It does not matter whether you are just starting out as a business or are an established multinational company. When it comes to choosing the right packaging for your product, businesses are likely to have very similar criteria.
Firstly, and probably most importantly, you want to be confident that the packaging you choose will be capable of protecting the product contained within. On top of that, it needs to work efficiently during the filling process, complement the way the end user will use it and support the position of your brand.
Choosing between standard packaging and a bespoke solution is usually the starting point. Both options come with advantages and disadvantages. The right option for you will typically be influenced by:
- The type of product you have
- The volume you require
- Your budget
- Your long-term plans
What Is Standard Plastic Packaging?
Our standard packaging catalogue features a range of bottles, containers, caps and closures that are all available for immediate manufacture. The moulding tools have already been created, and these products can usually be produced without the upfront investment in tooling that typically comes with a custom design.
For that reason, standard packaging is a particularly attractive option for start-up businesses, new product trials and businesses working to a tight launch date. It can also be a practical solution for any established brand looking for dependable packaging that does not require a unique structure.
Opting for standard packaging does not mean you need to compromise on brand identity. With a wide range of labels, sleeves, colours and compatible closures available, it is still possible to create a distinctive finish for your product, even if the bottle shape is not unique.
The main compromise comes from the fact that the shape and dimensions of your packaging are predetermined. This means you may need to adapt certain elements of your branding or filling process to complement the chosen format.
When Should You Opt for a Bespoke Packaging Solution?
Bespoke packaging allows you to create a solution designed specifically around your product and commercial requirements. It gives you much greater control over elements such as:
- Shape
- Capacity
- Material
- Dispensing system
- Appearance
This can be valuable when shelf presence is a priority, when a product has unusual technical requirements or when existing packaging does not provide the necessary performance.
A bespoke design can also be developed around manufacturing efficiency. Wall thickness, product weight and material distribution can be refined to reduce unnecessary plastic use while maintaining strength. At larger production volumes, these apparently small improvements can deliver meaningful long-term savings.
The trade-off is that bespoke packaging requires more development time and an initial investment in design, prototyping and mould tooling. The product must be tested properly before full-scale production begins, so it is important to allow sufficient time before the intended launch date.
Consider Sustainability Early
Sustainability is now an important part of many packaging decisions, whether you choose a standard format or a bespoke solution.
For some products, it may be possible to use packaging made with Post Consumer Recycled plastic. For others, the better route may be to reduce overall material use, improve recyclability or refine the design so that the packaging performs efficiently without unnecessary weight.
These considerations are easier to manage when they are discussed early. Recycled content can influence finish, colour consistency and structural performance, while lightweighting must be balanced against strength, handling and transit requirements.
By reviewing sustainability alongside cost, performance and production volumes, you can make packaging decisions that support both your commercial objectives and your wider environmental commitments.
Consider Your Production Volumes
Order volume is likely to be one of the strongest factors influencing your choice between a standard or bespoke packaging design.
If you are looking to conduct an initial market test or are only intending to complete a limited run, it can be difficult to justify investing significant sums in bespoke tooling. In those instances, a standard bottle or container will allow you to bring the product to market with less financial risk.
Once demand has increased, bespoke packaging becomes far more financially viable. The initial tooling cost can be spread across a larger number of units, while a design optimised for production can reduce material usage and improve efficiency over time.
Think Beyond the Immediate Launch
It is also important to consider where you expect the product to be in several years, rather than focusing only on the first production run. Questions to ask yourself include:
- Will volumes grow?
- Could the product range expand?
- Is the packaging likely to become an important part of your brand recognition?
- Do you expect your sustainability requirements to change?
The answers may reveal whether an existing format provides enough flexibility or whether investing in a custom solution would create greater long-term value.
Choosing the Right Route
There is no single option that will suit every project. Standard packaging can provide a quicker, lower-risk route to market, while bespoke packaging offers greater control, differentiation and potential for optimisation.
At Coda Plastics, we supply a range of standard plastic packaging alongside a complete design, development, prototyping and manufacturing service. Speak to our team about your product, volumes and objectives, and we will help you identify the most practical route forward.