Insights · Branding
How Much Does Packaging Design Cost in Canada?
Prices here are Envy Design Co.’s own. Other studios price differently, so compare what’s included, not just the number.
There’s no standard price for packaging design, because a single label and a twelve-product range are very different jobs. What you can do is understand what drives the cost, so you can compare quotes properly and plan a realistic budget.
What packaging design costs at Envy
Our packaging design starts at $7,500 for a single SKU. Projects with several products are quoted individually, based on the number of SKUs and variations. We send a clear, itemized quote after a short conversation about your products and where they’ll be sold.
What shapes the cost
- Number of SKUs: every flavour, size or variant adds design and production-file work.
- Pack structure: a simple label is quicker than a multi-panel box, a pouch with gussets or a custom structure.
- Bilingual requirements: fitting English and French into the same space takes more layout work.
- Brand foundation: if you need a logo and brand identity first, that’s part of the project.
- Special finishes: foils, embossing, spot varnishes and special inks need extra production planning.
- Photography, illustration and 3D renders: custom imagery adds to the budget but often makes the biggest difference on shelf.
Why a range costs less per product
Designing a range as one system means the hard decisions (layout, hierarchy, typography, how variants differ) are made once. Each additional product then follows the system, so it costs less than designing it from scratch, and adding new flavours or sizes later is faster too.
What a packaging design project should include
- A brief and a look at your category and competitors.
- Concepts designed on your manufacturer’s dieline.
- Refinement across every panel and every variant.
- Layout of the regulatory content you supply, in English and French where required.
- Printed mockups and proof checks.
- Press-ready files to your printer’s specifications, and direct contact with your manufacturer and printer.
Design isn’t printing
Design fees cover the creative and production files. Printing, materials, dies and shipping are billed by your manufacturer or printer and depend on quantities and finishes. Ask them for pricing early, because it can affect design choices like the number of colours or a special finish.
01Packaging · Range system
One system for a whole range
For Mistral’s range of kitchen, household and electronics products, we created a brand guide, a packaging design guide and new premium-look packaging. A packaging guide like this lets new products follow the system, which keeps every pack consistent and each new one quicker to produce.
02Packaging · Variants
Three variants, one family
For Olay Daily Facials dry-to-wet cleansing cloths, we designed packaging for three variants, each with its own watercolour colourway. It’s a clear example of a system: the layout stays the same, and colour does the work of telling variants apart.
More on packaging design
Guides from our packaging work, plus the service itself.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does packaging design cost in Canada?
It depends on the number of products, the pack structure, bilingual needs and whether brand work is needed first. At Envy Design Co., packaging design starts at $7,500 for a single SKU, and ranges are quoted on the number of products and variations.
Does packaging design include printing?
No. Design covers the creative work and press-ready files. Printing, materials, dies and shipping come from your manufacturer or printer and depend on quantities and finishes.
Is it cheaper to design a whole range at once?
Usually, per product. Designing a range as one system means layout and hierarchy are decided once, and each extra product follows it.
How can I keep packaging design costs down?
Start with a clear brief, get the dieline and printing specifications from your manufacturer early, supply approved regulatory content and translations, and design your range as one system.
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