A good packaging brief saves you 4-6 weeks of back-and-forth emails. A bad one — or worse, no brief at all — leads to wrong samples, wasted money, and frustrated suppliers. Here’s the template I give every brand I consult with.
The 10-Point Tube Packaging Brief
1. Product Details
- Product name and category (face cream, body lotion, serum, toothpaste)
- Formulation type (water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, emulsion)
- pH level and key active ingredients
- Desired shelf life
2. Tube Specifications
- Volume: 15ml, 30ml, 50ml, 100ml, 150ml?
- Diameter: D19, D25, D30, D35, D40?
- Shape: Round, oval, or flat oval?
- Material preference: PE Coex, ABL, PBL, or “recommend based on formulation”
3. Decoration Requirements
- Number of print colours
- Special finishes: foil, emboss, spot UV, soft-touch
- Finish: glossy, matte, soft-touch
- Artwork file format (AI, PDF, PSD)
4. Cap & Closure
- Type: flip-top, screw, disc-top, nozzle, pump
- Colour: match to tube body or contrast?
- Material: PP, PE, or custom
5. Quantity & Timeline
- Order quantity (first order + projected annual)
- Required delivery date
- Delivery location (city, pin code)
6. Budget Range
Give a realistic per-unit budget range. This helps manufacturers recommend the right material and decoration within your means.
7. Quality Standards
- Any certifications needed? (ISO, BIS, FDA)
- Leakage testing requirements
- Drop test specifications
8. Reference Samples
Include 2-3 competitor tubes that represent the quality and finish you’re aiming for. Ship physical samples if possible.
9. Sustainability Requirements
Do you need PCR content? Mono-material for recyclability? FSC-certified paper tube? State this upfront.
10. Contact & Decision Timeline
Who is the decision-maker? What’s the approval process? When do you need samples by?
Download the complete brief template as part of the Masterclass PDF materials.