Custom Packaging Design Unlocks Hidden Advantages

Suppliers — especially smaller ones — might not have internal expertise to properly consider how to elevate packaging considerations into their product design process. Are you asking questions such as:

Does the part or product you’re designing need to be bulk packed?
Does the product need a feature so a robot can grab it?
How will parts safely and efficiently nest in packaging?

Not knowing the answers to these questions could mean you’ve left a critical step out of your product design process.

Let’s explore the hidden advantages of integrating packaging design into your product design process.

Don’t Ignore Packaging During Product Design

Neglecting a product’s eventual packaging in the design process can cause a domino effect of problems, including:

Oversized or irregularly shaped products might require excessive packaging material, have higher shipping costs and hinder secure containment.
Products that don’t account for protective needs can suffer damage during transit, leading to increased returns, reduced customer trust and brand reputation issues.
Poor alignment between product design and packaging design can complicate automated packing processes.
Sustainability goals can be derailed when packaging must be excessive to make up for some designs, leading to higher environmental impact.

“As a as an industrial designer, you have a lot of freedom on the front end,” says Kevin Ackeret, Engineering/New Product Development for Pro-Form Custom Packaging. “At the end of the day, you need to be thinking about how your customer is going to receive your product.”

Innovative Packaging Design Factors to Consider

Don’t just focus on functionality, aesthetics and usability. Consider these factors when designing a part with packaging in mind:

Size and Shape: Compact, stackable designs shaped for nesting are easier and more cost-effective to package and enable a more efficient use of space.
Material Strength and Durability: Evaluate whether the product requires protective packaging to safeguard against breakage during storage and transit.
Sustainability: Packaging can align with your company’s environmental objectives. Lightweight, recyclable packaging materials often depend on a product’s design compatibility.
Automation Compatibility: Products designed with uniformity and consistency can streamline facility packaging automation processes.

“Address these factors during the design stage, and you’ll reduce costs, enhance product protection and create a seamless user experience,” says Ackeret.

Pro-Form Partners with You

When you need a trusted packaging partner, Pro-Form can design, develop and produce custom packaging solutions for manufacturers.

According to Ackeret, “We maximize the whole process all the way around. We consult with you from the start on how to optimize your product designs for packaging efficiency.”

This collaboration on product design includes:

Analyzing product designs for packaging compatibility
Providing recommendations to reduce material waste and improve logistics
Developing unique, sustainable packaging solutions that enhance your brand’s functionality

The Pro-Form team is ready to work with you to bridge the gap between product design and packaging innovation. Reach out to us today to learn how we can elevate your approach and drive success for your business.

FREE ONSITE REVIEW OF YOUR PACKAGING

Let us solve your toughest problem. We’ll bring the pizza and the beer.

Call 812.522.4433 or email us at sales@proformcp.com