Product Packaging Design: Guide for Ecommerce (2026)

Getting a package you’ve ordered through the mail is one of life’s simple pleasures. The rush of anticipation when you heave it onto the kitchen table, that snip as you cut the tape, the squeaks as you unroll the bubble wrap, and of course that new-product smell, wafting through the air. 

And then you get to see what’s inside: a shiny new item, lovingly wrapped inside a protective cardboard construction, effortlessly gliding apart as you pull a tab to reveal your purchase. 

The experience is enough to make you want to order again. For online businesses especially, the unboxing experience matters. It’s the only in-person experience a customer gets. And they notice when it fails. In Mondi’s 2025 survey of 6,000 consumers, 95% said protective packaging is a priority, and 59% said packaging influences whether they’ll buy again. 

This article will take you through the six basic steps to designing ecommerce product packaging. It’ll show you how to make your product packaging designs more successful, complete with examples from retailers that have gotten it right.

What is product packaging design?

Product packaging design is the creation of the outer containers that will house your products. It defines their look and feel, how they protect what’s inside, and how pleasurable they are to open.

Three main elements of product packaging design are:

• Structure. The shape and format of the package.
• Graphics. The color, typography, imagery, and layout.
• Materials. The composition of the package, like compostables and coatings.

Overall, good packaging design is practical. It reflects your brand positioning and is compatible with how and where the product is sold. For example, on a retail shelf, you have to stand out and communicate quickly; in ecommerce, prioritizing protective, cost-effective shipping is key. 

And you can’t forget about compliance. Captivating visuals also have to account for the legally required space for details such as ingredients, warnings, barcodes, and labeling rules. 

Why is product packaging design important?

If you’re running an ecommerce business, a customer’s first in-person impression of your products is the moment when they open the packaging. It’s a major opportunity to give them a positive experience with your brand right from the start. 

The unboxing experience can shape what happens next, like repeat purchases, reviews, and social sharing. A package that feels thoughtful and easy to open gives customers something to talk or post about. 

Product packaging design also protects your product while it remains unsold. Whether it’s on a bumpy delivery route or being picked up by customers in store, packaging protects the actual item so the end customer gets a brand new and undamaged product. Fewer dents and scruffs means fewer returns and customer support issues. Over time, that builds customer loyalty because buyers know they’ll receive items in brand-new condition, just like they expected. 

Types of product packaging

• Packaging design materials comparison
• Biodegradable packaging
• Cardboard and paper packaging
• Plastic packaging innovations
• Metal and glass packaging options

The packaging materials you use are just as important as the design. You want your packaging made from high-quality materials that protect your product and make it easy to transport. Make sure to use durable materials that can withstand wear and tear and won’t degrade over time. 

Here are some examples of the best types of product packaging materials.

Packaging design materials comparison

Biodegradable packaging

More and more consumers are looking for eco-friendly, sustainable packaging. In fact, 78% of global shoppers believe sustainability is important in purchasing, so consider the environment when designing your product packaging. 

Use recyclable materials whenever possible, and avoid using excessive packaging that will end up in the landfill. Materials like cornstarch, organic fabrics, and bamboo naturally decompose and disintegrate rather than becoming long-lasting waste. 

The industry is also coming up with new options, such as:

• Seaweed-based films with the potential to replace plastic
• Mushroom mycelium packaging, which replaces foam-like protective packaging and breaks down naturally 
• Sugarcane fiber made from agricultural byproducts to replace single-use plastic formats 

Adopting biodegradable packaging is a good way to stay compliant in the future. For example, the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires that all packaging be recyclable by 2030.

Cardboard and paper packaging

Studies have shown that over a third of American consumers are active recyclers. To align with sustainable practices and help customers feel they’re doing their part for the planet, opt for recyclable materials like cardboard and paper when designing your product packaging. 

Most consumers have the facilities to recycle these at home, without making an extra trip to a specialist disposal facility. In fact, the American Forest and Paper Association reports that 79% of Americans have access to a community residential curbside recycling program. 

US waste and recycling data also shows paper-based packaging is recycled at higher rates than plastic packaging, so switching to fiber can meaningfully improve end-of-life outcomes. This shift is known as paperization, or fiberization, and consists of using fiber-based packaging solutions like corrugated structures, paper cushioning, and molded fiber inserts to reduce plastic use.

