FAQ
Yes, MAZUS can design a custom box tailored to your specific product. There are two ways to do this:
1. Based on the dimensions you provide – if you know the external dimensions and weight of your product and can share precise data with us, we can create an accurate box drawing.
2. Based on a physical product – if your product has unusual weight, shape, or if the box needs to hold multiple items, you can send one or more physical samples to our office. In this case, our structural designers will develop the box based on the actual product. While this method takes longer, it’s much more accurate — it allows us to create the correct box design and also build and test a functional prototype.
If your product is fragile or complex, we recommend the second option, as it helps the designer choose the optimal box structure and the right board strength to ensure product protection.
Usually no, because designing an insert without the physical product often leads to repeated adjustments that exceed the value of the service paid by the client. Based on our experience, photos with marked dimensions are often inaccurate — clients may mismeasure or mislabel sizes, resulting in the need to modify the insert drawings multiple times. In such cases, the process becomes inefficient and economically unfeasible.
However, if you can provide precise technical drawings or CAD files (e.g. of a bottle or other product component), we can create the insert without having the physical object.
Yes, today artificial intelligence can help generate a packaging design visualization or a creative idea, but it is important to understand that such an image is not yet a professional production layout.
More and more of our clients come with images generated by Midjourney or DALL-E, and that is natural, because a packaging visualization is created quickly and looks impressive. However, packaging production requires completely different files – precise 2D drawings (dielines), high-quality print layouts with vector graphics, and special layouts (files) for printing effects.
Simply put, you cannot directly manufacture packaging from a beautiful AI-generated picture. Similarly, you cannot sew a piece of clothing from a photo – first, you need construction, materials, and technical preparation.
In practice, AI-generated visualizations often become an excellent starting point for style searches, matching colors and materials, presenting a packaging idea, and communicating with a designer, manufacturer, or even a potential client.
Nevertheless, an AI-generated design can be used in manufacturing packaging; we have already done this. If you plan to use an AI-created box visualization for printing, it is recommended to generate the images in the highest possible resolution from the very beginning or to use the so-called upscale functionality, which increases the resolution and detail of the image. This helps preserve better quality when preparing the design for print.
However, even when using upscale, the final production layout must still be prepared by a professional packaging designer. The workflow is as follows:
- First, a MAZUS packaging engineer generates a box drawing with real dimensions from the cardboard planned for the project. Before laying out the design, a prototype is always made so the client can ensure that the box size is correct, because creating a layout on an inaccurate drawing is just a waste of time and resources.
- Then, a professional designer cuts up, transfers, and adapts the AI-generated design onto this drawing according to the real proportions of the drawing. This is one of the most difficult parts of the job, because AI-generated dimensions almost never match real drawings.
- After that, the designer makes all elements of the layout high-quality so that they are suitable for offset (or another type of) printing. They redraw some elements into vector graphics and add the missing information, such as the product composition description, instructions for use, barcode, and packaging labeling.
Today, artificial intelligence helps visualize an idea faster, but a production-ready packaging drawing and layout still require human experience and technical knowledge.
2026-05-18
MAZUS offers all major box printing methods:
- Digital printing – ideal for small runs, large box sizes, complex graphics, and packaging prototype production.
- Screen printing – suitable for one- or two-color designs, especially when metallic inks (e.g. gold or silver) are needed on small to medium box quantities.
- Offset printing – used when high-quality printing is required for large quantities. It’s a great choice when the packaging will be laminated, UV varnished, or foil stamped.
- Flexographic printing – applied for high-volume orders when printing directly onto corrugated cardboard is needed.
Once we evaluate your packaging project and production volume, our team will recommend the most suitable printing method.
Digital and screen printing are two very different printing technologies. Both methods deliver high-quality results, but the choice between them depends on the packaging design, box size, and the quantity ordered. Let’s compare both methods:
Digital printing for packaging (with FLATBED printers):
- Printed directly from a digital file, with no physical printing plates.
- Enables full-color (CMYK) and white ink printing.
- Metallic inks (such as gold or silver) cannot be used.
- Ideal for complex graphics, including photographic images.
- Suitable for small runs and fast turnaround.
