Packaging Prototypes: What You Need To Know
A packaging prototype is a sample or mockup of your packaging concept. They are used to help people visualize and inspect how their packaging will function and work in relation to the product, in addition graphic design may be included in your prototype to help visualize its marketability. Packaging samples and mockups provide buyers the chance to make changes or improvements to their custom packaging design prior to production.
Packaging prototypes are essential in providing buyers with peace of mind before they invest in a package. Often, they are used as a final sign off, which gives the permission to manufacturer to mass produce the packaging.
The cost of a packaging prototype can vary based on the type of prototype you request, the packaging supplier’s capabilities, the type of packaging product and urgency of request. Which is why you should know when you need a prototype and why.
What To Know About a Packaging Prototype Before You Buy
By understanding the basics of a packaging prototypes, you can make a more informed decision on selecting a prototype within your budget and meets your needs.
Different Types of Packaging Prototypes
There are many ways you can get samples or mockups of your packaging concepts. Each method will give you a representation of your product but will vary on their features and costs. Here is a list of the most common prototype methods in packaging:
- Physical Prototypes
- Concept Creation
- First Article
- Production Sample
- Virtual Prototypes
- 3D Renderings
- 2D Dielines
Physical Packaging Prototypes
Physical packaging prototypes provide you an actual sample of the product that you can feel and touch. You can physically examine the package with its functionality, structural and graphic design. Most physical packaging prototypes are printed with digital print as other methods such as flexography and lithography will be much costlier.
Unfortunately, physical methods tend to be more costly and take more time than virtual prototypes as they require much more resources to produce. This method may not be recommended if you have a low budget or have a large variation of packages you want sampled.
Concept Creation
First Article
Concept Creation
Concept creation, commonly known as 3D mockups, provide buyers with a physical representation of a packaging’s shape, size, and functionality. They can be made with or without graphics and may be made cheaply with easily available materials or your desired material. This type of product sample is done at the beginning stages of the packaging process.
It is important to understand that 3D mockups are not a 100% representation of what your packaging will be as color and structural integrity may not be entirely accurate.
First Article
A first article sample is a physical representation of what the product will be in production than a concept. Typically, this sample is made once an order has been made.
Packaging suppliers should provide you with a first article prior to production, because you must agree to what they will produce for you. This limits liability on the packaging supplier if there is a mistake later on in production, however it does provide you a better picture of what your packaging will look like and function.
Production Sample
Production samples are the most accurate form of sampling and prototyping as they are collected right before production from the manufacturer. These are the least common form of physical samples as they can be very costly to produce when you include setup costs and tools to produce it. Any change made to the packaging will require a new setup and tools, which will delay and increase costs.
Virtual Packaging Prototypes
Virtual sampling methods are much more cost effective and time efficient than physical methods. These methods will provide you with a non-physical representation of your packaging, usually by 3D or 2D modeling software.
Mock-ups can adjust to changes quickly and for little costs. Copies of virtual prototypes can be easily and quickly replicated. In addition, you can easily produce multi-SKU items or different packaging variations compared to physical.
3D Renderings
3D renderings are a photorealistic 3D visual representation of your packaging. This method requires the use of CAD and computer simulation software, which are designed to make products appear as they would in real life. In addition, these samples can be modeled in a simulated environment to show how it would look on a retail shelf/sales floor, distribution center and other environments.
For a packaging supplier to offer 3D renderings they will need staff with packaging design and computer expertise as well as expensive hardware. 3D renderings rely heavily on a designer’s skillset.
2D Dielines
2D dielines provide you with the shape, measurements, folds and all pieces of the packaging. Essentially, it is a template used to ensure that the layout of the packaging is correct prior to producing the physical package.
Modifications to the samples can be done quickly and cost effectively. If needed, graphic designs can be added to the 2D dieline to enhance the visualization of the product.
3D Rendering
2D Rendering
Considerations When Selecting a Prototype Method
When selecting a prototype method you should consider supplier capabilities, budget, packaging product and materials, and the urgency for a packaging product.
Typically, most suppliers do not have access to all these sampling methods, as it requires a variety of skillset, hardware, software and other resources to provide these services. As a result, you would want to work with your packaging provider in finding a solution. Often, this may require the supplier to outsource any prototype methods outside their capabilities.
Budgets can be a constraint on the type of prototype you are looking for as they all vary in price. Essentially, if budget and quality is not a huge factor then we recommend physical sampling. If you are limited with your budget, go with virtual sampling.
Product and materials can impact costs on a physical prototype, as some packaging products are much more complex to produce, and material costs can vary. For example, a point of purchase display has much more complexity and higher material costs than a mailer box.
Lead time will influence cost and availability of some prototype methods, primarily physical. As a result, if time is urgent, then you should go with a virtual sample, unless you want to pay heavily to expedite a physical prototype. If time is not an issue, then you have the freedom to explore physical mockups.
When and Why, You Need a Packaging Prototype?
A packaging prototype is often recommended for large orders, presentations or high-cost packaging products. Many buyers find the need of a packaging prototype to see if their concept meets their expectations, in addition to making any necessary changes or fixes.
Typically, physical samples are required by many retailers you are looking to place your product to a retailer. Often, this is done by a presentation with a product sample. In addition, physical samples are commonly used to test a package’s structural integrity in a supply chain environment and for market research.
Digital samples are often used for businesses with multiple decision makers for a product, as these samples can be quickly and easily shared for no additional costs. Many internal and external marketing teams use digital samples when requesting packaging from a supplier.
Ultimately, the purpose of prototypes is to have the package meet your expectations prior to mass producing it, which will save you from a headache, wasted time and substantial costs. If you believe you need a packaging prototype, then contact Brown Packaging today to get started.
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