Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hibiscus do differently from a typical packaging vendor or design studio?

Hibiscus is a packaging consulting studio that sits at the intersection of structural design, material innovation, and process efficiency. We don’t just design or produce packaging—we build systems that scale, cut waste, and deliver on aesthetics, performance, and sustainability goals

Do you manufacture packaging or only consult?

We do not manufacture packaging ourselves. Instead, we provide structural design, material guidance, and process optimization, then help you prototype and transition into production—either with your existing vendors or through recommended partners.

Can you work with our current vendors or design teams?

Yes. We frequently collaborate with in-house teams, external designers, or current packaging vendors. Our work complements existing relationships by improving performance, cost, or sustainability across the board.

What types of clients do you work with?

Our clients include D2C brands, FMCG companies, luxury goods producers, contract manufacturers, and creative agencies seeking packaging expertise. Whether you're scaling up or rethinking existing formats, we tailor our approach to your context.

What’s the typical duration of a consulting engagement?

Project timelines vary based on complexity, but most consulting projects range between 2 to 6 weeks. For structural redesigns, audits, or material advisory, we work in parallel with your internal schedules to avoid launch delays.

What is structural packaging design and why is it important?

Structural packaging involves engineering the physical form and functionality of your pack—balancing protection, material use, user experience, and supply chain requirements. Good structure reduces cost, prevents damage, and enhances shelf presence.

Can you improve an existing pack’s structure without changing branding?

Yes. We specialize in optimizing existing formats to improve performance, reduce material waste, or enhance logistics—without requiring a full brand overhaul.

What is pack format optimization?

Pack format optimization means evaluating your product’s on-shelf presence, channel requirements, and competitive positioning to determine the best format—whether it’s a pouch, box, sleeve, or something else. The goal is to align format with function, brand, and market.

What does a packaging audit include?

A packaging audit involves reviewing your packaging SKUs, costs, specifications, sourcing partners, logistics workflows, and wastage. We identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and areas for improvement in design, sourcing, or supply chain.

How do I know if I need a packaging audit?

If you’re seeing rising costs, inconsistent quality, frequent damage, or difficulty scaling across SKUs or markets, an audit can help benchmark and reset your packaging strategy.

Do you consult on scaling and automation?

Yes. We advise on scaling packaging operations—whether that’s automating repetitive steps, sourcing cost-efficient materials, or standardizing design elements for faster production and fulfillment.

What stage of development should we be in to work with you?

We work across all stages—whether you’re just starting, prototyping a new format, scaling production, or optimizing an existing line. The scope and approach vary based on your needs.

Is there a minimum project size or budget requirement?

We are flexible and scope-driven. Our engagements range from quick strategic reviews to full structural and systems overhauls. We tailor pricing and timelines based on deliverables and complexity.

Can we get prototypes or samples before production?

Yes. Prototyping is a core part of our process. We help you validate materials and formats before transitioning to manufacturing, so you’re not committing blindly.

Do you support remote or international clients?

Absolutely. Our consulting systems are built for remote collaboration and we regularly work with clients across India, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

What is the typical MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?

We typically start at 5,000 units, but can assess lower volumes for premium or prototyping projects.

How fast can you turn around a production order?

Standard lead times are 21–30 working days from artwork approval, depending on complexity.

Can you manufacture and ship internationally?

Yes. We support export-ready production with global logistics support.

What types of materials do you offer for rigid and flexible packaging?

We work with FSC-certified boards, kraft and duplex boards, corrugated options, recycled content, and specialized finishes like foil stamping, embossing, and more.

Can you help us with artwork setup and print file correction?

Yes. Our in-house design team can adapt or finalize your files for production-readiness and print compatibility.

Do you offer prototyping or sampling before final production?

Yes. We provide physical and digital samples depending on the packaging type, use case, and timelines.

Is your production process automated?

Yes. We deploy semi-automated to fully automated lines depending on the format, with real-time quality control dashboards for traceability.

Can you help reduce our packaging costs or improve material efficiency?

Absolutely. We regularly conduct packaging audits and run A/B production trials to optimize for cost and real-world performance.

Are your materials and processes compliant with international packaging laws?

Yes. We comply with global regulations including EU and US standards and can provide necessary documentation on request.

Do you support custom inserts or multi-layer packaging formats?

Yes. We specialize in engineered inserts, nested structures, and luxury-grade multi-component packaging for retail and gifting.

What will the packaging cost?

Costs vary depending on quantity, material, complexity, and finish. We offer custom quotes after understanding your specifications and volumes.

Can you match specific colors exactly?

Yes. We support Pantone color matching and run controlled press checks to ensure color fidelity across batches.

Can I see your previous work for [industry]?

Yes. We’re happy to share case studies or samples relevant to your industry upon request.

What types of alternative materials do you work with?

We help clients explore materials like mycelium, cork, bio-leathers, bagasse, post-consumer recycled fibers, and compostable biopolymers—guided by performance, cost, and end-of-life sustainability.

Can you validate or test new materials for performance?

We provide guidance based on material data, supply chain feasibility, and lifecycle impact. For lab testing, we can work with accredited partners or help you run trials with selected vendors.

Will switching to sustainable materials increase our cost?

Not always. While some alternatives may have higher unit costs, we often find savings in other parts of the packaging system such as weight reduction, transport efficiency, or simplified formats. Our goal is to help you achieve impact without inflating your margins.

What is included in a packaging consultancy project?

Our consultancy projects typically include:

  • Research and market benchmarking
  • Structural and material design proposals
  • Cost and feasibility analysis
  • Engineering for manufacturability (CAD, DFM)
  • Vendor coordination (if required)
  • Prototyping support and production transition

What are the typical stages of a consultancy project?

We follow a structured 6-stage process:

  • Requirement Gathering & Kickoff
  • Research & Insights
  • Concept Design
  • Concept Refinement
  • Engineering (CAD, DFM)
  • Prototyping & Vendor Handoff

How long does a typical packaging consultancy project take?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity, but on average:
Research & Concept Design: 3–4 weeks
Refinement & Engineering: 2–3 weeks
Prototyping & Handoff: 2–3 weeks
Total Duration: ~7–10 weeks(Subject to client feedback cycles and vendor coordination)

What deliverables can I expect from the consultancy?

You will receive:
Insight reports with competitor & trend analysis
Multiple structural design options with rationale
Technical drawings (CAD/DFM files)
Material recommendations and costing insights
Production-ready specifications for vendors
Optional prototyping and vendor handover support

What do you need from me to start a project?

We typically request:
Details about your product and current packaging (if any)
Packaging objectives (sustainability, cost reduction, aesthetics, etc.)
Target audience, budget range, and distribution channels
Any references or inspirations you like

How is the project cost calculated?

Our costing is based on estimated hours per stage and the complexity of the project. We provide a detailed cost breakdown at the proposal stage.

Can you design packaging from scratch, even if we don’t have a logo yet?

Yes. We offer full-stack branding and packaging design—from logo and tone to structure and final artwork.

Do you only design, or also handle production?

We do both. All our packaging designs are aligned with real-world materials, processes, and production constraints so there’s no disconnect.

Can you create designs for luxury or premium unboxing experiences?

Absolutely. We specialize in tactile storytelling—using layered packaging, foil accents, inserts, and custom closures.

Do you adapt existing designs for new SKUs or markets?

Yes. We regularly create design systems and packaging extensions for growing portfolios.

Will your design team work with our existing agency or internal creative team?

Yes. We’re happy to collaborate, co-develop structures, or finalize production-ready files.

Can you match specific brand colors exactly in print?

Yes. We use Pantone-matched color systems and run press checks to ensure color consistency.

Do you offer mockups or samples before final production?

Yes. We provide digital renders, 3D mockups, and physical dummies depending on the stage.

Can you ensure the design is practical for shipping, stacking, or shelf display?

Yes. Our designs are built with durability, logistics, and visual appeal in mind.

How do you price packaging design projects?

Pricing depends on scope—number of SKUs, complexity, and outputs required. We offer both project-based and retainer models.

Can you share examples of work in my industry?

Yes. We’re happy to share relevant case studies, formats, and results.

What packaging do you specialize in?

We specialize in mono cartons, rigid boxes, pouches, shipper boxes, tubes, and hybrid formats—across industries like beauty, wellness, F&B, and premium retail.

What research methods do you follow?

We combine brand immersion, competitive audits, retail trend scans, and technical feasibility checks to ground each concept in reality.

How many concepts or prototypes do you offer?

Typically, we share 2–3 creative routes at the concept stage, with refinement rounds. Prototyping support depends on the packaging type and timeline.

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