What Is Custom Packaging? A Complete Guide

Importance of Custom Packaging

Here is how custom printed packaging works, explained simply:

Custom packaging is important because it helps keep products safe and makes them look good. When businesses pack items in special boxes or bags that fit them just right, they prevent damage during shipping.

  Protection of Products: Custom packaging helps keep products safe during shipping and handling. When businesses pack items in specially designed boxes or bags that fit them just right, they prevent damage.

 Branding: Custom packaging is very important in branding because it helps a product stand out and tells customers more about the brand. When packaging is designed specifically for a product, it reflects the brand’s identity, values, and personality. It can even influence a customer’s decision to buy, as well-designed packaging grabs attention and makes the product feel more trustworthy or high quality.

Eye-Catching Design: Customized packaging printing allows companies to display their brand. A box with bright colors and a cool design can grab people’s attention and make them want to buy the product.

  Eco-Friendly Options: Many companies now use eco-friendly materials for their packaging, which is better for the environment. This helps reduce waste and shows customers that the brand cares about the environment.

 Creating a Memorable Experience: Printed box packaging can make opening a product feel special. A beautifully designed box adds excitement and joy to the experience, which can make customers more likely to buy from the brand again.

How Custom Packaging Benefits Multiple Industries

Many industries use personalized packaging to provide solutions that meet practical needs and support brand identity. For example, in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, it keeps products safe and fresh and meets legal standards. In retail and e-commerce, customized box packaging protects items during shipping and creates a memorable customer experience. Industries like technology, luxury goods, and automotive depend on packaging to safeguard products and display their brand. Across all industries, eco-friendly packaging is becoming more important as companies aim to be more sustainable.

Here are some common types of custom packaging boxes widely used across various industries in the United States.

•   Custom Cosmetics Boxes                
•   Custom Cigarette Boxes
•   Custom CBD Boxes                         
•   Custom Bakery Boxes      
•   Custom Pharmaceutical Boxes    
•   Custom Food Boxes
•  Custom Vape Pen Boxes                 
•   Custom Apparel Boxes
•  Custom Automotive Boxes             
•   Custom Beverage Boxes
•   Custom Display Boxes                      
•   Custom Jewelry Boxes
•   Custom Retail Boxes                       
•   Custom Shipping Boxes

Creative Packaging Styles for Custom Boxes:

Umbrella Custom Packaging offers many different styles of custom boxes with logo to fit the needs of different products and brands. Here are some of the most common packaging styles:

1. Die-Cut Boxes: These boxes take on unique shapes and can feature special designs or cutouts. They are great for making products look special and stand out.
2. Foldable Boxes: These boxes lie flat when not in use and fold easily into shape when needed. They are perfect for things like food items or small gifts because they can be stored easily.
3. Mailer Boxes: Designers specifically create these boxes for shipping. They have a built-in flap that seals the box, keeping the items safe during delivery.
4. Window Boxes: These boxes have a clear PVC window that lets people see the product inside without opening the box. This is great for items like cookies or toys, where you want customers to see what they are buying.
5. Pillow Boxes: These are curved boxes that look like pillows. They are usually used for small items like jewelry or favors at parties. They are easy to open and close, making them fun for gifts.
6. Tuck-Top Boxes: These boxes have a flap that tucks in to keep the contents secure. Businesses often use them for snacks or beauty products, and they open easily.
7. Drawer boxes open like a drawer that allows easy access to the product inside. These are luxury boxes in style.
8. Custom Boxes with Inserts: These hold the products firmly inside the box.
9. Two-Piece Boxes: The two-piece style has two pieces as its name indicates. One piece holds the product and the other covers up the product.
10. Sleeve Packaging Boxes consist of a sliding outer sleeve and an inner tray. They provide an additional layer of protection to the products.

Materials Commonly Used for Custom Boxes by Umbrella Custom Packaging

We offer a wide range of high-quality packaging materials for creating custom boxes with logo. Manufacturers select each material to fit the unique needs of different products, ensuring the right balance of protection, durability, and appearance. Here is a look at some of the most popular materials used:

Cardboard: Cardboard is one of the most commonly used materials for custom printed packaging. It is lightweight, affordable, and versatile, making it a great choice for many types of products. Cardboard boxes are easy to customize with printing, logos, and designs, and provide good protection for items during shipping.

