The initial inquiry
A German pet supplies brand contacted Lume Packing through Alibaba while developing new packaging for its pet toys and leashes. The brand did not yet have a finished packaging design and needed support defining the structure, materials and visual direction.
The commercial target was an initial order of 5,000 pieces at a unit cost below US$1. At the same time, the customer expected sharp animal graphics, bright colour, a stable construction and enough product visibility for retail display.
Defining the structure within budget
We began by discussing product dimensions, the intended retail presentation, budget and preferred packaging style. We shared relevant examples and proposed a windowed carton so shoppers could see the pet product before opening the pack.
Instead of a lighter 250–350 gsm paperboard, we recommended 600 gsm paper card. The heavier stock provided greater rigidity and helped the carton retain its shape during filling, transport and display while remaining compatible with the target price.
Coordinating structure and artwork
Lume Packing prepared the structural model around the product dimensions. The customer supplied its logo, and we explored colour combinations and graphic directions that could suit the brand.
After several concept rounds, the customer involved its specialist design team for the final artwork. We supplied the confirmed model and structural information so the designers could build the graphics accurately around the carton. The design phase lasted approximately one month, with ongoing discussion about structure, price, delivery and print performance.
Colour approval before production
Because the animal illustrations needed to look clear and vivid, we reviewed how the artwork should be reproduced on the selected paper card and prepared a dedicated printed colour sample.
The customer approved the physical print sample before mass production. This separated colour approval from the full production run and reduced the risk of an unexpected result across 5,000 pieces.
FSC material and production
The European brand required FSC-certified material. We quoted the corresponding 600 gsm paper-card option and confirmed the final dimensions, window construction, artwork and production schedule after the design phase.
The finished cartons combined product visibility, structural strength and colourful shelf presentation while staying within the customer's commercial target.
A continuing partnership
Following the first production run, the customer continued to reorder approximately once a year. Clear communication, retained production specifications and print approval have supported consistency across repeat orders.
For Lume Packing, the project demonstrates how structural guidance, honest budget planning and controlled colour approval can turn an early inquiry without finished artwork into a repeat-order packaging program.
