How to create bespoke packaging solutions: Tips from our experts

For fashion, luxury, homeware and sportswear brands, many events and collaborations in the calendar serve as opportunities to create bespoke packaging that leaves an impression.

What are the benefits of creating custom packaging?

Packaging and trims can have a significant impact on seasonal events and collaborations. Here are some benefits of custom packaging:

• It creates a great first impression. 
• It provides a memorable unboxing experience, adding value to the product. 
• It enhances the customer experience and encourages sales.
• It creates opportunities for engagement on social media, improving brand awareness. 
• It makes your brand stand out from the crowd.

Remember, the unboxing experience is memorable as consumers want to enjoy the full process. In some cases, excellent packaging can become so well-known that it becomes synonymous with the product itself.

How we create bespoke packaging solutions

At Weavabel, we often take on custom packaging projects for seasonal events, launches and brand collaborations. But how do we do it?

Firstly, we receive a brief to create bespoke packaging solutions for a brand. This could be Christmas gift packaging, Black Friday e-commerce packaging or custom accessories for a collaboration.

Then, with the brief in mind, we’ll work closely with the brand to design, specify, quote and produce samples. Timelines can be tight and deadlines are imperative, particularly when the packaging and trims are for a specific event or launch.

After the samples are reviewed and approved, we’ll deliver the packaging to the brand’s factories to be added to or used with the product.

Communication is critical every step of the way. At Weavabel, we work as an extension of the brand’s team, coordinating internally and externally to ensure the trims and packaging are ready for launch.

Creating custom branding for collaborations

Successful brand collaborations are the perfect marriage of both brands involved without taking away from their individuality.

When two brands come together, they may have a similar style in most cases, but in others, they may be at opposite ends of the spectrum. The North Face X Gucci is an excellent example of this — it’s the right blend of high-end designer with streetwear.

Brands tend to be concerned about their brand’s representation and how well their identities, colours, logos and materials blend. Getting the product right comes down to striking the right balance.

A collaboration may involve exploring new packaging and trim styles, too. For example, Ganni X Barbour explores the leather patches synonymous with Barbour.

There's a complexity with brands exploring new trim styles, qualities and finishes. While both brands want a singular, recognisable, strong message that doesn’t confuse consumers, they’ll also want to create a lasting impression individually. But when we find the right balance, everything falls into place.

What do we expect to create for collaboration projects? The scope is almost limitless. Creating a memorable unboxing experience with bags, tissues, e-commerce packaging, swing tags and trims is an obvious place to start. Sometimes, we venture into collectable merch, such as badges, patches or custom canvas bags.

Realisation Par X Elvis Presley: A Weavabel Collaboration

We partnered with Realisation Par on their latest launch, a collaboration with Elvis Presley. We created a unique range of boxes, poly bags, swing tags and woven labels that showcased the classic style infused with Elvis to create a product experience like no other. 

Here’s what our Premium Account Coordinator, Flora Raby, had to say:

“The Realisation Par x Elvis Presley (RP x EP) collaboration is the latest collab for the brand, having partnered with Claudia Schiffer, Elton John and David Bowie previously. The collection brings some new Realisation items in the signature look and style but with an infusion of Elvis. The collections often pay homage to the idols and reflect iconic images and symbols associated with the stars.

“For an account manager, the hardest part of collaborations is working to strict deadlines — often production lead times don’t like to work with this! One of the key considerations when working on a project like this is the time taken to get approval from both parties — it can involve lots of tweaks and changes. With many specific requirements from both sides, it has to be just right!"

“As a fan of both brands involved in this collaboration, I was thrilled to play a part in bringing this collection to life and I can wait to see unboxing videos on social media and how people style the end product.”

Branding for seasonal events

Seasonal or calendar events arrive at the same time every year, which makes it easier to plan for them.

For instance, brands typically start planning their Christmas packaging and trim projects as early as March-April, so the packaging is ready for distribution in October-November at the start of the season.

Again, the scope for custom designs is almost endless. Gift packaging will be a big part of the equation at this time of year, while e-commerce packaging will be essential for the busiest period of the year — Black Friday. Custom labels, swing tags or even premium trims could be a great addition.

An end-to-end branded experience

Launching a collaboration, seasonal campaign or themed range can be stressful. There are many moving parts, from the products you create to the packaging they’re shipped in.

At Weavabel, we simplify the process by offering you a wide range of sustainable packaging and trims using our stitch-to-store model.

After the designs are finalised and the packaging and trims have been produced, we’ll ship from any of our 10+ locations and deliver to exactly where you need them, whether that’s your manufacturers’ factories or your distribution centres.

Intrigued by the possibilities of custom branding?

Our Packaging Innovation Toolkit is the perfect place to start. You’ll find everything you need to kickstart your next custom packaging project. 

We’ll take you through some premium options and innovative textiles we’re working on. You can even request a custom range board filled with bespoke samples tailored to your brand. 

Interested? Click below to get yours.