Common packaging materials include folding carton board, kraft board, corrugated cardboard, rigid board and various paper stocks. The appropriate material depends on the product, required strength, printing requirements, presentation, handling environment and intended application.

For example, folding carton board can suit printed retail packaging, while corrugated board can provide greater structural protection for shipping applications. Similarly, rigid board is often selected for premium presentation packaging where a substantial construction is required.

You can explore the full range in our Packaging Materials Guide.

GSM means grams per square metre and describes the weight of a paper or board material over an area of one square metre. In packaging, it is commonly used as one part of the material specification when discussing paperboard and other paper-based stocks.

However, GSM should not be treated as a direct measurement of thickness or strength. Different materials can have different densities, coatings and structural properties even when their GSM values are similar. Therefore, the correct packaging specification should consider the complete material rather than GSM alone.

For more detail, see our Packaging Card GSM Guide.

There is no single GSM that suits every packaging box. The appropriate specification depends on the box structure, dimensions, product weight, required rigidity, printing requirements and manufacturing method.

A folding carton may use a different board specification from a premium rigid box or a corrugated shipping carton. Consequently, choosing a material purely because it has a higher GSM does not necessarily produce a better package.

The Packaging Card GSM Guide explains how GSM fits into the wider material-selection process.

Folding carton board is commonly used for printed packaging that is die-cut, creased and folded into shape. It can provide a practical balance between print presentation, structural performance and production efficiency.

Businesses use folding cartons across retail, food, cosmetics, healthcare-related products and other commercial applications, subject to the appropriate material and product requirements.

Learn more through our Folding Carton Material Guide.

Kraft board can be suitable for many packaging applications where businesses want a natural paper-based appearance combined with practical packaging performance. Depending on the specification, kraft packaging can support branded printing and a range of structural formats.

However, “kraft” describes a material type rather than one universal specification. The actual board grade, construction, printing requirements and intended application should therefore be assessed before production.

Our Kraft Board Material Guide provides further information about kraft packaging materials.

Corrugated cardboard is commonly selected when packaging needs greater structural protection for handling, storage or transit. Its fluted construction can provide strength while keeping the packaging relatively lightweight.

This makes corrugated packaging particularly relevant to e-commerce, shipping, fulfilment and products that require additional protection during distribution. Nevertheless, the correct corrugated specification depends on the product, box dimensions and expected handling conditions.

See our Corrugated Material Guide for more technical information.

Rigid board is commonly used to manufacture premium presentation boxes that require a strong, substantial construction. It is particularly relevant to luxury retail, jewellery, cosmetics, gifting and other products where packaging presentation forms an important part of the customer experience.

Rigid packaging can also accommodate a variety of coverings, printed wraps, inserts and luxury finishing options. Therefore, the material should be considered alongside the intended structural design and final presentation.

Our Rigid Board Material Guide explains the material in greater detail.

Paper materials are used across a wide range of commercial printing and packaging applications, including bags, labels, printed sheets, inserts, flyers, booklets and paper-based packaging components. The appropriate paper specification depends on the intended use, print process, required appearance and handling conditions.

Different paper stocks can provide different textures, weights, finishes and visual characteristics. Consequently, material selection should be based on the finished application rather than paper weight alone.

Explore our Paper Material Guide for a wider overview.

Start with the product’s physical requirements and intended distribution environment. Then consider the required rigidity, protection, print quality, appearance, sustainability objectives, quantity and budget.

For example, folding carton board may suit a printed retail package, kraft board may support a natural brand presentation, corrugated board may be more appropriate for transit protection, while rigid board can create a premium presentation structure.

Therefore, the best material is not necessarily the thickest or heaviest option. It is the material specification that provides the appropriate balance between performance, appearance, manufacturability and commercial requirements.

If you are unsure which material fits your application, you can request a packaging quotation and provide your product dimensions, quantity and intended use.

Packaging artwork is the print-ready visual design prepared for a specific packaging structure. It normally contains the brand identity, colours, graphics, product information, text, images and other elements that will appear on the finished package.

Unlike ordinary graphic design, packaging artwork must also account for the physical construction of the package. Consequently, panels, folds, cut lines, glue areas, windows and finishing zones need to align correctly with the final box.

