Beyond the Box: A Deep Dive into Packaging Innovators Reshaping Modern Commerce

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, packaging has evolved far beyond its traditional purpose. It’s no longer just a functional container for products. Instead, it has become a platform for innovation, creativity, and a potent tool for brand enhancement. Four companies—Packlane, Roastar, Savor Brands, and Grounded Packaging —have risen above the rest, reshaping how businesses approach their branding and packaging needs. They don’t just offer boxes and bags; they provide businesses with an opportunity to make a strong first impression, tell their brand story, and champion sustainability. These packaging innovators discover how they’re reshaping an essential aspect of modern commerce.

Packlane is not your average packaging company. While many focus solely on the practical aspect of packaging, Packlane takes a different approach. They see packaging as an opportunity—a canvas for creative expression that can elevate your brand and captivate your customers. With many options, including custom mailer boxes, product boxes, shipping boxes, pouches, and various packaging accessories, Packlane offers a one-stop solution for businesses looking to leave a lasting impression.

Ben Grant, CEO & co-founder of Grounded Packaging

What truly sets Packlane apart is its commitment to empowering its customers. They are the only company to provide a custom design lab, live preview, and instant quote features. This means you don’t just get a box; you get a platform to bring your creative vision to life. Whether you’re a well-established brand or a start-up, Packlane ensures that the design and ordering process is both efficient and accessible. It’s no wonder that over 25,000 brands, including industry giants like Red Bull, L’Oréal, HP, and The New York Times, trust Packlane with their packaging needs.

Packlane takes pride in delivering your custom packaging within a competitive 10-business day timeframe. For those seeking even swifter service, a rush option exists, promising a 7-business day turnaround. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that these timeframes exclude transit duration, which varies between 1 to 7 business days depending on your location. This detail underscores Packlane’s commitment to accommodating a wide range of customer needs and timelines.

With their speedy service, Packlane sets a minimum order requirement at 5,000 units to qualify for volume discounts. The cost structure for your custom packaging is influenced by several factors, including the packaging dimensions, box style, ink coverage, box material, and the quantity ordered. Generally, larger quantities lead to substantial savings, elaborates the cost-effectiveness of ordering in bulk. Packlane guarantees that your order will come within a range of plus or minus 10% of the specified quantity, offering customers a level of flexibility to account for minor variations in their packaging needs.

To top it off, Packlane provides an invaluable service: a free expedited reprint on orders lost in transit, ensuring peace of mind for orders equal to or less than $250 in value. This added assurance exemplifies their commitment to customer satisfaction and protection against unforeseen shipping mishaps. Leslie Voorhees, Founder and CEO of Anomalie, attests to Packlane’s remarkable value, stating that she hasn’t found a company that can beat them in terms of speed, quality, and price. This blend of affordability and quality has made Packlane a game-changer for many businesses.

“When I discovered Packlane, it was a game changer.”-Taylor West, Co-Owner of Father Time Bread, supporter of Packlane

“With the online builder allowing for quick mock-ups in full CMYK colors and the ability to order as few as one box, the barriers to entry are virtually non-existent,” West added. Packlane has redefined not only the packaging industry but also how businesses approach branding. They have turned packaging from a mundane necessity into an exciting opportunity for creativity, unboxing experiences, and brand elevation.

Roastar is not just your ordinary packaging provider; it’s your partner in making your brand memorable. When you choose Roastar, you’re choosing to make your packaging an extension of your brand, a tool for captivating your customers and making a statement in the market. As Taylor West notes, “it only gets better” with Roastar.

When it comes to custom-printed packaging, Roastar stands out as a premier choice. Their commitment to quality and innovation makes them a go-to source for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to leave a lasting impression. Roastar’s offerings are designed to meet the unique needs of a wide range of industries, from coffee to specialty foods, and they make even small businesses appear like major players.

One of the standout features that sets Roastar apart is their low minimum order requirement, starting as low as 500 units. This allows businesses to be agile in responding to changing market demands without getting bogged down by large order quantities. Moreover, Roastar boasts the fastest turnaround in the industry once your artwork and proofs are approved, with lead times as low as five business days. They also go the extra mile by offering press proofs, ensuring that your brand’s colors and designs are precisely as you envisioned.

Roastar’s dedication to helping businesses shine is further evident in their commitment to custom-printing. They can apply your unique artwork across the full surface of their professional-grade packaging, creating a big-league look that captures your brand’s essence from every angle. Their digital printing capabilities allow for variable data printing, meaning you can incorporate serial numbers, scannable barcodes, or diverse images to make your brand truly stand out.

What’s more, Roastar manufactures all their custom packaging in the USA, leveraging the latest digital printing technology and the industry’s fastest turnaround times to ensure complete satisfaction. They take pride in being the premiere packaging partner for various companies, including Dark Matter Coffee, Frog Friendly Coffee, Craft Elixirs, and Fire Dept. Coffee.