Corrugated Cardboard: Manufacturers use corrugated cardboard, which is stronger than regular cardboard, for shipping boxes or packaging heavier items. It has a fluted layer between two flat layers, which makes it strong and durable. This material is ideal for products that need extra protection during transportation, such as electronics or delicate items.

Rigid Boxes: Manufacturers create rigid boxes, also known as premium boxes, from thick, solid material, providing excellent durability and a shiny appearance. Businesses often use these boxes for high-end products like jewelry, electronics, and luxury apparel.

Kraft Paper: Kraft paper manufacturers create this eco-friendly material from recycled paper. It is biodegradable and recyclable, making it an excellent choice for brands looking to use sustainable packaging. Kraft boxes have a natural look and are popular for organic and eco-friendly products.

Linen: Manufacturers often use linen material for custom printed boxes to give them a high-end, elegant look and feel. The texture of linen adds a touch of luxury, making it popular for packaging products like jewelry, cosmetics, or gift items. It’s durable and has a unique fabric-like finish, which helps brands stand out while protecting the items inside.

Why is Cardboard the Go-To Material for Packaging?

Cardboard materials are commonly used for custom printed packaging because they are lightweight, sturdy, and cost-effective. They protect the products during shipping and handling, helping to prevent damage from impacts or moisture. Cardboard is also easily customizable, allowing various shapes, sizes, and designs to fit different products.

Additionally, it is environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled and made from renewable resources. The versatility and affordability of cardboard make it a popular choice for many industries, including retail, food, and electronics.

Innovative Printing Methods for Custom Packaging

When printing options for custom boxes, you have several choices to ensure that your packaging aligns with your brand, message, and design. Here are some standard printing options:

1. Digital Printing: Digital printing is a way of printing images or text directly from a computer onto paper, boxes, or other materials, without needing special plates like older printing methods. It’s like using a really big, fast printer at home! You can print anything, like pictures or words, in bright colors and high detail. It’s also quick and easy because you can change the design on the computer and print right away, making it great for things like custom packaging, posters, or books.
2. Offset Printing: Offset printing is a way to print pictures or words by first transferring the image from a metal plate onto a rubber sheet, and then onto paper or other materials. It’s like stamping the design onto the surface. Printers often use this method to produce large quantities, such as books, newspapers, or packaging. It gives very clear and high-quality prints, especially for lots of copies, but it takes longer to set up compared to digital printing.
3. Flexographic Printing: Flexographic printing is often used for simple and large-scale printing jobs. It’s cost-effective for high-volume orders and can achieve good results on various materials, including cardboard and Kraft paper.
4. Metallic Printing: Metallic printing is a special printing technique that adds a shiny, metallic effect to designs. In metallic printing, special inks or foils are used to create a shiny appearance, often in colors like gold, silver, or copper.

This technique is commonly used for items like business cards, invitations, and packaging for high-end products. The metallic finish can make text or images pop, catching the eye and drawing attention to the product. It can also be used to highlight specific parts of a design, adding depth and a premium feel. Overall, metallic printing is a great way to make products look more appealing and sophisticated!

 Elegant and Eye-Catching Add-Ons for Custom Packaging

Elegant and eye-catching add-ons for custom packaging can make a product look even more attractive. Some popular choices include raised or pressed designs that feel nice to the touch and shiny foil that adds a fancy look. Ribbons, tags, and special seals can make the packaging feel personal and memorable for customers when they open it. Custom inserts, like foam or cardboard pieces, help keep the products safe and secure while also looking professional. These add-ons not only make the packaging prettier but also help show off the brand and make the product feel more valuable.

Let us discuss them one by one;

