Help! My Packaging’s a Disaster

Written By Kirsty Holton

We’ve all heard the horror stories.

  • Labels that won’t apply on the production line 😭

  • Materials that crease before the product even makes it to shelf

  • Designs that look stunning on screen but completely flop in real life

It’s frustrating. Costly. And honestly, a bit heartbreaking. Especially when it’s your first launch and you’ve poured everything into it.

But here’s the thing. Most packaging disasters? Totally avoidable.

Here are three simple ways to sidestep the chaos and save yourself the stress.

1. Talk to Your Bottler or Co-Packer

They’re not just there to fill bottles. They know their production line inside out and if your labels don’t fit or your material’s a nightmare to apply, they’re the ones who will see it first.

So check the basics: size, shape, material, placement.

Even better, ask your printer for blank labels and do a test run.

2. Get Your Printer Involved Early

Printers aren’t just suppliers. They’re problem solvers, and honestly, they know way more about materials and finishes than most designers, yes, even me.

Bring them in before you’ve locked everything down. The right stock or finish can completely transform how your packaging looks and feels.

And trust me, a good printer wants it to be spot on just as much as you do.

3. Work with people who get packaging

Here’s the truth. Pretty isn’t enough.

Packaging has to function. That means:

  • it prints well

  • it applies cleanly

  • it survives real-life handling

  • and it still holds its own next to a wall of competitors

Every detail matters. Because packaging isn’t decoration. It’s a powerful sales tool.

Here’s the deal

If you want your launch to go smoothly, you need more than a nice design file. You need packaging that actually works in the real world.

That comes down to three things: talking to your bottler, looping in your printer, and working with a team who knows how to bring your packaging to life.

Do those, and you’ll dodge a lot of the horror stories floating around in founder WhatsApp chats!

 

Ready to create packaging that’s impossible to ignore?

Let’s bring your next idea to life, from concept to shelf.

Kirsty Holton
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Behind the Design: Sip Studio x Pavari