- Not efficient for medium or large runs, as FLATBED printers are relatively slow.
- Suitable for large-format packaging, as FLATBED printers can handle large print areas (e.g., 1650×3200 mm).
Screen printing on boxes (Silkscreen):
- Each color is applied using a separate mesh screen.
- Best suited for single- or two-color designs.
- Cost-effective for medium and large runs, though it requires screen preparation, which adds to the cost.
- The printing process is relatively fast, but the overall turnaround time may be longer due to the time needed to prepare the screens.
- Not suitable for very large packaging formats or large print areas.
In short: Choose digital printing when your packaging design is colorful, includes complex graphics or photographs, and you need a small quantity of boxes. Use screen printing when your box design uses one or two colors only (especially if you want metallic inks like gold or silver) and you are producing a larger batch of packaging.
Yes, MAZUS can print both your logo and full packaging design.
Printing can be applied to the outside or the inside of the box, depending on your needs. We offer several printing methods:
- Digital printing – ideal for complex designs, gradients, photographs, small production runs, and especially for printing on colored board or colored corrugated cardboard. Digital printing is also used to create packaging samples (prototypes) to present the packaging concept to clients or for photoshoots. Usually, 2–3 sample boxes are printed, and different designs are possible.
- Screen printing – best suited for one-color or two-color logos and simple designs, especially when metallic inks are required or printing is done on colored materials. Screen printing is not used for detailed full-color designs or photo-based artwork — other print methods are better suited for that.
- Offset printing – high-quality CMYK printing used for large production runs, especially when the packaging requires lamination or additional finishing such as UV spot varnish or foil stamping. It’s ideal for high-end retail packaging where print quality and brand appearance matter.
- Flexographic printing – used for large-volume orders when printing directly on corrugated cardboard. This is a cost-effective option for marking or branding logistics boxes or shelf packaging where high-end print quality is not essential, as flexo has certain limitations in precision and consistency.
No matter which method you choose, to get the best result, it’s important to provide a production-ready print layout file that meets our technical requirements.
If you only have a packaging concept consisting of illustrations, text, and a logo, our designers can help convert it into a proper print-ready file. If you don’t have any technical files (e.g., not even a proper vector version of your logo) or only a design idea, you can order full packaging design services from MAZUS. We also provide consultations to help you choose the most suitable printing method.
Yes, MAZUS offers the option to print on the inside of the box. However, there may be some design/layout limitations. Let’s go over the available printing options for inner surfaces.
- If you need a small quantity of packaging, the printing will be done using digital or screen printing. In this case, we cannot cover the entire inner surface with a solid background color. We can print text or design elements in CMYK as well as white, silver, or gold inks.
- The same applies when printing on colored boards. Small quantities (e.g., 10–50 units) can be digitally printed using UV flatbed printers with CMYK + white ink. Medium quantities (e.g., 100–300 units) can be produced using screen printing. In this case, the design must be in one or two solid colors.
- For larger runs (e.g., from 300 units), full background printing on the inside becomes possible using offset printing. This enables all printing options – full-color CMYK and metallic inks like silver and gold.
- For very large quantities (e.g., 2000–3000 units), we can print the inside using flexographic printing. This allows 1 or 2 colors and full-surface printing, but if the area is large, the background might not appear perfectly even due to the nature of flexographic printing.
Inner-side printing is often chosen for brand experience, usage instructions, or to create a surprising unboxing effect that enhances the product's presentation.
If you’re choosing to print on both the outside and inside of the box, note that this will increase the cost of production. For price-sensitive packaging, we recommend printing only on one side — either the outside or the inside, depending on your brand priorities.
If you need help deciding how, where, and what to print on your boxes, contact the MAZUS team — we’ll help you choose the most suitable solution.
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If the 3D view in the configurator is not displayed, it’s usually due to a browser or device compatibility issue. The 3D preview uses WebGL technology, which allows three-dimensional graphics to be shown directly in your browser without additional plugins. If WebGL is disabled or not supported, the 3D view may not appear.
We recommend:
- using the latest version of Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera;
- ensuring that hardware acceleration is enabled in your browser settings;
- updating your graphics drivers.