1. Foiling: Foiling is a printing technique where printers add a shiny, metallic layer to a design to make it look special and stand out. They often use it on items like invitations, packaging, or business cards. The foil can be gold, silver, or other colors, and they press it onto the material using heat and pressure. This creates a shiny, eye-catching effect that looks fancy and adds a touch of luxury to the item.
2. Embossing: Embossing is a technique where designers press a design, like a logo or pattern, into paper or other materials to create a raised, 3D effect. It makes the design pop out from the surface, so you can both see and feel it. Embossing is often used on things like business cards, packaging, or invitations to make them look more professional and elegant. It adds texture and depth, giving a unique and classy touch to the item.
3. Debossing: Debossing is the opposite of embossing. Instead of raising a design, debossing presses it into the material, creating a sunken effect. This gives the design a subtle, stylish look that can be felt by touch. Designers often use debossing on things like packaging, business cards, or book covers to add texture and make the item look more elegant and sophisticated.
4. Spot UV: Spot UV is a printing technique where printers apply a shiny, clear coating to specific areas of a design, making those parts stand out with a glossy finish. Businesses often use it to highlight logos, text, or images on business cards, packaging, or brochures. The rest of the material stays matte or less shiny, which creates a contrast between the glossy and non-glossy areas. This effect makes the design look more eye-catching and professional.
5. Windows: In packaging, “windows” refer to transparent openings in boxes or containers that allow customers to see the product inside without opening the packaging. Manufacturers typically make these windows from materials like clear plastic (PVC) or cellophane, and you can find them in various packaging types, such as boxes for snacks, cosmetics, or electronics. Having a window in the packaging helps attract customers by displaying the product’s appearance, colors, and features. It adds an appealing visual element while still providing protection and security for the item.
6. Ribbon: People use ribbon, a narrow strip of material often made from fabric, plastic, or paper, for decoration or to tie things together. Ribbons come in various colors, patterns, and widths, making them versatile for many purposes. In packaging, ribbons can enhance the appearance of boxes or bags, making them look more festive or elegant.
7. Foam Inserts: Manufacturers use foam inserts inside packaging to protect products during shipping or storage. These inserts are custom-cut to fit around items like electronics, fragile goods, or luxury products, so they stay in place and don’t get damaged. Foam inserts are light, cushion the products, and help prevent damage from bumps or drops, making sure delicate items arrive safely. They’re commonly used for packaging items like cameras, jewelry, or glassware.

EVA Foam: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is lightweight and flexible but with a      smooth texture. Brands often use it in packaging for luxury goods or medical equipment due to its clean appearance and durability.

Normal Foam: Manufacturers typically make this type of foam, known as standard or basic foam, from materials like polyurethane. It’s soft, lightweight, and used for general-purpose cushioning and protection. Manufacturers commonly use this type of foam in packaging for everyday items that aren’t too fragile, such as toys, household products, or furniture.

8.     Drip-off UV: Drip-off UV is a printing technique that creates a shiny, glossy look on some parts of a design, while keeping other areas matte. It uses a special UV coating on certain parts of the design to make them pop and look more vibrant.

For example, in packaging or labels, the logo might have a shiny finish, while the background is matte, creating a nice contrast that draws attention to the important details. Brands often use this method for products like cosmetics, luxury goods, or high-end packaging to give them a more sophisticated and professional appearance. The drip-off UV technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a protective layer to the printed surface, making it more durable.

9.     Lamination: Lamination is a process that involves covering a printed surface with a thin layer of plastic to protect it and enhance its appearance. This layer can be either glossy or matte, depending on the desired look. Lamination enhances the durability of printed material, preventing damage from moisture, dirt, or wear and tear.

•   Glossy Lamination: This type provides a shiny, reflective finish that enhances colors and makes images pop. Businesses often use it for promotional materials, packaging, and high-quality prints where visual appeal is important.
•  Matte Lamination: Matte lamination gives a smooth, non-shiny finish that helps reduce glare. It looks more refined and elegant, making it perfect for things like business cards or luxury packaging that want to give a classy impression.

10. Holographic Material: Manufacturers use holographic materials to create eye-catching custom boxes with a shiny, rainbow-like effect. This material is often chosen for special edition packaging or products that need to stand out on the shelf. Holographic boxes are popular for cosmetics, gifts, and promotional items.

Cardboard Material V/S Offset Printing

Offset printing on cardboard is a common way to make high-quality packaging and printed materials. This method uses plates to apply ink to the cardboard, which helps create clear and bright images, text, and colors. It’s great for printing large quantities because it gives consistent results with sharp details. Offset printing works well with different types and thicknesses of cardboard, making it perfect for packaging, boxes, labels, and promotional materials.

Using offset printing on cardboard has many advantages, like being affordable for large orders, allowing detailed designs to be printed, and giving the packaging a smooth, professional look. The strong cardboard and high-quality printing work together to create attractive packaging that grabs attention and clearly shows the brand’s message.

