How Much Time Is Required To Manufacture The Packaging?

How Much Time Is Required To Manufacture The Packaging?

Ever wondered why manufacturing sometimes takes days and sometimes months to get manufactured? Every manufacturer has its own lead time, depending on various factors such as packaging quantity, packaging styles, and the location where it is manufactured. 

In this detailed guide, we will dive deeper to understand why packaging manufacturing takes time and what the packaging lead time refers to. 

What is Packaging Lead Time?

Typically, packaging lead time refers to the manufacturing time that your manufacturer takes. However, there are also other factors that contribute to the packaging lead time. From the moment your design enters the packaging production process to the moment customers hold it in their hands. This is all included in the entire lead time for packaging.

Think of them as components as part of long supply chain management. Supply chain management is a term that describes the flow of goods from a supplier to a manufacturer, and then to a retailer, ultimately to the end consumers. Packaging is just one piece of the supply chain puzzle, and like every other step in that chain, it comes with its own lead time.

Different Types of Packaging Lead Times

Packaging lead time also depends on the type of packaging style you order. Below are some of the box and packaging types with their packaging lead time from the various regions:

  • Folding Cartons
  • US turnaround time: 3-5 weeks
  • Semi-Domestic (Canada, Mexico) turnaround time: 3-5 weeks
  • Overseas (China, India) turnaround time: 6-15 weeks
  • Corrugated Boxes
  • US turnaround time: 3days-2 weeks
  • Semi-Domestic (Canada, Mexico) turnaround time: 1-2 weeks
  • Overseas (China, India) turnaround time: 5-10 weeks
  • Poly Bags
  • US turnaround time: 2-4 weeks
  • Semi-Domestic (Canada, Mexico) turnaround time: 3-6 weeks
  • Overseas (China, India) turnaround time: 6-12 weeks
  • Labels
  • US turnaround time: 1-2 weeks
  • Semi-Domestic (Canada, Mexico) turnaround time: 1-2 weeks
  • Overseas (China, India) turnaround time: 4-6 weeks
  • Rigid Boxes
  • US turnaround time: 2-6 weeks
  • Semi-Domestic (Canada, Mexico) turnaround time: 4-6 weeks
  • Overseas (China, India) turnaround time: 6-15 weeks

Please note that these times only include the manufacturing time that manufacturers take during the packaging production process. What they don’t cover are the other lead times you’ll deal with as a packaging buyer. And the truth is, those timelines can stretch even further when unexpected situations pop up.

How To Determine Packaging Lead Time?

As mentioned before, the packaging lead time is influenced by various factors, ranging from concepting ideas to designing, and from material selection to manufacturing. It might seem simple, but it is not.

Concept

From the moment you think that you need a certain packaging for your product, the packaging lead time starts from that very moment, as you will be researching how to hire a packaging manufacturer for your job. Once you have found the proper box manufacturer, you will go on to the next step, which is designing.

Designing

Now, it's time to collaborate with your packaging manufacturer to start designing an artwork that complements both your brand and product. In designing, you need to consider factors such as whether you’re using a single solid color scheme, known as Pantone (PMS), or a full color/four-color scheme, referred to as the CMYK color system. Also, if you already have existing artwork for your box, you can begin with that too, and the manufacturing experts will see if it is a print-ready file or not.

Box Style Selection

Box style selection is considered to be the most essential part of your packaging journey. Why? Because it helps determine how your packaging will look in real time. The selection of your box style depends on the type of product you want to store in it. For example, if you’re in a retail business, then the tuck end is the most viable option for you. Or if you want your product to look sleek, professional, and luxurious at the same time, then using custom drawer box packaging is what you need. 

Not sure about which packaging style will suit your product the most. No worries, you can always take help from the experts.

Material Selection

Once the box style is sorted, the next big decision is choosing the right material. This step sets the tone for durability, quality, and overall customer perception. For example, lightweight cardstock might work fine for smaller retail items, while corrugated board is ideal for shipping and keeping products safe in transit. If your focus is on luxury, rigid stock could be the best match. 

Material selection also impacts print quality and finishing options, so it’s not just about sturdiness, but presentation too. At this stage, you’ll weigh factors like product weight, budget, and brand image. And if you’re not completely sure, your packaging manufacturer can guide you toward the material that aligns with both function and appearance.

Manufacturing Process

After finalizing the design and materials, the real production begins. This stage is where your ideas turn into physical packaging. The manufacturer will prepare the printing plates, set up the machines, and run quality checks before mass production. Depending on the techniques chosen. Whether it’s offset, digital, or flexographic printing, the process and turnaround time can vary. 

Additional finishes such as embossing, foil stamping, or spot UV coating may also extend the timeline slightly but add a premium feel to the boxes. Once printing is complete, the sheets are cut, folded, and glued into your chosen style. Finally, a quality inspection ensures everything meets standards before your packaging is shipped out and ready for use.

Packaging Lead  Time Check List:

Have you really thought about what goes into your packaging lead time? It’s not just the number your manufacturer gives you. Here are the key steps to factor in when figuring out your overall timeline:

  • Graphics Design Time: Creating or finalizing the artwork for your packaging.
  • Prototyping: Developing custom samples to see how your packaging looks and feels.
  • Testing Time: Verifying the prototype's fit, strength, and presentation.
  • Preproduction Time: Making the tooling, reviewing artwork, and scheduling production.
  • Production Time: The actual manufacturing lead time from your packaging supplier.
  • Postproduction Time: Quality checks, packing, and palletizing your finished boxes.
  • Freight to Fulfillment: Shipping your packaging to the facility where it’ll be filled.
  • Fulfillment Time: Inserting your product into the packaging.
  • Freight to Distributor/Retailer: Moving finished goods to your sales channels.

Final Thoughts 

The packaging turnaround time begins with the manufacturing process, which can take up to 5-7 days. However, the above process typically takes 2-3 days, resulting in an average packaging lead time of 1-2 weeks. Also, note that the packaging lead time also varies depending on the type of box style you choose to work with.