Printed bags for Star Wars collectors issue of Empire magazine

The two versions of the Empire January 2018 issue reflect the main characters in the current trilogy of Star Wars films. The light side pack with Rey is printed using seven colours with a blue palette whilst the dark side option with Kylo Ren is printed using eight colours and a red palette.

Fusion Flexibles produced the bags from a three-part laminate comprising metallised and inner sealing layers. The packs, which are reverse printed on an outer clear layer, have a thickness of 182 microns and incorporate a highly functional flat skirt sidewall seal.

Carl Lawrence, print production controller at Bauer Media comments: “The key requirement was for packaging that utilised superior materials for the production of bags that had striking visual impact along with premium quality to best showcase the Empire brand while on the newsstand.

“The metallised film laminate material was selected from a range of packaging substrates being discussed. In fact, a sample of a previously produced order supplied by Fusion Flexibles was the option which most closely matched the criteria.”

Bauer Media required the bags to be strong and easy to open ensuring they can be kept by the consumer as part of the collection alongside the magazine and gifts.

“A lot of bags tear when opened but it was essential these packs remained intact so they could be included as part of the whole offering with exclusive artwork printed on to the bags which complements the magazine cover and feature layout,” explains Carl Lawrence.

Fusion Flexibles has been working with Bauer Media for several years supplying printed flexible packaging materials for several of its magazine titles, including previously promoted issues of Empire which have required printed polyethylene / foil bags.

Talking about the overall service provided by Fusion Flexibles, Carl says: “The service provided by Fusion Flexibles on this project was first class, from supplying a sample for the selection process that provided the wow factor all the way through to delivery into the finishing house. The final bag looked great which we are confident will translate into positive reviews and sales."