If the problem persists, try opening the page on another device or contact the MAZUS team for assistance.
Corrugated cardboard is a packaging material made of glued flat and fluted (wavy) paper layers. These layers can be produced from both recycled (secondary) and virgin fibers, i.e. fibers obtained directly from wood.
If all layers of corrugated cardboard were made entirely from recycled fiber, it would be considered 100% recycled corrugated board. However, such material is less resistant to moisture and mechanical stress (compression, crushing). For example, a shipping box made from this type of board may not sufficiently protect the product if it is transported over longer distances and periods (e.g., from Lithuania to Europe or the USA).
In practice, at least one layer of corrugated cardboard is often made from virgin fiber to ensure sufficient strength and better moisture resistance.
Typical composition:
- 70–80% recycled fiber
- 20–30% virgin fiber (for strength and quality)
This combination allows packaging that:
- is strong enough for transportation
- meets quality requirements
- remains environmentally friendly
Is it possible to obtain exact data on recycled content?
Yes. MAZUS can provide a certificate for a specific production batch indicating the exact percentage of recycled fiber used in the packaging.
A small difference in box weight (e.g., 2.1 kg vs. 2.3 kg) is normal in corrugated packaging due to material tolerances and moisture absorption.
The weight shown on the invoice is a reference weight, calculated from the theoretical material grammage and standard sheet usage.
Because such variations are standard in the industry, producers do not list the actual measured weight of each batch on invoices.
Please rest assured the quality and performance of the boxes remain unchanged.
No, we cannot produce sample boxes with tactile (embossed) Braille text, as this requires ordering a custom metal Braille embossing die and setting up the die-cutting equipment, just like in full-scale production. Unfortunately, for a quantity of only 2 units, this process would be highly inefficient and costly, so we are unable to offer it.
However, we can produce a sample box based on your submitted design using digital technology, without special tooling. In that case, the Braille text would be visual only – printed on the packaging, for example, as hollow circles.
Yes, MAZUS has experienced in-house designers with extensive knowledge of the packaging industry. We can assist both with creative packaging design and with technical layout preparation for production.
Before we begin, it’s important to define what you need:
1. If you are looking for a creative packaging design solution—such as developing a visual style, colors, typography, and brand identity—our designers can create a custom concept. Please note that full packaging design may take up to several weeks. You can find examples of our previous work in our portfolio.
2. If you already have a design idea or visual concept but need technical support to adapt it to your specific box construction, this is a simpler task. Our team can professionally prepare a production-ready layout within a few working days.
The first prototype is usually prepared within approximately 5–7 business days after we receive a complete and accurate brief for the designer. More complex design tasks may take longer. If the client is sending physical items, the task begins only after we receive the products at our office in Užliedžiai.
The prototype development timeline may be extended if the designer is waiting for additional information from the client — for example, if the client promises to send a technical drawing of their product but fails to do so on time.
Once the first prototype is sent to the client, the further pace of packaging development depends on the client’s decisions. If the first prototype is approved and meets expectations, the packaging project can be immediately prepared for production. However, if the client changes the initial brief, product dimensions, or requests major structural modifications, the development process will naturally take longer.
If your MAZUS contact person has informed you that the shipment with your packaging sample is ready, please arrange your own courier to pick up the parcel from:
UAB MAZUSPlento g. 6, LT-54302 Užliedžiai, Kaunas District, Lithuania
Contact phone: +370 655 21 818
Please send the shipping label to logistika@mazus.online
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The European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a directly applicable EU legal act aimed at reducing packaging waste, using resources more efficiently, strengthening the circular economy, and ensuring that packaging placed on the EU market is safe and meets specified recyclability requirements.
Although the regulation officially entered into force on February 11, 2025, most of its requirements will start to apply on August 12, 2026. Additional requirements and transitional deadlines will come into effect in subsequent years.
The regulation applies to all packaging materials; however, specific technical and legal requirements are imposed on cardboard and corrugated cardboard packaging, which must be ensured by the packaging manufacturer.
1. Material Safety and Restriction of Chemical Substances
Cardboard and corrugated cardboard packaging are subject to strict material safety requirements.
