At ZEDLAB, we see packaging as more than just a box - it’s a whole system. Taking this wider view is especially important here in Aotearoa, where packaging needs to perform across growing, packing, transport, retail, and the customer experience.

Good packaging doesn’t just tick one box. It needs to protect the product, tell the brand story, work efficiently through distribution, and align with sustainability goals. We design with all stakeholders in mind - makers, growers, producers, retailers, and the end customer.

Every project is unique. The best solutions strike the right balance between what people want, what’s technically possible, and what’s commercially and environmentally viable. Some projects are straightforward, others more complex - but whether it’s concept sketches, prototypes, or production-ready design, we tailor the process to suit your needs.

We kick things off by working with you to create a clear packaging brief. This gives everyone a shared understanding of what the packaging needs to achieve - from protecting the product, to standing out on shelf, to moving smoothly through the supply chain.

From there, we explore a range of ideas and formats. Different shapes, materials, finishes, and sustainable options are put on the table. These concepts are brought to life through sketches, prototypes, and 3D visuals so you can see, test, and refine the direction before committing to production.

The best way to avoid costly mistakes is to test early and thoroughly. A bit of homework upfront saves a lot compared to the expense of a failed launch or packaging recall.

We can run and facilitate testing that’s relevant to your project, including:

• Customer desirability and usability

• Handling and shelf impact in retail

• Compression and transport durability

• Material performance and compatibility

• Packing line efficiency

• Print quality and proofing

Our goal is to give you confidence that your packaging will perform - in store, in transit, and in the hands of your customers.

Innovation is never a straight line - it’s a cycle of ideas, prototypes, testing, and refinement. Sometimes the finer details need to be worked through closely with your packaging or machinery supplier to make sure everything runs smoothly at scale.

We provide clear packaging specifications to support this process. These can include technical drawings, 3D files, and die-lines, as well as details on textures, colours, and print finishes. The goal is to make your packaging ready for production - with no guesswork.

Finding the right supplier can make or break a packaging project. We help you connect with reliable partners who can deliver at the right quality, scale, and cost for your business.

It helps to have an early sense of your annual volumes, product variations, and delivery needs - these details shape which suppliers are the best fit. Through our network, we work with a range of trusted packaging suppliers to make sure your project is set up for success.

We stay involved right through to launch to make sure nothing slips between the cracks. That includes setting up quality control checks, supporting your team, and being present at production start-up. Our role is to give you confidence that what’s been designed is what’s being delivered - consistently, reliably, and ready for market.

Sometimes new packaging means looking at the machines behind it. We support projects where existing equipment may need upgrading, or where a new packing line is required.

Our role is to make sure the packaging leaves the line with the right functional and aesthetic quality. Working alongside you, we help search for and brief machine suppliers, focusing on flexibility and fit for purpose. The balance between packaging design, materials, and machinery is critical - and we ensure all three work seamlessly together.

As a brand owner, it’s important to understand the regulations that affect how your packaging is made, used, and recovered here in Aotearoa. New Zealand is moving quickly towards a circular economy, with packaging waste a key focus.

Some of the areas you’ll need to be aware of include:

• Waste Minimisation Act 2008 – requiring product stewardship and responsible end-of-life management.

• Plastics Phase-Out – bans and restrictions on certain hard-to-recycle or single-use plastics (like PVC food trays, polystyrene, and plastic cutlery).

• Curbside Recycling Standards (2023) – national rules for what packaging can and can’t be recycled.

We can help you design packaging that not only meets today’s rules, but also prepares you for the regulatory changes ahead - reducing compliance risk while strengthening your sustainability story.

When packaging comes into direct contact with food, safety is non-negotiable. Strict requirements apply to the types of materials used, how they’re produced, and the documentation that proves compliance.

We work with manufacturers who specialise in approved food-contact materials, clean-zone production, and robust quality systems. This ensures your packaging not only protects your product, but also meets the necessary food safety standards for both local and export markets.

Packaging involves many parts of a business - from marketing and operations to logistics and sustainability. Everyone has their own perspective, which can make decision-making complex.

A clear packaging guide helps bring it all together. It provides an easy-to-follow framework for how packaging should be developed, what materials and specifications to use, and how suppliers should align with your brand’s standards. The result is consistency, efficiency, and less risk of costly mistakes.