A packaging dieline is the technical template used to show how a package will be cut, creased, folded and assembled. It establishes the relationship between the panels and helps the artwork designer position graphics accurately on the finished structure.

A typical dieline can contain cut lines, crease lines, bleed areas, glue flaps and other production information. Therefore, artwork should be created against the correct dieline rather than an approximate box drawing.

See our Packaging Dieline Guide for a more detailed explanation.

You can develop branding, graphics and visual concepts before receiving a final dieline. However, production artwork should normally be built on the approved structural template.

Otherwise, important elements may move when the artwork is transferred onto the actual packaging structure. For example, a logo or product description could cross a fold, enter a glue area or become incorrectly positioned around a window.

Therefore, separating the creative concept from the final production artwork can help prevent unnecessary revisions.

Print-ready packaging artwork is commonly supplied as a professional vector-based PDF, although the exact production requirements can vary according to the printing workflow and manufacturer. Editable files such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign may also be useful where artwork amendments are required.

Images should have suitable resolution, fonts should be handled correctly and important artwork elements should remain within the appropriate safe areas. Consequently, simply exporting an ordinary image file may not provide sufficient production information.

Our Packaging Artwork Guide explains the main preparation requirements.

Bleed is the extra artwork that extends beyond the final cut line. It allows the printed design to continue to the edge after the packaging sheet is trimmed or die-cut.

Without sufficient bleed, even a small production or cutting variation can potentially create an unwanted unprinted edge. Therefore, backgrounds and other artwork intended to reach the package edge should extend into the designated bleed area.

Commercial print artwork is generally prepared using a suitable CMYK colour workflow because CMYK inks are used to reproduce process colours in many conventional printing processes. RGB, by contrast, is primarily associated with digital screens and displays.

However, colour requirements can vary according to the printing method, substrate and specified colour system. Therefore, artwork should follow the production specification rather than relying on a generic colour conversion at the final stage.

Where brand colour accuracy is particularly important, discuss the required colour specification with your packaging manufacturer before approving production artwork.

Yes. Packaging artwork can be prepared to accommodate specialist finishes such as foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV and other decorative treatments. However, these effects usually require separate production information or dedicated artwork layers.

Therefore, the artwork designer should know which areas require a special finish before the final files are prepared. This is particularly important where several finishes overlap or interact with printed graphics.

For examples and technical considerations, explore our Packaging Luxury Finishes Guide.

Depending on the service provided, a packaging manufacturer may be able to support artwork preparation, technical checking or design development. This can be particularly useful when a project involves a new box structure, complex dieline or specialist finishing.

Technical artwork support can also identify potential production issues before printing. Consequently, early communication between the designer and manufacturer can reduce avoidable corrections and improve the transition from design to manufacturing.

If you require printed packaging and need help with the production specification, explore our Custom Printing Solutions.

Before approval, check the finished dimensions, panel orientation, product information, spelling, colours, images, logos, barcodes and other required content. Also confirm that bleed, safe areas, folds, cut lines, windows, glue areas and finishing elements have been handled correctly.

In addition, review the artwork at actual size rather than relying only on a screen preview. This can reveal text that is too small, graphics that may become difficult to read or design elements that sit too close to structural features.

Once the production artwork is approved, changes may become more difficult or costly. Therefore, a careful pre-production check is an important part of the packaging workflow.

Common commercial packaging printing methods include offset lithographic printing and digital printing, while specialist production may also use other processes depending on the substrate, design and required finish. The appropriate method depends on factors such as quantity, artwork complexity, colour requirements and production economics.

Consequently, there is no universally best printing method. A process that works efficiently for a large commercial run may not provide the same economic advantage for a smaller quantity.

Explore our Printing Methods Guide for a more detailed comparison.

Digital printing transfers the artwork directly through a digital print workflow, whereas offset printing uses printing plates as part of the production process. The two methods can therefore have different setup requirements, production economics and suitability for particular quantities.

Digital printing can be attractive for shorter runs or projects requiring flexibility, while offset printing can become commercially advantageous for larger production quantities. However, the actual choice depends on the complete specification rather than quantity alone.

