How many colours can be flexo printed on a napkin?

Most napkin presses run one to four spot colours. Each additional colour adds a plate and a pass, so a one-colour logo is the most economical choice for large runs.

Is the ink used on napkins safe for food contact?

Reputable napkin printers use low-migration inks formulated for food-contact use. Buyers should confirm the ink specification with the supplier and request the compliance documentation their market requires.

What is the minimum order for custom printed napkins?

Custom printed napkins typically start at 5,000 pieces per design, with a digital proof before production, samples in 5-7 days and bulk production in 10-15 days after approval.

Printing

What Is Flexographic Printing on Napkins? How Napkin Logos Are Printed

Q: What is flexographic printing on napkins?

Flexographic printing uses a flexible relief plate to transfer ink directly onto the napkin as the sheet runs through the press. It is the standard method for wholesale napkin printing because it is fast and economical at volume.

Updated 2026-08-31 · Jinman Paper Supplies

Flexographic printing — usually shortened to flexo — is the standard industrial method for printing napkins. A flexible relief plate picks up ink and transfers it directly onto the tissue or airlaid sheet as it runs through the press at high speed. It is fast, economical at volume, and uses low-migration inks suited to food-contact use.

How napkin printing methods compare

Method	Best for	Colours	Economics
Flexographic	Wholesale runs, 1–4 colour logos	1–4 spot colours	Low unit cost above MOQ; plates charged once
Offset / litho	Fine detail, photographic art	Full colour	Higher cost, slower; less common on tissue
Digital	Very short runs, variable data	Full colour	No plates, but higher per-piece cost
Hot foil / emboss	Premium metallic finishes	Gold, silver, blind	Added as a second process

What buyers should specify up front

Artwork in vector (AI, EPS or PDF) — not a screenshot or a photo of a napkin.
Spot colours with Pantone references; flexo prices per colour, so a 1-colour logo costs less than a 4-colour one.
Napkin size, ply and material — ink sits differently on tissue than on airlaid.
Print coverage — a small corner logo behaves differently from an all-over pattern.
Quantity per design — the unit price falls as the run grows.

Timelines and minimums

Custom printed napkins start at 5,000 pcs per design. A digital proof is sent for approval before any plate is made, samples are ready in 5–7 days, and bulk production takes 10–15 days after proof approval. Ink selection is made for food-contact use, and compliance documentation for your market can be arranged on request through our upstream partners — tell us your destination at enquiry stage.

See the full workflow in our custom printed napkin branding guide, or start on the custom printed napkins page. Minimums are explained in what MOQ means for custom napkins.

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