PFAS restriction in food contact packaging. In packaging that comes into direct contact with food, the concentration of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) cannot exceed the limit values set by the PPWR.
Restriction of heavy metals. The sum of Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr(VI) levels cannot exceed 100 mg/kg (100 ppm).
2. Recyclability Requirements
The PPWR mandates that packaging must be designed in a way that allows it to be efficiently recycled on an industrial scale.
When designing cardboard and corrugated cardboard packaging, it is important that its structure, as well as the glues, inks, varnishes, plastics, and other materials used, do not unreasonably hinder the recycling of the main material.
Compliance with recyclability requirements is evaluated according to the criteria established by the PPWR and the applicable technical documentation. Relevant European standards and technical specifications, such as EN 13430:2004, may also be used for the evaluation when appropriate for the specific assessment.
3. Optimization of Packaging Weight and Volume
The PPWR requires that packaging weight and volume be no greater than necessary to protect, transport, and deliver the product to the consumer.
The goals when designing packaging are to:
- use only as much material as necessary for product protection;
- avoid excessive structural elements;
- optimize packaging dimensions for logistics and warehousing.
For certain packaging categories, including e-commerce and transport packaging, the PPWR establishes additional requirements regarding the reduction of excessive empty space. However, in cases where a larger packaging format is necessary to protect the product, the regulation provides for exemptions.
Responsibility for selecting the packaging design and dimensions depends on who designs the packaging. If the packaging is manufactured according to the structure, dimensions, or other design specifications provided by the customer, the customer is responsible for selecting these parameters. When MAZUS designs the packaging based on a product or design task provided by the client, the PPWR packaging minimization requirements are taken into account during the design process.
4. Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Under the PPWR, before placing packaging on the EU market, the manufacturer must perform a conformity assessment and draw up technical documentation. Once compliance with the applicable PPWR requirements is demonstrated, an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is prepared.
The declaration must clearly identify the specific packaging or group / family of packaging to which the declaration applies, ensuring its traceability.
The Declaration of Conformity is based on technical documentation that stores information about the packaging design, materials used, and other documents substantiating its compliance.
MAZUS Commitment
MAZUS issues PPWR declarations of conformity to its customers for packaging for which we have sufficient technical information and documentation substantiating PPWR compliance from raw material and component suppliers.
Suppliers' technical documentation is collected for the raw materials and components we use, and specific packaging data and information supporting its compliance are stored in the MAZUS technical documentation.
If packaging was legally placed on the European Union market before the start of the applicable PPWR requirements, it does not need to be disposed of or replaced simply due to the PPWR requirements applied later. Therefore, packaging previously purchased from MAZUS that has already been placed on the EU market can continue to be used and distributed in accordance with the transitional provisions applicable to it.
It is important to understand that the application of the PPWR transitional provisions is determined by the date the packaging was placed on the EU market, rather than solely by the date of its manufacture or use. The application deadlines for individual PPWR requirements vary, so the compliance of a specific packaging product must be evaluated according to the requirements applicable to it at that time.
If you have any doubts regarding a specific MAZUS packaging product, please contact our specialists – we will help assess the situation and the available documentation.
Generally, no.
If packaging was legally placed on the European Union market before the start of the applicable PPWR requirements, there is no need to retroactively prepare a new PPWR Declaration of Conformity (DoC) simply due to the new PPWR requirements.
Such packaging can continue to be used and distributed in accordance with the transitional provisions applicable to it.
However, your customers or trading partners may request additional information regarding the composition, materials used, or compliance of the packaging. Such requests may arise from their internal quality or supplier assessment procedures.
If you purchased packaging from MAZUS and require additional technical information, please contact our specialists. We will evaluate the specific packaging and our available technical documentation.
Yes. MAZUS issues PPWR declarations of conformity for packaging for which we have all the required technical information and documentation substantiating PPWR compliance from raw material and component suppliers.
The declaration identifies the specific packaging or packaging family and provides information regarding its material composition and compliance with applicable PPWR requirements.
If you or your trading partners require a PPWR Declaration of Conformity for a specific MAZUS packaging product, please contact our team.