Packaging Material Choice RFQ: What to Compare

1. Decide what each package layer must do

A product may need a presentation pack, an inner protective fitment and an outer transit carton. They are different jobs. Ask what the buyer needs to see at retail or during unboxing, what must be protected, and which pack actually travels through parcel or freight handling.

• Presentation: communicate the product and brand; define opening style, print panels, insert and finish.
• Protection: hold the item, separate components and limit movement; share the product dimensions and fragile points.
• Transport: group and protect packed units; share pack count, outer-carton limits and shipping mode if known.

Do not assume that a premium-looking gift box is also the transit carton. Ask the supplier to quote each layer separately if both are required.

2. Compare the structure before the material name

“Paper box” can describe very different constructions. The table is a starting point for questions, not a performance guarantee; the final choice depends on the product, dimensions, artwork, sample and distribution conditions.

The Paperboard Packaging Council’s overview distinguishes folding cartons from rigid boxes and describes common construction differences. For corrugated cases, the FEFCO Code provides a shared design-style reference. Use a code only when it matches the requested corrugated construction; it is not a material grade or a test result.

3. Put measurable references in the material field

If you already have a target, state the grade, thickness, weight or physical sample reference you want reviewed. If you do not, say “please propose options” and ask the supplier to identify the exact material used in each sample or quote. Terms such as “premium paper,” “strong board” or “eco paper” are not enough to compare two offers.

• State dimensions and whether they are internal or external; identify the measurement unit.
• Attach a sample, photo, drawing or dieline and label it as a reference—not an approved specification.
• Ask each respondent to name the proposed material and construction in writing.
• List print process, colors, coating/lamination, foil, embossing, window and insert separately.
• Ask whether the quoted sample is structural, printed, or both, and what changes require a new proof.

4. Treat samples, artwork and approvals as controlled versions

Before paying for or approving a sample, record its ID, date, structure, material description, print/finish, insert and dimensions. Keep the approved artwork or dieline revision with that record. Ask the supplier to list deviations from the reference sample and wait for a written approval before treating a proof as final.

• Structural sample: fit, opening, assembly, insert and product movement.
• Print/finish proof: artwork revision, color reference, text, barcode and visible finish.
• Pre-production approval: exact version that the buyer authorizes for the order.

A digital mock-up can help review layout, but it does not establish the feel or performance of a physical material. If a property matters to the project, write down how it will be checked and who approves it.

5. Make sustainability and certification wording verifiable

If a buyer requests an FSC claim or label, do not add the logo based only on a paper description. FSC’s guidance says brands should verify that the company supplying the final product is certified, request certified material, and specify approved label use. Ask for the applicable certificate/chain-of-custody details and approval path for the actual product. VOBOM does not claim that a particular supplier or packaging item is FSC-certified unless verified project documents support that statement.

Reference: FSC U.S. — on-product labeling steps. Requirements may depend on the claim, market and license holder; confirm with the relevant certification body before printing a mark.

Packaging RFQ checklist (copy and fill in)

Ask suppliers to return the same fields in their quotations, mark unknowns as “to confirm,” and separate sample/tooling, unit packaging and shipping scope. A request for quotation is not an order; final specifications, seller identity, beneficiary, delivery scope and written order documents should be checked before any payment.

Sources and fact boundary

• Paperboard Packaging Council — What is Paperboard Packaging? Used for the distinction between folding cartons and rigid boxes.
• FEFCO — FEFCO Code Used for the role of the shared corrugated design-style code.
• Forest Stewardship Council — On Product Labels Used for certification and label-verification cautions.

This is general buyer-side RFQ guidance, not a material specification, test certificate, sustainability claim, supplier endorsement or guarantee of price, lead time or performance. Confirm the product, materials, applicable market rules and test criteria for each order.