Finding a custom packaging company that actually gets what small businesses need. You want quality that doesn’t break the bank, fast turnaround times that won’t leave you scrambling, and someone who understands that ordering 50,000 units isn’t always realistic when you’re just getting started.
We’ve spent months researching, testing, and talking to business owners about their packaging experiences. What we found is that the best custom packaging companies share a few key traits: they offer reasonable minimum orders, they’re transparent about pricing, they actually care about sustainability (not just talk about it), and they provide real design support, not just a basic template tool.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 6 companies that consistently deliver for small to medium-sized businesses. Each one has different strengths, whether you’re a Shopify store looking for eco-friendly mailers, a subscription box company needing reliable corrugated solutions, or a startup wanting to create an unforgettable unboxing experience without spending a fortune.
What Makes a Custom Packaging Company Worth Your Time (and Money)
- Before we get into the specific companies, let’s talk about what separates the good from the great. After talking to dozens of business owners and testing various providers, here’s what really matters:
- Low minimum order quantities are non-negotiable for most small businesses. If a company requires you to order 10,000 units just to get started, they’re probably not thinking about your cash flow or storage limitations.
- Fast turnaround without quality compromise is another big one. You shouldn’t have to choose between getting your packaging quickly and getting it done right. The best companies have streamlined their processes to deliver both.
- Real sustainability practices matter more than ever. Your customers care about this stuff, and frankly, so should you. Look for companies with actual certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) rather than just vague “eco-friendly” claims.
- Design support that actually helps can make or break your experience. Some companies offer basic templates and call it a day. The good ones provide real design assistance, proofing tools, and help you think through the practical aspects of your packaging.
- Transparent pricing should be standard, but you’d be surprised how many companies make you jump through hoops just to get a basic quote. The best providers are upfront about their costs and don’t hide fees in the fine print.
6 Best Custom Packaging Companies in 2025
1. Arka (Best Overall)
Arka is hands-down the best choice in the industry. They’ve cracked the code on affordable eco-friendly packaging that small businesses can actually afford.
Founded by Phillip Akhzar, who brings 16+ years of packaging expertise and an industrial engineering background, Arka doesn’t just talk about sustainability, they deliver it. Their materials are FSC-certified, production happens in the USA with locally sourced materials, and they offer truly compostable options, not just the standard recyclable fare.
The prices? Shockingly accessible. Custom boxes start at just $0.99, compostable mailers from $0.20, and recycled mailers from only $0.13. These aren’t just competitive, they’re game-changing for startups and small brands who thought eco-friendly packaging was out of reach.
The technical side is where Arka really shines for growing businesses. They offer API integration for auto-replenishment (perfect if you’re working with 3PLs), Shopify integration that makes reordering seamless, and an instant proofing system with dieline downloader that lets you see exactly what you’re getting before you commit.
The low minimum order quantities are a breath of fresh air, custom boxes can be ordered in as few as 10 units. That allows testing of package designs, trying out seasonal variations, or just dodging the whole issue of what to do with cash tied up in inventory that might not be needed right away.
Best for: Selling to an audience that values sustainability. Shopify and Etsy sellers; small to medium businesses. Still want professional packaging. Don’t have the budget for large minimums or the space to store massive amounts of inventory.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full-service design team Genuine sustainability credentials Fast turnaround (3-10 business days)Comprehensive product range including boxes, mailers, inserts, and tissue paper | Pricing can add up for very high-volume orders compared to traditional manufacturers. |
2. Pacific Box Company
Looking for packaging expertise in the Pacific Northwest? Pacific Box Company has been the go-to choice since 1971, and for good reason. They truly understand what local businesses in Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas need.
They excel at corrugated packaging and retail displays, offering both small custom runs and massive production orders through their huge manufacturing facility. Whether you need 25 boxes or 250,000, they’ve got you covered with digital and flexo printing options.
What makes them special is their ability to work with businesses of all sizes while keeping things sustainable. Their packaging uses SFI-certified renewable materials, and they’re particularly good with subscription boxes that need to ship well and look great when opened.
Best for: Regional businesses in Washington and Oregon, manufacturers needing POP displays, subscription box companies, businesses requiring reliable corrugated solutions.
| Pros | Cons |
| 50+ years of experience Local Pacific Northwest focus Custom structural design capabilities Strong retail display expertise | Geographic limitations for businesses outside the Pacific Northwest Less variety in packaging types compared to national providers |
3. Packsize
Need a solution for high-volume shipping? Packsize might be your answer. They’re not your typical packaging company, they provide automated systems that create the perfect box size for each order on demand.
