Packaging is more than just a box or bag. It’s the first thing people see when they get your product. It protects what’s inside. It also gives people a feel for your brand.
When done right, packaging keeps your product safe during shipping and storage. It also helps your product stand out. Think about the difference between a plain brown box and one with your logo and colors. One is just a box. The other tells a story.
Good packaging does 3 big things:
Protects your product from damage, dirt, and moisture
Promotes your brand by showing your logo, colors, and message
Informs your customer with details like size, ingredients, and warnings
In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of packaging and labeling. You’ll see different packaging types, what should be on your label, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also get tips on working with a supplier and making sure your packaging meets rules for shipping or export.
This article is for beginners. You might be starting your first product or launching something new. Either way, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
And yes, we know this space well. At XiangGe Package, we’ve been making and exporting packaging boxes for over 10 years. Our products are now in more than 100 countries. We understand the details that matter and how to help you get it right from the start.
Let’s dive in.
Not all packaging works the same. What you choose depends on your product, how it’s used, and how it’s shipped. Let’s look at three common types:
Corrugated Boxes
These are made with fluted paper in the middle. That wavy layer gives them strength. They’re great for shipping heavier items or products that need protection.
Explore our corrugated boxes →
Cardboard Boxes
These are smoother and thinner than corrugated. They’re often used for retail packaging, like cosmetics or electronics. They look nice and can be printed easily.
Check out our cardboard boxes →
Paper Bags and Pouches
These are lightweight and flexible. They’re often used for food, small gifts, or eco-friendly packaging. They don’t offer as much protection, but they look clean and modern.
Pros and Cons of Each Material
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated | Strong, good for shipping, recyclable | Bulky, not ideal for display |
| Cardboard | Easy to print, smooth look | Less protection than corrugated |
| Paper Bags | Lightweight, eco-friendly | Not for fragile or heavy products |
Each material has its own use. Corrugated is best for protection. Cardboard is great for shelf appeal. Paper bags are simple and light. Think about your product’s size, weight, and how it will be delivered.
Now, let’s look at the structure of packaging: primary, secondary, and tertiary. You’ll see how each layer works together to protect and present your product.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging explained
Packaging often has more than one layer. Each layer has a job. Let’s break it down.
Primary Packaging
This is the first layer that touches your product. Think of a juice bottle, a candy wrapper, or a pouch of tea. It holds the product directly. It often includes labels with key info.
Secondary Packaging
This holds a group of primary packages. It could be a box that holds six juice bottles or a sleeve around a row of candy bars. It helps organize, protect, and sometimes adds branding.
Tertiary Packaging
This is used for bulk shipping. It includes cartons, pallets, shrink wrap, or anything that helps move large quantities. It protects everything during transport and storage.
Real-Life Examples
A chocolate bar:
Wrapper = Primary
Box of 12 bars = Secondary
Shipping carton = Tertiary
A skincare set:
Bottles = Primary
Printed gift box = Secondary
Master carton for shipping = Tertiary
Understanding these layers helps you choose the right packaging at each stage. This keeps your products safe and makes sure they look good when they arrive.
Next, let’s talk about how to choose the right packaging for your product.
How to choose the right packaging for your product
Choosing packaging isn’t just about looks. You need to think about how your product will be stored, shipped, and used. Here are a few key things to ask:
What’s the size, weight, and shape of your product?
Heavy or fragile items need stronger packaging like corrugated boxes. Light or soft products may work fine in paper bags or small cartons.
How will your product be used or displayed?
If it’s going to sit on a store shelf, design matters more.
If it’s sold online, the package must survive shipping.
If it’s for gifting, it should look nice right out of the box.
Do you need custom or stock packaging?
Here’s a quick guide:
Choose custom packaging when…
You want your logo and design on the box
Your product has a unique size or shape
You want better customer experience or branding
You need to meet exact protection levels
Choose stock packaging when…
You’re starting out and want to save cost
You have standard-size products
You need fast delivery with no custom setup
The right choice depends on your goals and budget. Some businesses even mix both — using stock boxes with custom stickers or inserts.
Up next, we’ll go over what needs to go on your product label — and why it matters.
Product labeling: what must go on your label
Your product label does more than show a name. It tells people what the product is, who made it, and how to use it. It also helps you follow legal rules in different markets.
At the very least, your label should include key information like ingredients, where it was made, and any warnings. For food, cosmetics, or supplements, this is required. But even for non-food items, this info helps customers trust you.
There are also different kinds of labels. A brand label shows your logo and name. A grade label might show size, quality, or version. A descriptive label gives details like color or material. An informative label tells users how to store or use the product. A caution label warns about risks — like choking hazards or flammable content.
Some products also need special labels by law. For example, under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act, all children’s products must include the manufacturer’s name, the place and date of production, and a batch or run number. This helps track products in case there’s a safety issue. Watch the full explanation here.
Barcodes, QR codes, and batch numbers can also be added. These help with inventory tracking, shipping, and customer support. QR codes are often used for linking to product manuals, warranty info, or how-to videos.
A good label should be clear, accurate, and helpful. The right label protects your business and helps your customers feel confident in what they’re buying.
Next, let’s look at how to design your label — even if you’re starting from scratch.
Label design basics for beginners
Label design doesn’t need to be fancy. But it does need to be clear. When someone looks at your label, they should quickly understand what your product is and who made it.
Start with simple typography. That just means choosing clean, easy-to-read fonts. Avoid anything too decorative or cramped. Stick with one or two font styles across the label to keep it tidy.
