How a product engineer can work with packaging suppliers

How a Product Engineer Can Work with Packaging Suppliers

Speed up launches, reduce rework, and hit cost & quality targets by collaborating with suppliers the right way. This guide outlines the process, files, specs, and checkpoints a product engineer should use with packaging partners. Influence Packaging can act as your external packaging engineering team from concept to validation.

Clear Specs Fewer Iterations Validated Performance Lower Total Cost

Project Flow (Engineer ↔ Supplier)

  1. Discovery: Share product risks, shipping profile, brand needs, target cost, and key constraints.
  2. Concept & DFM: Supplier proposes structures & materials; you trade off protection, cost, and unboxing.
  3. Prototype: CAD dielines & quick cuts for test-fit; iterate critical dims & insert contact points.
  4. Pilot: Short run on near-final spec; verify pack sequence and line speed.
  5. Validation: ISTA/APASS transit test (as applicable), labeling checks, and documentation packet.
  6. Launch & Control: Lock BOM/board grade, approve PDFs, set change control & incoming QC.

RFQ / Data Pack Checklist

  • 3D product file (STEP/IGES) + critical keep-outs & fragile areas.
  • Target internal dims (L×W×H) and max outer dims/weight for shipping.
  • Quantity profile (pilot, first PO, annual forecast) + required lead times.
  • Performance targets (drop heights, stack time, compression, humidity).
  • Brand/print needs (Pantone, finishes, sustainability claims).
  • Regulatory/marketplace (UDI/IFU, FNSKU/Box ID, EPR data capture).
  • Cost goals (per unit and total landed: materials + freight + damage).
  • Quality plan (AQL, first-article, SPC on critical dims, color ΔE).

Engineering Tips that Save Time & Money

  • Design from the inside out: product protection and insert contact points first.
  • Right-size to reduce DIM weight; even a 1–2″ trim can cut freight materially.
  • Prefer mono-material (paper-only) systems for simpler recycling and fewer SKUs.
  • Standardize closures/board grades across SKUs to share tooling and simplify purchasing.
  • Ask for a sheet-utilization view—optimize die layout to drop waste.

Validation & Quality

  • Transit: Choose an ISTA protocol aligned to your carrier profile; document pass/fail with photos.
  • Color: Use a contract proof & ΔE tolerance by panel; keep small text K-only.
  • Incoming QC: Go/No-Go gauges for critical dims; barcode scan tests; carton ECT verification by lot.
  • Change control: Lock BOM (board grade/flute/adhesive/tape) and revision numbers.
Request Packaging Engineering Support Download RFQ Template

Tip: Use NDAs and clear IP language in RFQs. Keep a single source of truth for specs (rev-controlled PDFs + CAD).