With thousands of systems running globally, they’ve mastered the art of eliminating wasted space and materials. If you ship lots of different-sized products, their technology creates custom packaging for each order, cutting down on shipping costs and storage headaches.
Just know this isn’t for the small guys. Packsize works best for warehouses and fulfillment centers processing hundreds of orders daily. If you’re tired of paying for empty space in oversized boxes or your team wastes hours picking packaging, their automation could be a game-changer for your operation.
Best for: Large enterprises, warehouses, 3PLs needing automated packaging solutions, high-volume shippers looking to optimize material usage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cutting-edge automation technology Proven global track record Comprehensive service support Significant material and cost savings at scale | Not suitable for small businesses Requires significant upfront investment Focuses on automation rather than custom branding |
4. Stampa Prints
Stampa Prints isn’t just a packaging company, they’re your one-stop shop for all things printed. While other companies just focus on boxes, Stampa handles everything from custom packaging to labels, stickers, and marketing materials.
This is great if you’re a small business owner exhausted from dealing with several different vendors. Their true forte lies in crafting an all-encompassing brand experience with custom tissue paper, branded sealing stickers, cards to include with your package, and perfectly coordinated labels.
When it comes to cost, you may uncover more budget-friendly alternatives if your sole requirement is for boxes. However, if you’re after the complete assortment (and we mean your literally complete print needs), packaging all your print services with Stampa saves you more than just a few cents. It also saves you from the kinda headaches that you don’t need.
Best for: Brands needing comprehensive print solutions beyond just packaging, businesses that want to coordinate all printed materials through one vendor, companies launching new products that need multiple types of branded materials.
| Pros | Cons |
| One-stop shop for all print needs Consistent branding across materials Often cost-effective for bundled orders | May not be the cheapest option for packaging-only orders Less specialization in packaging-specific challenges |
5. PakFactory
If you’re selling premium products, PakFactory creates packaging that makes customers say “wow.” They specialize in luxury rigid boxes, especially those satisfying magnetic closure ones that feel special to open.
These aren’t throwaway boxes, they’re the kind customers keep long after using your product. Think high-end jewelry, cosmetics, or electronics packaging that enhances your brand’s premium feel.
Beyond the boxes, they offer custom inserts and padding that protect your products while making them look fantastic. Their designers know exactly how to use color, texture, and structure to create that luxury vibe.
Just be prepared for higher costs and larger minimum orders, but if your margins support it, the investment in creating a memorable unboxing experience can seriously boost your brand perception.
Best for: Luxury brands, premium product launches, businesses with higher margins that can support premium packaging costs, products that benefit from reusable packaging.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality materials and construction Impressive unboxing experience Strong brand differentiation Reusable packaging that extends brand exposure | Higher costs than standard packaging Larger minimum orders Longer production times for complex designs |
6. Uprinting
Uprinting is perfect for startups and small businesses looking for professional custom packaging without the luxury price tag.
What makes them stand out is their startup-friendly approach: low minimum orders, clear pricing on their website, and design tools that are actually easy to use. Even if you don’t have a designer, their templates make creating good-looking packaging simple.
The quality hits that sweet spot, not fancy luxury finishes, but definitely solid enough to protect your products and make your brand look professional. And when you’re in a rush (as startups often are), their quick turnaround times can be a real lifesaver.
Best for: Startups with limited budgets, businesses just getting started with custom packaging, companies that need quick turnaround times, brands that prioritize cost-effectiveness over premium features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly pricing Low minimum orders Fast turnaround Transparent pricing User-friendly design tools | Limited premium options Basic material choices Less design support for complex projects |
2025 Custom Packaging Trends That Actually Matter
Forget all the packaging industry hype, here are the trends that actually matter for your small business:
- AI design tools are making custom packaging accessible even if you’re not a designer. These smart tools can create professional packaging designs based on your product size and brand colors without the hefty design fees.
- Eco-friendly packaging is finally affordable! Biodegradable and compostable materials used to break the bank, but they’re now reaching price points that won’t destroy your margins.
- Personalized unboxing experiences aren’t just for the big players anymore. You can now realistically offer seasonal packaging, personalized inserts, or packaging that varies based on what’s in the order.
- Say goodbye to storing mountains of boxes. On-demand production with smaller minimums means you can order packaging when you need it rather than tying up cash in inventory.
Bottom line: you no longer need to choose between generic boxes or massive orders. Custom packaging is becoming more flexible for businesses of all sizes.
Packaging Mistakes That Will Drain Your Wallet
We’ve talked to tons of small business owners, and these are the packaging blunders that consistently cost them money:
- Ignoring shipping dimensions is a budget killer. Those oversized boxes? They’ll demolish your profits through dimensional weight charges, even if your product is light as a feather.
