A product’s customized packaging holds immense importance in a brand’s effective marketing. Whether it’s customer satisfaction or a company’s successful promotional campaign, custom boxes are the go-to option. Unlike traditional packaging, they help you showcase your brand’s name, logo, specific color scheme, contact details, and social media handles with the help of digital, offset, flexographic, and other advanced printing methods. Made from sturdy cardboard (18-32pt or more), corrugated board (12-60pt or more), or eco-friendly kraft paper or bux board, these boxes ensure high-grade durability and sustainability as well.
Moreover, custom packaging boxes are versatile. Whether you belong to food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, retail, or any other competitive industry, these boxes are available in countless custom shapes, designs, and styles with various innovative features, such as magnetic closures, custom inserts, fence partitions, and many more. In short, whether you want a custom tuck end, gable top, auto-lock, snap lock, 1-2-3 bottom display, two-piece, sleeve & tray, sliding, or any other box style, custom boxes ensure you have personalized packaging on the store’s shelves. Here is a detailed guide on these boxes. Let’s explore and check out how they can help promote your brand and boost its revenue.
Nowadays, outranking your competitors is quite easy with the help of custom boxes. These unique packaging solutions not only protect your products from external harm but also showcase your essential branding details, which usually include:
|
Branding Detail |
Placement Options |
|
Brand Logo |
Front, center, or top panel for maximum visibility |
|
Tagline/Brand Message |
Bottom panel or inner lid for a personal touch |
|
Colors/Patterns |
All sides, with options for full-color prints or selective areas |
|
QR Codes |
Side or bottom panel for easy access to digital content or promotions |
|
Sustainability Message |
Outer panels, eco-friendly design elements to reflect brand values |
|
Custom Artwork/Designs |
Full panel or selective spots, such as corners, for unique brand identity |
Apart from displaying branding details, custom boxes can also be used to showcase a product’s essential information. By spreading the product’s awareness, you can help your customers make an informed decision. This makes you a responsible brand and boosts your company’s trust among the audience, which in turn results in more purchases and revenue. Here is an idea of the product information that you can imprint on custom packaging solutions:
|
Product Information |
Placement Options |
|
Product Name |
Front, top, or center for immediate identification |
|
Description/Features |
Side panels or inner flaps for more detailed information |
|
Ingredients (if applicable) |
Side or bottom panels for easy reference |
|
Usage Instructions |
Inner flap or side panel to ensure clear visibility for users |
|
Safety Warnings |
Side or bottom panels, clearly visible |
|
Expiration Date (if applicable) |
Side or bottom panel for easy access |
|
Manufacturing Details |
Bottom or side panels, especially for regulatory compliance |
|
Barcode/UPC |
Bottom or side panel for retail scanning |
|
Certification Logos |
Side or front panels to display eco-friendly, organic, etc. |
|
Contact Information |
Inner flaps or bottom for customer inquiries |
Aligning with consumers interests and needs is necessary to become a buyer’s top pick. Therefore, you must analyze consumer shifts and design a proper marketing strategy to fulfill the trending demands and make your lasting mark in the competitive industries. In the current era, sustainability, innovation, and appealing aesthetics are in demand for the packaging solutions. That’s the reason custom boxes are eco-friendly, visually stunning, and innovative. Let’s have a look at these amazing features of custom-printed packaging boxes:
Sustainability
Considering the rising eco-awareness, sustainable custom boxes are gaining immense popularity over time. Here is how you can ensure that the custom box packaging is eco-friendly:
|
Sustainable Aspect |
Details |
|
Manufacturing Material |
Prefer sustainable materials like recycled cardboard and kraft paper. |
|
Eco-friendly Inks |
Use water- or soy-based inks for printing. |
|
Sustainable Coatings |
Apply aqueous, spot UV, or glossy coatings for an eco-friendly finish. |
|
FDA Certification |
Ensure packaging is labeled with FDA certifications if applicable. |
Custom boxes featuring minimalistic designs are considered sustainable because they require less material and production time. Moreover, minimalist prints are trending in the market as well. Therefore, prefer creating your custom boxes with simple and elegant designs, highlighting more necessary information rather than the needless design elements.
