How much does it cost to make custom packaging?

The cost of custom packaging varies because every box is made to the brand’s exact requirements. Instead of giving fixed prices, it’s more accurate to explain which factors make packaging more cost-effective and which make it more premium.

Below is a clear breakdown for customers:

Lower-cost options:

• Folding cartons (paperboard boxes)
  Simple structure, efficient production, lightweight.

Higher-cost options:

• Rigid boxes (gift boxes, perfume boxes)
  Built with thick boards and manual wrapping.

• Magnetic closure boxes
  More complex construction.

• Drawer / slide boxes
  Require more material and labor.

• Special-shape boxes
  Custom die-cuts and extra handwork.

• Smaller boxes use less material and are more cost-effective.

• Larger boxes require more paper, more board, and more printing area, so they cost more.

Even small changes in size can influence material usage and labor time.

More cost-effective:

• Standard paperboard for folding cartons

• Common coated papers for wrapping

More premium (higher cost):

• Thick greyboard for rigid boxes

• Specialty papers (textured paper, metallic paper, fabric-like paper)

• Heavier or reinforced materials for luxury products

The thicker or more unique the material, the higher the cost.

More cost-effective:

• Standard CMYK printing

• Smaller printed areas

Higher cost:

• Special colors (PMS spot colors)

• Full-coverage dark backgrounds

• Complex or multiple print passes

More ink usage and additional color matching increase production cost.

More cost-effective:

• Standard matte lamination

• Gloss lamination

• Basic varnish

Higher cost:

• Foil stamping (gold, silver, holographic, etc.)

• Embossing / debossing

• Soft-touch (velvet matte) lamination

• Spot UV or 3D UV

• Texture / linen finishes

The more premium the surface finish — or the larger the applied area — the higher the cost.

More cost-effective:

• Paperboard inserts

• Molded pulp inserts

Higher cost:

• EVA foam inserts

• High-density foam

• Velvet-wrapped inserts

• Plastic trays (varies by region and material)

Thicker, softer, or fabric-covered inserts require more material and more labor.

• Low quantities have a higher cost per unit because setup fees and labor can’t be spread out.

• Higher quantities reduce the cost per unit significantly due to production efficiency.

Volume is one of the biggest cost-saving factors.

The cost of custom packaging depends on:

• Box structure

• Size

• Material

• Printing method

• Surface finishing

• Insert type

• Order quantity

Simple structures, basic materials, and minimal finishes = more cost-effective.
Rigid boxes, thick materials, premium finishes, and foam inserts = higher cost.