As the year winds down, most people slip into holiday mode. But we always encourage our clients, however, to use December for something far more valuable: getting their packaging sorted for Q1.
Whether you’re ordering luxury rigid boxes, e-flute boxes, wooden boxes, folding boxboard cartons, tubes, paper bags, or exploring sustainable packaging options, planning ahead this month sets you up for a smoother, faster, and far less stressful start to the new year.
Here’s your full Q1 prep checklist — including a recap of our packaging types so you know exactly what to lock in now.
1. Finalise Your Q1 Packaging Needs Before the Rush Hits
January is famous for two things: ambitious launches… and impossible deadlines.
Before you switch off for the holidays, confirm:
- What products need new packaging in 2026 (especially Q1-Q2)
- What needs a packaging refresh or redesign
- What you’ll need in rigid boxes, cartons, wooden boxes, e-flute, or branded tubes
- Does your retail shop need new bespoke paper bags?
- What volumes you’ll be working with
- What you might reorder early in the year
This helps you secure production slots, and avoid the dreaded January bottleneck.
2. Understand Q1 Lead Times (and Why It’s Important to Book Early)
Across all packaging formats — from luxury rigid boxes to branded paper bags — lead times can stretch in Q1 as everyone launches new products at once.
Typical lead time is 6–8 weeks for bespoke packaging.
Book your projects early and you’ll have:
- Priority production slots
- Better stock availability
- More flexibility for changes
- Breathing room for sampling, proofing, and approvals
3. Clyde Packaging Types: A Quick Refresher
Optimising for Q1 starts with knowing your options — so here’s a clear recap of our core packaging types and what they’re best used for.
Luxury Rigid Boxes
For premium gifting, cosmetics, home fragrance, spirits, and high-end retail.
Options include:
- Lift-off lid boxes
- Shoebox style
- Clam shell boxes
- Book box
- Magnetic closure boxes
- Hinged lid
- Shoulder box
- Exposed shoulder box
- Custom inserts (foam, EVA, card, moulded pulp)
- Finishes: foil, emboss/deboss, spot UV, soft-touch lamination.
E-Flute Boxes
Perfect for e-commerce, subscription boxes, retail mailers, and heavier products needing durability.
Benefits: lightweight, strong, excellent print finish, eco-friendly options available.
Wooden Boxes
With wooden boxes, there are plenty of options for customisation to truly tell your brand story. Closures, inserts, wood types are just the beginning. Let your creativity run wild!
Benefits: Strong, premium, perfect for gifting, highly customisable.
Folding Boxboard Cartons
Ideal for FMCG, cosmetics, confectionery, drinks, and smaller retail products.
Benefits: cost-effective, fast lead times, recyclable board options, high-quality print.
Bespoke Tubes
Great for spirits, beauty, home fragrance, food & drink gifting, and lifestyle brands.
Options: composite tubes, eco tubes, luxury finishes, foil accents, textured papers.
Branded Paper Bags
For retail stores, events, gift shops, farm shops, and boutiques.
Options: twisted handle, flat handle, luxury rope handle, kraft, coated, recycled papers.
Sustainable Packaging Options
Across all packaging types, we offer:
- FSC/PEFC-certified boards
- Recycled papers
- Plastic-free alternatives
- Moulded fibre inserts
- Mono-material solutions
If sustainability is part of your 2026 strategy (and it likely is), now’s the time to build it into your Q1 orders.
4. Start Mapping Your 2026 Packaging Calendar
Because the most organised brands aren’t just thinking about Q1 — they’re thinking about the entire year.
Plan ahead for:
- Spring product launches
- Summer limited editions
- Christmas gift packaging
- Retail-ready designs
- Subscription packaging updates
- Printed POS (which we can also supply) including hang tags, sleeves, leaflets, envelopes, etc.
The brands who brief early always get the smoothest timelines and the best pricing.
Want to Get Ahead of Q1? Let’s Plan It Together.
Whether you need luxury rigid boxes, e-flute subscription packaging, printed cartons, sustainable tubes, or branded paper bags, we’re here to help you lock in your Q1 packaging strategy — calmly, clearly, and with no January surprises.