Choosing the right bespoke packaging services is about more than just getting a box made. It’s about design accuracy, cost control, brand presentation, and a smooth process from idea to delivery.
For UK businesses, especially those scaling in e-commerce, food, retail, or manufacturing, bespoke packaging can reduce shipping costs, protect products better, and strengthen brand perception. This guide explains what bespoke packaging services include, how the process works step by step, and how UPAC manages everything under one roof.
What Are Bespoke Packaging Services?
Bespoke packaging services involve the custom design and manufacture of packaging tailored to your exact product, brand, and logistics needs.
Instead of choosing off-the-shelf boxes, bespoke packaging is created to match:
- Your product dimensions
- Your branding and print requirements
- Your protection and sustainability goals
- Your budget and order volumes
At UPAC, bespoke packaging is handled as a complete service, not just a print job.
What’s Included in Bespoke Packaging Services?
1. Design & Structural Planning
The process starts with understanding:
- Product size, weight, and fragility
- How the product is packed, shipped, and stored
- Branding requirements and unboxing experience
This ensures the box is structurally sound and cost-efficient, not oversized or over-engineered.
2. Prototyping & Sampling
Before full production, prototypes or samples can be created to:
- Test fit and protection
- Check folding, closure, and stacking
- Review print placement and finishes
This step reduces costly mistakes during bulk manufacturing.
3. Printing & Branding
Bespoke packaging allows full control over how your brand appears:
- Logo placement
- Colour accuracy
- Internal and external print
- White-top board for sharper, more vibrant colours
UPAC supports both simple one-colour branding and complex multi-colour designs.
4. Manufacture
Once approved, packaging moves into production using:
- High-quality corrugated board
- Consistent material grades
- Repeatable manufacturing standards
This ensures every box performs the same, order after order.
5. Delivery & Ongoing Supply
Finished packaging is delivered directly to your site or warehouse. For repeat customers, UPAC can support:
- Scheduled reorders
- Consistent specifications
- Scalable volumes as your business grows
The Fastest Way to Get a Quote: UPAC’s Online Custom Box Builder
The quickest way to start your bespoke packaging project is by using the online Custom Box Builder on UPAC.co.uk. This digital request tool removes guesswork and speeds up quoting.
What You’ll Need to Provide
1. Box Style
Choose a standard box style or FEFCO code, such as:
- 0201 – Standard flap box
- 0427 – Pizza-style or mailer box
2. Dimensions
Provide internal dimensions in:
- mm, cm, or inches
Accuracy here helps avoid wasted space and unnecessary cost.
3. Material & Colour
Options typically include:
- Standard brown board
- White-top board, ideal for premium branding where colours need to stand out
Once submitted, the UPAC team reviews your request and prepares a tailored quote.
Submitting Your Artwork to UPAC
If your packaging includes print, artwork submission is a key step.
Accepted File Formats
- Vector (preferred): AI, EPS, SVG
- Other formats: High-resolution PDF, PNG, JPG
Vector files ensure the sharpest print results at any scale.
File Size
- Upload files up to 50MB directly through the UPAC quote form
Artwork Review & Approval
UPAC’s in-house graphic design team checks every file for printability. This includes:
- Colour setup
- Bleed and margins
- Resolution and alignment
Before production begins, you’ll receive an electronic soft-proof for approval. Nothing goes to print until you’re happy.
If you don’t have print-ready files, UPAC’s designers can assist with artwork preparation.
Lead Times & Approvals
Lead times for bespoke packaging depend on:
- Complexity of design
- Print requirements
- Order volume
Typical stages include:
- Quote & specification confirmation
- Artwork submission and approval
- Production
- Delivery
Clear approvals at each stage keep timelines predictable and avoid delays.
In-House vs Outsourced Bespoke Packaging Services
Many suppliers outsource parts of the process, which can lead to miscommunication and delays.
UPAC’s approach:
- Centralised project management
- In-house design support
- Clear communication from quote to delivery
This streamlined model reduces errors and speeds up turnaround times.
How UPAC Manages the Full Bespoke Packaging Process
UPAC acts as a single packaging partner, handling:
- Consultation and design guidance
- Digital quoting via the Custom Box Builder
- Artwork checks and soft-proofing
- Manufacturing and delivery
This end-to-end service makes bespoke packaging accessible even for businesses ordering custom packaging for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Bespoke packaging services are not just about aesthetics. Done correctly, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen your brand at every touchpoint.
If you’re looking for reliable bespoke packaging services in the UK, UPAC offers a fast, transparent, and professionally managed process from concept to completion.
Request bespoke packaging services: Customise Package
