Printing boxes in-house used to be the exclusive domain of large commercial printers. Today, thanks to next-generation single-pass inkjet and UV flatbed printers, even SMEs can produce custom packaging from the very first piece — no minimum orders, zero lead time.
This guide gives you an overview of the available technologies, the best models for every type of production, and everything to consider before choosing your box printer.
Why print boxes in-house?
Outsourcing packaging to an external supplier means accepting high minimum orders, long lead times, and fixed costs that are hard to manage for short runs. Bringing box printing in-house completely changes the equation:
- No minimum order: print 1 box as easily as 1,000
- Faster time-to-market: from file to finished box in minutes
- Full customisation: every box can have a different design at no extra cost
- Quality control at every stage
- No packaging inventory to manage
The result is a more flexible cost structure, ideal for job-shop production or catalogues with many product variants.
Available technologies for box printing
Aqueous Single-Pass CMYK Inkjet
The best technology for printing on corrugated cardboard and paper-based substrates. The printhead is fixed while the substrate passes underneath at high speed — up to 30 m/min — delivering high productivity and low cost-per-print. Bright colours, water-based pigment inks, suitable for indirect food contact.
UV Flatbed Inkjet
UV curing allows printing on any rigid or semi-rigid substrate, including die-cut cardboard, wood and plastic. Suited to shorter runs and special materials, with options for white ink and spot varnish.
Recommended models in 2026
GreenBox EVO — Single-pass inkjet for corrugated board and shoppers
The GreenBox EVO is the ideal solution for printing corrugated boxes, paper shoppers and flat packaging in-house. Its aqueous CMYK single-pass inkjet technology delivers 30 m/min, up to 1,200 dpi resolution and pigment inks certified for indirect food contact. No minimum order, plug-and-play, compact footprint.
- Prints on corrugated board, kraft, cardboard, paper shoppers
- Speed: 30 m/min — up to 1,800 m²/hour
- Resolution: up to 1,200 dpi
- Max width: 800 mm
- Water-based pigment inks
- Price: € 39,000 + VAT
ThunderBox — Next generation for premium packaging
The ThunderBox is an entry-level single-pass printer for packaging, designed for brands requiring superior print quality on a wide range of substrates. Perfect for premium packaging with accurate colours and sharp details, without sacrificing digital flexibility.
- Prints on board, micro-flute, cardboard, coated paper
- Higher colour quality than the previous generation
- Ideal for medium-to-high runs with variable graphics
- Price: € 29,900 + VAT
EDM-650X (2 heads) — High-productivity single-pass inkjet
The EDM-650X with dual-head configuration is the answer for high-volume operations or those needing to cover large formats at speed. Multi-head single-pass system designed for continuous production lines and industrial environments.
- Dual-head single-pass CMYK inkjet configuration
- Max format: 650 mm
- High throughput: suited for continuous production lines
- Price: € 58,000 + VAT
How to choose the right box printer
The choice depends on three key factors: your monthly production volume, the type of substrate you need to print on, and your budget.
Low to medium volume (< 5,000 m²/month)
For lower volumes or job-shop production with many variants, the ThunderBox or GreenBox EVO are the optimal choice. Low start-up cost, no inventory management, maximum flexibility.
Medium to high volume (> 5,000 m²/month)
When productivity is the critical factor, the dual-head EDM-650X delivers industrial capacity with digital flexibility. Ideal for structured production lines looking to bring printing in-house without compromise.
Substrate type
For standard corrugated board and shoppers: GreenBox EVO. For premium-grade cardboard and micro-flute: ThunderBox. For special substrates or industrial volumes: EDM-650X.
The 2026 super-deduction cuts the real cost
If you are considering purchasing a box printer in 2026, factor in the Industria 5.0 incentive (formerly hyperamortisation): for qualifying 4.0 capital goods with energy-efficiency features, the tax enhancement reaches 180% for investments up to €2.5 million. With a 24% corporate tax rate, the effective tax saving can reach 43.2% of the asset value.
In practice, a GreenBox EVO at €39,000 has a real net cost of approximately €22,000. A substantial difference that can change your ROI calculations entirely. See our full guide on the 2026 super-deduction.
Conclusion
There is no single best box printer: the right choice depends on your production mix, the substrates you use and your expected volumes. If you are unsure, the fastest way to find the right solution is to talk to an expert.
Book a free consultation or visit our Demo Center in Sesto San Giovanni: every machine is running and you can see first-hand the print quality on paper and cardboard.