Yes. Many packaging formats can be produced with full-colour printed artwork, subject to the selected material, printing process and production specification. Full-colour packaging can include brand graphics, product photography, illustrations, typography and other visual elements.

However, the appearance of the finished print can vary according to the substrate, coating, ink system and finishing. Therefore, colour expectations should be discussed during the specification stage, particularly for important brand colours.

Pantone colour specifications can be relevant where accurate brand colour reproduction is important and the selected production process supports the required colour system. However, the achievable result depends on the substrate, printing method, inks and finishing.

Consequently, a Pantone reference should not be treated as a guarantee that the finished package will appear identical under every production condition. Where colour consistency is commercially important, discuss the specification with the packaging printer before production.

Yes. The substrate can influence how ink sits on the surface, how colours appear and how fine details are reproduced. Coated and uncoated materials can therefore produce different visual characteristics even when the same artwork and printing process are used.

Kraft materials, for example, can create a natural base appearance, while bright white coated boards may provide a different colour presentation. Therefore, material selection and printing should be considered together rather than as completely separate decisions.

Yes. Quantity can significantly influence the economics of packaging production because setup, tooling, material purchasing, printing and finishing costs may be distributed across the production run.

However, quantity is only one part of the quotation. Box dimensions, material, number of printed sides, colour requirements, finishing, structural complexity and delivery requirements can also affect the final cost.

Therefore, comparing quotations solely on quantity can produce misleading conclusions. The complete specification should be compared on a like-for-like basis.

Many packaging materials and structures can accommodate printing on multiple surfaces, although the practical options depend on the board, construction, printing process and final assembly. External panels are often prioritised for branding, while internal printing can be used to enhance the unboxing experience.

Nevertheless, internal printing may add production cost and should be assessed against the intended customer experience. Therefore, it is worth identifying which panels genuinely require printed content before finalising the specification.

Yes. Printed packaging can incorporate finishes such as foil, embossing, debossing, spot UV, lamination and other decorative treatments. These techniques can add contrast, texture, shine or tactile detail to the finished package.

The chosen finish should, however, work with the material, printing process and intended design. Consequently, luxury finishes are best specified during the artwork and production planning stage rather than added as an afterthought.

Explore our Packaging Luxury Finishes Guide for further guidance.

Begin with the quantity, packaging material, artwork complexity and required colour reproduction. Then consider whether the project requires a short production run, repeat commercial production, specialist colours or additional finishing.

For example, a shorter run may benefit from the flexibility of digital production, whereas a larger commercial run may make offset printing more economically attractive. Nevertheless, the final decision should account for the complete manufacturing specification.

If you already know your packaging dimensions and quantity, you can request a quotation and provide the artwork or project requirements available to you.

Custom packaging can incorporate a range of decorative finishes, including foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV, lamination and specialist surface treatments. Each technique creates a different visual or tactile effect.

For example, metallic foil can create a high-contrast premium detail, while embossing can add physical texture to a logo or selected design element. Similarly, a combination of matt and gloss surfaces can create contrast without adding excessive visual complexity.

The best finish depends on the packaging material, artwork, box structure and intended brand positioning. Our Luxury Packaging Finishes Guide explains the main options.

Embossing raises a selected design element above the surface, whereas debossing presses the design into the material to create a recessed effect. Both techniques can add texture and depth to packaging.

They are particularly effective for logos, typography and selected brand details because they can create a tactile interaction with the package. However, the result depends on the board, covering material, artwork and technical specification.

Lamination applies a thin film to a printed surface to alter its appearance and provide an additional surface layer. Depending on the selected type, it can create a matt, gloss or other visual effect.

Lamination can also influence the tactile quality and perceived durability of printed packaging. Nevertheless, the appropriate specification depends on the board, intended application and desired finish.

Yes. Multiple finishes can be combined when the material, structure and production process support them. For example, a package may combine matt lamination with gloss spot UV, or printed graphics with foil and embossing.

However, every additional process increases the technical complexity of the packaging specification. Therefore, finishes should support a clear design purpose rather than being added simply because more effects are available.

Sustainable packaging can involve material selection, efficient structural design, responsible sourcing, reduced material use, recyclability and appropriate end-of-life considerations. Consequently, sustainability should be considered across the complete packaging lifecycle rather than judged by one material characteristic alone.

