Our stock packaging products, from corrugated boxes to stretch film, offer a wide selection, including essentials like tape, edge protectors, labels, and more, with quick turnaround times to meet your packaging needs efficiently.
If you need any assistance with your packaging or have a question, then contact us directly at request@brownpackaging.com or (714)300-0650. Learn more about custom packaging by reading our blog posts on new and trending topics.
Folding cartons are one of the most versatile forms of retail packaging—and how you print on them can make the difference between a product that blends in and one that commands attention. Strategic printing isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about communicating value, increasing shelf appeal, and making your packaging work harder without adding cost. Here’s how to use print effectively to elevate your folding cartons—whether you’re working with skincare, supplements, food, electronics, or lifestyle products. Use Print to Create Visual Hierarchy Your folding carton only has a few seconds to make an impression on the shelf. Strategic printing helps guide the customer’s eye to what matters most. Tips: Use bold, contrasting colors or finishes (spot UV, foil) to highlight your brand name or logo Place key selling points (benefits, claims, features) front and center using larger font sizes Use typography and spacing to separate messaging and improve readability ✅ Helps the customer immediately understand what your product is and why it matters ✅ Improves visual impact without changing the structure ✅ Reduces reliance on costly redesigns by making the most of layout Match Print Quality to Product Value Your packaging should reflect the value of the product inside. Low-quality print on a premium item creates confusion—or worse, distrust. Use printing to reinforce brand perception. Recommendations: For high-end products, use offset or digital printing with high-resolution artwork Consider soft-touch coating, foil stamping, or embossed logos to enhance tactile appeal For entry-level products, clean flexo printing with sharp colors and simple messaging works well ✅ Aligns packaging with price point ✅ Builds customer trust and perceived quality ✅ Supports brand consistency across SKUs Make the Most of Every Panel Most folding cartons have six printable panels—front, back, two sides, top, and bottom. Don’t waste the real estate. Strategies: Use side panels for storytelling: sustainability efforts, brand values, QR codes Use bottom or inner flaps for certifications or required disclosures Add interactive elements (e.g., scan-to-learn codes) to drive post-purchase engagement ✅ Adds value without extra packaging ✅ Keeps primary panels clean and uncluttered ✅ Improves consumer education and brand connection Use Print to Simplify SKU Management For brands managing multiple SKUs or flavor/variant lines, digital printing or smart layout choices can reduce production complexity. Tactics: Create a shared dieline with only small design changes per SKU (e.g., color blocks, product names) Use black plate changes to keep core branding consistent while personalizing each version Leverage short-run digital printing for seasonal or promotional packaging ✅ Reduces setup and plate costs ✅ Increases flexibility for new launches ✅ Speeds up time to market for new variants Print for Retail Compliance Many retailers—especially in food, supplement, and cosmetic categories—have strict requirements around what’s displayed and where. Best practices: Print barcodes and expiration dates in scannable, clearly defined areas Use appropriate font sizes and spacing for ingredients, warnings, or supplement facts Leave space for lot coding or labeling if filled after printing ✅ Helps avoid costly chargebacks or relabeling ✅ Ensures legal compliance and customer clarity ✅ Streamlines vendor approvals Create a Memorable Unboxing Moment Folding cartons aren’t just for shelves—they also deliver an unboxing experience. The inside of the carton is an underutilized branding space. Ideas: Print a thank-you message or tagline inside the top flap Include hidden branding, illustrations, or QR codes inside the box Use the interior to reinforce key product benefits or cross-sell other products ✅ Turns packaging into a brand moment ✅ Encourages sharing and customer loyalty ✅ Adds value without structural changes Keep Production Methods in Mind Not every finish or design choice works with every printing method. Knowing the strengths of each helps you make the most cost-effective decision: Digital printing is perfect for small batches, personalized runs, or multiple SKUs Offset printing is ideal for high-quality retail packaging in larger volumes Flexographic printing is budget-friendly for basic folding cartons or larger quantities with simpler designs ✅ Ensures print decisions align with volume, speed, and budget ✅ Reduces production delays and unexpected costs Final Thoughts Your folding carton is more than just a box—it’s your on-shelf sales rep, brand ambassador, and customer touchpoint all in one. Strategic use of print can transform ordinary packaging into a powerful marketing tool, helping you communicate, connect, and convert. Need help making your folding carton print work harder? We’ll help you choose the right design, layout, and print method to bring out the best in your packaging—without overcomplicating your process or budget. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Folding Carton Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Printed packaging plays a crucial role in brand perception, shelf appeal, and the overall customer experience—but the work doesn’t stop once the ink hits the surface. Without the right finish, that print is vulnerable to scuffs, fading, moisture, and friction during production, handling, or shipping. Whether you’re working with corrugated boxes, folding cartons, or rigid boxes, finishes do more than elevate appearance—they’re your first line of defense in protecting print. Here’s how the right finish keeps your packaging looking sharp from press to doorstep. Why Finishes Matter Your packaging travels through a lot—automated fulfillment, stacking, freight, climate changes, and customer handling. Finishes act as a protective shield, sealing the printed surface and improving the durability, longevity, and professional appearance of the box. Without a finish, print can: Rub off or smudge Fade under UV exposure Scuff or tear during shipping Absorb moisture or oils from hands A finish helps maintain the integrity of the design and branding under real-world conditions. Common Finishes That Add Protection Aqueous Coating A water-based coating that dries quickly and provides light protection against scuffing, fingerprints, and dirt. ✅ Ideal for folding cartons and corrugated boxes✅ Cost-effective, eco-friendly, and adds a subtle shine or matte finish✅ Can be applied inline during printing for fast turnaround UV Coating A high-gloss or matte coating cured with ultraviolet light, offering stronger protection than aqueous. ✅ Great for high-touch surfaces✅ Resists abrasion and moisture✅ Frequently used on folding cartons and rigid boxes Soft-Touch Coating A smooth, velvet-like matte finish that enhances tactile feel while offering surface protection. ✅ Popular in rigid boxes and premium folding cartons✅ Pairs well with foil stamping and embossing✅ Resists fingerprints and minor scuffs Lamination (Gloss or Matte) A plastic film applied to the printed surface, offering the highest level of protection against tearing, moisture, and surface wear. ✅ Common in litho-labeled corrugated and rigid boxes✅ Adds structure and premium feel✅ Excellent for high-end retail packaging or long shelf-life applications Spot UV A selective UV coating applied only to certain parts of the design (like logos or images). ✅ Protects key branding elements✅ Adds contrast and visual depth✅ Best used in combination with other finishes How Finishes Vary by Box Type Corrugated Boxes Corrugated boxes are often exposed to rough handling and shipping abuse. For printed corrugated: Aqueous coating protects basic graphics in litho-label or digital runs Laminated litho labels offer the best protection and visual appeal Inside print (protected by the box itself) is an option for minimal damage risk Folding Cartons Folding cartons are more likely to be handled in retail and must look good under bright lights. Gloss or matte coatings resist scuffing on shelves Soft-touch adds luxury while improving grip Spot UV can highlight key details while protecting them Rigid Boxes Often used for luxury goods, rigid boxes require both durability and a premium finish. Lamination protects litho labels from edge cracking or peeling Soft-touch and foil can be layered for both tactile appeal and surface protection Embossing with a finish ensures your raised designs stay clean and sharp Final Thoughts A finish isn’t just a design choice—it’s a functional upgrade that preserves the quality, readability, and impact of your printed packaging. Whether you’re shipping across the country or selling on a shelf, the right finish protects your investment and keeps your brand looking its best. Need help selecting the right finish for your boxes?We’ll guide you through coatings, lamination, and protective treatments tailored to your packaging type and brand goals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Packaging is a critical part of how your product is presented, protected, and perceived—but are you spending the right amount on it? Many companies unintentionally over-budget for packaging, especially when trying to create visual impact or keep up with competitors. While quality packaging is essential, there’s a difference between investing smartly and overspending without return. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to evaluate your current packaging spend, what packaging should cost based on your product category, and how to make your packaging budget work harder without sacrificing performance. Packaging Cost Should Match Product Positioning Whether you’re selling online, in stores, or through distributors, your packaging should reflect your brand’s value and customer expectations. A luxury product may justify a premium box with high-end finishes—but a value-priced or high-volume item should aim for efficiency and simplicity. If your packaging is costing more than it’s contributing to brand perception, sales performance, or product protection, it may be time to rebalance. A Smart Packaging Budget by Product Tier There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing, but here’s a general guide to help align your packaging budget with your product type, keep in mind that product dimensions and quantity requirements may have an important effect on pricing: Everyday or Value-Priced Products These are products focused on accessibility, mass appeal, and cost efficiency—such as snacks, household goods, basic apparel, or affordable personal care. Recommended spend:3% to 6% of the product’s retail price Example: $10 product → packaging should cost around $0.30 to $0.60 Packaging priorities: Durability for shipping Simple branding Minimalist printing or stock packaging with labels Mid-Tier or Lifestyle Products These are products positioned for retail shelf appeal or direct-to-consumer sales with moderate branding expectations—like wellness items, electronics accessories, and skincare. Recommended spend:6% to 10% of the product’s retail price Example: $25 product → packaging should cost around $1.50 to $2.50 Packaging priorities: Custom structure or folding carton Clean, printed branding Cost-efficient enhancements (e.g., spot UV, soft-touch) Premium or Luxury Products High-end or giftable products where presentation plays a major role in perceived value—such as cosmetics, spirits, tech kits, or curated subscription boxes. Recommended spend:10% to 15% (or more) of the product’s retail price Example: $80 product → packaging can justify $8 to $12, especially if rigid box or detailed kit Packaging priorities: Magnetic closures, foil stamping, embossing Custom inserts and multi-component structures Premium unboxing experience When Overspending Sneaks In You might be overspending if: Packaging costs more than 10–15% of the product’s price and isn’t tied to perceived value You’re using premium finishes that the customer doesn’t see or value You’re designing for complexity, not efficiency You haven’t reviewed specs or sourcing in over a year These are easy traps to fall into—especially when your product team is focused on presentation, or when design decisions from years ago carry forward into current budgets. It’s Not About Spending Less—It’s About Spending Right Your goal isn’t to cut corners—it’s to make sure your packaging spend matches your sales goals, brand perception, and market environment. In many cases, a simple structural or material tweak can reduce costs without affecting how the package performs or looks. Small changes might include: Switching from rigid box to folding carton Simplifying closures or removing magnetic flaps Moving from offset to digital print for short runs Using standard dielines instead of custom shapes Final Thoughts You might not be overspending on packaging in a way that’s obvious—but if your costs don’t align with your product strategy, you could be missing opportunities to improve margins, speed, and efficiency. It’s worth taking a fresh look. Not sure if your packaging budget is where it should be?We can help you evaluate your current setup and explore smarter options tailored to your product and market. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts