When it comes to packaging, the spotlight often shines on the design. Bold colours, eye-catching layouts, and clever branding. But behind every successful print job lies a crucial process that often goes unnoticed: pre-press.

At Springfield Solutions, our Production team are the line of defence between your approved artwork and the printed label or pack that lands on the shelf.

It’s where the technical meets the creative, ensuring that your brand looks its best – consistently, accurately, and without surprises.

Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how our pre-press experts help protect your brand integrity.

What is Pre-Press – and Why is it So Important?

Pre-press is the critical stage in the packaging production process where artwork is prepared and checked to ensure its print ready.

It’s about more than ticking technical boxes. It’s about preserving your brand’s identity across every format, material, and colour variation.

Whether you’re launching a new product or updating an existing SKU, pre-press helps bridge the gap between design intent and the printed result. Making sure everything runs smoothly, looks consistent, and complies with industry standards.

Key Pre-Press Checks That Safeguard Your Packaging

Colour Management: Getting it Right First Time

Colour is one of the most powerful assets in your brand toolkit. That’s why we take colour seriously.

At Springfield Solutions, we use digital colour management tools and industry-leading workflows to ensure colour accuracy from screen to shelf.

Our team makes sure colours are consistent across multiple SKUs, packaging types, and substrates. So, whether you’re printing on a label, pouch, or carton, your brand colours stay true and instantly recognisable.

Barcode Verification: More Than Just a Black and White Issue

A barcode might seem like a simple detail – until it doesn’t scan. Failed barcodes can result in delays, retailer rejections, or even lost sales.

That’s why we test barcodes to make sure they are fully scannable and print friendly. We check for clarity, size, contrast, and positioning to ensure functionality across a range of retail environments. It’s a small step with a big impact.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Packaging doesn’t just need to look good – it needs to be compliant. From CLP symbols and recycling logos to mandatory declarations and allergens, there are a host of legal requirements that need to be checked before going to print.

We work with our clients to review these elements to help ensure they are correctly placed, legible, and accurately represented. This is especially important in regulated sectors such as household products, personal care, and food and drink.

Artwork Checks & File Integrity

When a file arrives at Springfield, it goes through a full technical review. Our team checks everything from font embedding and image resolution to bleeds, trims, overprint settings, and dielines.

We make sure every element is aligned, accurate, and ready for flawless output. Helping to avoid costly errors, last-minute amendments, or production delays.

How Springfield Solutions Adds Value Beyond the Basics

Pre-press isn’t just about avoiding mistakes – it’s about delivering excellence.

At Springfield, our expert team combines decades of experience with a digital-first workflow to streamline the entire packaging journey.

We use collaborative proofing tools to keep stakeholders aligned, reduce approval cycles, and help speed up the time to market. Everything is built with agility, precision, and brand consistency in mind.

Real-World Impact: Why These Checks Matter

Without thorough pre-press, even small oversights can have big consequences. From colours that print too dark, to barcodes that don’t scan, or missing legal information that results in a product recall.

We’ve seen how the right checks at the right time can make all the difference.

That’s why we’ve built our pre-press process around one simple goal: protecting the integrity of your brand on every single pack.

Don’t Let Packaging Errors Undermine Your Brand

Your packaging is often the first thing your customer sees. It represents your product, your values, and your promise to the market. So, when it comes to getting it right, every detail counts.

At Springfield Solutions, our pre-press team ensures your packaging is not only print-ready – it’s brand-ready. Because protecting your brand is what we do best.

Want to safeguard your next product launch? Get in touch today to find out how our pre-press expertise can support your packaging goals.