Plastic packaging innovations

Collectively, we produce more than 380 million tons of plastic packaging every year. Single-use plastics account for 50% of its use. Despite these statistics, the vast majority of plastics aren’t degradable—they end up in landfills or pollute our seas and waterways, sometimes even finding their way into the food we eat. 

The ideal option is to avoid plastics altogether, but they do offer benefits that other product packaging materials don’t. Plastic is extremely durable and lightweight, helping ecommerce companies reduce shipping costs.

If you do need to rely on plastic in your product packaging, opt for recycled versions and encourage customers to do the same. It prevents single-use plastics from ending up in landfills by giving them a second (or sometimes third) life. 

Metal and glass packaging options

Metal packaging is heavier than cardboard or plastic, but it’s handy for packaging chemical, liquid, or paint products. Beverages are one example—the metal cans protect the contents from oxygen and light, which could alter the product’s taste or composition. 

Glass has similar properties and is used as food containers and wine bottles, but it’s less durable. Items packaged in glass can easily get damaged in transit. To help prevent breakage, invest in protective shipping containers or packaging materials, such as bubble wrap, to ensure customers don’t receive damaged products. 

Metal and glass are more expensive to ship because carriers charge based on actual weight and/or dimensional (DIM) weight, and you’re charged for whichever is greater. Heavier materials result in higher actual weight charges. But shipping fragile glass also requires more protective materials and larger shipping boxes, which can increase the DIM weight even if the product isn’t heavy. 

The 6-step product packaging design process

There are a few key considerations for effective product packaging design, from research to testing. Here’s how to do it in six basic steps.

1. Define your product and customer
2. Research the competition
3. Identify your product requirements
4. Create your package concept
5. Pre-press and print your packaging
6. Test the package

1. Define your product and customer

Your first step is to define the specifications of your product and who will most likely want to buy it. 

This means answering questions like:

• What size and shape is it? Take into consideration the dimensions and weight of your product. For example, if you’re selling curtain rods, you’ll want to consider packaging that is conducive to long, thin objects. If you’re selling paperweights, you’ll need to consider stronger, more durable packaging ideas.
• What is it made out of? Are your products fragile? Do they have a shelf life? If your products are made of thin glass, your packaging considerations must include ways to prevent your products from being broken in transit. And if you’re selling something with a shelf life, like consumables, you need to ensure preservation methods in your food packaging, like ice packs or sealed bags.
• Who is your target audience? Know who your customer is. For example, if you’re selling power tools to serious tradespeople, maybe a glittery cardboard box isn’t the best packaging option.

For Patrice Mousseau, founder of Satya, a natural skin care brand, product packaging design starts with a conversation about her story and the things that are important to her. When working with a product packaging designer, she discusses with them “what this product is all about and the values behind that.”

“Usually, they go away, and they start to have a bit of an idea,” Patrice says. “Then they’ll give you, say, five or six options, and then you can narrow it down to maybe your top one or top two.” 

💡ACTION: Note down a detailed list of product and customer attributes to inform your decisions. 

Packaging design for different sales channels

But product packaging isn’t one-size-fits-all-channels. Where you sell changes what the packaging has to do. For example:

• Direct to consumer (DTC). Your packaging is a touchpoint that customers interact with privately and remember. Create a memorable unboxing experience with an easy-to-open design, thoughtful packaging inserts, and premium branding, without creating waste. 
• Retail. On a shelf, packaging has to win a shopper’s attention quickly. Make the product’s value proposition legible from a few feet away, with a clear product name, benefits, and visual hierarchy. Consider how the packaging looks under store lighting, how it stacks or faces out, and whether the design is recognizable when surrounded by competitors. 
• Wholesale. Your products go through more hands when selling B2B. They are often shipped in bulk on palettes, which means they’ll require another layer on top of the pretty packaging. Sturdy outer cartons, consistent labeling, and protective packing is key here for fewer breakages and a smoother operation for wholesale partners. 

2. Research the competition

The next step in designing your packaging solutions is to research your competition. See what’s already being used and figure out what might work best for your own products. You don’t want to rebuild packages that already work in the category, but look for ways to differentiate, be it through materials, structure, or message. 