Layout is how everything fits together. Leave enough white space — that’s the empty space around your text and images. It helps people focus on what matters. Don’t pack too much info into one area. Use clear sections, like product name, directions, and warnings.
Your label should also match your brand. If your brand is playful, bright colors and rounded fonts might work. If it’s clean and professional, stick to neutral tones and sharp lines. Think about who you’re talking to. A label for kids’ toys looks different from one for health supplements.
Make sure the label is easy to read at a glance. Use high-contrast colors. Black on white works well. Avoid placing text over photos or patterns that make it hard to read.
If you’re labeling food, drinks, or drugs, follow strict rules. These labels must show nutrition facts, ingredients, and more. You’ll need to follow FDA guidelines. You can check the full details at fdahelp.us.
In short, good label design is about being clear, helpful, and honest. When in doubt, less is more.
Ready to learn how your label gets printed? That’s next.
Printing methods for packaging and labels
There are different ways to print your packaging and labels. Each has its own cost, speed, and quality. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Digital printing
Best for small runs
Fast and low setup cost
Great for full-color designs
Flexographic printing (Flexo)
Good for large runs
Uses printing plates
Fast and cost-effective for simple designs
Offset printing
High-quality results
Better for detailed images and color accuracy
Best for medium to large runs
If you’re just starting out or testing a new product, digital printing is usually the most affordable. It allows you to order in smaller amounts and make changes easily.
Flexo and offset are better when you need large quantities. These methods take more setup time, but the cost per unit is lower when you print in bulk.
Still not sure which one fits your needs? That’s where we can help. At XiangGe Package, we look at your design, order size, and budget — and suggest the best printing method for your project.
Next, let’s go over certifications and rules your packaging and labels need to follow — especially if you export products.
Packaging & labeling compliance and certifications
If you sell or ship products across borders, your packaging and labels need to follow the rules. Different markets require different certifications. These marks prove your product meets safety or environmental standards.
Some common global certifications include:
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) – needed for food, drugs, and cosmetics
CE Marking – required for many products sold in Europe
See CE marking details hereRoHS – restricts hazardous materials in electronics
FSC – confirms your packaging materials come from responsibly managed forests
Read the FSC labeling guide
Recycling symbols are also important. They help people know how to dispose of your packaging. Eco-labels (like the “green dot” or “recyclable” icon) show your brand cares about the environment. These small symbols build trust and support sustainable choices.
For export packaging, you may need extra marks. These include “Made in [Country]”, handling icons, or HS codes for customs. Labels like “Fragile” or “Keep Dry” help protect your product during shipping. Clear, correct labeling speeds up customs checks and reduces the risk of delays or damage.
Next, we’ll go over common packaging and labeling mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Packaging and labeling mistakes to avoid
Even good products can fail because of poor packaging. Some mistakes cost money. Others hurt your brand or break the rules. Here are a few things to watch out for.
Overdesign is a common issue. A fancy box with too many colors or layers might look nice, but it can confuse your customer or raise costs. If it’s hard to open or wasteful, people won’t like it. Keep the design clean and simple.
Underprotection is the opposite problem. A weak box or thin bag may not protect your product during shipping. Items can break, leak, or arrive damaged. That means returns, complaints, and bad reviews.
Misleading labels can cause legal trouble. Don’t claim something your product can’t do. If you call it “organic,” “FDA-approved,” or “Made in USA,” make sure it’s true — and documented.
Compliance mistakes happen when you skip rules. Some forget to include batch numbers, safety warnings, or importer info. These small things are required in many markets, especially for electronics, food, or children’s products.
And lastly, using the wrong materials can backfire. Cheap or non-recyclable materials may tear, leak, or spoil your product. Some materials even react badly with certain items, especially food or skincare.
Tips for working with a packaging supplier
If you’re new to buying packaging — especially from overseas — a little prep goes a long way. Before you contact a supplier, get your basics ready. Know your product size, weight, how many units you need, and what kind of packaging you want. If you have a design, share it. If not, ask if they offer design support.
During sampling and quoting, ask clear questions:
What materials will you use?
Can I get a sample before production?
What’s included in the quote (printing, shipping, taxes)?
What’s the minimum order quantity?
Lead time is key. Ask how long production takes and if there are peak seasons. Add extra time for shipping and customs. For quality control, ask if they do inspections before shipping — or if you can hire a third party.
A good supplier will be clear, patient, and helpful. Build a partnership, not just a transaction.
Final checklist before you launch
Before you ship your product, take a moment to review everything. Small details make a big difference.
Start by checking the packaging strength and size. Make sure it fits your product snugly and protects it from bumps or drops. Test a few samples if you can.
Look closely at your labeling. Is all the info correct? Is the label in the right place? Spelling errors, missing warnings, or bad placement can confuse customers or cause returns.
It’s also smart to get feedback. Ask a few testers or real users to open your packaging. Was it easy to use? Did it feel safe and professional? Their answers can help you fix problems early.
We hope this guide gave you everything you needed to get started with packaging and labeling. If you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to help.
Contact XiangGe Package to get expert support on choosing the best packaging and label solution for your business.
FAQs:
Sometimes, yes. If your products are similar in size and weight, one box might work. But different shapes or safety needs may require different packaging.
It depends on the material, size, design, and order quantity. Digital printing is cheaper for small runs. Bulk orders usually lower the price per unit.
It could lead to returns, fines, or customs delays. Always double-check labeling rules before production — especially for exports.