With the advancement in technology and abrupt customer shifts, a wide variety of custom boxes are introduced in the market to meet each business’s specific needs and demands. Today, countless box shapes, styles, and designs are available that ensure a rapid increase in your sales. Other than these factors, multiple custom add-ons are also available to make your product's packaging more advanced and functional. The following are some of the most famous custom box shapes, designs, styles, and add-on options. Let’s give them a once-over:
|
Category |
Options |
|
Shapes |
Octagonal, hexagonal, diamond-shaped, star-shaped, rectangular, oval, triangular, square, circular, custom shapes |
|
Designs |
Minimalistic, vibrant/pop-up, retro, geometrical, natural/eco-friendly, die-cut designs, window cut-out designs, custom designs |
|
Styles |
Custom straight tuck end boxes, custom reverse tuck end boxes, custom double-walled tuck end boxes, custom two-piece boxes, Custom sleeve and tray boxes, Custom sliding drawer boxes, custom gable top boxes, Custom 5-panel hanger boxes, custom hinged lid boxes, and many more. |
|
Add-ons |
Magnetic enclosures, custom inserts, fence partitions, ribbons, seal ends, handles |
Next comes the box’s look, which is a very crucial factor in grabbing customers’ attention and sales. You must pay attention to making the visually stunning product’s packaging appeal to a large number of audiences. Custom boxes can display any artwork that perfectly fits your brand’s personality or customers’ interests. Whether you want bold aesthetics or a subtle outlook for the box, you have to focus on the following factors:
Clear and appealing prints are necessary to make your boxes look luxurious and attention grabbing. The following are some of the top-class printing methods, usually preferred for creating high-resolution graphics on the custom boxes:
|
Printing Method |
Description |
Applicable Order Quantity |
Image Resolution |
|
Digital Printing |
Directly prints from digital files, ideal for small to medium orders with high customization. |
Small to Medium (1-500 units) |
300-600 DPI |
|
Offset Printing |
Transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, ideal for large runs with consistent color. |
Medium to Large (500+ units) |
300-1200 DPI |
|
Flexographic Printing |
Uses flexible plates, great for large orders with fast-drying ink. |
Large (1,000+ units) |
300-600 DPI |
|
Screen Printing |
Ink is pushed through mesh onto the box, ideal for bold, simple designs. |
Small to Large (50+ units) |
150-300 DPI |
Prefer readable and attractive fonts for custom boxes. Make sure that the font size is consistent throughout the packaging to give a professional look. Here are some famous typographical fonts, often considered ideal for custom packaging boxes:
|
Font Type |
Description |
Design Application |
Use Case |
|
Serif Fonts |
Fonts with small lines or extensions at the end of each letter's stroke (e.g., Times New Roman, Baskerville). |
Classic and formal design with a vintage or upscale look. |
Premium products, luxury brands, formal packaging, vintage products. |
|
Sans-serif Fonts |
Clean and simple fonts without additional embellishments (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Futura). |
Modern, minimalistic look; easy readability; contemporary design. |
Everyday products, tech items, health & beauty products, modern packaging. |
|
Script Fonts |
Handwritten or cursive style fonts that appear more personal or creative (e.g., Pacifico, Brush Script). |
Elegant, artistic, and personal feel. Often used for luxury or seasonal packaging. |
Special occasion items, high-end or artisanal products, festive items. |
|
Display Fonts |
Decorative fonts designed to grab attention (e.g., Bebas Neue, Impact, Playfair Display). |
Bold, attention-grabbing; used to convey personality, energy, and uniqueness. |
Headline text, product names, product boxes designed for visual appeal, entertainment goods. |
|
Monospace Fonts |
Fonts where each character takes up the same amount of space (e.g., Courier, Consolas). |
Techy, retro, or minimalistic. Suitable for designs that want to appear uniform or old-school. |
Tech products, gaming, or retro-themed products. |
|
Handwritten Fonts |
Fonts that mimic handwriting but can vary in style from elegant to casual (e.g., Amatic SC, Indie Flower). |
Personal, quirky, or casual vibe. Frequently used for products with a creative, organic, or unique touch. |
Organic products, children’s goods, handmade items, casual or playful designs. |
|
Slab Serif Fonts |
Serif fonts with thick, block-like serifs (e.g., Rockwell, Clarendon). |
Strong, bold, and sturdy design; evokes stability and reliability. |
