Production lead time: from artwork to a finished batch
The question customers ask most often is a simple one: when will it be ready. The answer depends on a few things, but the benchmark is clear, a standard lead time of 7 to 14 days from artwork approval. Let us look at the stages that make up production and what affects the speed.
Making a pouch goes through several stages: artwork, print preparation, printing, lamination and forming into finished pouches. The standard lead time is 7 to 14 days from artwork approval. The speed depends on the run size, the number of colours, the film structure and how quickly you approve the design. Artwork development is free.
What makes up the lead time
A lead time is not a single action but a chain of stages, each with its own timing. The more complex the product, for example multicolour print on a barrier laminate with a spout, the more steps there are and the longer the total time. A simple pouch in 1 or 2 colours without extra options comes out faster.
The stages of production
| Artwork and approval | We create or refine the design and agree the colours and layout with you |
| Print preparation | We prepare the printing plates or files for the chosen print technology |
| Printing | We print the film in your colours, from 1 to 9 inks |
| Lamination | We bond the film layers to reach the required barrier and strength |
| Forming the pouches | We cut the film and form pouches with a welded bottom, seams and options |
After that the batch passes quality control and heads to you. Delivery across Ukraine is free for orders from the minimum quantity.
What affects the lead time
- Run size: a larger volume needs more time for printing and forming.
- Number of colours: more inks mean longer preparation and printing.
- Film structure and options: a barrier laminate, valve, spout or zip-lock add steps.
- Artwork readiness: if the design already exists and is approved quickly, the start comes sooner.
- Production workload: during peak periods the queue can be tighter.
How to speed up production
What usually eats the most time is not the printing itself but the approvals. So it is best to prepare the artwork in AI, CDR or PDF format in advance and approve the colours quickly. If you have a deadline, tell us right away: for simple orders the lead time can often be shortened, and production planned around your date. We develop the artwork for free, and it usually takes a few business days. Tell us about the product, run size and target date, and we will give an exact lead time for your order.
Need a lead time for your order?
Tell us the product, run size and date, and we will give an exact lead time. Design development is free.