Packaging & Compliance
Packaging does two jobs at once and they pull in different directions. It has to sell the product from four feet away on a crowded shelf, and it has to satisfy a set of regulatory and retailer requirements that leave less room than designers expect. Founders who design for the first job and handle the second as an afterthought usually end up reprinting.
The compliance layer is unforgiving and specific. Nutrition panels, allergen declarations, net weight placement, and claim substantiation all have rules, and individual retailers layer their own requirements on top. Certifications — organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher — each carry cost, lead time, and audit obligations that are worth evaluating against whether your buyer or shopper actually cares.
These posts cover designing packaging that works on a retail shelf rather than a screen, adapting DTC packaging for wholesale, label compliance and claims, choosing certifications worth paying for, and the printing and materials decisions that determine unit cost at emerging-brand volumes.
All 11 articles
Woman-Owned and Ethical Certification on Packaging
Learn how to add woman-owned and ethical certifications to your CPG packaging. Covers which badges matter, how to get certified, and design best practices.
How to Design PR Boxes That Win Influencer Gifting
Learn how to design PR boxes for influencer gifting that actually get posted. Covers packaging partners, unboxing strategy, budget options, and brand storytelling.
Premium Label Finishes That Make CPG Products Stand Out
Explore premium label finishes for CPG brands, from foil stamping to spot UV and textured stocks. Find vendors and cost-effective ways to elevate shelf appeal.
Common CPG Packaging Design Mistakes That Hurt Sales
The biggest packaging design mistakes CPG brands make, from shelf readability to production limits and dieline discipline, plus how to fix each before you print.
How to Get Fast, Affordable Printing for CPG Packaging
Need quick turnaround printing for CPG packaging on a startup budget? Learn where to find fast printers, prep print-ready files, and cut costs on small runs.
Packaging Hierarchy, How to Design for Retail Shelf Impact
Learn packaging hierarchy for retail shelf impact, from the three-second test to color blocking, so your product wins the glance and gets picked up.
How to Find Low MOQ Packaging Manufacturers for CPG
Learn how to find and vet low MOQ packaging manufacturers for pouches, custom boxes, inserts, and labels, plus how to negotiate smaller minimum order quantities.
A CPG Founder's Guide to Sustainable Packaging
A practical guide to sustainable packaging materials for CPG brands, covering PCR, mono-material, compostable options, suppliers, trade-offs, and defensible claims.
How to Meet Quebec French Packaging Laws for CPG Brands
Quebec French packaging laws under Bill 96 are in effect. Here is exactly what US CPG brands must change on the label to sell in Canada and Quebec.
AI vs Agencies for CPG Packaging Design Decisions
AI vs agency for CPG packaging design. A founder framework on cost, quality, dielines, and regulatory panels, plus when AI helps and when it fails.
How to Meet FDA Labeling Compliance for CPG Products
Learn how to meet FDA labeling compliance for CPG products, including nutrition facts panels, serving size rules, allowed claims, and professional label audits.