For example, eliminating unnecessary components or reducing excessive packaging can sometimes have as much practical value as selecting a different board. Likewise, a right-sized package can reduce wasted material and improve transport efficiency.

See our Custom Sustainable Packaging Guide for a broader discussion.

Not automatically. Kraft is a material category, while sustainability depends on factors such as material sourcing, composition, coatings, inks, construction, recyclability and the intended end-of-life route.

Therefore, businesses should assess the complete packaging specification rather than assuming that a natural brown appearance alone makes a package sustainable.

Our Kraft Board Material Guide provides additional information about kraft packaging materials.

Yes. Sustainable packaging does not necessarily require a plain or low-value visual presentation. Strong structural design, carefully selected materials, high-quality printing and restrained finishing can create a premium result while supporting defined sustainability objectives.

In addition, premium presentation often comes from proportion, typography, colour, texture and construction rather than relying on excessive materials or decorative elements.

This approach can be particularly useful for brands that want luxury presentation without unnecessary packaging complexity.

Packaging finishes can be used for many food and cosmetic applications, subject to the material, product contact requirements, printing specification and applicable production requirements. The finish must be appropriate for the intended packaging application.

Cosmetic brands, for example, may use tactile or metallic finishes to strengthen premium shelf presentation. Likewise, food packaging can use carefully selected finishes to reinforce brand identity while maintaining an appropriate packaging specification.

For specialist applications, explore our Cosmetic Packaging Trends Guide and Food Packaging Boxes B2B Guide.

Start with the brand positioning and customer experience you want the package to create. Then consider the material, artwork, box structure, budget and production quantity. A restrained finish can often create a stronger result than combining several decorative effects without a clear purpose.

For example, a premium jewellery package may benefit from foil and embossing, while a contemporary sustainable brand may prefer a tactile uncoated material with carefully controlled printing.

Therefore, finish selection should reinforce the product and brand rather than compete with them.

Custom packaging does not have one standard price because each project can have a different material, size, structure, print specification and quantity. Finishing, inserts, tooling and delivery can also affect the final quotation.

Consequently, a small folding carton and a premium rigid presentation box can have very different production costs even when their external dimensions are similar.

For commercial printing projects, the same principle applies. Our Catalogue Printing Cost Guide explains some of the factors that influence print pricing.

The main cost factors can include material, finished dimensions, box style, quantity, printing coverage, colour requirements, lamination, luxury finishes, inserts, tooling, assembly and delivery.

Quantity can be particularly important because setup and production costs may be distributed across the run. However, a larger order is not automatically cheaper in every situation because the specification itself can have a substantial effect on the unit cost.

Therefore, the most useful quotation compares the complete specification rather than only the price per box.

MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity. It is the minimum number of units that a manufacturer or supplier is prepared to produce for a particular packaging specification.

MOQ can vary according to the packaging structure, material, printing process and production setup. Therefore, one product type may have a different MOQ from another.

If your required quantity is below a standard production run, it is worth discussing the project rather than assuming that production is impossible. The most suitable route depends on the complete specification.

Often, a larger production quantity can reduce the unit cost because certain setup and production costs can be distributed across more units. However, the relationship is not simply linear.

Material usage, storage, finishing, delivery and production capacity can also influence the quotation. Consequently, businesses should compare the total project cost and unit cost together when deciding the most appropriate quantity.

Ideally, provide the finished box dimensions, approximate quantity, packaging style, material preference, printing requirements and intended application. If you require lamination, foil, embossing, windows, inserts or other finishes, include those details as well.

Artwork or a visual reference can also help clarify the intended structure and appearance. If you do not have a final dieline, you can still provide the product dimensions and explain how the package should function.

The more complete the specification, the easier it becomes to prepare a meaningful quotation. You can submit your requirements through our Request a Quote page.

In many cases, yes. A quotation can often begin with the product dimensions, packaging style, quantity, material preference and intended use even when the final artwork is not yet available.

However, the final price may need to be confirmed or adjusted once the complete artwork, finishing requirements and structural specification are approved. Therefore, an early quotation should be understood in the context of the information available at that stage.

