From your first quote to finished packaging
Our custom packaging process takes your project from an initial brief through artwork approval, production, quality control and delivery. Whether you already have a finished specification or only know the product you need to pack, each stage helps turn that requirement into production-ready packaging.
Seven stages from quote request to packaging delivery
The custom packaging process becomes easier to manage when each stage is clear. Your product details inform the specification, the specification informs artwork and production, and the final checks prepare the order for delivery.
Request a custom packaging quote
The process starts with the product you need to pack. Share as much information as you already know. A complete packaging specification is useful, but it is not required before you make an enquiry.
- Product type
- Required quantity
- Approximate dimensions
- Preferred box style
- Delivery postcode
- Product photographs
- Existing packaging
- Artwork files
- Dielines
- Reference images
Review the packaging specification
Your enquiry is reviewed against the product, intended use and delivery requirements. This is where the structure, material, printing and finishing options are discussed before the project moves into artwork.
- Product fit
- Board grade
- Box construction
- Print method
- Finishing options
- Internal dimensions
- Product weight
- Storage conditions
- Delivery use
- Presentation needs
Prepare the dieline and approve the artwork
Artwork is placed onto the agreed dieline and checked for production requirements. You review the proof before the job is released for custom packaging production.
- Bleed
- Safe areas
- Image resolution
- Fonts
- Colour setup
- Dimensions
- Orientation
- Spelling
- Finishing positions
- Final print layout
Move the approved specification into production
Once artwork approval is complete, the project moves into the packaging manufacturing process. The exact sequence depends on the board, print method and finishing selected for the order.
- Board preparation
- Printing
- Lamination or coating
- Die cutting
- Creasing and gluing
- Foiling
- Embossing
- Spot UV
- Windows
- Insert production
Inspect the finished custom printed packaging
Finished packaging is checked against the approved project specification before it is packed for dispatch. The relevant checks depend on the product and manufacturing process.
- Print alignment
- Colour consistency
- Surface finish
- Foil or emboss position
- Artwork orientation
- Dimensions
- Creases
- Glue points
- Folding
- General construction
Pack the order for storage and transport
Once quality checks are complete, the finished boxes are counted, packed and prepared for transport. Flat packaging is normally bundled or cartoned in a way suited to the structure and delivery method.
- Quantity checks
- Bundling
- Outer cartons
- Protective packing
- Delivery labels
- Courier collection
- Warehouse handling
- Commercial delivery
- Storage
- Customer receipt
Dispatch and deliver your packaging
The final stage is packaging delivery. Your order is handed over for transport and delivered to the agreed address. Keep the delivery and packaging details with your project records to make future reorders easier.
- Courier collection
- Transport
- Delivery to address
- Consignment receipt
- Order inspection
- Check quantity
- Inspect outer cartons
- Store correctly
- Retain order reference
- Contact us with questions
Your enquiry becomes a working packaging specification
Once your quote request reaches us, the next step is not simply to send a price. We review how the packaging will be used, identify any missing technical details and turn the information you supplied into a clearer production brief.
We read the brief in context
We look at the product, box dimensions, quantity, printing, material preferences and delivery requirements together rather than treating each detail separately.
We identify anything that could affect production
If important information is missing or unclear, we may ask about product fit, board grade, structure, print coverage, inserts, finishing, artwork status or how the boxes will be packed and delivered.
We match the structure to the job
A suitable packaging construction is considered around product protection, assembly, presentation and production practicality. Where useful, we can compare different material or print routes before the specification is finalised.
The quote is aligned with an agreed specification
Before the project moves into artwork and production, the commercial quote and packaging specification should be clear enough for both sides to understand what is being produced.
Turn product information into a production-ready packaging brief
A clear packaging specification helps remove assumptions before artwork and production begin. Product dimensions, weight, material, structure, printing, finishes and delivery requirements all influence how the finished packaging should be manufactured.
You do not need every detail before requesting a quote. Start with what you know and we can help clarify the technical specification.
Product and intended use
Product and box dimensions
Structure and functional features
Material and board specification
Printing and artwork coverage
Finishes and production extras
Gives printed packaging a smooth, low-reflection surface.
Creates a reflective surface and can make printed colours appear more vivid.
Adds metallic or specialist foil detail to logos, lettering or design features.
Creates raised or recessed details for additional texture and brand presentation.
Adds a gloss effect to selected artwork rather than the whole printed surface.
Adds product visibility where the structure and intended use are suitable for a window.
Quantity and delivery requirements
Your artwork is checked before the job reaches production
Once the packaging specification is confirmed, the artwork needs to match the production dieline. We review the files, identify technical issues and prepare a proof so you can check the final layout before custom packaging production begins.
Artwork submission
Supply your artwork, logos, text, colour references and any existing production files.
Technical artwork review
The file is checked for resolution, colour setup, fonts, bleed and other requirements that could affect printing.
Dieline placement
Artwork is aligned with panels, folds, glue areas, cut lines, safe areas and finishing positions on the agreed packaging dieline.
Digital proof
A final proof is prepared so that text, artwork, orientation, colours and finishing positions can be reviewed before approval.
Artwork approval
You confirm that the proof reflects the agreed packaging specification and is ready to move into manufacturing.
Production lock
The approved artwork and specification become the production reference used for printing and manufacturing.
