What It Is
Usually the reason a launch slips
Packaging is the part of a project most likely to blow a timeline or a budget, and it is rarely the formula that causes it. A component with a twelve week lead time, a decoration minimum far above your batch size, or a jar that turns out to be incompatible with your formula will each stop a launch dead.
We source components with the production run in mind, which means we are looking at compatibility, minimums and lead time together rather than choosing something attractive and discovering the constraints later.
Where you already have a supplier you like, we will work with them. This is not a service you have to buy to produce with us.
What We Handle
From component choice to filled unit
- Primary components: bottles, jars, tubes, droppers, pumps and closures
- Compatibility testing between your formula and the chosen component
- Decoration: labels, screen printing, hot foil and shrink sleeves
- Secondary packaging: cartons, inserts and shipping considerations
- Supplier minimums mapped against your batch size before you commit
- Lead times built into the production schedule rather than discovered late
Minimums
The number that catches people out
Our production minimum is 250 units per SKU. Packaging minimums are set by component suppliers, not by us, and they are frequently higher. A stock bottle may be available in small quantities while a custom colour, a bespoke mould or a decorated finish carries a minimum in the thousands.
This is the single most common surprise in a first project, so we raise it at quoting rather than after you have fallen for a component. Often there is a stock alternative that achieves almost the same effect at a fraction of the commitment, and the difference is invisible to your customer.
Where the cost usually sits
- Stock components in standard colours: lowest minimums, shortest lead times
- Stock components with custom decoration: moderate minimums, added lead time
- Custom colours or finishes: high minimums, longer lead times
- Bespoke moulds: highest minimums and tooling cost, longest lead times
- Secondary packaging: often overlooked in budgets until late
For a first run we usually recommend stock components with considered decoration. It protects your capital and gets you to market, and you can invest in bespoke tooling once the product has proven itself.
Is It Right For You
When to hand packaging to us
Sourcing is worth delegating when you do not already have supplier relationships, when compatibility is a real risk because of your formula, or when you simply do not have time to manage a second set of lead times alongside a launch.
If you have a packaging partner you trust and components already specified, keep them. We will test compatibility and build their lead times into the schedule.
Ideal for
Brands seeking a distinctive packaging direction and prepared to evaluate the supplier minimums that apply to the components they choose.
How It Works
Sourced against a real production plan
- Direction. We discuss the look, the price point and the shelf context.
- Options. We propose components that fit your volume and budget.
- Minimums and lead times. Presented before you commit to anything.
- Samples. Components are ordered so you can see and handle them.
- Compatibility. Your formula is tested against the chosen component.
- Decoration. Artwork prepared and applied to the agreed finish.
- Filling. Components arrive for the production run and are filled and finished.
Get packaging
that ships on time
Tell us the product and the look you are after. We will come back with options, honest minimums and the lead times to plan around.