THE PACKAGING ZINE
WINTER 2024
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
It’s the ho-ho-holiday season, and our latest edition of our seasonal zine is here! If you’re a new reader, welcome! Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are a Canadian-based custom packaging company offering sourcing and branding services to businesses worldwide!
To our existing clients this holiday season, we want to thank you for your continued trust in us to bring your custom packaging dreams to life. We’re looking forward to making more beautifully packaged memories with you in the new year! If you have a question about an outstanding order, please contact your Business Development Consultant for more information!
As a reminder, our offices are open by appointment only. This ensures that a member of our team will always be available to assist you! Can’t make it in to one of our offices? Our consultants are available via phone or video call to help!
With that, we hope you enjoy our last edition of 2024. See you in the new year!
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!
EMBRACE THE UNUSUAL CHAOS PACKAGING
Chaos packaging is a fun way for companies to draw attention to their brands. These products are memorable, and generate buzz and hype! Not sure what we mean? Here are some of our favourite examples!
Whipped Sun Protection
Topping this list is Vacation’s Classic Whip sunscreen. Canister sunscreens are not new to the market, however they often dispense a spray sunscreen. This formulation from Vacation comes in packaging that looks like a whipped cream canister.
Whipped sunscreen, dispensed like whipped cream, became popular in the last decade, combining novelty with practicality. It’s often marketed as lightweight and easy to apply,
targeting younger, trend-conscious consumers. The whipped format ensures even coverage while delivering a tactile, enjoyable application experience.
The best part? The sunscreen dispenses in a whipped mousse format that looks like whipped cream.
For Vacation, chaos packaging is a strong marketing tool–the packaging becomes a billboard. In this instance, it worked its magic a little too well.
Here We Flo
Here We Flo is redefining period care with their playful, ice-cream-pintinspired tampon packaging. Housed in eco-friendly paper containers, the design is not just eye-catching but also meaningful—an inside joke between founders Susan Augustin and Tara Chandra, inspired by Chandra’s recurring ice cream cravings during her menstrual cycle.
This thoughtful design bridges the gap between humor and functionality, creating a relatable product that genuinely resonates with consumers.
Unlike some chaotic packaging trends that prioritize virality, Here We Flo’s unique design excels in physical retail environments. Read the full blog post on Here We Flo’s sweet chaos packaging and design inspiration on the LeKAC Sourcing’s website.
Sizzle & Drizzle
Olive oil in a squeeze bottle might not seem like chaos packaging, however, most olive oil is available in glass bottles! The squeeze bottle is convenient, though it’s uncommon. Most often, olive oil in a squeeze bottle is seen in professional kitchens, where it’s often purchased in bulk. By Graza pre-packaging their olive oil in
a squeeze bottle, it not only adds convenience but elevates the cooking experience of the average home chef. Once the olive oil in Graza’s bottles ran out, customers began refilling them with the olive oils they had on hand. This led Graza to introduce a second chaos packaging format: cans of olive oil with soda can tabs.
Freshly Scented, Freshly Cleaned
Nothing smells better than something freshly cleaned, and Moschino would agree! Their Fresh Couture fragrance imitates the shape and the labelling of a Windex bottle, right down to the blue-tinged liquid and the spray nozzle. Using this packaging trend makes sense for Moschino since their entire brand is focused on campy and over the top designs.
When used correctly, chaos packaging can be a strong marketing tool for all kinds of businesses! Chaos packaging doesn’t need to be complicated. Most of the examples we included in this post simply require a little out-of-the-box thinking (literally!).
Choosing the right packaging for your business can help drive brand awareness and customer retention! Have an idea but aren’t sure how to bring it to life? Contact us today for a free consultation with our team! Besides custom packaging, we also offer custom Branding and Graphic Design services!
Lunar New Year Closures
The Lunar New Year period is fast approaching, with many activities and events occurring during January and February. Our suppliers often take a well deserved break around this time of year to celebrate with their families, which may cause delays in our overall production schedule.