For product packaging design inspiration, you could:

• Take a trip to a retail store that sells products similar to yours and observe how items are displayed. Take note of the colors, shapes, and materials used to package products like yours.
• Take a look at your favorite online retailers. Search for similar products and note the packaging used. Read the customer reviews to see what people are saying about the packaging—it might be wise to look for negative reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Search YouTube for unboxing videos, if they exist for your product type. They’ll give you a great idea of what people like about the opening process, and it might spark some creative ideas. 
• Use social listening to capture unprompted packaging reactions. These can show up in posts, comments, forums, or videos. They can help you understand recurring pain points so you can improve your own design. 

💡ACTION: See how others are packaging their products and note how you could do better.

3. Identify your product requirements

Now it’s time to figure out what sort of packaging requirements your item needs, both physically and legally. This is the important stuff you need to research before the fun design begins—getting it right can save you a lot of trouble. 

Here’s where you define what kind of packaging material you’ll need to safely stow your products, taking into account the dimensions and weight of them, as well as how far they’ll travel.

Legal regulations must also be met when packaging and shipping certain products. For example, the FDA has strict laws and regulations when packaging, labeling, and storing beauty and food products. Make sure you research which regulations are in place for the products you’re selling in your location.

💡ACTION: Research the legal responsibilities you have for packaging your product type and the material requirements for making it happen. If you ship internationally as well as domestically, make sure you know your responsibilities in both cases. 

4. Create your package concept

Once you understand all the technical aspects of your packaging needs, it’s time to bring them to life. This is where your product’s logistical and technical needs combine with your creativity and brand identity.

You can always sketch out your package mockups with pencil and paper. Still, you need diagrams and box measurements to be exact before sending them off to a packaging company to be manufactured.

Working with a freelance designer can get you high-quality designs without the agency price tag. Patrice found packaging success for Satya by happening upon a designer transitioning into their own venture. “I went to a design agency and they quoted me $20,000,” says Patrice. “Obviously, it’s not even an option for me.” 

“She said, ‘However, one of my senior designers is leaving and she’s opening her own company and maybe you should talk to her.’ So I was able to get this amazing senior designer who was incredibly talented and opening her own business, and I got her for a few thousand, which was incredible.”

💡ACTION: Be creative and bold! This is where you get to add the “wow” factor that sparks joy with your customers. Your design needs to be both functional and eye-catching. You can also work with a professional packaging designer to create your finished package.

Packaging design software and tools

It’s a good idea to invest in software that will help turn your design ideas into professional-grade reality, with high-quality artwork and typography ready to print. 

Here are some tools used to create packaging concepts:

• Adobe Illustrator. Good for building print-ready artwork on dielines and working with files in AI/PDF formats. Packaging suppliers often provide dielines in Illustrator-friendly formats, too. Using Illustrator does require some design skills, which is one drawback for beginners. 
• Esko ArtiosCAD. Ideal for structural design and prototyping. It’s built specifically for packaging and supports virtual workflows. It’s typically a more pro tool in terms of cost and learning curve compared to lightweight template tools.
• Pacdora. This software has templates, dieline generators, and 3D mockups for beginners. It’s great for quick concept creation with downloadable, print-oriented files. One drawback is that your package structure needs to fit one of the templates, otherwise you’ll need custom engineering with a CAD workflow. 
• Canva. Another beginner-friendly design tool for quick packaging visuals based on templates. It cannot build structures, but can produce the creative for labels and inserts. 

How to design packaging for a product on a budget

During the design process, keep in mind the costs of each type of packaging you decide to use. 

Your product design packaging costs will depend on:

• The type of materials you choose to use. Are you going to use plastic, cardboard, corrugated cardboard?
• The dimensions of your packaging. The more material you use, the more expensive it will be.
• The type of packaging you choose. Is it a box with a separate lid? Is it a box with two compartments? Is it an aluminum cylinder? Is it a box with one closure tab or three?
• How big your logo/art will be. When manufacturing packaging, companies will charge by the size of the logo design you want to put on your packaging.
• Where you place your logo/art. Will you put it just on the front of the box? Maybe a little message on the inside of the lid? Or are you going to wrap it all around your packaging?
• Your suppliers’ minimum order quantities (MOQs). Suppliers have upfront production costs that get spread across the run, so they often have MOQs to keep per-unit costs down. 

