Packaging Guides
Find answers to packaging purchasing questions in 30 guides covering dimensions, materials, artwork, samples, costs and order planning.
Structure & sizing
How to Measure a Box
Start with the packed product, then distinguish usable space from the dimensions of the finished outside box.
Custom Rigid Boxes vs Custom Folding Cartons
Compare the two constructions using the same product, presentation requirements and delivered quantities.
Custom Mailer Boxes vs Custom Shipping Boxes
Choose the outer pack around the delivery task and the full load, rather than the product name alone.
Choosing Custom Packaging Inserts
An insert must locate the product and still allow it to be packed and removed comfortably.
Magnetic Boxes vs Custom Drawer Boxes
The choice changes how the customer opens the pack and accesses the contents.
Shipping Custom Collapsible Rigid Boxes
Flat delivery can change shipment volume and assembly work. Evaluate both parts of the trade-off.
Choosing Paper Bag Handles
Select a handle together with the bag construction and the load it must carry.
Materials & finishing
SBS vs Kraft Paperboard
Compare actual material grades and samples rather than making a decision from white or brown appearance alone.
Corrugated Flutes Explained
Flute is one part of a corrugated specification. The facing papers, board construction and box design also matter.
Paperboard GSM vs Thickness
Paper weight and thickness describe different material properties and should be recorded separately.
Specifying Pouch Barrier Needs
Describe the product and conditions before asking for a film structure or a barrier result.
Coffee Bag Valves & Seals
A valve is one part of a coffee packaging system alongside film, seals and the filling process.
CMYK vs Spot Colors for Packaging
Define both the colour reference and the printing method before approving packaging artwork.
Foil Stamping vs Metallic Ink
Compare the intended visual effect on a sample of the actual packaging surface.
Lamination vs Coating
A surface finish should be selected around appearance, handling and the full packaging construction.
Keeping Packaging Colors Consistent
Keep an identifiable approved reference and record changes between orders.
Storing Paper Packaging
Storage planning should preserve the condition of the agreed packaging before use.
Recyclable vs Compostable vs Biodegradable
These descriptions address different questions. Apply them to the actual material or complete pack with the relevant evidence.
Planning, quality & ordering
How to Request a Packaging Quote
A useful quote brief allows suppliers to price the same product and delivery responsibility.
Packaging MOQ & Cost Drivers
Minimum quantities relate to the exact product and production specification. A shared product family is not automatically one combined order.
Dieline & Artwork Checklist
Artwork approval should identify one structural file and one clear production version.
Packaging Sample Types
Choose the sample by what needs to be decided, rather than assuming every sample represents production in every respect.
Food Contact Packaging Brief
A useful food-contact brief identifies the food, the contact layer and the actual use conditions.
Tamper Evidence in Packaging
First define the visible change the user should see after a closure has been disturbed.
Planning Packaging Transport Tests
Define the handling risk and the intended evaluation before choosing a test programme.
Comparing Total Landed Packaging Cost
Compare the total order on matching specifications and delivery responsibilities.
Planning a Packaging Production Timeline
Build a schedule around decisions and dependencies before adding production and transport time.
Packaging Reorder Checklist
A repeat order still needs an explicit check of product, artwork and material versions.
Planning Seasonal Packaging
Work back from the date packaging must be available for packing or retail, not only from the event date.
Evaluating a Packaging Supplier
Evaluate the supplier against your actual packaging and ordering requirements.
Choose a guide for your current decision
Browse by structure and sizing, materials and finishes, or planning and quality. Each guide turns a purchasing question into practical checks and a clearer brief.
Examples illustrate a method; they do not replace a product specification, test result or order agreement. Use them to identify what should be measured, compared or confirmed.
Ask about a specification or purchasing decision
Describe the contents, quantity and destination, and identify the decisions where you need guidance.