In order to get your packaging in time for the start of your business’ season, we suggest placing any packaging orders during the first half of December at the latest. This will help you avoid any delays or price increases due to shipping congestion.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANY POTENTIAL SHIPPING DELAYS, CHECK OUT OUR BLOG POST!
FARM FRESH PACKAGING LOADING...
Let's Get Picking!
We're ripe with packaging options that will make your business pop during the PYO season and beyond! Check out our curated packaging selection below.
BAGS
Looking For Something Else?
Not seeing the packaging you’re looking for? Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about our other custom packaging solutions!
Check out page 18 to learn more about our ordering process and how we can help!
Apple Bag
Woven Reusable Bag
Fruit Basket
Kraft Paper Bags
Non-woven Reusable Bag
Pie Box
Kraft Woven Bag
Tshirt Bag
Jar Box
BOXES
FEATURED PRODUCT
PIE BOX
SECURE | FOOD SAFE | ECO-FRIENDLY
Looking for custom designed packaging for your baked goods? From size to print, we can help design a box that meets your needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we offer.
Illustrative Styles
DESIGN TRENDS 2025
AI Generated Design
NATURAL EARTHY TONES Cutouts
GENERATIVE AI AND PACKAGING
Generative AI is a powerful tool that is being incorporated in all kinds of businesses. But how can you use it in your packaging? Is it the right tool for you?
AI FOR DESIGN
Generative AI tools have been incorporated into many design softwares. Using these tools can help create designs quickly and also make the mockups! AI can also help identify design trends that you can incorporate into your packaging designs.
AI also has the ability to recommend which packaging material to use to ensure structural integrity! This can also help with the package’s efficiency! Optimizing the packaging’s design with AI can help with its efficiency, both design-wise and logistics wise!
AI FOR OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS
AI also has applications in logistics! It can analyze supply chains for optimization, to track inventory, and even predict when clients might need more stock! For the purposes of packaging, AI has potential to assist in quality control. Using computerized quality control can help avoid additional imperfections not seen by the human eye.
ISSUES WITH AI
Though AI is a great tool, there are several barriers to using it in your packaging. Despite the benefits of AI, we prefer to leave the designing to our in-house graphic design team! AI-generated art and designs can sometimes miss the human touch or have distorted elements. Though the technology has advanced, it still isn’t perfect!
We pride ourselves on offering unique packaging designs to our clients. The way AI creates images is by using data already available online that its algorithms have learned from. This means that no AIgenerated art is original; it’s all taken from some other source material.
Using this technology is also an expensive undertaking. Especially for operations and logistics, training and creating AI software for your business requires significant investment in software and equipment.
While AI offers incredible tools to enhance design and operations, it’s clear that the human touch remains irreplaceable when it comes to crafting truly unique and impactful packaging. By blending cutting-edge technology with the expertise of our in-house graphic design team, we ensure every package we create is both functional and original.
If you’re ready to explore how custom packaging can elevate your brand, we’re here to help. Contact us today to begin your custom packaging journey and see how our team can bring your vision to life.
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!
ECO-INK
Environmentally friendly printing inks used in custom packaging. These inks are often made from natural or renewable sources, such as soy or algae, and are free from harmful chemicals. They are an essential choice for brands aiming to reduce their environmental impact and align with sustainable practices.
MICRO-PACKAGING
Small-scale, precision packaging solutions designed for tiny or delicate items, such as jewelry, cosmetics, or electronic components. This type of packaging emphasizes secure fit, minimal waste, and high-quality presentation, tailored to products that require extra care and detail.
PULL TAB
A small flap or ribbon, that allows the user to easily open the package. It is commonly found in premium or convenience-focused packaging, such as gift boxes or food containers.
DRAWSTRING
Either fabric or cord closures added to packaging, such as pouches or bags, for a secure and functional design. They provide a practical way to carry or close the packaging while adding a playful or elegant touch depending on the material used.
FOUR-CORNER TRAY
A four-corner tray is a lightweight, open-top box structure with glued or foldable corners. It is commonly used for food items, bakery products, or display packaging. Its design provides easy access to contents while maintaining a clean, organized presentation.
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.
