Finding the right packaging is always a challenging project for many companies but looking for the most cost-effective option & quality service is just as gut-wrenching.  Luckily, Maker’s Row has put together the best options for your custom packaging without completely emptying your wallet. Let’s look at some popular cost-effective packaging types you can use for your products (please note that prices are based on 10,000 quantity range).
1. Polybags (Plastic)
One of the most cost-effective packaging options is the poly bag (or plastic pouch bag). Made out of plastic film material, it is commonly used for food, chemical, flower & magazine packaging. Poly bags have also become a common & popular choice for product packaging as they are very easy to produce. It can be fully customized and provide extra protection to the products through its locking features.
Price can range from $0.03 to $0.14 depending on the size, style, design & quantity. Â
2. Paperboard Boxes
A popular choice for many product packaging for its customizable options from materials, shapes, style & printing while keeping costs low. It is also lightweight but durable and can be cut into any type of structure, allowing a wide range of flexibility for designing. Paperboards come in different grades, allowing different types of packaging requirements, from SBS paperboard to environmentally friendly materials such as Kraft.
A reasonable price for folding carton/paperboard standard boxes are usually under $0.30 – $0-60 per unit. This packaging option can go as low as $0.14 per unit, depending on the simplicity, size and quantity of boxes produced.
Adding special processes, including foil stamping, window patching, spot UV, 2 side printing & special PMS colors, can go up to $1-$2 depending on quantity.
3. Paper Bag
A quick and easy packing option are paper bags for product packaging. Many retail businesses have opted for paper bags to package their clothing for its convenience and cost-effective nature. Several grocery stores also use paper bags to package their food products in order to reduce environmental issues and a way to brand themselves as an eco-friendly business. Paper bags can also be fully customizable in style, printing & shape without emptying the wallet.
Prices range from $0.25 to $0.35 per unit, depending on added specialization and customization.
4. Bottle & Cap Packaging
Finding the right packaging for cosmetic cream, pharmaceuticals, liquids and other smaller products can get very pricey, especially considering the additional packaging for the bottle in order for it to be retail & wholesale ready. Luckily, small plastic & glass bottles can be an affordable option in bulk. They are reusable, small to package & reduce shelf space in retail stores. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, they can be fully customizable in print as well.
Price ranges are approximately between $0.65 and $1.00Â depending on size and type.
5. Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated cardboard is the most common material for packaging. It is typically used for shipping, shoe & storage boxes. It has become a popular packaging option as well for e-commerce and product packaging. Subscription (or mailer) boxes typically use corrugated material to keep products from getting damaged during shipping but still maintain the design and sophistication of the structure to attract customers. Corrugated boxes are fully customizable like paperboard except have a higher degree of durability. It is, however, still cost-effective for anyone using the packaging as both the main retail & shipping box.
The price range for corrugated boxes is $0.75 – $0.95 at the standard sizes, styles and printing.
6. Plastic Boxes
Plastic boxes have been used widely in different industries, from paper clips to candles. It is popular among sharper products that can’t poke through material, unlike cardboard. Plastic boxes are more durable than paperboard boxes and can withstand extreme conditions, especially when storing fragile products like baked goods. Lastly, it showcases the products perfectly at any angle. The biggest advantage? It’s not as expensive as you think.
Printed plastic boxes can go for $0.75 – $0.95.
7. Side Gusset Bags
Popular among the tea, coffee & baking industry, side gusset bags are meant to create a dense environment inside the packaging to help maintain the flavour of the product and help protect it any incoming bacteria. It has also become a popular choice for bedding and clothing products to keep it secure and tight. Food, however, is typically packaged in these type of bags to increase shelf life and prevent it from spoiling.
The price range for these products can go for $0.80 to $2.50
8. Rigid (Luxury) Boxes
These are the boxes you see in many high-end retail & electronic stores. They are meant to provide the best looking and most durable packaging for products. Think of the Iphone 7 packaging box, that is a rigid box. Rigid box is made out of condensed paperboard four times thicker than the standard paperboard. They are the most expensive among the bunch but still affordable enough to create luxury packaging (depending on your manufacturer).
Basic Rigid Boxes can range from $3.00–$5.00 a piece or $5.00–$30.00+ for a more lucrative style, printing & special process Â
Looking to start your packaging project but haven’t found the right factory yet?
PakFactory is a recommended manufacturer that provides low cost, quality boxes, and great service. We also curated a list of Packaging Factories. Use the code PACKAGING to get $10 off a Maker’s Row plan and start searching!