Standard stock boxes can sometimes have a lower initial cost because they are produced in established formats. However, they may require compromises in dimensions, branding, presentation or product protection.

Custom packaging can provide a better commercial fit when the box needs specific dimensions, branded printing, specialist materials or a particular presentation. Therefore, the relevant comparison is not simply the price of one box against another; it is the overall value of the packaging solution.

This is particularly relevant for retail, e-commerce and branded products where packaging contributes to product presentation. Our Custom Retail Packaging Boxes Wholesale Guide explores this area further.

Delivery can form part of the overall packaging project cost, depending on the supplier, destination, order quantity and agreed quotation terms. Packaging is relatively bulky, so carton volume and shipment requirements can influence delivery economics.

Therefore, businesses should confirm whether delivery is included, quoted separately or subject to the final production quantity and destination.

Compare quotations using the same specification. Check the material, finished dimensions, box style, printing coverage, colour requirements, lamination, finishes, inserts, quantity, delivery terms and any tooling or setup charges.

A lower unit price does not necessarily represent better value if the material, finish, construction or delivery terms differ. Therefore, always compare like-for-like specifications before making a purchasing decision.

This approach is equally useful when comparing printed products. For example, our A4 Catalogue Printing Guide and Professional Booklet Printing Guide explain some of the specification choices that can influence commercial print projects.

Retail packaging should protect the product while presenting the brand clearly in a competitive selling environment. Folding cartons, rigid boxes, mailer boxes and other custom structures can all be suitable depending on the product, retail environment and required presentation.

Factors such as shelf visibility, product dimensions, branding, durability, storage and shipping should therefore influence the packaging choice. Our Custom Retail Packaging Boxes Wholesale Guide explores this commercial application in more detail.

Cosmetic and beauty products can use folding cartons, rigid presentation boxes, sleeves, inserts and other bespoke packaging formats. The appropriate structure depends on the product dimensions, protection requirements, brand positioning and intended retail or e-commerce experience.

Premium cosmetic brands may also use specialist finishes, tactile materials and carefully designed internal presentation to reinforce brand positioning. Therefore, cosmetic packaging often combines functional protection with a strong visual identity.

For current design considerations, see our Cosmetic Packaging Trends in the UK.

Food packaging must be selected according to the product, intended use, handling conditions and applicable packaging requirements. Common formats include food cartons, takeaway boxes, sleeves and other purpose-designed paperboard or board-based structures.

For takeaway products, the structure should also support practical handling, closure and transport. For example, chicken and chips packaging requires a different functional approach from a premium confectionery carton.

See our Food Packaging Boxes B2B Guide and Chicken and Chips Boxes Guide for more specialist information.

Jewellery packaging typically prioritises product presentation, protection and perceived value. Depending on the item, suitable formats can include rigid boxes, folding cartons, presentation boxes and internally fitted packaging with suitable inserts.

The internal construction is particularly important because rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles and other small products may require specific positioning. Consequently, the packaging should be developed around the product rather than selected only by external appearance.

Explore our Custom Jewellery Packaging range for specialist applications.

Apparel brands can use folding cartons, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, tissue presentation and branded bags depending on the product and fulfilment model. E-commerce brands often prioritise protective shipping structures, whereas premium fashion brands may place greater emphasis on presentation and unboxing.

Therefore, the best packaging solution depends on whether the package primarily serves retail display, direct shipping, gifting or a combination of these purposes.

See our Apparel Packaging Boxes for a specialist packaging route.

Yes. Custom packaging can be particularly useful for e-commerce because the package needs to protect the product during fulfilment while also representing the brand when the customer receives the order.

Mailer boxes are a common option because they can combine branded presentation with a practical shipping structure. However, the correct format depends on product size, weight, fragility and fulfilment requirements.

Our Custom Mailer Boxes UK Guide provides further information for e-commerce packaging projects.

Yes. Corporate gift packaging can be developed around the contents, recipient experience and brand identity. Rigid boxes, folding gift boxes and presentation packaging can all be considered depending on the value and nature of the gift.

Branding can be applied through printed artwork, colour, finishing and structural details. Consequently, the packaging can become part of the corporate gifting experience rather than simply serving as an outer container.