Construction goods, retro or vintage packaging, bold branding. |
|
Geometric Fonts |
Fonts based on geometric shapes (e.g., Avenir, Gotham, Proxima Nova). |
Modern, clean, and very structured. Well-suited for sleek, contemporary designs. |
Corporate branding, tech products, minimalist packaging, modern consumer goods. |
|
Futuristic Fonts |
Fonts that have a futuristic, digital, or sci-fi appearance (e.g., Exo, Orbitron, Neuropol). |
Sharp, techy, or sci-fi aesthetic. Often used for products linked to innovation or cutting-edge technology. |
Tech gadgets, sci-fi or space-related themes, high-tech products. |
|
Vintage Fonts |
Fonts that reflect a historical or retro aesthetic (e.g., Retro, Typewriter, Old Standard TT). |
Nostalgic, classic feel; can be playful or serious depending on the design. |
Retro products, coffee packaging, vintage-themed products. |
|
Rounded Fonts |
Soft, rounded fonts without sharp edges (e.g., VAG Rounded, Nunito). |
Friendly, approachable, and informal vibe. |
Kid-friendly products, casual items, friendly and inviting product packaging. |
|
Condensed Fonts |
Narrow, tightly spaced fonts (e.g., Impact, Bebas Neue). |
Space-saving, high-impact design for crowded or small packaging spaces. |
Small packaging, bold branding, posters, and labels with limited space. |
|
Stencil Fonts |
Fonts that resemble military or industrial stenciling (e.g., Stencil Std, Army). |
Rugged, industrial, or military aesthetic. Can also be used to create a grunge or vintage style. |
Military, adventure products, industrial tools, outdoor gear, grunge-themed packaging. |
|
custom |
At last, come the finishing options. These are special coatings applied to the printed surface to boost the box’s visual appeal and make it sturdier and moisture-resistant. Different premium-quality finishing options are available in the market. A few of them are shared here:
|
Coating/Finishing |
Description |
Use Case |
|
Soft Touch Lamination |
A velvety, smooth finish that offers a luxurious tactile experience. Soft to the touch with a matte appearance. |
Ideal for high-end products, luxury branding, or packaging that requires a unique, sophisticated feel. |
|
Embossing/Debossing |
A process that raises (embossing) or presses down (debossing) certain areas of the packaging, creating a 3D effect. |
Adds texture to logos, images, or patterns, enhancing premium, high-quality packaging designs. |
|
Foil Stamping |
A process where metallic foil is applied to specific design areas, creating a reflective effect. |
Perfect for high-visibility logos, luxury brands, and premium products that require an elevated look. |
|
Aqueous Coating |
A water-based coating that provides a smooth finish, available in both matte and gloss options. Eco-friendly and protective. |
Used for products that need basic protection and a clean, eco-conscious finish. Suitable for everyday packaging. |
|
Varnish Coating |
A transparent coating that enhances colors and protects the surface, providing a subtle sheen or matte finish. |
Often used for basic protection, improving the durability of printed designs while keeping the packaging simple. |
|
UV Coating |
A clear, glossy coating that is cured with ultraviolet light, providing extra durability and protection against wear. |
Perfect for products that need extra protection from scratches, fingerprints, or UV damage. Often used for high-traffic items. |
|
Textured Finishes |
Coatings that create a tactile, textured effect (e.g., linen, fabric, leather-like textures). |
Adds a distinctive sensory experience, perfect for luxury goods, fashion items, or premium branding. |
|
Soft Touch Velvet |
A soft, luxurious finish that provides a velvet-like texture, enhancing the tactile appeal of the box. |
Best for high-end, luxury products where a unique sensory experience is desired, such as cosmetics or premium items. |
|
Glossy Coating |
Provides a smooth, reflective surface, ideal for vibrant designs with pop elements. |
Perfect for high-visibility designs, products that require a shiny, eye-catching look, and vibrant packaging. |
|
Matte Lamination |
Offers a subtle, dull outlook, reducing glare, perfect for minimalistic designs. |
Ideal for minimalist, elegant designs or luxury products that require a sleek, non-reflective surface. |
|
Spot UV Coating |
Selective finishing cured with UV rays, eco-friendly and moisture-resistant, often used for logos or branding highlights. |
Best for emphasizing key design elements, such as logos, branding, or other important features, creating a premium look. |
|
Metallic Finishes |
Applies metallic finishes (gold, silver, etc.) to specific areas, adding a luxurious, premium look, often around logos or borders. |