“It’s not just about packaging; it’s about making your brand stand out. Roastar understands that first impressions matter, and they help you make a strong one.”- Will Reif, President of Roastar

Savor Brands, on the other hand, isn’t just a packaging company; it’s a gateway to elevating your brand to the next level. They’ve mastered the art of crafting custom packaging that’s easy on production, captures the attention of consumers, and protects your product with unwavering commitment. For Savor Brands, packaging is not a mere formality; it’s a canvas for creativity and innovation.

One of the standout features of Savor Brands is their unwavering attention to detail. They believe that every nuance, from how your package shines on the shelf to how it catches a customer’s eye, matters. Their refusal to take shortcuts and obsession with perfection shines through in every package they create.

Savor Brands is a company driven by innovation, always seeking the perfect mix of substrate, ink, and design for your package. They take pride in pushing the envelope and staying at the forefront of the newest printing and finishing techniques. Their Pono bag, with its heat-sensitive ink that reacts to temperature changes, is a prime example of their pioneering spirit. Savor Brands is not just committed to providing quality packaging; they’re committed to pushing the boundaries of packaging design itself.

As one of their founders put it, “We love what we do and never compromise when it comes to quality. For more than 15 years, we’ve provided award-winning packaging that’s beautiful, functional, and anything but ordinary.”

Through their Zero Waste Coffee Packaging, Savor Brands ensures that every bag collected is recycled, contributing to a sustainable future. The Pono bag, which offers a custom-printed coffee bag and innovative cold brew pouch, stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Savor Brands is dedicated to providing the best possible service to their customers and improving it every day. They understand that products and packages change, but their commitment to happy customers remains unwavering. When it comes to packaging, Savor Brands is where quality meets innovation, resulting in packaging that’s not just good—it’s extraordinary.

Ben Grant the CEO or co-founder of Grounded Packaging talks about an exploration of the inception of Grounded Packaging. While officially founded in 2020, the roots of the company date back to 2018. Grant explains, “We started in 2018, but we only launched in 2020. The reason we embarked on this journey was my prior experience as a restaurant owner. Through the process of owning and operating restaurants, I realized how much packaging material flows through a commercial supply chain and how poorly it’s managed.”

Grant envisions the company focusing on the next generation of material science and technology, particularly in the realm of flexible packaging. He adds, “Our primary focus is on flexible packaging – items that can be scrunched up into a ball, such as products you find in supermarkets, vacuum pouches for proteins, and fashion and apparel.”

In the context of the packaging industry post-COVID-19, Grant states the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He notes, “The pandemic has reshaped the packaging landscape. Businesses now recognize the importance of sustainable packaging more than ever before. There’s a growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions.”

As for the challenges faced since their inception, “Competing against plastics is challenging,” he acknowledges. “Plastics have been deeply embedded in every supply chain and production process for decades. They are incredibly functional and cost-effective. Our challenge is to offer sustainable alternatives that match the functionality of plastics.”

Grant reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Grounded Packaging. “We started just before COVID-19 hit, and it’s been one challenge after another. But we’ve been fortunate to grow strongly since our launch. We’ve been inundated with inquiries, as there is a growing interest in sustainable packaging solutions.”

Grounded Packaging’s values are deeply rooted in sustainability. Grant highlights their commitment to being a B Corp and their relentless pursuit of transparency. “We’re very transparent about the pros and cons of various materials,” he says. This transparency underscores their unique approach to addressing sustainability concerns., “Customers want to know where their packaging comes from and how it’s made.” Companies now provide detailed information about material sourcing and production, building trust and guiding consumers toward eco-conscious choices.

When asked about the most valuable lesson learned since the company’s inception, Grant speaks of the need for patience and resilience. “It’s crucial to make decisions based on data, not guesswork,” he stresses. Their data-driven approach sets them apart, guiding them toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

The circular economy concept is gaining momentum, as Grant points out, “Instead of the traditional linear approach of ‘take, make, dispose,’ companies are moving toward a circular model.” This transformative model designs products and packaging for reuse and recycling, reducing waste and conserving resources. Simultaneously, technology is becoming a critical component of sustainable packaging. Grant highlights, “Technology enables businesses to track and manage their packaging materials more efficiently.” The integration of data analytics and supply chain software optimizes material usage and minimizes waste.

Grant points out, “The pandemic has accelerated the shift toward sustainability. Consumers are now more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices. This is driving the packaging industry to adopt eco-friendly materials and practices.”

Grant’s perspective on competition in the sustainable packaging sector is insightful. “There aren’t many companies that combine packaging materials and technology like we do,” he notes. “While we compete in the flexible packaging space, our unique blend of materials and technology distinguishes us in the market.”

Grant reflects on the most significant mistake made by the company. “Trusting people too early in a relationship,” he admits, “taught us the importance of validating trust and ensuring that both parties are committed.”