Reference
Keep the agreed physical or other colour reference with the final artwork and material specification. Label it clearly so a later order can be compared with the approved version.
Comparison
Control the comparison conditions. Looking at samples under different lighting or comparing a screen with a finished pack can obscure what changed. Review the material, print and finish together when investigating a difference.
Reorders
For reorders, check whether the paper, ink process, film or finishing has changed. Record approved substitutions and decide whether another proof or sample is needed. A repeated artwork filename does not by itself demonstrate that the complete production specification is unchanged.
Related specification support
Packaging Color Management
Establish an agreed colour reference for the chosen material and print process.
Build a repeat-order reference set
For a reordered box, place the approved reference beside the current sample under the agreed viewing conditions. Compare paper, print and finishing records before changing colour values to compensate for an unidentified material change.
References for repeat-order colour
| Check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Identify the accepted sample and artwork revision. | Avoid relying on an unlabelled old box. |
| Conditions | Use an agreed comparison setting. | Mixed lighting makes observations harder to interpret. |
| Changes | Review stock, ink process and finishing. | The same artwork file does not establish the same complete specification. |
Record the actual product, material or file version used for the comparison. Identify what remains undecided and which sample or document can resolve it.
Discuss colour consistency checklist
Share the product, proposed pack and specifications, with the reference sample or file relevant to the colour difference.
Keeping Packaging Colors Consistent FAQ
Keep the approved artwork, material and finishing references and the identified sample record. If a component changes, decide which approvals must be repeated.
Compare the approved reference and current sample under the same agreed conditions. Check paper, print process and finishing records before changing colour values to compensate for an unidentified material change.
No. The paper, ink process, film or finishing may have changed. Review substitutions and decide whether a new proof or sample is needed; an unchanged filename does not establish an unchanged production specification.