Once you have the information above, here are some ways to keep costs down:

• Start with stock packaging, then add branded elements like stickers and labels before committing to fully printed boxes. 
• Use labels to upgrade plain packaging during testing or small batches. 
• Choose a standard structure to avoid complexities that increase production costs. 
• Use templates or work with freelancers to help with artwork if you’re not design-savvy. 

5. Pre-press and print your packaging

Pre-press is the quality-control phase that happens right before anything goes to press. It’s where the final artwork is checked, adjusted, and packaged to meet your printer’s exact requirements. 

Pre-press is even more important at scale. Think about what the wrong color profile or a missing bleed means for thousands of units—it’s costly and can delay your launch. 

Pre-press includes various checks, such as:

• Color accuracy. Most packaging prints are printed in CMYK, so colors that look good on a screen can change when printed, especially on kraft, matte, foil, or textured materials. 
• Bleed and safe area. Bleed prevents tiny white edges after trimming. A safe area keeps text and logos from being cut off.
• Dielines. The template shows cuts, folds, and the glue zone. If the artwork is placed in the wrong location, it can be hidden in a fold or cut during trimming. 
• Resolution. 300 dpi is generally the minimum for print assets to stay crisp and visible. 
• File formats. Printers require specific deliverables like PDF/X, AI/EPS, or layered files. If your printer partner requests .psd or .jpeg, provide exactly what they specify, and confirm if they want embedded fonts, outlined text, and linked images included. 

If possible, request a digital or press proof or a physical sample. A sample is your last safeguard before full production, where you can catch mistakes like color changes, muddy blacks, or barcode readability issues. 

6. Test the package

Pack one of your products using your new package concept and materials, then stress-test it like it’s going through the delivery gauntlet. Drop it, shake it, and toss it around. Be brutal—transit can be pretty physically demanding on items. 

A stress-test will:

• Confirm the packaging can withstand impacts, compression, and vibration without damaging the product 
• Make sure the product isn’t sliding around or drowning in filler
• Confirm the packaging works for picking/packing speed, that labels adhere cleanly, and that the box stays sealed during handling 

If you find that your merchandise is getting damaged, go back to the drawing board and adjust your materials so you avoid future bad reviews.

After you’ve tested the durability of your packaging, it’s time to test how easy it is to get it open. If your customers need a sledgehammer and a blowtorch to open one of your packages, they’re not going to buy much from you again. 

If you also want to score sustainability points, test:

• Is the packaging easy to reuse for storage/returns?
• Are disposal instructions clear and accurate?
• Does the sustainability message feel specific?

Instead of just asking people whether they like it or not, ask specific questions like, “Based on the design, what kind of product do you think is in this box?” and “If you saw this in your mailbox, would it make you smile?” The more information you can get, the better.

Before you go public, start with your inner circle. Julia Kay, cofounder at Great Wrap, says the importance of internal testing is to avoid the heartbreak of a premature launch. 

“Really early on we probably launched products too early, which was kind of heartbreaking to go through as well, because you do get that feedback,” Kay says. 

She advises launching first with the people who want the product to succeed as much as you do, and will provide honest feedback. “Test your product just with your immediate team and gauge their comfort for a launch,” she says.

💡ACTION: Get as much intel as you can on your packaging’s performance before committing to a final design. 

Product packaging design best practices

• Keep it simple
• Make it easy to open
• Use high-quality materials
• Consider the environment

By following these best practices, you can create eye-catching and functional packaging. Keep these in mind when designing your next product, and you’ll be sure to create packaging that your customers will love. 

Keep it simple

When it comes to product packaging design, less is almost always more. Simple packaging is easier for customers to understand. They’ll immediately know what the product is, who it’s for, and what it does without having to decode your design. 

A simple package also lowers printing and setup costs. There are fewer chances you’ll make a mistake and you’ll get less waste from reprints. Use clean lines and minimal graphics, and ensure your packaging clearly states what the product is and what it does. 

Make it easy to open

Your packaging should be easy to open and use, without requiring special tools or effort. No one wants to struggle to open a fancy custom box or end up with damaged goods in the process. 

The opening experience is part of your brand’s first impression. If customers are frustrated, it can cheapen the product experience and even lead to returns or negative reviews. Your package should also be accessible. It should work for people with limited grip strength, arthritis, long nails, or anyone opening it one-handed. 

Keep this in mind when you’re designing your packaging, and make sure your target customer can open it easily. At the same time, protect your product. Features like tear strips, pull tabs, finger notches, and resealable closures can keep packages secure, and still make them easy to open. 

