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Blue Star Print Solutions

Friday 6 April 2012

Wrap Me In Plastic - Encapsulation

So you've read what lamination is...(if not, read here). Isn't that the same as Encapsulation? Well the simple answer is... not really.


Encapsulation is a sheet of clear plastic - you can choose from a range of thicknesses or 'grades' - which is then applied to both sides of a piece of paper. It extends beyond the edges of the paper, usually by around 5-10mm, sealing the paper within. It offers far greater protection than laminate and, as long as the plastic seal remains intact, is waterproof. Encapsulation is usually reserved for use on ID badges and wipe clean menus. You'll more than likely have used a desktop encapsulation device is your everyday life, you get the plastic pouch, slot your paper in and put it into the automatic machine. Large format encapsulation is pretty similar.


This is something to be aware of though. In the UK, leaflets which are usually VAT zero rated (you do not have to pay VAT) become subject to VAT at the standard rate if lamination or encapsulation is applied. HM Revenue & Customs consider a laminated or encapsulated leaflet as something which is intended to be retained by your customer rather than to be read and then thrown away.

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