Ever noticed those colored circles on food packages? They’re not just for decoration but hold a surprising purpose you’d never expect!
If you’ve ever looked closely at a snack wrapper or a bag of chips, you might have noticed some colored circles on the bottom.
These vibrant spots may seem like random decorations, but they actually serve a specific purpose.
In this article, we will explore what these colorful circles mean and why they are important in food packaging.
What are the colored circles?
The colored circles you see are known as “process control patches” or “printer’s color blocks.”
They are part of the packaging design and help ensure that the colors printed on the package are accurate.
While they may look like simple dots, they play a crucial role in the printing process.
True meaning behind colored circles on food packages
The primary purpose of these circles is to check the quality of the colors used in printing.
When a product is being packaged, the colors must match the brand’s identity and look appealing to consumers.
The circles act as a reference point for printers to make sure the colors are consistent and vibrant.
Typically, you will see four main colors represented: black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.
These colors are known as process colors and can be mixed to create a wide range of shades.
By using these circles, printers can easily identify if the colors are being printed correctly.
How do they work?
When a printer works on packaging, they need to monitor how the colors appear.
The colored circles provide a quick way to assess whether the printing is going as planned.
If a color does not look right, the printer can adjust the ink levels to correct the issue.
This ensures that each package looks the way it is supposed to before it leaves the factory.
In some modern printing setups, machines can automatically read these colors and make adjustments themselves.
However, human operators still play a vital role in this process.
They use the information from the circles to fine-tune the colors, ensuring everything looks perfect.
Why are colored circles on food packages important?
These colored circles are important for a few reasons.
First, they help maintain the quality of the packaging.
Consistent colors can attract consumers and make the product more appealing on store shelves.
Second, they help brands maintain their identity.
For example, a bag of Cheetos is known for its bright orange color.
The colored circles ensure that the packaging reflects this recognizable shade.
Additionally, having accurate colors can affect how a brand is perceived.
If a product has inconsistent or dull colors, it may lead consumers to question its quality.
Thus, these circles play a crucial role in the overall branding strategy of a product.
How about food packages without circles?
Not all food packages have these colored circles.
Some brands choose not to include them based on their printing preferences.
However, the absence of these circles does not indicate that the product is of lower quality or unsafe.
It simply means that the printer feels confident in achieving the desired colors without this additional tool.