, materials and project goals. Artwork files are reviewed or created, followed by proofing to ensure colour accuracy and layout precision. The design may incorporate branding elements, patterns, textures or QR codes to connect offline packaging with online engagement. Once approved, the project moves to production—printing, finishing and delivery—ensuring the final product reflects brand values and visual impact.
Can custom printed packaging be produced in small quantities?
Yes—custom packaging can be printed in both small pilot runs and high-volume production. Digital printing techniques enable short, cost-effective runs ideal for limited editions or test marketing. For larger quantities, litho printing offers economies of scale, lowering the per-piece cost while maintaining quality. This flexibility enables brands of any size to access tailored packaging solutions.
How can custom packaging support brand storytelling?
Custom packaging offers a canvas to share brand heritage, purpose or values directly with customers. For example, sustainability-led brands can highlight eco-friendly practices, legacy brands can display founding dates or local roots, and interactive packaging can include QR codes linking to videos or product histories. These storytelling elements build emotional engagement, encouraging stronger customer loyalty and deeper connections.
What is the difference between digital and litho printing for custom packaging?
Digital printing is ideal for fast, small runs with minimal setup time and flexible personalisation—perfect for sample packs or bespoke batches. Litho (lithographic) printing, by contrast, delivers superior image quality, richness of detail and more economical pricing for larger quantities. Choosing between the two depends on your quantity needs, budget and desired finish.
How can the packaging design be tailored to different audiences?
Packaging design can be customised based on audience demographics such as age, interests or cultural preferences. For instance, bright and playful designs may appeal to children, minimalist packaging resonates with design-conscious consumers, and locally themed visuals connect with community pride. Seasonal or occasion-specific editions—like holiday or event packaging—can also be developed to increase engagement and boost sales.
Is environmentally friendly custom packaging available?
Yes—sustainable packaging options are available using responsibly sourced materials, eco-friendly inks, and low-impact production processes. Recycled or FSC-certified paper and cardboard can be used, and partners may offer schemes to reduce carbon footprint. This enables brands to have attractive packaging while demonstrating environmental responsibility.