- Getting seduced by pretty packaging that fails to protect your products is a classic rookie error. That Instagram-worthy box won’t look so good when customers demand refunds for damaged items.
- Skipping sample orders to save time almost always backfires. That small upfront cost to see and feel your packaging could save you from the horror of receiving thousands of unusable boxes.
And please, build in extra time for production. Even the fastest suppliers hit delays during busy seasons. Nothing’s worse than running out of packaging when orders are pouring in.
Small Business Packaging Strategies That Actually Work
Test before you invest. With low minimum orders available, there’s no excuse for not sampling different packaging designs. See what your customers love before ordering in bulk.
Consider your operations reality. Even the most beautiful packaging is useless if it’s a nightmare to store or your team can’t pack orders efficiently. Make sure your packaging works with your space and processes.
Use seasons to your advantage. Holiday themes, summer designs, or back-to-school packaging can create excitement without a complete overhaul. These limited-time changes often drive sales and social sharing.
Choose partners with staying power. Finding the right packaging supplier is like finding a good business partner. Pick one that can grow with you, so you’re not starting from scratch every time your volume increases.
When to Ditch Your Packaging Provider
Some relationships just don’t work anymore. Here are the red flags that it’s time to find a new packaging partner:
- Quality issues that keep showing up. When boxes arrive damaged or printing looks terrible, that’s hurting your brand reputation. Your customers don’t blame your packaging company, they blame you.
- They can’t keep up with your growth. The company that handled your 100 monthly orders perfectly might be drowning now that you need 1,000. If they’re struggling to scale or their bulk pricing isn’t improving, that’s a problem.
- Customer service that tests your patience. When every small change feels like pulling teeth, it’s costing you time and opportunities. Good partners make adjustments quickly and painlessly.
- Pricing that stays high despite your increased volume. If you’re ordering ten times more than when you started but still paying the same rates, someone else will gladly offer you volume discounts.
- Limited capabilities that constrain your brand. Maybe you want to add eco-friendly materials or premium finishes, but your current provider just can’t deliver.
Making the switch doesn’t have to hurt. Order samples from potential new suppliers, run a small test batch, and understand their timelines before you fully commit.
Sustainability: What It Actually Means for Your Packaging
Everyone claims to be “eco-friendly” these days, but here’s what really matters. FSC certification isn’t just marketing fluff. It’s actual proof that your packaging comes from responsibly managed forests, verified by independent auditors.
Don’t be fooled by vague “recycled content” claims. Packaging with 90% recycled materials is vastly different from packaging with just 10%. Ask for the specific percentage.
Where your packaging comes from matters. US-made packaging from companies like Arka uses less transportation fuel and often supports better labor practices than packaging shipped across oceans.
Sometimes the most sustainable option is simply less packaging. The right size box with minimal materials often beats fancy eco-packaging that uses excessive materials or complicated designs.
Your Next Steps: From Research to Reality
You’ve got the information, now here’s how to actually move forward:
- Start with samples. Order samples from your top 2-3 choices. You need to see and feel the packaging quality, and your team needs to understand how easy (or difficult) it will be to work with.
- Calculate total costs, not just per-unit pricing. Factor in shipping costs, storage requirements, labor time, and any setup fees.
- Test with a small order before committing to large quantities. Most of these companies offer reasonable minimum orders that let you test customer response and operational fit.
- Plan your timeline with buffer time for potential delays or design revisions. Custom packaging always takes longer than you think it will.
- Think beyond your immediate needs. Choose a partner that can grow with your business and adapt to changing requirements.
Ready to get started? Pick your top two choices from this list, order samples, and see which one feels right for your brand. Your perfect packaging partner is out there, and now you know how to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Packaging Companies
Q: What’s the minimum I need to order?
A few organizations allow you to begin with a minimal amount, sometimes as little as 1 box (truly!). Many, especially old-school printing companies, typically require an order of 500 to 1,000 pieces. It all varies by company and by printing method.
Q: How long does it take to make the packaging?
The majority of orders take approximately 10 to 20 business days from when you give the design the okay. If you’re really pressed for time, some companies can expedite the process for you. But like most things in life, fast service costs a little bit extra.
Q: Is custom packaging way more expensive than regular boxes?
It can be, particularly when you’re placing a small order; expect to pay about 15–50% more than for stock packaging. But once you reach larger order sizes, that price difference tends to diminish.
Q: Can they ship outside the U.S.?
Reputable companies do offer international shipping. But costs and delivery times vary a lot among them. It is smart to inquire in advance and verify the details before ordering. This is of particular importance if you are stationed outside the country.