Comparing CMYK, RGB, and Pantone: Key Differences in Color Models for Print and Digital

Choose between CMYK (process color printing) for a wide range of colors or Pantone color matching for precise color consistency, especially when maintaining brand colors is crucial.

Benefits of Ordering Personalized Boxes in Bulk

Buying custom-printed boxes in bulk offers a lot of advantages for products and businesses alike. It allows for cost savings as custom printed boxes wholesale purchases usually come with discounted prices. It helps businesses minimize expenses and improve profit margins. Ordering in bulk allows a consistent supply of packaging, minimizing the risk of running out of boxes during peak periods of business. Printing these boxes in short runs at printing houses propels us towards a shortcoming of printing in the form of color variation every time. So, to avoid color variation, ordering boxes wholesale is considered as the best option. Overall, the benefits of ordering wholesale custom boxes with logo include cost-effectiveness, consistent supply, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency.

What We Offer at Umbrella Custom Packaging

1. Free Consultation: At Umbrella Custom Packaging, we offer a free consultation, which means you can talk to us about your packaging ideas and needs without paying anything. We’re here to listen and help you figure out the best options for your products.
2. Support Person: When you work with us, you will have a special person assigned just for you. This person will help you throughout the entire process, answering your questions and making sure everything goes smoothly.
3. Free Quote: We provide a free quote, which is like an estimate of how much your packaging will cost. This way, you can know the packaging price before deciding to go ahead with the order.
4. Free Design: If you need help designing your packaging, we offer free design services. Our team will work with you to create a unique and attractive look for your boxes or bags, all at no extra charge.
5. Free Lamination: Lamination is a special coating that makes packaging stronger and looks nicer. We offer this service for free, which means your packaging will be more durable and have a shiny or smooth finish without costing you anything extra.
6. Zero Die Charges: When making custom packaging, companies usually charge for special tools called dies that cut the shapes. At Umbrella Custom Packaging, we don’t charge you for these dies, so you save money!
7. Zero Printing Plates Charges: Similarly, when printing designs, some companies charge for plates used to transfer the design onto the packaging. We don’t charge you for these plates, which helps keep your costs low.
8. Free Shipping: We also provide free shipping, which means we will deliver your packaging to you without charging any extra fees. You get your products without worrying about shipping costs!
9. Quickest Turnaround: We understand that you want your packaging fast! That’s why we promise to work quickly and complete your order as soon as possible, allowing you to start using your packaging right away.
10. Free Sample Kit: Before you make a final decision, we can send you a free sample kit. This kit includes examples of our packaging options so you can see and feel the quality before you order.

Steps for Ordering Custom Boxes from Umbrella Custom Packaging

Following are the steps that provide the complete guide;

1. Contact Us: Start by reaching out to Umbrella Custom Packaging. You can call, email, or fill out a form on our website. Let us know if you’re interested in ordering custom boxes and tell us a little about what you need.
2. Free Consultation: Once we hear from you, we will set up a free consultation. This is a chance for you to discuss your ideas, ask questions, and tell us what kind of packaging you are looking for. Our team will listen carefully and offer suggestions to help you.
3. Get a Free Quote: After our consultation, we’ll provide you with a free quote. This quote will include the estimated cost of your custom boxes based on your specifications. You’ll know how much it will cost before you decide to move forward.
4. Design Your Boxes: If you decide to go ahead, we will help you design your boxes. Our design services are free, and we can work with you to create a unique look that represents your brand. You can provide ideas, logos, and colors that you want to use.
5. Approve the Design: Once we have a design ready, we will send it to you for approval. Take your time to review it and let us know if there are any changes you want. We want to make sure you’re completely happy with the design before we start printing.
6. Place Your Order: After you approve the design, you can place your order. We will start working on your custom boxes right away. Don’t forget, there are no die charges or printing plate charges, so you won’t have any unexpected fees.
7. Quick Production: We will work quickly to produce your custom boxes. Our team will ensure that we complete everything on time, so you receive your packaging as soon as possible.
8. Free Shipping: Once your boxes are ready, we will ship them to you for free! You won’t have to worry about any extra shipping costs.
9. Enjoy Your Custom Boxes: When your boxes arrive, you can start using them for your products. Enjoy the beautiful, custom packaging that represents your brand and impresses your customers!

By following these steps, ordering custom boxes from Umbrella Custom Packaging is easy and hassle-free!