Ghosting

Ghosting in packaging proofs is when you see faint, unwanted, or repeated text and images on printed items. Simply put, it’s like when you try to take a photo and a faint outline of something shows up in the background.

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This issue can impact the accuracy, clarity, and compliance of labels, ingredient lists, barcodes, and warnings.

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Ghosting can happen for a few reasons. It might be due to printing issues, like ink not spreading well. It can also be caused by design problems, such as overlapping text. If ghosting occurs, it can cause confusion. This is especially true if important details, like allergens or safety warnings, become hard to read. It can also create issues, like making barcodes hard to read. This can lead to inventory problems or affect getting products on store shelves.

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How to Prevent Ghosting in Compliance Packaging

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• Use Automated Proofreading: Tools like Verify spot faint text, font inconsistencies, and duplicate elements before printing.
• Ensure Proper Font Embedding: Standardize fonts across digital proofs to avoid rendering issues.
• Optimize Printing Press Settings: Adjust ink flow, drying times, and roller pressure. This helps to stop duplicate impressions.
• Pre-Production Testing: Conduct test prints and barcode verification to confirm scannability and compliance.

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Ghosting is a big deal. It can mean delayed shipments, reprinted labels, or even safety risks for consumers. That’s why it’s important to spot ghosting early on in the design and printing process.

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