THE PACKAGING ZINE
FALL 2024
Editor in Chief
Gabrielle Ho
Art Direction
Samneet Mann
Taylor Tran
Editors
Gabrielle Ho
Taylor Tran
Graphic Designers
Samneet Mann
Writers
Gabrielle Ho
Taylor Tran
Cover Photo
Samneet Mann
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
The leaves are starting to change, but one thing stays the same--our seasonal zine is back! For our returning readers, thank you for coming back for another edition. If this is your first zine, welcome! Allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re LeKAC Sourcing Ltd, a Canadian-based custom packaging and sourcing company that also offers Branding and Graphic Design services across North America.
As always, we want to take a moment to thank our existing customers for entrusting us with their brands and their visions. We take (almost) as much joy in seeing the packaging final product come to life as you do. If you have any questions about your order, please contact your Business Development Consultant and they would be happy to help!
Once again, a reminder that our showroom is open by appointment only! This ensures that a member of our team is always there to assist you. Can’t make it to one of our offices? Not comfortable meeting in person? We’re also available via phone or video call!
With that, please sit back, cozy up, and enjoy this edition of our seasonal zine!
Sincerely,
The LeKAC Pack
Learn with Lenny!
Check out pages 20–21 to find Lenny teaching you about packaging terms you’ll find useful the next time you order custom packaging!
YOUR PACKAGING BASED ON YOUR ZODIAC SIGN
What’s your zodiac sign? We’re big fans of astrology and zodiacs here at LeKAC. We thought it would be a fun idea to round up some custom packaging designs and let you know which ones we think match each sign.
ARIES
Aries suns, are energetic, impulsive, curious and direct. For these reasons, we’ve chosen this tuck-style folding carton with a bold red and orange design! This style of folding carton is pre-glued, and just requires a little quick assembly to get set up. Perfect for the Aries who wants to get right to the point!
TAURUS
Taurus suns value consistency, stability, and kindness. Our corrugated mailer boxes are the perfect option to represent this sign! These boxes are made of a durable corrugated cardboard material and are ideal for keeping things secure in transit. A bonus? They’re highly recyclable!
GEMINI
If your zodiac sign is Gemini, we know you’re intelligent, curious and communicative. Our pick for you is our custom rectangle gable box! These boxes are easy for the curious to open and see what’s inside!
CANCER
For our sensitive, security-seeking Cancer friends, we’ve chosen this rigid flower box! This box is made from our rigid greyboard material to keep your bouquet’s delicate stems protected in transit!
LEO
For warm, welcoming Leos who are the centre of attention, we’ve chosen this folding carton in a punchy orange shade! This box’s design draws our customers in to an even more eye-catching display (just like you, Leo!).
VIRGO
Detail-oriented, reliable and perceptive, we chose this autobottom folding carton for the Virgo zodiac sign. The botanical pattern and fine print draw the attentive eye, without being overwhelming. Overall, we love this design for Virgo because it’s efficient–every element has its place!
LIBRA
Libras love balance, harmony and peace. This custom corrugated mailer box is the happy medium between function and beauty! From the punchy purple exterior to the bright and neutral interior, this box is perfect for our Libra friends.
SCORPIO
Intense, passionate and a little mysterious. These are words we would use to describe both this gable box and Scorpio! Compared to the gable box we selected for Gemini, this version is a little more low-profile in this deep berry hue. The box is a little intimidating at first, until you get to know what’s inside (sometimes it’s sweet!).
SAGITTARIUS
Lively, passionate, assertive, and sometimes philosophical, we’ve pulled out this base and lid rigid box for our Sagittarius’s out there. The astrological print, warm terracotta hue and the amount of shaking you’d need to open a box like this are perfect for Sagittarius.
CAPRICORN
Like Capricorns, our custom folding cartons are hardworking and persistent through a wide variety of businesses and products Capricorns are also ambitious, which you can also be with our custom folding cartons! These boxes have an almost endless number of customization options, so the sky is the limit.
AQUARIUS
Positive, courageous and assertive, we’ve selected the corrugated display box for Aquarius. These boxes fold to form a bold display for other products. The bright turquoise colour is cheerful and bright, inviting customers to come and learn more!
PISCES
Last but certainly not least, we’ve chosen this white cardboard bag for our Pisces friends. The bag has a simple design on the front, but a punchier aesthetic on the gussets. Empathetic, mystical and thoughtful, this nautical themed bag design emulates the siren call we associate with Pisces.
2024 FALL TRENDS MOODBOARD
FEATURED PRODUCT
CLASSIC TAKEOUT CONTAINER
CONVENIENT | FOOD SAFE | LOCKING FEATURE
Looking for custom designed takeout packaging? From size to printing, we can help design a box that meets your needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we offer.
LEKAC’S SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES
LeKAC’s single-use plastic alternatives are functional and 100% custom! With Canada’s plastic ban in full effect, we’ve compiled some alternatives for the 6 items on their ban list.
STYROFOAM CONTAINERS
Finally, you can wave goodbye to styrofoam and hello to paper cartons! These cartons (sometimes also just called paper takeout containers) come in a wide variety of styles to fit whatever cuisine you need!
These cartons are made from a food-grade paperboard material and are also available with a water-based oil-varnish that helps protect against sogginess!
Other honourable mentions: sugarcane takeout containers.
PLASTIC CHECKOUT BAGS
Paper or plastic? It’s the classic grocery store cashier question, but the plastic option is no longer available. You’ve most likely already seen reusable bags being offered at large grocery store chains.
