What Are My Design Options?

The design process starts with a conversation to cover all aspects of your product,

 from its visual and structural elements and deadlines to sustainability goals to how it will appear on shelves.

Once those details are established, your manufacturer will outline the options in front of you. For instance,

 as companies move away from plastics in a green effort, manufacturers have developed techniques to maximize the performance of paperboard alternatives, 

including branding possibilities, in addition to protection.

As far as decorative effects go, food packaging can utilize hot stamping, cold foil stamping, embossing and debossing, specialty laminates and coatings,

 and much more on custom folding cartons.

You even have the choice between employing offset lithographic, flexographic, or digital printing methods.

Overall, the design should be optimized for your specific products, with considerations for weight and shape to ensure the right amount of materials are used.

 For instance, if sustainability is core to your brand, you’ll want to abide by right-size packaging principles,

 utilizing only as much packaging material you need to secure and protect your food products during transportation, storage, and after use.

Additionally, windowing and barriers factor into shelf life, with the former serving as a decorative touch, if done correctly.