FAQs
At MassPack we have over 20 years of experience helping shops and businesses find the right packaging solution for their products and brand. This page answers the most common questions about bags, customisation, materials, printing, lead times and sustainability. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch and we’ll advise you with no obligation.
Table of contents
1. Bags and packaging
1. Which bag is the most suitable for my business?
It will depend mainly on the product, how you hand it to the customer and how the bag will be used. From there we can assess the most suitable material, size, strength and handle type.
2. What types of custom bags can I find?
We can customise a wide variety of bags: paper, cotton, non-woven fabric, raffia and other materials, in different sizes, handles and finishes according to each shop’s needs.
3. What is the difference between a paper, cotton and non-woven bag?
Each material offers a different image, strength and potential for reuse. The choice will depend on the product, the intended use and the image you want to project.
4. Which bag do you recommend for carrying heavy products?
For heavy products we need materials and constructions with good strength. Raffia bags are a particularly suitable option when a high load capacity is required.
5. Can I choose the size of the bag?
Yes. Depending on the type of bag, you can choose from different standard sizes or have it made to specific dimensions.
6. Can I change the type of handle?
Yes. In custom productions we offer different handle options that can be adapted to the design, the weight of the product and the use of the bag.
7. Can the bags be reinforced?
Yes. Depending on the type of bag and its use, we can incorporate different reinforcement solutions.
8. Can I order bags for products of different sizes?
Yes. We can work with different formats and dimensions to adapt the bags to the various products in your shop.
9. Which bag is suitable for a clothing shop?
Paper bags and non-woven bags are two common options. The best choice will depend on the type of product, the shop’s image and the level of reuse you want to encourage.
10. Which bag is suitable for a jewellery or watch shop?
We can work with different materials. In this sector, design, finishes and personalisation details are especially important so that the packaging is in keeping with the product presentation.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
2. Customisation
11. Can I customise the packaging with my logo?
Yes. Incorporating the logo and visual identity of the shop allows the packaging to keep communicating the brand after the sale.
12. Can I print an image across the entire surface of the bag?
Yes, in many productions this is possible. The material, printing system and design will determine the best way to reproduce it.
13. How many colours can I use in the customisation?
It will depend on the printing system and the type of bag. We can work from simple single-colour prints to full-colour (CMYK) designs with a wide range of colours.
14. What printing systems can be used?
We work with different systems such as screen printing, offset, flexography and hot stamping. We choose the technique based on the material, design, finishes and quantity.
15. Can I customise the inside of the packaging?
Yes, in certain types of production we can also customise the inside. This needs to be assessed depending on the material and the design.
16. Can I choose the colour of the bag?
Yes. The options will depend on the material and the type of production, with choices that allow the bag to be matched to the brand’s colours and identity.
17. Can I combine different colours in a single design?
Yes. We can combine colours and graphic elements to create a design that is consistent with your shop’s image.
18. Can I have a bag with an exclusive design?
Yes. A custom production allows us to work on dimensions, materials, colours, handles, printing and finishes to create a bag that is unique to the brand.
19. Can I customise labels and other accessories?
Yes. Labels, ribbons, adhesives and other accessories can also be part of the customisation and help create a more coherent presentation.
20. Can custom packaging help reinforce my brand image?
Yes. The packaging travels with the product after the purchase and can give the brand visibility beyond the point of sale, especially when the customer reuses it.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
3. Materials
21. Which material is the most suitable for my product?
It will depend on the product, weight, intended use of the packaging and the design we want to achieve. By analysing these factors we can choose the right material for each need.
22. What types of paper can I use?
We work with different papers, including smooth or recycled kraft, laid kraft, white cellulose, offset paper and coated papers. The choice will depend on the look, strength and finish we are looking for.
23. What is cellulose paper?
Cellulose is the main raw material used to make paper and is obtained from plant fibres, mainly wood. In our productions we use papers suited to the characteristics and needs of each product.
24. What is non-woven fabric?
It is a material made from fibres bonded together without using the traditional weaving process. It allows the production of lightweight, durable and reusable bags in different formats.
25. What cotton options are available?
We offer natural and recycled cotton in different weights and finishes. We can choose based on the strength, appearance and intended use of the bag.
26. Which materials are reusable?
Paper, non-woven fabric, raffia, cotton and certain polyethylene bags can be reused. Durability and number of uses will depend on the material, the bag construction and how the consumer uses it.
27. Which materials are recyclable?
The materials we work with have different recycling possibilities. It is important to consider their composition and place each piece of packaging in the correct collection system.
28. Which material is most resistant to moisture?
Plastic materials have a naturally higher resistance to moisture. Other more absorbent materials can be treated with specific coatings to reduce absorption when required.
29. Can I choose the material based on how the packaging will be used?
Yes, and it is one of the main criteria for selection. The packaging must be adapted to the product, the transport requirements, the weight and the intended use.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
4. Printing and file preparation
30. What type of file do you need to print my logo and in what format should it be?
It will depend on the printing system. We preferably work with vector graphic files (AI, EPS or high-resolution PDF) suitable for professional reproduction. If you are unsure about the format, we will review it before starting production.
31. What resolution should an image have?
It will depend on the printing technique and the final size. As a general reference, an image at 300 dpi at reproduction size usually provides good print quality.
32. What is four-colour (CMYK) printing?
It is a printing system that combines four colours — cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) — to reproduce a wide variety of colours, images and photographs.
33. Can I print photographs?
Yes. Four-colour printing allows photographs and colour images to be reproduced on suitable materials and printing systems.
34. Can I reproduce my brand's corporate colours?
Yes. We can work on the customisation colours so that they match the brand’s visual identity, taking into account the material and the printing system used.
