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A Technical Guide to Custom Packaging Design
Introduction to Customized Packaging Design
While creating custom packaging can seen daunting, it doesn't have to be scary. If you're thinking about designing your own packaging, you'll soon come to realize that there are a lot of things to think about: minimum order quantities, corrugated packaging vs non-corrugated packaging, deciding on the right size, pouch or box style, how to set up the design file, and so much more!
Fortunately, we're here to clear up a lot of the questions you may have about product packaging. Learn more about the technical nuances with our expert tips that can help elevate your branded boxes, pouches, and packaging products.
Understanding Your Brand and Audience
First things first, you need to align your brand's packaging design with the identity of your business. Of course, this requires you to truly understand your customers. Analyze the preferences and habits of your target audience: where do they usually shop for handmade goods or candles? Do they stress out about using recyclable or compostable materials and inserts, or do they not really care?
If you haven't already done market research or set up buyer personas for your business customers, you'll want to do this ASAP. This way, you can customize your custom mailer boxes to align with their core values, budget, and interests.
Design Fundamentals
Next, you'll want to think about the key elements of product packaging design. This includes the colors you want to incorporate into the design, in addition to typography, imagery, and size. So many of our customers do not take size into account, and purchase branded boxes that are too big or too small for their products. In addition to packaging your product, you'll need to account for extra room for packaging materials (packaging peanuts, wrapping paper, etc.) and any branding materials you'll be sending along with your product.
For this step, it's important to understand that you'll be balancing aesthetics with functionality. After all, if your shipping boxes look fantastic but don't properly protect the products inside, they're pretty useless, right? And if they're functional but don't include branding or your logo, that's not ideal either.
Material Selection
Now comes the fun part! (OK, maybe it's just us...) Different packaging materials serve different purposes and have advantages and disadvantages over other materials. We cover each of our materials pretty in-depth here, but here's the basics about some of our most popular materials.
CareClear- Our line of clear polyester laminated films. Clear materials allow for viewing windows and for the product inside to be seen by your customer.
CareFoil- Offers a very high barrier since it incorporates a layer of aluminum foil. Perfect for uses where maximum shelf life is required.
Care Kraft- Our Kraft material is perfect for uses case that require a natural look and feel, without sacrificing barrier. Kraft gives a paper look to a plastic bag.
CareRecycle and CareCompost- Our line of recyclable and compostable materials. Perfect for use in scenarios where opting for an eco-friendly choice is essential.
As you can see, there's a lot to think about when it comes to selecting a material. Our team can help guide you through choosing the right material for your branded packaging.
Technical Aspects of Packaging Design
As you probably guessed by the title of this section, this is where it gets pretty technical! Luckily, our team of friendly technical experts will guide you through the individual specifications, but here's the gist of it. The technical aspects you'll need to take into consideration include: dimensions, bleeds, and print specifications. You'll also need to take into account the sustainability considerations of your material choice, especially if sustainability is important to your core customer base.
Again -- we know this can get complicated, so it's important for us to point out that you won't be alone in this! We're here to help you customize your branded boxes so they meet your exact specifications.
Compliance and Legal Considerations
As you probably already know, each industry has its own standards and regulations, especially around material use and labeling requirements. For example, the cannabis industry requires very specific information and graphics to be added to custom packaging, including item quantity and information about third-party quality testing. The cosmetics industry, on the other hand, requires information to be added about animal testing and shelf life.
Although we are more than happy to help design and personalize custom boxes or shipping boxes that adhere to regulations, we encourage all our customers to check with their preferred legal counsel via phone for specifics. In some cases, they can even provide a template.
Choose CarePac for Your Custom Shipping Box
As you can see, we're experts in everything you need to know about customized packaging and shipping boxes, including box style, the best placement for your logo, and which type of material is the most sturdy or budget friendly. We are here to help, and we encourage you to experience the CarePac difference for yourself. We are family owned and operated, and you won't be just another number to us. We handle each business partner with respect and care, and can help make your idea a reality.
Contact us today to get started on your custom mailer boxes. We provide Instant Quotes for your convenience, and you can also order samples or connect with us directly for more information. With zero setup fees or drama, we're the best choice in the industry.
Design FAQs: Custom Boxes & Pouches
Here are a few common questions we receive about the design and production of custom boxes.
- How do I choose the right materials for my custom packaging boxes & pouches?
There are a few important things to consider when choosing materials for your custom boxes, including the functionality and aesthetics of your bag. Functionality: think about barrier, durability, user experience, and size. Aesthetic: think about color, finish, and size. If your bag looks nice, protects the product inside, and doesn't burst or break during transport, it's a win!
- What are the key elements to consider in packaging design?
The key things to consider in packaging design as it relates to your custom boxes include: design, material, compliance and legal considerations, logo placement, bag shape, artwork, and costs, among other important considerations.
- How do I optimize my packaging design for production?
To optimize your packaging design for production, consider loading of the product (how much room you need to load your product in the bag), how you will seal the bag, and whether or not your product will fit in the bag with enough room to seal and not have it burst.
- Where can I find inspiration for my custom printed boxes?
To find inspiration for your own box options, browse the aisles for samples at your local store or check online! You may also find good inspiration on social media.
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