What we look for before preparing your proof
How your approved packaging moves through production
Once artwork approval is complete, the project moves into manufacturing. The exact production route depends on the board, print method, finish and box construction, but most custom printed packaging follows a controlled sequence of preparation, printing, converting, assembly and packing.
Board is selected and prepared for the job
The agreed material and board grade are prepared according to the box structure, print method and finishing requirements.
Approved artwork is transferred to the board
The print method is selected around artwork detail, material, colour requirements and production scale. Depending on the job, this may involve digital, lithographic, flexographic or another suitable print process.
Selected finishes are applied where required
Lamination, foil, embossing, debossing, spot UV or other agreed finishes are added before the sheet is converted into the final box shape.
Printed sheets are cut into the packaging shape
A cutting forme follows the approved dieline to create the box outline, windows, slots, locking features and other structural details.
Fold lines are formed for accurate assembly
Creases guide each panel into the correct position so the finished packaging can fold cleanly without cracking or distorting around the structural lines.
Required glue points and structural joins are completed
Depending on the box style, selected panels are glued, locked or assembled so the packaging reaches the correct finished construction before packing.
Finished boxes are prepared for inspection and dispatch
Completed packaging is counted, bundled or placed into outer cartons before moving through final quality checks and delivery preparation.
Finished packaging is checked against the approved specification
Quality control happens before the finished order is released for packing and delivery. The checks depend on the box style, board, printing and finishes, but the objective is the same: confirm that the packaging matches the agreed production specification closely enough to move forward.
Most production checks are within specification
The order can move forward once the remaining review points are confirmed and any required corrective action is complete.
Width, depth and height are checked against the approved box specification.
Printed elements are reviewed for placement, registration and visible consistency.
Printed colour is compared with the agreed references and expected board surface.
Fold lines, corners and panel relationships are checked for clean assembly.
Glued areas are checked for alignment, bonding and general structural integrity.
Foil, embossing, spot UV or other finishes are reviewed for placement and visible quality.
From final inspection to your delivery point
Once the order has passed its final checks, the finished packaging is counted, protected for transport and prepared for dispatch. The shipment is then arranged around its volume, destination and agreed receiving requirements.
A controlled handover from production to delivery
Finished packaging is counted and protected for transport.
Dispatch information and load details are matched to the order.
The completed shipment is handed over for transport.
The shipment moves towards the confirmed delivery destination.
Finished packaging reaches the confirmed receiving address.
Shipment readiness before carrier handover
Carrier collection
The shipment leaves production once the carrier handover has been completed.
What we confirm before the shipment leaves
Questions that usually come up before production starts
Ordering custom boxes involves more than choosing a size and sending artwork. These answers cover the practical points businesses often need to understand before approving a packaging specification for production.
01 How does the custom packaging process start?
The process normally starts with your product and its packaging requirements. We need enough information to understand the product dimensions, weight, intended use, preferred box style, material, printing requirements and any finishing or delivery considerations. Those details are then used to build the packaging specification.
02 What information should I provide when ordering custom boxes?
Useful starting information includes the product dimensions, required box dimensions if already known, approximate order quantity, preferred material, print coverage, finishing requirements, artwork status and delivery destination. If some of these details are still undecided, the specification can be developed during the quotation process.
03 Can you help choose the right box style and material?
Yes. Box structure and board choice should be based on the product rather than appearance alone. Product weight, dimensions, protection requirements, storage, transport, retail presentation and assembly all influence the most suitable construction.
04 What happens during the packaging design and artwork approval stage?
Once the structural specification is confirmed, artwork is positioned on the dieline and checked against the agreed print requirements. Important elements such as cut lines, fold lines, bleed, colour setup and artwork positioning are reviewed before a production proof is approved.
05 Does production begin before I approve the artwork?
Production should follow the approved specification and artwork. Approval is an important control point because it confirms the dimensions, structure, print layout and other production details before manufacturing begins.
06 How are custom printed boxes manufactured?
The exact packaging manufacturing process depends on the board, printing method, box construction and finishes. A typical route can include material preparation, printing, laminating or finishing where required, die-cutting, creasing, folding, gluing, assembly checks and final packing.
07 What quality-control checks are carried out before delivery?
Finished packaging is checked against the approved job specification. The exact inspection points vary by product, but they can include box construction, dimensions, print position, colour consistency, finishing, gluing, folding and overall presentation before the order is released for packing.
08 How is the finished packaging prepared for delivery?
Finished boxes are counted, packed and protected according to their structure and shipment size. Carton or pallet quantities are recorded, the delivery information is checked and the order is prepared for carrier collection and onward delivery.
09 Can I provide special delivery or receiving instructions?
Yes. If your site has booking-in procedures, access restrictions, specific receiving hours or other delivery instructions, include them as early as possible so they can be considered when the shipment is prepared for dispatch.
10 How long does the custom packaging process take?
Timing depends on the packaging specification, artwork approval, production method, finishes, order complexity and delivery requirements. A realistic production schedule can be confirmed once the specification and artwork requirements are clear.
Send us your product requirements and we’ll help turn them into a production-ready packaging specification
Share the information you already have, from product dimensions and box style to material, printing, finishes and artwork. We can then review the requirements and prepare the next steps for your custom packaging project.