Use high-quality materials

The packaging materials you use are just as important as the design. You want your packaging made from high-quality materials that protect your product and make it easy to transport. 

High-quality doesn’t always mean the most expensive. It also refers to choosing materials that match your positioning and price point. A luxury item needs thick, sturdy cardboard and fancy finishes to feel premium. A cheaper product should focus on being tough and efficient without extra frills.

Make sure to use durable materials that can withstand wear and tear and won’t degrade over time. 

Consider the environment

More and more consumers are looking for eco-friendly, sustainable retail packaging, so it’s important to consider the environment when designing your product packaging. Use materials that are easy to recycle and avoid mixed materials like plastic glued to paper, as they are hard to separate. 

Don’t use a giant box for a small item. Use the smallest box possible and minimize the number of inserts or padding inside. For extra sustainability points, tell customers how to get rid of the packaging. Add a note like “Recycle this box” or “Remove the plastic liner before recycling” so there is no confusion. 

Product packaging design examples

• Grind
• Olipop
• Wild

Grind

Grind’s product packaging is a master class in brand consistency. Known for its pale pink aesthetic that infiltrates its website design and retail stores, the packaging for its coffee pods makes the product instantly recognizable. 

Most coffee brands use earthy browns, deep greens, or blacks to suggest roast or tradition. Grind uses a pale pink, which is different, but sets the expectation of a smoother, more palatable cup of coffee before the box is opened. 

This design is built for the social media era—the pink pops in posts and videos online, as well as on the countertop when displayed in a customer’s kitchen. 

Grind also strikes the right balance in showcasing important details on the packaging. You’ll see the brand’s logo and a description of what’s inside the box. There are also small graphics to show how the coffee pods are compatible with Nespresso machines, home compostable, and sustainable. 

Olipop

If you’re selling your products in retail stores or through wholesalers, bright colors help your products stand out from competitors’ products they often sit beside. Struggles arise, however, if your branding guidelines allow for only a limited color palette. 

Olipop manages to navigate this by using shades of a specific color within its product’s packaging. Its beverages stand out thanks to the muted background colors and bold illustrations, while also communicating what stands out about the product: the fact it supports digestive health and the immune system. 

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Wild

Great packaging isn’t just about visual appeal; it’s also about functionality. Wild’s body care line, for example, relies on reusable packaging, which is labeled on Wild’s website as “planet-friendly,” thanks to the casing’s aluminum properties. 

Shoppers can even customize how their product looks by choosing their own case. That personalization creates a sense of ownership for customers, which can be a big factor in inspiring brand loyalty. 

What’s especially great about this design is that it encourages repeat purchases. Once customers have bought their protective case, future orders are less expensive. 

Brand identity in packaging design

• Logo placement and visibility
• Typography and fonts
• Packaging shapes and structural design

Brand identity in packaging is the most tactical stage of the customer journey. It helps validate a customer’s purchase and enhances the product’s perceived value. Here are the three main areas to focus on: 

Logo placement and visibility

Product packaging is your chance to show off your brand. When products themselves are equal in functionality and quality, consumers are more likely to opt for the brand they already know and trust. Simply adding your logo to your product packaging can encourage them to choose you. 

But there’s a fine line between making your logo visible and having it be the center of attention. Your product should shine (that’s what you’re selling!), so experiment with the placement and size of your logo until you strike the right balance. 

Front

This is the main reveal surface. It’s best for quick brand recognition in listing photos, delivery photos, and “what arrived” moments. Keep the logo clean and high-contrast, with enough whitespace so it reads at a glance. Position it so that hands won’t cover it when lifting or opening. 

Top

The top of the package is where people watching unboxing videos and social posts will see your logo. A centered or slightly offset logo works well here, but don’t make it oversized or you’ll dominate the shot. If the top is too busy, move the logo away or reserve a clear zone. 

Interior 

Here is the moment of delight for customers—when they finally get to see your product IRL. For you, it’s a great spot to reinforce your brand. Use the inside lid, inner flap, tissue paper, or a sticker for your logo. Since your product is the star, don’t let your logo overwhelm. 

Context matters, too. 

• Shipping packages like outer boxes and mailers are where you want your logo to be recognizable—but not so branded that it attracts thieves or clashes with carrier labels. Consider subtle branding, such as a small logo or a single-color print. 
• Product packaging refers to the inner box, sleeve, or pouch. These are the best places to be bold. Show off your logo and use premium materials to really “wow” customers. 

And since customers see your brand more on social media than in person, make sure your branding is legible in a post: 

• Aim for a readable logo at phone distance. If it won’t read well in a TikTok video, it’s invisible. 
• Use high contrast and avoid fine lines or thin fonts. 
• Snap a photo in indoor lighting from two to three angles to see if it’s easy to spot. 

Typography and fonts

Branding is all about making your visual identity stand out. To do that, you’ll need consistency in the fonts, colors, and typography you’re using on your product packaging design. Research shows that people attribute personality traits to typefaces, so yours should be based on your target audience.

Legibility is simply how easy your text is to read. Your packaging needs to be clear at every size, from large boxes to tiny minis, and on tricky shapes like curved bottles. 

To keep things readable, balance font size, letter spacing, and the contrast between the text and the background. Keep in mind that for products like food or medicine, there are legal rules about the minimum font size you are allowed to use.

In Olipop’s case, the clear typography on the drinks container shows other people what the customer is drinking—and that they should try it, too.

Packaging shapes and structural design 

Consider packaging or shipping box sizes throughout the product packaging design process. It’s all well and good sizing up to get more real estate on your packaging’s surface, but if it means you’ll pay another $2 to ship the oversized package in custom boxes, a lucrative product may no longer be as profitable as you first thought.

Focus on three areas:

• DIM weight. Minimize shipping air and reduce your design’s outer dimensions to avoid the high costs of carrier DIM pricing. 
• Material volume. Use custom internal inserts like corrugated cardboard or pulp. These items keep your external footprint as small as possible. 
• Usability. Keep your design easy to open, stackable for retail shelves, and practical for storage at home. 

Custom packaging design process

Designing a custom package is a bit like building a house. You want it to look amazing, but it also has to withstand a storm and fit your budget. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be memorable, on-brand, and easy to manage. 

• Get your non-negotiables on paper. Before you get lost in Pinterest boards, consider the cold, hard facts. How heavy is your product? Is it fragile? Does it leak? If it’s going through the mail, it needs to be a tank. Decide on one anchor, like a shade of blue or your logo spot, that stays the same no matter what you’re shipping. 
• Figure out the extras you need. Don’t feel you have to go all out right away. Match your packaging with your current stage:
• Tier A. Keep it simple with single-color mailers, a custom stamp, or branded stickers. It’s cheap, fast, and great for early-stage brands.
• Tier B. Step it up with full-color printing, custom tissue paper, and thank you cards. 
• Tier C. Go big with custom-shaped boxes, magnetic closures, and luxury finishes. This is best for high-end products where unboxing is included in the price. 
• Design with growth in mind. Use one or two colors to keep costs down. Make sure your logo has breathing room so it doesn’t look cramped on small boxes. You don’t have to ink every inch. Sometimes a clean white box with a bold logo can look high-end, if you want it to.
• Choose materials that tell a story. The way a box feels to a customer reflects your brand, too. For example, matte feels modern and premium, while gloss feels energetic and retail-ready. Uncoated kraft paper feels eco-friendly and crafty. 
• Create inserts that make sales. Every piece of paper in that box should have a job. You can add a how-to explaining the product or a QR code for a discount on their next order. 
• Keep the box structure simple. The shape of a box is actually expensive and can slow down your packing team. If a fancy box takes three minutes to unfold instead of thirty seconds, your labor costs will increase. 
• Test and iterate. Send a prototype to a friend across the country. See how it looks when it arrives. Know how long it takes to pack and unbox an order. If it’s a headache for you, it’ll be a nightmare for warehouse workers and customers. 

Design better product packaging to stand out from the crowd 

You have a great product and a brand ready to get out there in front of customers. The packaging you decide to use is a long-term business asset. It protects margins, reinforces brand trust, and drives repeat buys. 

Though it may seem daunting, follow the basic steps outlined above, and you’ll craft something great. But know that packaging isn’t a one-and-done design project; it’s something you improve over time. If the work is happening in-house, outside support can still make sense for structural package design or sustainability sourcing. 

Regardless of who’s involved, the goal is still to build packaging that evolves with your products, suppliers, and customer expectations, and keeps getting better with every shipment.