The cost of custom food packaging depends on the product, packaging format and production requirements. A snack brand ordering printed flexible packaging will have different requirements from a business needing another format, material structure or production process.
There is no single price per unit that applies to every custom food packaging project. The most useful way to understand the cost is to look at the factors that influence the quotation and consider them alongside the volumes your business expects to produce.
There is no standard price per unit for custom food packaging. The cost depends on factors including the packaging format, material structure, dimensions, printing requirements, order quantity and production requirements. When comparing quotations, food brands should check that they are comparing the same packaging specification and understand which services are included. The most accurate way to establish the cost is to provide a packaging supplier with the product requirements and expected volumes so they can prepare a project-specific quotation.
What affects the cost of custom food packaging?
The packaging specification is one of the main factors that determines the overall cost.
Different products require different packaging structures and formats. A food brand may need a stand-up pouch, flow wrap, flat-bottom bag or another flexible packaging format, with the material and dimensions selected around the product and its requirements.
Printing is also part of the overall packaging specification, with different print processes and colour requirements available depending on the project.
Other factors to consider include:
- Packaging format
- Material structure
- Pack dimensions
- Printing requirements
- Number of SKUs
- Order quantity
- Production requirements
- Packing method
UFP provides a range of flexible packaging formats and production methods, including VFFS, HFFS and ready-made pouches.
Does ordering more packaging reduce the cost per unit?
Production volume is an important part of understanding packaging costs.
A business ordering packaging for a larger production run has different requirements from a food brand producing smaller quantities. The cost per unit therefore needs to be considered alongside the total quantity being produced and the packaging specification.
It is also worth considering how much packaging the business can realistically use and store. A lower unit price needs to be considered alongside the amount of stock being committed and the wider requirements of the business.
For a growing food brand, discussing expected production volumes with the packaging supplier helps establish the most appropriate production approach for the project.
UFP operates more than 20 production lines and provides flexible packaging alongside contract packing services.
What should you compare when reviewing packaging quotations?
Comparing only the price per unit can make it difficult to understand why two packaging quotations differ.
Before choosing a supplier, check that the quotations are based on comparable specifications and understand what is included in each proposal.
Businesses should consider:
- Packaging material and structure
- Pack size and format
- Printing specification
- Quantity quoted
- Production requirements
- Delivery arrangements
- Storage requirements
- Additional services included
UFP provides printing using flexographic and rotogravure processes, with current capabilities of up to 10 colours.
UFP also provides storage and delivery alongside its packaging and contract packing services.
Looking at the wider service alongside the unit price can give a more useful picture of the overall packaging requirement.
How can UFP help with custom food packaging?
The packaging specification needs to be considered alongside the product, expected volumes and production requirements.
UFP provides flexible packaging, printing and contract packing, allowing food businesses to discuss several parts of their packaging requirements with one supplier. Its operation includes more than 20 production lines supporting a range of packaging and production requirements.
For food and snack brands, the conversation can cover packaging format and specification alongside printing, packing, storage and delivery requirements.
Rather than relying on a generic price per unit, UFP can assess the specific requirements of a project and provide a quotation based on the packaging specification and expected volumes.
Looking for a quotation for custom food packaging?
Discuss your packaging requirements with UFP