The process of selecting suitable packaging solutions for a product can be a complex decision. Aerospace, defence and marine industries place high importance on discreet packaging along with product protection and security measures. Medical and scientific professionals depend heavily on packaging solutions that ensure temperature control maintenance while displaying product information and branding with greater ease.
The point is, for almost every industry, product packaging is a crucial consideration. In some cases, standard or off-the-shelf packaging solutions will be adequate. For others, bespoke packaging boxes will be needed.
In this blog, we go through what is standard packaging and bespoke packaging, the pros and cons between them, and compare the practical implications that companies should consider – from cost and branding to design flexibility, sustainability and overall functionality. We will also look at how a specialised bespoke packaging supplier can help you.
What is standard packaging?
Standard packaging is shelf-ready, pre-made solutions (i.e.,fixed-size boxes and bubble mailers) produced in high volumes from inexpensive materials like cardboard. Traditional shipping materials, like standard boxes, usually consist of multiple layers of packaging including a cardboard exterior and a filler, such as Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap to protect items during shipment.
Advantages of standard packaging
· Cost effective: Less cost per unit because of mass production.
· Time saving: Ready-made and reduces the lead time in product launch.
· Consistency: Uniform design that provides a dependable and constant product for high volume production.
· Versatility: Comes in many sizes and shapes that can be used in different products.
Limitations of standard packaging
Standard packaging can be convenient and budget-friendly, but has several limitations:
· Generic design: Fails to establish brand identity.
· Basic experience: Lacks wow factor in unboxing or interaction.
· Limited customisation: May not fit products well, causing wasted space or inadequate protection.
What is bespoke packaging?
Bespoke packaging is specifically created to fit your product perfectly. This usually removes the need for additional fillers, as packaging can be designed to meet the exacting dimensions of a product. Unique shapes can be accommodated, while fragile components can be targeted with extra cushioning. Whatever the challenge, bespoke packaging has an answer.
Advantages of bespoke packaging
· Recognition: Helps you with brand recognition, with a custom design
· Experience: Gives a unique unboxing experience
· Fit & protection: Custom fit your product for a perfect fit & protection
· Sales tool: Through its looks and design the packaging serves as an unspoken sales representative that shows the product's superior quality.
Limitations of Bespoke Packaging
· Increased expense: Bespoke packaging will generally be more expensive than ready-made solutions, and especially so for lower order quantities.
· Extended timescales: Design and test iterations can add time to the overall production schedule.
· Specialist handling: Bespoke packaging can involve specialist suppliers and handling, increasing the complexity of logistics.
Standard or bespoke packaging: How do you know which to choose?
Packaging requires a strategic commitment as it represents a long-term business investment. Standard packaging delivers a functional solution that can be produced cost-effectively through off-the-shelf design implementation. Certain products need more than standard packaging because it fails to meet quality standards or protect effectively or project brand image. The packaging selection process needs to factor in sustainability measures along with brand protection and product safety requirements. For high-risk industries such as aviation, technology and medical – where fragility, precision and reliability are all critical – it’s often necessary to turn to bespoke packaging to guarantee product protection and protect your brand standards.
Things to consider when comparing bespoke and standard packaging design
Cost
Cost is likely to be the deciding factor when a standard packaging solution is chosen over a bespoke design or vice versa. Standard packaging is, by far, the most cost-effective solution for high volume and low value products as the material is often on-hand and the production lines are pre-established. Bespoke packaging can on occasion offer a lower overall cost through increased dimensional efficiency and transit space optimisation but will always be more expensive than standard packaging design due to the cost incurred in prototyping, bespoke production set-up and product-specific material.
Product protection
Products that are fragile or of high value need excellent transit protection. Medical products such as surgical instruments and electronics are examples where corrugated boxes are used for external structural strength and custom foam is used for internal product cushioning. In addition to protecting products from physical damage, industries such as medical and healthcare often require custom, temperature-controlled packaging, making customised solutions essential for many high-value applications.
Branding
Packaging also affects branding and firms with more premium requirements will almost always find maximum benefit from made-to-measure packaging, as there is significantly more scope for customisation in terms of materials, shapes, colours and finishes to create a very strong affinity with the brand. Standard packaging is much more restricted and limited, as bespoke stickers or labels can be applied to the packaging, but using standard boxes can at best be a stop-gap solution and at worst a large negative impact on a luxury brand.
Sustainability
Bespoke packaging has a few benefits from a sustainability standpoint too. Many suppliers now offer eco-friendly materials and designs which can help to support their customers’ sustainability goals, rather than work against them. Shipping products in sustainable packaging can also help to act as a competitive advantage as more consumers are looking for environmentally friendly designs and help build brand loyalty.
Why it is important to choose the right bespoke packaging supplier for your business
The selection of a packaging supplier looks like a daunting task because you have numerous options to pick from. Selecting a supplier is essential because it helps maximise your investment's value and prevents packaging issues later.
Any professional bespoke packaging partner will want to help you stay on top of costs with a proactive approach. They’ll offer you guidance on materials, designs, and solutions for your product or market. Your partner will collaborate with you to fine-tune every element of your product casings, from the initial design to the finishing touches, keeping in mind functionality, budget, and branding preferences.
For businesses looking to explore exactly what to consider, our blog on Selecting the right bespoke packaging supplier for your business can provide some key insights and offer guidance on the right questions to ask.
Design Packaging - Innovative packaging solutions for your industry
At Design Packaging, we’re here to help you make the right choice foryour business.
As a leading packaging company that UK and global businesses trust,our engineers can help develop, prototype and deliver high-quality packaging solutions that align with your specific needs. With more than 35 years of experience, we have the capabilities to deliver best-in-class packaging solutions, supporting clients operating across a range of industries.
For more information about standard and bespoke packaging solutions and support in selecting the right solution for your business, contact us today.
