Packaging Design: Key Requirements in the Thermoformed Package Development Process

Packaging Design Projects The goal with any packaging design project is to deliver a creative, cost- effective solution that meets all customer requirements. To do that a thermoformed packaging contractor must perfect its development process. Key requirements in the process include team expertise, solid two-way communication, advanced computer technology and defined phases for customer input.

Packaging Design Team Expertise The most important evaluation criterion when selecting a packaging design contractor is the qualification of the team. What is the team’s expertise level? Can you substantiate its expertise? Have they won any awards? You also need to know about experience as it relates to products like yours within your industry. If you’re a medical products manufacturer, for example, does your prospective packaging vendor have direct experience in your market?

Packaging Design Team Expertise Most companies operate in very competitive marketplaces. To make sure you have every edge possible, you need to have partners working with you who can help you succeed. A well-qualified packaging team will meet the most demanding production requirements. In fact, an experienced team will carefully analyze your requirements by considering the following criteria: – Product positioning in the marketplace – Type of presentation desired – Method of delivery to the end-user customer – Aesthetic qualities – Perceived value – Level of visibility required – Level of protection required

Packaging Design Communication Solid communication is the basis to any packaging project’s success. Members of the packaging team must be accessible when you need them. The marketplace has become crowded and exceptionally competitive. Your product needs packaging that will position your product in the best way possible. And, you need to get your product to market as fast as possible. You will have a difficult time accomplishing these feats if you don’t have a synergistic relationship with your packaging contractor. Communication between the customer and the packaging design team’s members must be easy, instant and direct, regardless of location. It’s important your packaging contractor has experience working with remote and multiple locations. Your vendor should be able to exhibit a formal communication process during your selection evaluation.

Packaging Design Communication The process should indicate how and when communication will take place. Important items to define include: Who will be the contacts at your packaging vendor for the different aspects of your project? How do you reach each of these contacts and can you expect them to be available when you need them? What are the preferred methods of communication for each project phase? For example, when will electronic communications be used? When will on-site visits be required?

Packaging Design Technology Advances in technology can help produce better products in less time and at reduced costs. Evaluate your packaging design contractor’s facilities and production equipment. Do they use the latest technology throughout the design process? Do they keep abreast of industry changes and improvements in technology?

Packaging Design Customer Input Throughout the packaging design process, customer input is vital to meeting requirements. This input should be part of a formal process that’s established and communicated before your project begins. For example, you should provide feedback and approvals at these points in the package development: Start of project – An initial conference with your packaging contractor is important to clarify your project’s goals. The team needs to make sure to understand the success factors involved. For example, what’s notable about your marketplace? What purpose will the end product serve? What purpose does the package have to serve? Does the package require special features? Does the design have any material constraints? Concept validation – Once your packaging design team has a thorough understanding of your project requirements, success factors and constraints, you need to see a packaging concept. The team should create and deliver a virtual, 3-D design concept.

Packaging Design Customer Input For example, you should provide feedback and approvals at these points in the package development: Prototype – After you approve the packaging concept, your packaging design team moves to developing a prototype. Based on the virtual concept design, the team develops prototypes of your packaging parts so you can verify form, fit and function. Fabrication – With a prototype approved, your design team creates and fabricates production mold tooling. Production – At this point, you will approve the first article part.

Packaging Design Success Your success depends on the quality of your vendors’ work. Therefore, you must evaluate potential packaging design firms carefully and completely. To develop a true partnership, look for a packaging contractor who has verifiable expertise and uses the most advanced technologies. Equally important, select a packaging firm who values communication and has formal processes established for your input throughout project development.

About the Author Jim Boley is VP of Business Development at Flexpak Corporation, a world-class supplier of custom thermoforming and packaging solutions since For more information about packaging design, please visit today.