Pre-Press
Pre-Press/Creative Design Services at Rice Packaging knows your image is important. Improper color can muddy the appearance of an otherwise perfect package and could cost you sales and profits. Our outstanding graphic design team will deliver the best quality image and text layout for your products.
- We are a GMI Certified supplier and have a G7® Expert* on site.
- We have superior image reproduction and color registration. Our talented team will match your color requirements – even when other companies cannot.
- Rice Packaging is 100% Digital Computer-to-Plate (CTP) technology which helps improve sharpness and detail.
- We have chemical-free plate processing which means there are not any dangerous and harsh chemicals that harm our environment.
*A G7 Expert is able to analyze color and print-related issues and take corrective action to bring systems and processes in control to a set method, standard, or specification with repeatable, predictable results. A G7 Expert is highly skilled in the field of color management, process, and quality control for proofing and printing equipment.
GMI Certified
Graphic Measures International (GMI) certifies, monitors, and measures the performance of printing/packaging suppliers, helping brand owners control variables through print facility certification and scientific, repeatable measurement of global packaging. GMI provides large name brands, such as Home Depot, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target, with global packaging consistency. Our company has a 100% rating, please feel free to view our rating attached here.
Do you have artwork that you’d like us to review for your custom packaging? Please take a minute to review our art specifications! Download the PDF below!
Serving the Greater Northeast United States, with global capabilities.
Why GMI & G7 Certification Matters for Your Brand
It is not just about print quality; it is about retail compliance. Major retailers like Target, CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, and Lowe’s rely on the GMI (Graphic Measures International) program to strictly monitor the packaging on their shelves. Because Rice Packaging maintains a 100% GMI rating, you can rest assured that your packaging will meet the rigorous color and quality standards required by these global giants, preventing costly rejections or delays at the retail level.
The “Chemical-Free” Advantage
Our commitment to 100% Digital Computer-to-Plate (CTP) technology isn’t just an environmental choice—it’s a quality choice. Traditional plate-making uses harsh chemicals that can degrade image sharpness over time. By utilizing Chemical-Free Process Plates, we eliminate variable processing steps.
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Sharper Dots: You get crisp text and high-definition imagery, essential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic fine print.
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Consistency: Without chemical baths that fluctuate in potency, Plate A looks exactly like Plate B, ensuring your branding remains consistent across every run.
Client Pre-Press Checklist
To ensure your project moves swiftly through our department, please review this quick checklist before submitting files:
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File Format: We prefer native Adobe Illustrator (.AI) or high-resolution PDF files.
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Resolution: All images must be at least 300 DPI at actual size.
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Bleeds: Ensure art extends at least 1/8″ (.125″) beyond the cut line.
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Fonts: Convert all text to outlines or package the font files with your artwork.
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Colors: Convert all RGB images to CMYK to ensure accurate print reproduction.
Pre-Press Frequently Asked Questions
G7 is a methodology for calibrating printing presses to ensure a neutral gray balance and consistent color appearance across different devices. GMI is a process control monitoring system required by major retailers to score a printer’s performance. Rice Packaging is certified in both, meaning we have the calibration to hit the color and the process controls to keep it there.
Yes. Our pre-press team can assist with file remediation, trap correction, and layout adjustments to ensure your design fits the dieline perfectly. We will flag any low-resolution images or potential issues before we go to press.
Once we receive compatible files, we typically provide a digital PDF proof within 24 hours. For color-critical jobs, we can provide a hard-copy high-resolution Epson proof for final sign-off.