Used for high-end products, luxury brands, or packaging that needs a sophisticated, attention-grabbing finish. |
Apart from these factors, custom boxes also stand out for their high-grade storage and shipping efficiency. Whether you run an e-commerce or a retail business, these boxes are the go-to choice for their stackable features and flat-shipping options. Made from lightweight yet durable materials, custom boxes ensure the easy handling and storage of products during transit and support. Moreover, their protective inserts and custom-fit packaging options also ensure the product’s safety. Here is a short overview of the top-notch materials that make these boxes the best shipping and storage packaging option:
|
Material |
Thickness (pt) |
Specialties |
Role in Shipping & Storage |
Other Important Features |
|
Corrugated Cardboard |
11.8 pt to 39.4 pt |
Lightweight, durable, cost-effective, recyclable |
Protects products from impact and moisture; easy to stack and store |
Ideal for bulk shipments, provides cushioning, and prevents damage. Perfect for e-commerce and retail packaging. |
|
Kraft Paper |
2.9 pt to 5.9 pt |
Eco-friendly, strong, biodegradable |
Minimizes space, lightweight for shipping, easy to store and recycle |
Excellent for lightweight products and eco-conscious brands, it provides a natural look. |
|
Rigid Paperboard |
5.9 pt to 11.8 pt |
Premium feel, sturdy, highly protective |
Reduces damage during transit; space-efficient storage in flat form |
Ideal for high-end retail packaging, it gives a luxurious, strong, protective shell. |
|
Plastic (Polyethylene or PET) |
1.9 pt to 11.8 pt |
Waterproof, flexible, durable |
Provides maximum protection against moisture; can be used for high-volume shipping. |
Highly durable, great for moisture-sensitive products, reusable, and offers enhanced protection. |
|
Chipboard |
1.9 pt to 11.8 pt |
Recycled, lightweight, sturdy |
Cost-effective for bulk shipping, provides structure, and protects products during transit |
Best for retail packaging, often used for inner product boxes, eco-friendly. |
|
Eco-friendly Biodegradable Materials |
Varies (depends on material) |
Made from natural fibers, sustainable, compostable |
Great for reducing environmental impact, lightweight, easy to handle and store |
Ideal for companies promoting sustainability, safe for the environment and consumers. |
Hence, to sum up, custom boxes are an ideal packaging solution for your product’s protection, safe shipping, storage, and the brand’s effective marketing. At CPP Boxes, we highly consider the importance of these boxes and offer an endless variety of them at wholesale rates. Contact us at 888-395-0493 or chat with our customer support representatives at quotes@cppboxes.com to book your desired amount of custom box orders and avail free shipping services with fast turnaround times of 7-9 days. So, get started with us today and let your business grow swiftly.
GET YOUR QUOTE
Blake Harper is an experienced and dedicated packaging engineer with a deep passion for creating innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging solutions. He holds a degree in Packaging Engineering, where he gained a strong foundation in materials science, product design, and manufacturing processes. With years of hands-on experience, Blake has honed his skills in optimizing packaging designs for a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, electronics, and food packaging.
Currently, Blake has been with CPP Boxes, a leading packaging solutions provider, for several years, where he has played a key role in designing packaging that balances functionality, cost efficiency, and sustainability. His work at CPP Boxes has involved designing protective packaging, improving supply chain logistics, and developing eco-friendly solutions that reduce waste and environmental impact.
Blake's expertise lies in selecting the right materials, creating structural designs that maximize protection and minimize costs, and ensuring that packaging meets both consumer expectations and industry standards. His approach integrates creativity with technical know-how, always striving for solutions that are both practical and innovative.
Passionate about environmental sustainability, Blake is always exploring new ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into his work. He is committed to advancing packaging technologies and methodologies that reduce waste, improve recyclability, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Throughout his career, Blake has become known for his strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and his ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
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