The mould comes later.

Packaging is often the customer's first encounter with a product - which means it sets the tone. 

But before the mould takes shape, many things have to fall into place. Ideas must be honed. Materials must be chosen. Designs must be thought through.

In this guide, we look at what happens on the way to the finished product. How idea, material and design together shape what eventually becomes a package - and how the right choices from the start lead to thoughtful and sustainable packaging solutions.

From idea to form

Designing packaging is a process that starts long before lines are drawn and measurements are taken. The process does not start in a CAD programme. It starts with an idea.

What should be conveyed? What should be felt? What should the customer experience at first contact?

As a packaging manufacturer, we know that early decisions are crucial. They're the ones that set the direction for an idea that lasts all the way, from first sketch to finished product.

When the material sets the direction

Paper, cardboard, fabric, leather or plastic - the material influences the feel, function and look of your packaging, making it an experience rather than just a protection. 

In the creation of a package, the choice of material is of course important. At Hässlers, we are experts in customised packaging where the material sets the direction. We work with three types of solutions to create exclusive packaging:

Lined packaging also known as rigid boxes, usually consist of a cardboard core that is then covered with a finer material inside and out. There are almost no limitations when creating lined packaging, and you have the option of adding magnets and fabric bands, for example.

Folded packaging are usually made from thicker cardboard that is then die-cut and folded. A folding box is a simpler product than a clad box, with the advantage of being easy to store and transport.

Cemented packaging are held together without glue. The pages are stapled together with a staple. You can add effects such as embossing and foiling, and if you dress the sheet, you can also add colour printing and finer materials. If you want an environmentally conscious yet stable package, this is an excellent choice.

To take advantage of all our materials and opportunities, we recommend that you book a session with one of our project managers. The best thing is if you can come by us in Länna, many materials can look quite similar but feel different. And the feeling is important!

Precision in every fold

In the next step, the packaging takes shape. Once the material is chosen, it needs to be processed to avoid cracking or breaking. 

When working with paper materials, there are a few crucial steps. The creasing, scoring and punching that control how the package folds, holds and works in practice: 

  • groove A crease is a cut-out groove on the inside of the paper that allows the package to be folded at 90 degrees. Other variants, such as the U-groove, are used to give the paper a flexible hinge, for example for folders or binders.
  • Zips In contrast to the groove, a score is made in the outside of the cardboard. It is a cut line that does not go all the way through the cardboard but leaves enough material to hold the construction together.
  • Punching Packaging die-cutting is a mechanical process of cutting, creasing and sometimes perforating material (cardboard, corrugated board or coated board) into a precise shape.

Want to know more about the process from idea and message to finished product? Find out more here! 

Manufacturing is where it all happens

Although the process starts much earlier, it is in the manufacturing that everything is decided. When we produce your packaging in our own production facility in the Czech Republic - well, that's when the idea becomes reality. 

To get a better insight into how the co-operation with us works in practice, we have set up our work process in 4 clear points, where you can clearly see how our production process works, and what is expected from both parties in the co-operation. 

 

We are here for you! 

What do you want your packaging to say? At Hasslers, we're not just a packaging manufacturer, but a craft house where ideas take shape, structure and character.

Since 1982, we have helped many small and large customers create unique products. Would you like to know more about how we can help you create printed packaging? Don't hesitate to get in touch!