Digital packaging prototypes are fully functional stand up pouches, flat pouches, or spouted pouches that are digitally printed. The prototype is made by an industrial digital printer where each side of the bag, with artwork and any features that the client has requested, are separately printed out. The design is then converted to a 3 dimensional prototype form. The end result is a fully functional stand up pouch.

Packaging prototypes are becoming a vital part of a company’s new package development process. The typical new package development process involves many steps:

• Multiple design concepts
• Internal review
• Focus group review
• Consumer review
• Retail and regional test market review

In order for these reviews to be successful, the company needs packaging that clearly reflects their brand image while protecting what’s inside. If a company comes to these reviews with packaging less than perfect, there’s a huge chance the entire project will be sent back to the drawing board. With digital prototype packaging, companies now have the ability to produce as few as one package. There is no better way to fully test out a new product or a new package than a packaging prototype. These digital prototypes start out around $400 per piece. The MOQ for custom printed packaging is 5,000. Investing in a digitally printed pouch lets you invest just in what you need.  No cylinders are required.  This can save you $1500 to $3500 for a product that might have changes to the packaging before it launches.  It reduces the risk of investing in cylinders that might change before the product goes to market. It is a no brainer which option is cheaper in the short and long term.

Remember, it’s all about the first impression.  You have a few seconds to grab the attention of a buyer or consumer.  Having an amateur prototype (all cut/pasted/stickered up) implies that the product inside is of lesser quality or value.  Having a fully printed, professional looking package gives the impression of success and confidence in the product.

Another major advantage of digital prototype packaging is time. Digitally printed prototypes can be completed in as few as 4 days with approved artwork. It is impossible to produce traditionally custom printed stand up pouches in that time. If there is an event coming up soon and the packaging is critical (hint: it ALWAYS is), packaging prototypes are your answer. Time is money and when you get that meeting with a buyer, distributor or potential client, you need to be ready. 

If you are in charge of any part of the package design process, you know how important every single detail to the packaging is. To effectively align with your brand’s identity, the packaging must reflect 100% of the brand’s image. A lot of this directly correlates with the packaging design. Being able to see what your design looks like without spending thousands of dollars on an entire run makes digital prototypes a package designer’s dream come true.