Key takeaways:
Contract manufacturers face ever-mounting pressure to meet rapidly evolving consumer demands. Brands just expect more from their packaging partners.
The packaging industry, particularly in the realm of folding carton design, is experiencing a swift transformation—driven by consumer preferences, market trends, and technological advancements.
This evolution is especially pronounced in the competitive sectors of nutraceuticals, food and beverage, cannabis, health and beauty, and consumer goods, where speed-to-market and shelf appeal are critical factors for a brand’s success.
As consumer awareness grows and preferences shift toward eco-friendly, innovative packaging solutions, folding cartons remain a versatile and sustainable option—balancing the need for quick turnaround times with the imperative for quality and sustainability.
You require a packaging partner that meets your demands for faster production while maintaining brand integrity.
The pressure on contract manufacturers to deliver quickly without compromising product quality or regulatory compliance has never been more intense. The nutraceutical and supplement markets, in particular, are experiencing explosive growth, pushing manufacturers to produce packaging in ever-shorter timelines.
According to a report by Zion Market Research, the global nutraceutical market was worth $449.5 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% through 2028. The increasing number of health-conscious consumers seeking natural and preventive healthcare solutions drive this rapid expansion.
The rise of "on-demand" production cycles has further compressed time-to-market expectations. Brands now require packaging solutions that can be conceptualized, designed, and produced in weeks—rather than months.
Contract manufacturers must adopt more agile and efficient production methods if their clients are going to compete.
As the largest independent custom packaging supplier in the United States, Oliver provides the technology and expertise necessary for high-quality, rapid-turn packaging solutions. Our state-of-the-art equipment and innovative processes are designed to meet the demands of fast-paced industries without compromising on quality.
At the heart of our folding carton production capabilities are our Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 and Heidelberg Speedmaster presses, to name just a few of our frontline technologies. These precision machines produce vibrant, premium folding cartons that capture consumer eyes on retail aisles. Complementing our printing technology are our cutting-edge die cutters, which ensure precise and consistent carton shapes—crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.
For brands looking to elevate their packaging, Oliver offers high-end embellishment capabilities. From foil stamping and spot UV printing to embossing and debossing, these finishing touches add a choice feel to folding cartons, helping products stand out in crowded retail aisles.
Sustainable packaging design is just one major differentiator Oliver provides contract manufacturers. Our commitment to sustainability is integrated throughout our production process.
We utilize eco-friendly substrates and inks, and our efficient production methods minimize waste through right-size packaging design principles, adding value for eco-conscious brands without sacrificing quality or speed.
Oliver’s ability to meet short lead times is a game-changer for contract manufacturers.
Folding cartons have become the go-to solution for industries such as nutraceuticals and supplements due to their unique combination of durability, design flexibility, and sustainability. These versatile packaging solutions strike an optimal balance between protecting products and showcasing brand identity.
Put simply: The adaptability of folding cartons is unparalleled.
They can be easily customized to accommodate various product types and sizes, from small supplement bottles to larger functional beverage cartons. This flexibility gives brands a cohesive look across diverse product lines, while tailoring each package to its specific contents.
On the retail shelf, folding cartons play a crucial role in capturing consumer attention. The ample surface area is an ideal canvas for eye-catching graphics, important product information, and brand storytelling. Oliver’s design expertise elevates the visual appeal of folding cartons, ensuring that each package not only protects its contents, but also serves as a powerful marketing tool.
Don’t let that pocket-billboard space go to waste.
Moreover, folding cartons provide robust protection during shipping and handling, a critical factor for sensitive nutraceutical and supplement products. The structural integrity of well-designed cartons helps prevent damage and maintain product quality from the manufacturing facility to the consumer's hands.
Folding carton sustainability cannot be overstated, either.
As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging sets brands apart. In fact, sustainable packaging is among the top print design trends in 2024. And more than two-thirds of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, according to a report from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
Choosing Oliver as a domestic printing and packaging partner grants contract manufacturers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond basic carton production. Our comprehensive, human-design-centric approach to packaging solutions provides a competitive edge in today's hyper-speed market.
Scalability and customization are among the top advantages of Oliver. Whether you require a small batch of specialized folding cartons or large-scale production run, our flexible manufacturing capabilities will accommodate your requirements.
Oliver gives you end-to-end solutions—all in one place. From initial design consultation and proofing to final production and fulfillment, our holistic approach streamlines the entire packaging process, reducing timelines and minimizing the potential for errors or miscommunications that may occur when working with multiple vendors.
Our savvy designers, engineers, and production specialists work with you to ensure that each packaging solution is optimized for both aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation is central to Oliver’s folding carton design philosophy.
We continually invest in new technologies and processes to stay ahead of industry trends and consumer preferences, using only pioneering presses in folding carton production.
That means our clients get cutting-edge packaging designs, sustainable material options, and enhanced printing technologies that set their products apart in the marketplace.