Custom packaging typically ranges from $0.10 to hundreds of dollars per unit, but the cost of custom packaging varies and is determined by multiple factors, such as box size, artwork design, box material, finishes, and printing techniques.
Custom cardboard boxes cost 0.7 to $6 per unit, rigid boxes cost anywhere from $1 to $200 per box, whereas folding cartons prices fall anywhere between $2.25 per unit. Cost-effective packaging design is achieved by choosing eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, optimizing box dimensions, and ordering in bulk.
What is Custom Packaging Cost for Products?
Custom packaging cost for products is the expense involved in designing and delivering tailor-made boxes for products. The cost of custom packaging depends on several factors, including the box size, material types, and finishes.
What Factors Influence the Custom Packaging Cost?
The custom packaging cost is influenced by multiple factors listed below:
- Custom size
- Artwork Design
- Material types
- Finishes
- Printing Techniques
- Structural engineering or order quantity
- Order Quantity
- Production
- Shipping
1. Custom Box Size
The Custom box size is a crucial factor in influencing the cost of custom packaging. Customization allows businesses to design and tailor their boxes according to the product’s size, weight, and dimensions. The cost of custom boxes starts from $0.50 per unit and varies depending on the size of the box. For instance, a box with custom dimensions demands a custom-made die and a specialized machine to cut out shapes, thereby increasing the overall cost of custom packaging.
2. Artwork Design
Artwork design is another major factor in calculating the cost of custom packaging. Artwork design is a graphical representation of a brand that incorporates elements like logos, typography, and color. These elements enhance the brand’s identity and help it stand out from the rest of the companies. Attractive artwork design can cost between $45 and $50,000, depending on the expertise of the design agency and the complexity of the custom package design.
3. Material Types
The different material types of a box also impact the custom packaging cost. There are multiple types of material for custom packaging including paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, or rigid each with a different price point.
The following table shows the types of material with their price range used in custom packaging:
| Material Type | Price Range |
| Cardboard | $0.91 – $ 12.86 |
| Corrugated fiberboard | $0.15 – $16.51 |
| Cardstock | $0.01 – $2.73 |
| Paperboard | $0.42 – $70 |
| Kraft | $1.25 – $101.36 per roll |
| Rigid | $17 – $200 |
The table displays the types of materials used for custom packaging and their price ranges. Each material type has a specific price range. For example, cardboard prices vary between $0.91 and $12.86, whereas corrugated fiberboard costs fall between $0.15 and $16.51, determining the total cost of custom packaging.
4. Finishes
Finishes also contribute to the cost of custom packaging. A box’s finish identifies its final appearance which helps in enhancing production differentiation and visual shelf appeal.
There are multiple types of finishes ranging from $0.10 to $160, which are listed below:
- Matte/ gloss lamination
- Soft touch film
- Raised letter
- Full-color printing
- No-coating & varnish
- Textured finish
- Debossing and embossing
- Foil stamping
- Lithographic lamination
Gloss coating, matte, and soft touch film are the most common finishes for custom packaging, with each affecting its cost differently.
5. Printing Techniques
Printing techniques are the process of transferring images, texts, and designs onto materials like cardboard, rigid, or kraft. There are various printing techniques such as digital printing, lithography, or flexographic printing that directly impact and increase the cost of custom packaging.
The table below shows different printing techniques and their cost.
| Printing Techniques | Cost |
| Digital printing | $0.50 – $ 5 per print |
| Flexographic printing | $110 – $2,000 per plate |
| Screen printing | $1 – $20 |
| Foil printing | $17- $482 |
| Rotogravure | $300 – $450.00 |
| Laser printing | 1.16 -15 cents per page |
| Letterpress printing | $28- $100 |
As shown in the table above, various printing techniques have varying costs, such as screen printing, flexographic, or foil printing. Each technique has a different price; for example, Rotogravure printing costs between $300 and $450, whereas digital printing costs $0.50 – $5 per print. This shows that the total cost of custom packaging depends on different printing techniques.
6. Structural Engineering
Structural engineering is another important factor in the total cost of custom packaging. Structural engineering refers to designing the physical structure of packaging while focusing on its shape, function, and material. Structural design services for custom packaging cost around $40 to $800 or $100 to $220 per hour.
7. Order Quantity
The order quantity is also important in determining the cost of custom packaging. For example, if 100 units are ordered, the total cost per unit increases. If 1000 units are ordered in bulk, the price per unit is reduced, directly impacting the overall cost of the custom packaging.
8. Production
Production significantly impacts the cost of custom packaging because it involves unique designs and material selection, which require more time for development. Complex designs, minimum order quantities, unique features, and shapes require specialized machines, tools, and processes, all contributing to the higher production cost.
9. Shipping
Shipping can greatly affect the cost of custom packaging. Shipping is transporting goods or cargo from one place to another. The shipping cost for custom packaging ranges between $1.8 and $420. However, the price may increase depending on the package weight, destination, origin, and service.
How much do Custom Boxes Cost?
The custom boxes cost $0.50 per unit. However, the cost may vary and increase due to box dimensions, design complexity, and material. Unique-shaped boxes need a special production process, complex design or finishes, and premium or eco-friendly custom box materials lead to higher costs.
How much do Cardboard Boxes Cost?
The cardboard boxes cost 0.7 to $6 per unit. However, the prices vary and increase when bought in bulk, and the per-unit cost decreases.
How Much Do Rigid Boxes Cost?
Rigid boxes cost anywhere from $1 – $20 per box. However, the cost may vary on the size and style of the rigid box.
How much do folding cartons cost?
Folding cartons cost between $0.44 and $2.25 per unit. The price range varies depending on whether the folding carton is purchased as a single piece or in bulk, as well as the material and finishes.
How much does custom packaging cost for small businesses?
Custom packaging for small businesses typically costs 10 – 40% of the product’s retail price. However, the total cost heavily relies on custom box dimensions, material choice, and print quantity.
How to Reduce Custom Packaging Cost?
To reduce custom packaging costs, choose the optimal, right-size packaging for the product to reduce excessive material usage. Custom packaging costs can also be reduced by choosing eco-friendly and recycled materials like cardboard, which is cheaper and attracts environmentally friendly consumers. Additionally, ordering in bulk quantities helps lessen the total cost of custom packaging and shipping expenses.
