Sustainable packaging prototypes
A sustainable packaging prototype is a physical sample of a pack made in the recyclable or recycled material you plan to move to. It shows how your design, colour and finishes behave on that material before production changes.
Test the material on a real pack
Litmus is a UK packaging mockup studio in Hull. We make samples on a wide range of substrates, including recycled and brown card.
Changing material changes how a pack prints. Colour sits differently on uncoated or recycled board, and some finishes behave differently. A sample shows this before the range changes.
Colour that holds across materials
We match brand colours and Pantones across different materials to keep a range consistent. This is especially useful when a brand is moving to recycled or environmentally friendly materials.
A colour library can be built for the brand so it prints consistently on any substrate.
Materials and finishes to consider
Cartons can be made from recyclable card. Corrugated board is recyclable and suits display units, transit cases and shelf ready packaging. Cellophane wrap is biodegradable and compostable.
Some finishes have lighter alternatives. Cold foil is a more environmentally friendly alternative to hot foil. Cast and cure gives an effect much like holographic foil and is more environmentally friendly than the processes it mimics.
What a prototype does not prove
A presentation sample shows appearance and feel. It does not certify that a pack is recyclable, compostable or suitable for a product. Those claims need testing and confirmation from your material supplier. Tell us the material you are considering and what the sample has to demonstrate.
Key facts.
What to expect when you ask Litmus about sustainable prototypes.
Ask about sustainable prototypes- Who makes it
- Litmus, a UK packaging mockup studio in Willerby, Hull, with a London office.
- Turnaround
- Most projects are produced within a few working days. Tell us your deadline and we plan around it.
- Price
- An estimate comes with your quotation. A firm price follows once we have your artwork, always before work starts.
- Artwork
- Illustrator (AI) or EPS preferred, high resolution PDF accepted. Images at 300 dpi, fonts outlined.
- Confidentiality
- NDAs and confidentiality agreements are signed as routine.
- Quality and delivery
- In-house quality control, with files pre-flight checked. Samples are wrapped with care and sent anywhere from local delivery to worldwide.
Common questions.
Can I see my design on recycled board before switching?
Yes. Litmus makes physical samples on recycled and brown card, among other substrates, so print and colour can be judged on the new material.
Will my brand colour match on a recycled material?
Litmus matches brand colours and Pantones across different materials and can build a colour library for the brand. The sample shows how close the match is.
Does a prototype prove a pack is recyclable?
No. A sample shows how the pack looks and feels. Recyclability and compostability claims need confirmation from the material supplier and the relevant testing.
Start with your next pack.
Tell us the format, what you need to show and when you need it. The page you enquire from is included with your brief.