Sourcing custom packaging from China
Packaging is one of the easiest wins for a UK brand: bespoke, branded and often far cheaper. Here is how to approach it.
Why packaging is a strong first project
Custom packaging is a common first sourcing project because the savings are large and the customisation — your brand, printed properly — is exactly where UK suppliers charge a premium.
It is also relatively low-risk: with a good sample signed off, bulk production is predictable.
What you can source
The range is wide: printed cups and lids, cartons and rigid gift boxes, paper bags and mailers, labels and sleeves, and food packaging.
Many stock formats can be branded with just your print, which keeps minimums lower than fully bespoke shapes.
What to specify
Nail down material and weight, exact dimensions, the print (colours as Pantone references, finish such as matt or gloss), and quantity. Supply print-ready artwork in the format the factory asks for.
For anything that touches food or drink, state that it must meet food-contact requirements — this is a specification, not an afterthought.
Sampling and lead time
Always approve a printed sample before the run — colours in particular can shift between a screen and physical print, so a physical proof matters.
Build in time for that proofing step; it is the difference between packaging you are proud of and a compromise you live with.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get low MOQs on printed packaging?
Often yes, especially when you brand a stock format rather than tooling a fully custom shape. Digital print can also make shorter runs viable.
How do I match my brand colours?
Specify colours as Pantone references and approve a physical printed proof before the full run, because screen and print colours can differ.