Choosing the right packaging supplier is a critical business decision. Your packaging is the first physical touchpoint a customer has with your brand; it needs to be strong, stylish, and sustainable. But with so many options for packing materials in Sri Lanka, how do you find a partner like Contrade that delivers truly great packaging?
This tutorial will walk you through the five most important things to consider that will allow you to make a choice that protects your products, strengthens your brand, and maintains your bottom line.
5 Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a Packaging Supplier
Don’t just shop for a vendor; shop for a partner. Here’s what to shop for.
1. Uncompromising Quality and Durability
The first responsibility of packaging is to safeguard your product as it travels. Cheap cardboard or thin material may cause goods to be damaged, customers to be dissatisfied, and returns to be expensive.
Request samples. Any good supplier will happily offer samples of their corrugated boxes, mailer boxes, or custom prints.
Test them! How much weight can they support? Is the board rigid? Does it feel strong?
Inquire about their raw materials. Do they employ quality paper and board?
Why Contrade Excels: We do not compromise on quality at Contrade. Our corrugated boxes are rigorously tested for burst strength and crush resistance so that your products arrive at your doorstep in prime condition, every time.
2. Customization and Innovative Capacities
One-size-fits-all generic boxes won’t make you stand out. Look for a supplier who offers innovative solutions to your bespoke needs.
Do they have custom size and print options? Can they print your brand colors and logo in high-definition?
Can they deliver creative structural design? Consider innovative folds, inserts, or green alternatives.
Are they current with sustainable and smart packaging trends?
Why Contrade is different: Innovation is in our DNA. Whether a unique-shaped box for luxury product or store-ready packaging that shouts or protective inserts that meet your specific requirements, our design team works with you to create a perfect, functional solution.
3. Sustainability commitment
Your customers today prefer businesses that have values of sustainability. Your choice of packaging supplier says something about values of your own brand.
- Do they provide recycled or recyclable products? Search for FSC-certified paper and recycled content.
- Ask them about their manufacturing process. Is it energy-efficient? Do they have a policy for reducing waste?
- Ask about environmentally friendly alternatives such as biodegradable mailers or low-ink designs.
Why Contrade Differentiates: We care deeply about green packaging. From being able to source a vast range of recycled packaging materials in Sri Lanka to assisting customers to reduce the packaging footprint, sustainability is integral to what we do.
4. Trust and Size
You want someone that you can trust. They need to get it there on time, every time, no matter if you need ten boxes or ten thousand.
What is their lead time for production and shipping?
Do they have the capacity to scale with your business during peak season or growth surges?
How do they treat expedited orders?
Why Contrade Excels: With state-of-the-art equipment and an optimized manufacturing process, we have unparalleled reliability. We provide consistency and quality in quantity, which makes us the preferred partner for small, medium, and large-sized enterprises.
5. Value Over Price
While cost is always a consideration, the cheapest price is often the highest price in the long term due to poor quality and breakdowns.
| Feature | Cheap Supplier | A Great Supplier (Like Contrade) |
| Quality | Inconsistent, weak materials | Rigorously tested, durable materials |
| Customization | Limited or none | Full design and print capabilities |
| Sustainability | Often an afterthought | A core principle with certified options |
| Reliability | Unpredictable lead times | On-time, scalable delivery |
| Total Value | Low initial cost, high long-term risk | Competitive pricing, high long-term ROI |
Look for competitive pricing that is not at the cost of quality.
Consider the total value: better packaging can reduce damage rates, enhance customer satisfaction, and enhance brand reputation and value, with a much higher ROI.
Why Your Search for Great Packaging Ends with Contrade
Finding a supplier that excels in all of these areas is the key to achieving great packaging for your brand. At Contrade, we pair the highest quality craftsmanship with leading-edge design and a firm focus on sustainability. We don’t just sell boxes; we provide packaging solutions that deliver solutions, tell your brand’s story, and mesmerize your customers.
As a leading packing material supplier in Sri Lanka, we have our expertise grounded in years of solid experience and a passion to enable Sri Lankan businesses to excel. Tell us how we can convert your packaging from a simple container to an exceptional brand strength. As a well-established and well-known name in Sri Lankan packaging, Contrade brings professionalism, expertise, and transparency to every client relationship. Having packaging experts at our fingertips, we’re always ready to guide you through the process of selecting the ideal packaging for your product and budget needs. We’d like you to find the Contrade difference for yourself. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation and quote. Together, let’s make something great.
Contact Us Today!
Contrade (Pvt) Ltd
Rathkarawwa,
Maspotha,
Kurunegala,
Sri Lanka
Call: +94 37 226 5322
FAQs
Q1: How far in advance should I order custom packaging?
It depends on the complexity of the design and the order quantity. Generally, in Contrade, allow for 2-3 weeks for standard custom orders. Always discuss timelines with your supplier during the planning stage.
Q2: Can I order a small batch of custom boxes to test them?
Yes! Contrade offers low minimum order quantities (MOQs) for custom packaging, allowing businesses to test the market without a large upfront investment.
Q3: What are the most cost-effective packing materials in Sri Lanka for e-commerce?
Standard Foam Sheets with PE Sheets and paper-based cushioning like honeycomb wrap are often very cost-effective and provide excellent protection. Contrade can help you choose the right materials to balance cost and safety.