How to Design Packaging for Bulk or Wholesale Products: A Guide for Business Owners

When it comes to packaging for bulk or wholesale products, it’s about much more than eye-catching design (although that’s certainly important). It’s about creating a solution that’s practical, cost-effective, and efficient for your business and your customers. And let’s face it, no one wants packaging that’s more trouble than it’s worth – especially when you’re dealing with large quantities. So, let’s break down the key considerations for designing packaging that does the heavy lifting for you.

1. Cost-Effectiveness is Everything

Let’s be honest – bulk packaging needs to be economical. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality for the sake of price. The trick is finding the right balance. At PHd Design, we’ve seen plenty of businesses get hung up on trying to cut costs too far, only to end up with packaging that doesn’t do its job.
Think about the material: corrugated cardboard often gets the thumbs-up for bulk packaging. It’s durable, affordable, and can handle the rigours of transport without falling apart. But don’t skimp on the overall design – your packaging should still reflect the quality of your product and brand. After all, cost-effective doesn’t have to mean low-effort.

2. The Practical Side: Safety First

While your bulk packaging has to look good, it also needs to protect your product. Whether you’re shipping bottles, bags, or something a little more fragile, your packaging should be tough enough to withstand the bumps and knocks of transportation.
It’s all about the design – get the dimensions right, use strong materials, and if necessary, include dividers or cushioning to ensure everything stays safe. As we’ve helped businesses like Lioncroft Wholesale (who had specific needs for bulk product packaging), we understand how essential it is to balance protection with practicality. Check out our work with Lioncroft Wholesale here. 

3. Space-Saving and Shelf Efficiency

Bulk products tend to take up more space, and that’s just something you need to deal with. But packaging doesn’t have to mean wasted space. In fact, great bulk packaging makes the most of the room you have available – both on shelves and in storage.
Look at stackability and efficiency. Is your packaging designed to fit neatly together? Can it be stored in a way that maximises space without causing any headaches? Bigger isn’t always better, but bigger can be effective if done right. Plus, don’t forget the importance of making your packaging easy to handle, store, and move around.

4. Sustainability – Because It Matters

Everyone’s talking about sustainability these days, and for good reason. Consumers, businesses, and even your competitors are starting to take a closer look at how packaging impacts the planet. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between eco-friendly and cost-effective – there are plenty of sustainable materials that are just as durable (and affordable) as the traditional options.
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, think about using recyclable or biodegradable materials. Not only will it help the environment, but it’ll also resonate with your customers who value sustainability.

5. Branding – Yes, It’s Still Important

When you’re designing bulk packaging, it’s easy to focus on the practical side and forget about your brand. But here’s the thing: your bulk packaging is still an extension of your brand. Just because you’re shipping products in large quantities doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim for recognition.
Make sure your logo, colours, and design elements are visible. Even if your packaging won’t sit on retail shelves, it will still be handled by people who need to know who you are. Whether it’s in a warehouse or at a distribution centre, you want your brand to stand out. After all, packaging is often the first touchpoint your customers will have with your product, so make it memorable.

6. The Customer Experience

Lastly, think about how your customer will interact with the packaging. Bulk packaging often gets opened in warehouses or distribution centres, but that doesn’t mean it should be a hassle. Consider ease of access – will your customer need scissors to open it, or will it slide open with ease?
Small touches, like a handle or resealable feature, can make all the difference in ensuring the packaging is as functional as it is attractive. Remember, great packaging is all about making the experience as smooth as possible for your customer.

At PHd Design, we’ve spent over 30 years helping businesses create packaging that not only works but shines. From the design process to practical considerations, we understand what makes packaging great. And if you’re in the wholesale or bulk business, we’ve got the know-how to help.For instance, our recent work with Lioncroft Wholesale involved designing packaging that was both practical and on-brand for their bulk products. The result? Packaging that’s functional, eye-catching, and cost-effective. Take a look at the full case study here.

If you’re looking to make sure your bulk packaging stands out for all the right reasons, let’s chat. After all, when packaging does its job, everyone wins – including your brand.

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Whether you’re building a new wholesale brand from scratch, or looking to refine your existing branding, we’ve got you covered. Let’s chat and see how we can help your business stand out.

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