Union Kitchen | Resources — Union Kitchen

Before You Hit Print: The Final Checklist for Packaging Design

Written by Barney Rubin | Oct 9, 2025 7:43:38 PM

You’ve tested your product, refined your design, and are ready for the final step before printing: sending your finished packaging files to your supplier.

At this stage, speed and accuracy matter. The goal is to make sure your design prints exactly as intended — with no missing elements, incorrect colors, or blurry barcodes.

1. Confirm You Have a Print-Ready File

Your designer should provide a high-resolution file on the packaging die line from your supplier. This ensures every panel — front, back, top, and sides — is laid out correctly for printing.

Before you send it, double-check that your file includes:

  • Nutrition facts and ingredient list

  • Net weight and required label statements

  • GS-1 barcode (UPC-A format)

  • Company name and contact information

  • Allergen statement, if applicable

  • Legal and marketing callouts (organic, non-GMO, vegan, etc.)

💡 Pro Tip: Always view your file in both CMYK (print) and RGB (digital) modes to confirm colors display correctly on screen and in print.

2. Review Your Proof Carefully

Once you send your file to the supplier, they’ll generate a digital proof for approval. This is your last chance to catch errors.

Zoom in on every panel, confirm spacing, and check that the barcode scans clearly. If you’re ordering multiple SKUs, make sure flavor names and color variations match exactly.

3. Approve and Start Production

After final approval, the supplier moves your design into production. Printing typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on packaging type and quantity. 

Once complete, your supplier will ship finished packaging to your manufacturing location so you can start filling product and preparing for launch.

Key Takeaways

  • Send your designer’s print-ready files directly to your packaging supplier.

  • Double-check every legal and brand element before approving.

  • Review your digital proof carefully — errors caught now save thousands later.

  • Start small; iterate fast once you’re in market.

Your packaging is the final bridge between your story and your customer. The more precise and efficient this step, the faster you’ll move from final proof to first sale.