Explore our Corporate Gift Box Packaging Guide and Branded Gift Boxes UK Guide.

Start with the product dimensions, weight, fragility, intended distribution method and presentation requirements. Then consider the packaging material, box style, printing, internal protection and customer experience.

For retail products, shelf presentation may be important. For e-commerce, shipping protection and efficient fulfilment may take priority. Meanwhile, luxury, cosmetic and gift products may require a stronger emphasis on tactile presentation.

Therefore, the right packaging is the one that balances protection, presentation, functionality and commercial requirements for the specific product.

Start with your packaging specification

Start by providing the product dimensions, required quantity, preferred box style and intended application. You can also share artwork, sketches, photographs or an existing packaging sample if you have one.

Next, we can review the specification and identify suitable materials, construction methods, printing options and finishes. You can then request a quotation through our Request a Quote page.

From enquiry to approved specification

The quotation process normally starts with a review of your packaging requirements. The specification may include dimensions, material, quantity, printing, finishing, inserts and delivery requirements.

Once both sides agree on the specification and commercial terms, the project can move towards artwork preparation, structural development or production approval, depending on the requirements.

Consequently, providing accurate information at the beginning can make the process more efficient.

Dielines and structural packaging design

You do not always need to supply a finished dieline. If you know the product dimensions and desired box style, the packaging specification can often begin from those details.

However, your artwork must ultimately match the approved structural template. Therefore, businesses should avoid designing final artwork around estimated dimensions.

Our Packaging Dieline Guide explains how dielines support accurate packaging artwork and production.

Production time depends on the specification

Production time varies according to the packaging structure, quantity, material, printing process, finishing requirements and artwork approval. A straightforward printed carton may follow a different production schedule from a rigid box with specialist finishes.

In addition, artwork corrections or specification changes can extend the project timeline. Therefore, businesses should allow sufficient time for approval, manufacturing and delivery when planning a launch or campaign.

Plan production around your launch date

Yes. Businesses often order packaging for product launches, seasonal campaigns, retail promotions and corporate events. However, you should begin the process early enough to allow time for specification, artwork approval, production and delivery.

Seasonal projects can also require larger quantities or specialist finishes. Consequently, early planning can help reduce the risk of production pressure close to the required delivery date.

An existing sample can provide useful information about dimensions, construction and opening style. It can therefore help communicate the intended packaging format when technical drawings are unavailable.

However, the production team may still need to confirm the material, board thickness, structural details and artwork requirements before final production.

Yes. Businesses can often reorder an established packaging specification when they need additional stock. Keeping the approved dimensions, materials, artwork and finishing requirements consistent can make repeat orders more straightforward.

Nevertheless, businesses should confirm the specification and quantity for every new production run. This approach helps prevent accidental changes when a brand updates its packaging or product range.

Prepare the information early

Provide accurate product dimensions, quantity, artwork, material preferences and finishing requirements as early as possible. Also, respond quickly when the production team requests clarification.

In addition, approve artwork and specifications promptly. Clear communication at each stage can reduce avoidable revisions and keep the project moving towards production.

Why samples can help

A sample can help you evaluate the physical dimensions, structure, material, opening method and overall presentation before committing to a larger production run.

However, the exact sample method depends on the packaging type and production requirements. A structural prototype, printed sample or production sample can each serve a different purpose.

Check structure, artwork and finish

Check the finished dimensions, product fit, opening and closing mechanism, material feel, print quality and finishing. Also confirm that the artwork appears in the correct position and that the packaging performs as intended.

If the package includes an insert, window, magnetic closure or other structural feature, test that component as well. Consequently, a sample review should cover the complete packaging experience rather than appearance alone.

Prepare artwork against the approved specification

Use the approved dieline and follow the required artwork specifications for dimensions, bleed, colour, images, fonts and finishing areas. Keep important text and logos away from cut and fold lines where the specification requires a safe area.

Before production, check the artwork carefully and resolve missing fonts, incorrect links, low-resolution images or unsupported effects. Our Packaging Artwork Guide explains the main preparation considerations.

GSM indicates the weight of paper or board per square metre, but it does not independently determine packaging quality. Board composition, thickness, stiffness, coating, construction and intended application also influence performance.

