For e-liquid businesses, packaging isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a safety measure, a branding tool, and a legal requirement. Whether you’re selling locally or exporting to regions like the UK or Europe, the printing on your custom e liquid boxes must be precise, compliant, and compelling.
Across South Punjab—from Multan to Bahawalpur—startups are entering the booming vape market with support from Ignite and the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). Yet, many struggle with packaging errors that cost them money and credibility. This guide outlines the most frequent mistakes made during custom vape box printing and how to avoid them, especially when ordering through UK suppliers like Buddy Packaging Boxes .
Why printing quality matters in e-liquid packaging
Quick Answer: Poor printing can compromise safety, legality, and your brand’s first impression.
Inaccurate or low-quality printing on e-liquid boxes leads to:
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Miscommunication of product details
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Non-compliance with health regulations
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Packaging that fades, peels, or rubs off
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Loss of consumer trust
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Shipping issues due to unreadable labels
A case study from Lodhran showed a 30% increase in returns for a local e-liquid brand due to unclear nicotine content labels.
Ignoring print resolution and file formats
Quick Answer: Low-resolution images or incorrect file types can ruin design quality.
Avoid:
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Using low-res (72 DPI) images—minimum should be 300 DPI
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Submitting JPEGs when CMYK-compatible PDFs or AI files are needed
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Raster graphics instead of scalable vector artwork
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Skipping bleed margins, leading to trimmed text
A Bahawalpur entrepreneur lost an entire print run due to missing 3mm bleed zones, resulting in cropped warnings and logos.
Overlooking compliance-related text
Quick Answer: Missing legal text or safety icons can delay customs clearance or lead to fines.
You must include:
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Nicotine content disclaimers (“This product contains nicotine…”)
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Age restriction icons (e.g., 18+ or 21+)
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Batch numbers and expiry dates
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Manufacturer/importer information
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CE or PSQCA compliance marks
Many Multan-based businesses entering UK markets partner with experienced vendors like Buddy Packaging Boxes to ensure their labels meet UK and EU laws. Their expertise in custom e liquid boxes helps local brands scale globally while staying compliant.
Choosing the wrong print finish
Quick Answer: An inappropriate finish can reduce durability or obscure key details.
Popular finishes include:
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Gloss Lamination: Enhances colors but may cause glare
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Matte Finish: Elegant, but can dull vibrant colors
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UV Spot Coating: Highlights logos/text, but overuse can clutter design
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Foil Stamping: Premium appeal, but may flake if poorly applied
In Dera Ghazi Khan, a packaging startup under STZA funding switched to matte lamination after their glossy finish caused ink smudging in high-humidity areas.
Poor color accuracy in print production
Quick Answer: Colors may look different on screen than in print without proper calibration.
Common issues:
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Designing in RGB instead of CMYK
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Inconsistent brand colors across batches
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Not reviewing Pantone matches for key brand elements
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Ignoring how certain colors appear on Kraft or recycled materials
“Brand identity starts with consistency,” says Imran Riaz, Senior Advisor at Ignite’s Design & Print Innovation Hub, Multan.
Failing to proofread all label content
Quick Answer: Spelling errors, wrong dates, or faulty claims can ruin credibility and cause legal issues.
Always check:
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Product descriptions and warnings
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Ingredient listings
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Label alignment and font clarity
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Spacing between barcode and text
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Regional spelling (UK English vs US English for export)
A Rahim Yar Khan brand was fined in Dubai after “contains no nicotine” was printed by mistake instead of “contains nicotine.”
Using non-weather-resistant inks for vape packaging
Quick Answer: Inks that bleed or fade during shipping can lead to unreadable labels.
Especially for e-liquid products:
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Use UV-resistant inks for outdoor shipping
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Choose waterproof coatings for humid climates
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Laminate or varnish surfaces exposed to oils or condensation
In Bahawalnagar, a local vape box supplier trained under STZA guidelines upgraded to soy-based UV inks that resist smudging during overseas shipping.
Not requesting print samples before full production
Quick Answer: Skipping samples can result in costly surprises in bulk runs.
Always request:
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Digital proofs for layout confirmation
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Printed sample boxes for material inspection
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Tests for folding lines, barcode scans, and tamper seals
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Feedback from 3–5 target customers before approving mass print
A Muzaffargarh company prevented a major loss by catching a misprinted nicotine warning during sample review.
Not aligning box layout with folding mechanics
Quick Answer: Artwork misalignment can distort text or graphics after folding.
Check for:
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Text near fold lines or creases
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Inverted side panels
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Misplaced logos when the box is fully assembled
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Barcode placement on the correct side
STZA design mentors in Vehari now run training on dieline alignment using packaging design software taught in local youth tech hubs.
FAQs
Q1. What file format should I send for best print results?
Use print-ready PDF in CMYK color mode with at least 300 DPI resolution.
Q2. How can I ensure my packaging is legally compliant?
Work with packaging partners who understand UK vape regulations and local standards like PSQCA.
Q3. What type of ink works best for vape product packaging?
UV-resistant or soy-based inks are ideal for long-lasting, non-toxic print.
Q4. Should I laminate my custom e liquid boxes?
Yes—lamination helps protect against moisture, smudging, and wear during shipping.
Q5. How do I prevent alignment errors in folded boxes?
Use dieline templates and ask for printed mockups to catch layout issues early.
Q6. Is gloss or matte better for vape packaging?
It depends—gloss pops with color, while matte provides a premium feel with less glare.
Q7. Do I need a prototype before full production?
Absolutely. It’s essential for catching errors and ensuring final print accuracy.
Final Thought
In South Punjab, where talent meets tradition, startups are stepping into global packaging markets with ambition and innovation. But ambition must be paired with execution. As someone mentoring young packaging entrepreneurs in Multan and Lodhran, I’ve seen great ideas held back by small print mistakes.
Platforms like Ignite and STZA are doing tremendous work in educating youth on print precision, legal compliance, and export-readiness. With the right support and reliable packaging partners like Buddy Packaging, Pakistani businesses are now designing packaging that meets UK standards and represents our region’s talent on the global stage.
