The Ultimate Packaging Zine - LeKAC Sourcing (Winter 2025)

THE PACKAGING ZINE WINTER 2025

Elf in Charge Gabrielle Ho Workshop Stylists Samneet Mann Zoe Chan List Checkers Gabrielle Ho Samneet Mann Main Scribblers Samneet Mann Zoe Chan Tale Teller Gabrielle Ho The Big Bow (Cover Photo) Samneet Mann Zoe Chan

WINTER 2025 EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Team

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LeKAC's Year in Review

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Pantone Colour of the Year 2026: Cloud Dancer

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Featured Product: Gate Fold Folding Carton

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How Packaging History Influences Modern Design

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Design Trends 2026

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Step by Step Ordering with LeKAC

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Learn with Lenny: Packaging Dictionary

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Packaging Q&A

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YOUR GIFT OF 2026 PACKAGING DESIGN INSIGHT IS HERE! Happy Holidays from the LeKAC Sourcing team!

For our first-time readers, we are a Canadian-based company offering custom packaging, branding, and sourcing services internationally.

This issue is all about looking forward, as we unveil the exciting design trends that will define 2026. Thank you to our existing customers for your continued support, we are so grateful to be part of your journey!

If you're ready to explore these new trends for your own custom packaging, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get started.

A quick note on our holiday hours: We will have a halfday on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. For any urgent questions about your order, please feel free to reach out, and your Business Development Consultant will be in touch ASAP. Warm wishes, The LeKAC Pack

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Learn with Lenny!

Check out pages 20–21 to f ind Lenny teaching you about packaging terms you’ll f ind useful the next time you order custom packaging!

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2025 LEKAC'S YEAR IN REVIEW

irthdays!

we love b

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can't wait to see yo next year's trades u at hows!

designers r ic h p a r g r ou to get you d r a h g workin s done ASAP design

g

a sneaky look at upcomin LeKAC merch!

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2026

GLITZ & GLAMOUR

FEATURED PRODUCT

GATE FOLD FOLDING CARTON PREMIUM FEEL | SHIPS FLAT | ONE-PIECE STRUCTURE

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Elevate your unboxing experience with the custom Gate Fold Folding Carton. This distinct design features symmetrical "dual doors" that open outward for a dramatic, premium reveal.

Perfect for retail or gift sets, this carton is a flat ship design that assembles into a beautiful hinge box. Make a grand f irst impression!

Contact us today to learn more about our luxury packaging solutions.

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HOW PACKAGING HISTORY INFLUENCES MODERN DESIGN 12

Packaging isn’t just a modern innovation;

Amber or Cobalt Glass - Coloured glass

it’s a fascinating reflection of commerce

originally used to protect contents from

and culture throughout history. For

light, now signal a premium or natural

small and medium-sized businesses,

product, particularly in cosmetics and craft

understanding packaging history

foods.

provides a rich source of inspiration.

Simple Labels – Use minimalist,

Many popular and timeless design trends

rectangular labels reminiscent of old-world

today are directly influenced by classic

pharmaceutical packaging. This focuses on

forms and materials from the past.

the product’s quality and ingredients, rather

The Glass Allure

than flashy marketing.

Before disposable plastics, glass bottles and apothecary jars were the standard for

Cork or Swing-Top Closures – These traditional closures evoke an artisanal feel

storing everything from medicines and

that modern consumers associate with

perfumes to dry goods. These vessels were

small-batch production and heritage.

functional, reusable, and possessed a distinct, sturdy elegance.

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Enduring Appeal of Tin + Metal Boxes The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of decorated tin containers for biscuits, candies, teas, and tobacco.

These boxes served a dual purpose – they protected the goods and became lasting collectibles. Companies like Cadbury used these tins to build brand recognition that lasted for decades. This tradition holds strong today. Custom metal boxes and tins are used for highend or seasonal products because they offer several key benefits.

Legacy of Crates + Corrugated Cardboard With the evolution of shipping and transportation, comes a heavy influence on the design of packaging materials.

Wooden crates were the standard for bulk shipping for centuries. However, the invention and refinement of corrugated cardboard in the mid-1800s revolutionised transport packaging.

This material provided strength, protection, and affordability, leading to the widespread adoption of the shipping box.

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Vintage or Just Old? At LeKAC, we recognise that great packaging is a fusion of innovation and tradition. What may be deemed vintage by one party, may just be considered old or out-of-style by another. But that’s okay!

We specialise in taking the timeless qualities of packaging history and applying them to modern, custom-designed solutions that perfectly fit your brand.

If you’re ready to infuse your brand with classic quality and unique character, contact us today for a free quotation or design consultation.

CHECK OUT LEKAC.COM/BLOG TO READ MORE 15

DESIGN TRENDS 2026 1

human touch gradients

humantouch touch human human touch texture

2

[no artifical intelligence]

alt. history

fun & fresh

modern vintage revamped retro

ultra clean chrome elements sharp edges

foil & metal finishes

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chaos

punk revival

proportion distortion

impactful type

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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

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LEARN WITH LENNY!

PACKAGING DICTIONARY Here are a few terms we’ve used these last few months when working with you to create your custom packaging!

WINTERIZE Adding protective measures like thermal liners or water barrier coatings to your packaging. This ensures products survive the wet and freezing winter conditions, maintaining integrity across the difficult logistics chain for sensitive goods.

COLOUR FORECAST

PRE-PRESS PROOF

Analysis of cultural and market shifts to predict influential colours. Guides brands in selecting marketable shades that enhance shelf appeal and visually communicate adherence to current design trends and brand guidelines.

The final quality control sample (digital or physical) sent for client sign-off.

Verifies colour fidelity, placement, and mechanics. Prevents costly errors and waste before committing to the large-scale production run.

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THERMOFORMING Molding heated plastic over a form to create rigid trays or inserts.

Essential for secure product fit.

Industry focuses on mono-material content or fiber alternatives to meet sustainability goals for easier recycling.

FLEXOGRAPHIC An economical, high-speed printing method. Uses flexible plates to quickly apply graphics, logos, or text onto corrugated materials.

Standard for cost-effective, durable branding on the external shipper box and bulk containers.

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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

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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.

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www.lekac.com

1 (866) 996-6818

TORONTO

MONTREAL

207-590 Alden Road Markham, ON L3R 8N2

7645 Rue Cordner LaSalle, QC H8N 2X2

@lekacsourcing