Therefore, choosing the highest GSM does not automatically produce the best package. The correct board should match the box structure, product requirements and intended use.

Our Packaging Card GSM Guide provides more detailed information about GSM and packaging board selection.

Control the specification at every stage

Consistent packaging quality starts with a controlled specification. Production teams can then check materials, dimensions, printing, finishing and structural details against the approved requirements.

Artwork checks also matter because incorrect files can create avoidable production problems. Likewise, clear communication about quantities and finishing requirements helps reduce specification errors.

Consequently, quality control works best when businesses and suppliers maintain the same approved specification throughout the project.

Colour can appear differently on a screen compared with printed packaging because screens use light-based RGB display while commercial printing uses physical inks or toner systems. Paper or board characteristics can also influence the final appearance.

Therefore, businesses should prepare artwork using the required print specification and understand how the selected material and print process can affect colour reproduction.

Our Printing Methods Guide provides further background on commercial printing processes.

Tell the packaging supplier about the required finish during the quotation and design stage. Explain whether you need foil, embossing, debossing, spot UV, special lamination or another treatment.

The production team can then consider the finish alongside the material, artwork and structure. This approach helps prevent situations where the artwork looks suitable on screen but does not support the intended manufacturing process.

Evaluate the complete service

Look beyond the headline unit price. Consider the supplier’s ability to handle your required packaging structure, materials, artwork, printing, finishing, quantity and delivery requirements.

In addition, assess communication, quotation clarity and the supplier’s understanding of commercial packaging production. A reliable packaging partner should help you identify practical solutions rather than simply reproduce a specification without considering its application.

Businesses can explore our wider Printing & Packaging Guide for further information before requesting a project quotation.

Packaging can use different printing methods depending on the material, quantity, artwork and required finish. Digital, lithographic and other commercial printing processes each have different strengths.

Therefore, the most suitable process depends on the complete specification rather than the artwork alone. See our Printing Methods Guide for an overview.

Professional packaging artwork normally requires a production-ready file that preserves dimensions, vector artwork, fonts, images and finishing information correctly. PDF artwork is commonly used for commercial print, although the exact requirements can vary by project.

Always follow the supplier’s artwork specification and use the approved dieline. Our Packaging Artwork Guide covers the main preparation requirements.

Bleed extends artwork beyond the final cutting line. It gives the production process enough image or colour coverage to prevent unwanted white edges after trimming.

For this reason, designers should build bleed into the artwork from the beginning rather than adding it after the design is complete.

Artwork preparation and packaging design involve different levels of support. A business may supply finished artwork, request artwork adjustments or require help developing a packaging concept.

The appropriate route depends on the project and available design files. Our Packaging Design Guide explains the wider design process.

Businesses can discuss bespoke packaging and commercial print requirements directly with a packaging supplier. The right solution depends on the required structure, material, quantity, artwork and finishing.

Explore our Custom Printing Solutions or request a quotation with your project details.

Wholesale packaging generally refers to packaging supplied in commercial quantities for businesses, brands, retailers and other organisations. It can include custom printed boxes, bags, labels and other branded packaging products.

Consequently, wholesale purchasing can suit businesses that need consistent packaging across multiple products, stores or fulfilment orders.

Yes. Businesses can order branded packaging in commercial quantities and specify their required dimensions, materials, printing and finishes. Bulk production can also support consistent branding across a product range.

For retail applications, explore our Custom Retail Packaging Boxes Wholesale resource.

Yes, a business may require several packaging structures or artwork variations across its product range. However, each specification can affect production requirements and pricing.

Therefore, provide the required designs, quantities and specifications when requesting a quotation so the supplier can assess the complete project.

Yes. Businesses with several products can develop separate packaging specifications for different sizes, formats or product categories. This approach can create a consistent brand system while allowing each package to fit its product correctly.

Our Custom Packaging Solutions can help businesses plan bespoke packaging around different commercial requirements.

Prepare your product dimensions, packaging style, estimated quantity, material preference and artwork or visual reference. Then submit those details through our Request a Quote page.

If you are still deciding on the structure or material, explain the product and intended application. That information can help guide the specification before production.