35. Can you review my design before production?
Yes. Reviewing and approving the files is part of the process before production begins.
36. Can I see a proof before producing the full order?
Yes. We usually provide a digital representation to validate the design before production. If necessary, a physical sample can also be considered, bearing in mind that it may involve an additional cost and extend the production lead time.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
5. Quantities and quotes
37. What is the minimum quantity I can order?
It will depend on the product and the production system. When deciding on the quantity, it is worth considering not just the unit cost but also the use and possible reuse of the bag. A useful, durable and reused bag can generate many brand impressions over its lifetime and therefore achieve a very low cost per advertising impression (CPI).
38. Does the unit price decrease as the quantity increases?
Usually yes. Part of the preparation and production costs is spread across more units, so quantities can significantly influence the unit price.
39. What does the price of a custom bag depend on?
Mainly on the material, dimensions, quantity, printing system, finishes, handling and transport. That is why each custom project requires its own assessment.
40. How much does it cost to customise a bag?
It will depend on the project’s specifications and the quantity. With a few basic details we can prepare a proposal tailored to your shop’s needs.
41. Can I request a quote with no obligation?
Yes. At MassPack we can assess the project requirements and prepare a proposal with no obligation.
42. What information do you need to prepare a quote?
We mainly need to know the type of product, material, size, quantity, customisation and finishes. If you have not decided yet, we can help you define these specifications.
43. Can I request different options to compare prices?
Yes. When the project allows, we can assess different materials, quantities or finishes so that you can compare alternatives.
44. Can I combine different sizes or models in a single order?
Yes, but each model or size may have its own production process and therefore specific conditions and minimum quantities.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
6. Ordering process and lead times
45. What steps do I need to follow to place a custom order?
First we need to understand what you want to package, how you will use it and what image you want to convey. From there, our sales team can guide you on the available options and prepare a proposal with the project specifications.
46. How long does it take to produce a custom packaging item?
It depends greatly on the type of product and the production involved. As a guideline, lead times can range from approximately 15 to 90 days, depending on the product type and the complexity of the design. The production lead time begins once the commercial proposal and the digital representation of the product have been approved.
47. How long does an order take to arrive?
It will depend on the product and its production process. For a custom production, both the manufacturing time and the transport to the delivery address must be taken into account.
48. Can I repeat a previous order?
Yes. We can repeat a previous production and, if the same specifications are maintained, the preparation process can be more straightforward.
49. Can I modify the design of a previous order?
Yes. We can make the changes you need and prepare a new proposal and design representation before production begins.
50. What happens if I need the packaging urgently?
Tell us about your requirement and the available timeframe. Depending on the situation, we can explore alternatives or a temporary solution while the custom order is being produced.
51. How can I know if the product I have chosen is suitable?
We will assess the product, its specifications and the intended use with you so that you have all the information you need before making a decision.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
7. Packaging by sector
52. What packaging is suitable for a bakery or patisserie?
We have papers suitable for protecting and wrapping products and bags with different base widths that make it easy to transport cake boxes. The choice will depend on the format and dimensions of the product.
53. What options do I have for presenting bottles as a gift?
We have bags in different materials for one or two bottles, presentation boxes and also specific solutions to protect bottles during shipping.
54. What packaging is suitable for food products?
When the food already has its primary protective packaging, we can offer different solutions to facilitate transport: resistant paper bags, non-woven fabric, rPET, raffia and other materials depending on the product and use.
55. Which bags are suitable for Take Away and Delivery?
Paper kraft or cellulose bags with handles and a wide base, and with a grease-resistant treatment where needed, are a common solution. We offer different sizes to adapt them to the containers and facilitate transport.
56. What packaging can I use in a luxury shop?
A quality paper bag combined with a good design can incorporate finishes such as gloss or matte lamination, soft-touch coating, spot varnishes, embossing or textile handles. The combination of materials, corporate colours and finishes creates a polished presentation that is consistent with the brand’s image.
57. What options do I have if I am looking for reusable packaging?
We work with different materials that allow varying degrees of reuse, such as paper, non-woven fabric, raffia or cotton. The best option will be the one that balances durability, use, presentation and cost.
58. How can I use packaging as a communication tool for my business?
A custom bag makes the brand visible beyond the point of sale. Its practicality, mobility and reuse potential can generate many brand impressions throughout its lifetime and achieve a very low cost per advertising impression (CPI). That is why, when choosing a bag, it is worth considering not just the unit price but also its capacity to continue giving visibility to the brand.
Still have questions? Contact MassPack and request a no-obligation proposal.
8. Sustainability and responsibility
59. What does it mean for packaging to be recyclable?
It means that its material can be incorporated into a recycling process when managed correctly. That is why it is important to separate waste and place each piece of packaging in the appropriate collection system.
60. What is the difference between a recycled material and a recyclable material?
A recycled material incorporates raw material from a previous recycling process. A recyclable material is one that, according to its composition and available management options, can be incorporated into a recycling process.
61. Which packaging can have a lower environmental impact?
There is no single answer. The material, the quantity used, its durability, transport, the possibilities for reuse and end-of-life management can all influence the environmental impact. That is why it is important to assess the packaging based on its actual intended use.
62. How can I choose packaging taking into account its use and reusability?
First consider what it needs to carry, how long it will be used and whether the customer will be able to give it new uses. From there we can find a balance between strength, material quantity, reuse, presentation and cost.
63. What environmental information can I communicate to my customer?
It will depend on the material and the accredited characteristics of each piece of packaging. Where applicable, we can incorporate the information, symbols or labels relevant to each production, avoiding attributing environmental characteristics to the product that are not substantiated.