Packaging Design: Key Requirements in the Thermoformed Package Development Process

1
Packaging Design Key Requirements in the
Thermoformed Package Development Process
2
Packaging Design Projects

• The goal with any packaging design project is to
  deliver a creative, cost-effective solution that
  meets all customer requirements. To do that a
  thermoformed packaging contractor must perfect
  its development process.
• Key requirements in the process include team
  expertise, solid two-way communication, advanced
  computer technology and defined phases for
  customer input.

3
Packaging Design Team Expertise

• The most important evaluation criterion when
  selecting a packaging design contractor is the
  qualification of the team. What is the teams
  expertise level? Can you substantiate its
  expertise? Have they won any awards?
•  
• You also need to know about experience as it
  relates to products like yours within your
  industry. If youre a medical products
  manufacturer, for example, does your prospective
  packaging vendor have direct experience in your
  market?

4
Packaging Design Team Expertise

• Most companies operate in very competitive
  marketplaces. To make sure you have every edge
  possible, you need to have partners working with
  you who can help you succeed. A well-qualified
  packaging team will meet the most demanding
  production requirements.
• In fact, an experienced team will carefully
  analyze your requirements by considering the
  following criteria
•  
• Product positioning in the marketplace
• Type of presentation desired
• Method of delivery to the end-user customer
• Aesthetic qualities
• Perceived value
• Level of visibility required
• Level of protection required

5
Packaging Design Communication

• Solid communication is the basis to any
  packaging projects success. Members of the
  packaging team must be accessible when you need
  them. The marketplace has become crowded and
  exceptionally competitive.
• Your product needs packaging that will position
  your product in the best way possible. And, you
  need to get your product to market as fast as
  possible. You will have a difficult time
  accomplishing these feats if you dont have a
  synergistic relationship with your packaging
  contractor.
• Communication between the customer and the
  packaging design teams members must be easy,
  instant and direct, regardless of location. Its
  important your packaging contractor has
  experience working with remote and multiple
  locations. Your vendor should be able to exhibit
  a formal communication process during your
  selection evaluation.

6
Packaging Design Communication

• The process should indicate how and when
  communication will take place. Important items
  to define include
•  
• Who will be the contacts at your packaging vendor
  for the different aspects of your project?
• How do you reach each of these contacts and can
  you expect them to be available when you need
  them?
• What are the preferred methods of communication
  for each project phase? For example, when will
  electronic communications be used? When will
  on-site visits be required?

7
Packaging Design Technology

• Advances in technology can help produce better
  products in less time and at reduced costs.
  Evaluate your packaging design contractors
  facilities and production equipment.
• Do they use the latest technology throughout the
  design process? Do they keep abreast of industry
  changes and improvements in technology?

8
Packaging Design Customer Input

• Throughout the packaging design process,
  customer input is vital to meeting requirements.
  This input should be part of a formal process
  thats established and communicated before your
  project begins.
•  
• For example, you should provide feedback and
  approvals at these points in the package
  development
• Start of project An initial conference with
  your packaging contractor is important to clarify
  your projects goals. The team needs to make
  sure to understand the success factors involved.
  For example, whats notable about your
  marketplace? What purpose will the end product
  serve? What purpose does the package have to
  serve? Does the package require special
  features? Does the design have any material
  constraints?
•  
• Concept validation Once your packaging design
  team has a thorough understanding of your project
  requirements, success factors and constraints,
  you need to see a packaging concept. The team
  should create and deliver a virtual, 3-D design
  concept.

9
Packaging Design Customer Input

• For example, you should provide feedback and
  approvals at these points in the package
  development
• Prototype After you approve the packaging
  concept, your packaging design team moves to
  developing a prototype. Based on the virtual
  concept design, the team develops prototypes of
  your packaging parts so you can verify form, fit
  and function.
•  
• Fabrication With a prototype approved, your
  design team creates and fabricates production
  mold tooling.
•  
• Production At this point, you will approve the
  first article part.

10
Packaging Design Success

• Your success depends on the quality of your
  vendors work. Therefore, you must evaluate
  potential packaging design firms carefully and
  completely. To develop a true partnership, look
  for a packaging contractor who has verifiable
  expertise and uses the most advanced
  technologies.
• Equally important, select a packaging firm who
  values communication and has formal processes
  established for your input throughout project
  development.

11
About the Author

• Jim Boley is VP of Business Development at
  Flexpak Corporation, a world-class supplier of
  custom thermoforming and packaging solutions
  since 1974. For more information about packaging
  design, please visit www.flexpakcorp.com today.