Happy New Year from all of us at Clyde.
As always, January is also a time to look forward and plan the year. We’re already seeing brands plan earlier, think smarter, and invest more intentionally in their packaging for the year ahead — from refining existing ranges to developing completely new launches.
If 2026 includes:
A rebrand or refresh
A new product launch
A move toward more sustainable or premium packaging
Or simply packaging that works harder for your brand
…we’d love to be part of the conversation.
We’re offering you a free consultation to discuss your upcoming packaging requirements by using the link below, or email us and someone will be in touch with you soon.
1. Finalise Your Q1 Packaging Needs Before the Rush Hits
January is famous for two things: ambitious launches… and impossible deadlines.
Now that we’re back from holiday, it’s important to 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 Q1 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 8-12 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
*Please note: timings vary depending on project scope.
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 YOUR 2026 PROJECTS? 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 2026 packaging strategy — calmly, clearly, and with no January surprises.