For maximum eco-friendliness, our pick is LeKAC’s signature product: the reusable fabric bag! Our solutions offer a wide variety of materials and constructions to ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for!
Other honourable mentions: kraft paper bags and white cardboard bags.
PLASTIC STIR STICKS
Say farewell to plastic stir sticks! LeKAC’s single-use plastic alternative to the (let’s be honest) flimsy plastic stir stick is made of wood! Choose from either squared or rounded corners depending on the vibe you’re going for.
(Note: we know that this is a small detail, but we think the little things matter!)
Other honourable mentions: bamboo and sugarcane stir sticks.
PLASTIC STRAWS
Of the items banned by the Canadian government, plastic straws were among the first single-use plastic items on the list. Of LeKAC’s single-use plastic alternatives, our swap is maybe a little obvious; it’s the paper straw! Our paper straws are available in a variety of colours and prints, so they’re anything but boring!
Other honourable mentions: PLA and sugarcane straws
PLASTIC CUTLERY
Getting disposable cutlery is an essential part of the takeout experience. Our alternative? Wooden cutlery! Made from pine wood, these utensils can be engraved for that extra touch of customization!
Other honourable mentions: PLA cutlery
PLASTIC DRINK RING CARRIERS
Of the items on Canada’s single use plastic ban list, none (besides maybe the plastic checkout bag) are more covered in the media than the plastic drink ring carrier.
Our alternative to these plastic ring carriers is the corrugated drink carrier! These carriers are often in a basket style with a die cut handle for extra comfort!
Other honourable mentions: corrugated can carriers
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
Making the switch to more eco-friendly options isn’t just a smart for the environment, but it’s also smart for your business! Regardless of the plastic ban, companies are shifting away from single-use plastics in order to signal their values to their customer bases.
For more recommendations for eco-friendly packaging solutions, contact us to learn more! Our knowledgeable team of consultants can provide recommendations based on what would work best for you!
WHY CHOOSE LEKAC?
Avoiding going custom because you think it’s too expensive or just too much effort in general?
At LeKAC, we strive for excellence across all boards. Our consultants work tirelessly to ensure the journey with us is as smooth as possible. We also work to get you the most competitive price on the market.
Customers are more likely to return to your business if they have a reminder of it - and what better way to do that than creating a memorable packaging experience? By using custom packaging, you’re also benefitting from extended publicity and brand awareness!
Best of all? You’re getting packaging that’s exactly what you want!
HOW IT WORKS
PACKAGING DICTIONARY LEARN WITH LENNY!
Here are a few terms we’ve used these last few months when working with you to create your custom packaging!
PROTOTYPE
An initial, working model of custom packaging designed to test and refine the final product. It serves as a tangible example to evaluate design, functionality, and materials before full-scale production. At LeKAC this is known as the “sample stage”. Samples of your packaging are available at an additional cost!
MATERIAL SOURCING
Selecting the appropriate materials based on factors such as durability, sustainability, cost, and compatibility with your custom packaging project. This process is crucial for creating packaging that not only meets the functional requirements but also aligns with the brand’s values and aesthetic goals.
LETTERPRESS PRINTING
A traditional method that involves pressing inked plates onto the packaging material, creating an indented, tactile effect. This technique is often used for adding a handcrafted, high-quality touch to packaging, especially for luxury or artisanal products. It’s prized for its deep, crisp impressions and elegant finish. Note that this is a very expensive printing method! For an affordable alternative that creates a similar effect, we would suggest asking about embossed/debossed printing addons!
VISUAL HIERARCHY
The arrangement and prioritization of elements on packaging to guide the viewer’s eye. It strategically uses size, color, and placement to highlight the most important information first, such as the brand name, product type, or key benefits, ensuring clarity and focus.
FOIL STAMPING
A specialized printing process that involves applying a metallic or coloured foil to a packaging surface using heat and pressure. This technique adds a luxurious and eye-catching finish to packaging, often used for logos, text, or decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal and perceived value of the product.
PACKAGING Q & A
Q: Why are shipping rates increasing so much?
A: There are actually a few reasons rates have been increasing lately. Due to the pandemic, global supply chains have been disrupted and there’s a shortage of freight containers! That, coupled with limited staff available to work and increasing fuel prices, lead to delayed shipments. While we’re optimistic that things will go back to normal in the near future, our team is dedicated to keeping costs down for clients. Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do since this is a global issue, but if you’re in need of packaging soon, you may want to opt for premium or expedited shipping!
Q: When should I order my packaging?
A: Ideally, ASAP!!! The order process normally takes approximately 4 months, but we recommened ordering it as far in advance as possible.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.LEKAC.COM
Q: I need help designing my packaging. Does it cost extra?
A: We’ve got you covered! Our in-house graphic designer can help you bring your custom packaging vision to life. This includes the design layout and even 3D mockups! The best part? This service is included in our price!
Q: Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
A: No! Our pricing includes shipping/handling, customs/duties and plate charges. The only fee that can vary is the local delivery fee which your consultant will let you know about ahead of time. If anything changes, rest assured your consultant will let you know as soon as possible!
Q: I don’t need packaging, but I love your work! Is there another way I can work with LeKAC?
A: Definitely! If you like our design work, but aren’t necessarily looking for packaging, try our custom Branding and Graphic Design services instead. Work with our Marketing team to bring your vision to life! CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT WE OFFER.
