THE PACKAGING ZINE
SUMMER 2025
Editor in Chief
Gabrielle Ho
Art Direction
Samneet Mann
Taylor Tran
Zoe Chan
Editors
Gabrielle Ho
Taylor Tran
Graphic Designers
Samneet Mann
Zoe Chan
Writers
Taylor Tran
Cover Photo
Samneet Mann
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
Summer is here! Whether you’re a longtime reader, or this is your first edition, we’re so happy to have you here. If this is the first time you’ve heard of us, hi! We’re LeKAC Sourcing Ltd., a Canadian-based custom packaging company that also offers branding and graphic design services worldwide. This edition is a wrap-up of content we thought might be of interest to you, alongside updates and other relevant news! For any of our existing clients looking for updates on their orders, please contact your Business Development Consultant and they’ll be happy to let you know more!
If you’re ready to get started on your custom packaging journey, this is a reminder that our offices are open by appointment only! Our consultants are always on the go and this ensures that someone is here to provide you the proper guidance. Can’t make it to one of our showrooms? We’re also available via phone or video call!
Happy reading!
The LeKAC Pack
Be the first to know about our upcoming seasonal ordering deadlines! Join our email list today & never miss an update.
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!
THE HOLIDAYS ARE AROUND THE CORNER...
KIND OF!
The sun is shining, the weather is heating up and it’s time to think ahead to the holiday season. I know that the holidays might seem far away, but it’s coming sooner than you think!
Since all of LeKAC’s packaging is custom-made to order, our turnaround time is about 3-4 months. We recommend ordering no later than the first week of July to accommodate the turnaround time and any potential delays. The holiday season starts in November - sometimes even as early as mid-October! - and we want to make sure you have your packaging ready by then!
NEED HELP GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT?
We’ve got you covered! Click below to browse our Holiday Packaging Catalogue, a curated selection of packaging suited for the snowy season.
CHECK OUT OUR HOLIDAY CATALOGUE!
FEATURED PRODUCT
RIGID CAKE BOX
DURABLE | SHIPS FLAT | HIGH-END FEEL
Sweeten your holiday season with custom rigid cake boxes. Designed to your exact specifications in size and festive print, we’ll ensure your holiday cakes are beautifully presented. Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we offer.
LEKAC’S 2025 TRADE SHOW RECAP
This season was dynamic for LeKAC! This past spring, we connected with clients and prospects at SIAL Canada and the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, where our production experts were on hand. Missed us? Contact us for a free consultation and start your custom packaging journey today!
LUXURY UNBOXING
When it comes to luxury, the experience extends way beyond the primary product itself. It begins from the moment a customer receives their purchase, and custom packaging plays a key role in creating a lasting and positive first impression. Packaging for luxury items isn’t just about protecting what’s inside – it’s a carefully orchestrated event that delights the senses, reinforces brand identity and elevates the perceived value of the product – when done correctly.
For luxury brands, it’s no longer optional when it comes to thoughtfully designed packaging – it’s a necessity. From design elements to materials, there are key factors that help to transform a simple package into an integral part of the premium brand experience.
The Art of Design - Setting the Stage
Tactile and visual elements of packaging are essential in setting that luxurious tone that you’re seeking. When it comes to these fine details, here’s what luxury brands are considering:
Minimal Aesthetics – less is more; clean lines, rich colour space, sophisticated typography translate into elegance and exclusivity. Brands like Apple, Aesop, Glossier and Chanel utilise this tactic
Layering – creating layers within your packaging adds an element of surprise and anticipation. Each layer unfolds to reveal another aspect of the brand or product, building excitement in the consumer.
Materials Matter – That Luxurious Feel
The materials chosen for luxury packaging contribute significantly to the overall sensory experience for your customer. Stepping away from the standard materials makes the world of difference – here are some materials you may want to opt for!
Catch the full blogpost on our website: lekac.com/blog
Premium Cardstock + Fancy Paper
– thick, textured cardstock exudes quality and durability. Speciality papers with unique finishes and embellishments (e.g. linen, silk, bond or felt) add tactile dimension.
Elegant Inserts – cutom-fit inserts made from foam, velvet or moulded pulp not only protect the product but also present beautifully when opened.
Fabric and Leather Applications
– incorporating elements like ribbons, suede interior linings, or leather tags reinforces the premium nature of the contents. Bottega Veneta is a prime example of a brand that utilises these materials – known for its leather goods, The company extends their use of high-quality goods to their packaging. They incorporate small leather tags and labels on their boxes, have leather-bound cases for smaller items, and their dust bags are made of a soft, high-quality fabric like cotton or flannel to protect the goods.
Overall, the art of luxury unboxing is a testament to thoughtful design and proper execution. It’s about understanding every touchpoint, from the initial glance to the final reveal and how the brand ties into the packaging story. Luxury unboxing experience subtly indicates a brand’s commitment to quality, exclusivity and creating a unique moment. Are you ready to kick your packaging game up a notch? Contact us today to find out how you can execute a luxury unboxing experience at a fraction of the cost!
2025SUMMER TRENDS
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!
2D MOCK-UP
3D RENDER
A photorealistic, three-dimensional digital image of your custom packaging, generated from the dieline and artwork. It shows exactly how your package will look in real life, from every angle, complete with textures, shadows, and lighting.
This is the flat, two-dimensional blueprint of your packaging, showing all the precise cuts, folds, and artwork placement before it’s folded into a box or structure. It’s like the architectural drawing for your package.
SOFT-TOUCH COATING
A unique, clear coating applied to the packaging surface that creates a velvety, soft-to-the-touch texture.
PERFORATION
A series of small cuts or holes along a line on your packaging that makes it easy to tear or separate a section cleanly. Typically used to add a tear strip or an easy-rip portion to your packaging! They can be made uniform or varied sizes to fit the contents.
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
The full journey your customer takes from receiving your package to finally seeing the product inside. It’s about delighting them every step of the way. This can be done with add-ons, like a foil logo, and with accessories like tissue paper or stickers!
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 recommend 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.
