Stock vs. Custom Packaging: Which Is Right for Your Product?
Choosing between stock and custom packaging does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. The right solution may be an existing stock package, completely custom tooling, or a combination of stock and custom components.
Empire EMCO helps manufacturers evaluate what the package actually needs to accomplish before determining how much customization is necessary.
In many projects, a distinctive custom look can be created without developing every component from scratch. A stock bottle can be paired with a custom closure, or a custom bottle can be paired with an existing stock closure or dispensing component.
Three Ways to Build the Right Package
The goal is not to make a package more custom than necessary. It is to determine which combination of existing and custom components best solves the packaging challenge.
Use Existing Packaging
Select from existing bottles, jars, closures, pumps, sprayers and other components when available tooling meets the project's requirements.
- Existing bottle or jar designs
- Existing closures and dispensing systems
- Fewer tooling-development steps
- Customization through color or decoration
- Broad component-selection possibilities
Marry Stock & Custom Components
Combine existing tooling with a custom component to create a differentiated package without necessarily developing every element from scratch.
- Stock bottle + custom closure
- Custom bottle + stock closure
- Custom bottle + existing dispensing system
- Stock package + specialized component
- Custom look with selective tooling investment
Develop New Custom Tooling
Create new packaging geometry when existing bottles, jars, closures or components cannot satisfy the project's design, function or performance requirements.
- Unique structural package design
- Custom bottle or jar geometry
- Custom closures or components
- Project-specific functionality
- Complete custom mold development
Stock + Custom Can Create a Completely Different Package
One of the most overlooked packaging strategies is combining existing components with a strategically designed custom component. Empire EMCO frequently evaluates these hybrid solutions when a completely custom package is unnecessary.
The bottle and closure should be considered as part of a complete package rather than as isolated components. Sometimes changing just one element can create the function, appearance or differentiation the project requires.
Two Common Hybrid Packaging Strategies
+
Custom Closure
Start with an existing bottle or jar and create a custom closure, dispensing component or functional feature that transforms the overall package.
EXISTING CONTAINER + CUSTOM COMPONENT+
Stock Closure
Develop a unique bottle or container while designing it around an existing stock closure, pump, sprayer or dispensing system that already meets the functional requirements.
CUSTOM CONTAINER + EXISTING COMPONENTThis approach can create a proprietary or highly differentiated package while using proven existing components where they make sense.
Stock vs. Hybrid vs. Fully Custom Packaging
Each approach offers different levels of design freedom, development requirements and use of existing tooling.
| Consideration | Stock Packaging | Hybrid Packaging | Fully Custom Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Tooling | Primarily existing tooling | Mix of existing and custom tooling | New tooling for the custom component or package |
| Design Flexibility | Based on available designs | Greater differentiation through selected custom elements | Highest structural design flexibility |
| Package Differentiation | Color, decoration and component selection can differentiate the package | Custom component can create a highly distinctive finished package | Package geometry can be developed specifically for the project |
| Tooling Development | Usually limited when existing components are used | Required only for selected custom elements | Required for newly developed custom components |
| Closure Options | Existing compatible closures | Stock or custom closure strategy | Stock or newly developed custom closure |
| Best Fit | Existing designs already meet package requirements | Some customization is required but not every component needs new tooling | Existing packaging cannot provide the required design, function or performance |
When Should You Use Stock or Custom Packaging?
Start With Existing Packaging When...
- An available package already meets structural requirements
- An existing neck finish supports the required closure or dispenser
- The desired differentiation can be achieved through color or decoration
- Only one component needs to be customized
- An existing mold in the Empire EMCO library may work
- A hybrid bottle-and-closure strategy meets the project's needs
Consider Custom Tooling When...
- Required package geometry does not currently exist
- The package needs a unique structural feature
- Existing options cannot provide the required functionality
- A proprietary package shape is important to the program
- The package must be engineered around specific product requirements
- Existing tooling cannot adequately solve the packaging challenge
How Empire EMCO Evaluates Stock vs. Custom Packaging
The decision should begin with the packaging requirements—not with an assumption that the project needs either stock or custom tooling.
Define the Challenge
Identify what the package needs to accomplish for the product, customer, brand and production environment.
Review Existing Options
Evaluate available bottles, jars, closures, dispensing systems and existing tooling.
Consider a Hybrid Solution
Determine whether combining a stock component with a custom component can achieve the desired result.
Develop Custom Tooling if Needed
When existing and hybrid options cannot meet the requirements, evaluate custom mold development.
Could an Existing Mold Be Part of the Solution?
Custom does not always mean starting from zero.
Empire EMCO's Custom Mold Library can help identify existing bottle, jar, closure and specialty tooling that may provide a starting point for a project.
An existing mold could potentially be used as-is, incorporated into a hybrid packaging strategy, or help guide the evaluation of whether completely new tooling is required.
Think in Components, Not Just Containers.
A bottle, jar, closure, pump or sprayer does not have to be evaluated in isolation.
The right finished package may combine existing and custom components from different sources into one coordinated solution.
Questions That Help Determine the Right Approach
These project requirements help determine whether stock, hybrid or fully custom packaging should be evaluated.
Related Packaging Resources
Customization Overview
Explore the different ways an existing or custom package can be adapted around your product and brand.
Explore Customization →Custom Mold Development
Learn how a completely custom package moves from concept through engineering, tooling, sampling and commercialization.
Custom Mold Development →Custom Mold Process
Follow the custom mold workflow from concept and approval through production and commercial launch.
See the Development Process →Custom Mold Library
Explore Empire EMCO's growing library of existing custom bottle, jar, closure and specialty tooling.
Browse Custom Molds →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions manufacturers ask when choosing between stock, hybrid and completely custom packaging.
What is the difference between stock and custom packaging?
Stock packaging uses existing bottle, jar, closure or component tooling. Custom packaging involves developing new tooling or package geometry around specific project requirements.
Do I have to choose between completely stock or completely custom packaging?
No. Many projects can use a hybrid approach that combines stock and custom components. This can provide meaningful package differentiation without requiring every component to be developed from scratch.
Can I use a custom bottle with a stock closure?
Yes. A custom bottle can be designed around an appropriate existing stock closure, pump, sprayer or dispensing system when the component meets the project's functional requirements.
Can I use a stock bottle with a custom closure?
Yes. An existing stock bottle or jar can be paired with a custom closure or specialized component to create a more distinctive or functional finished package.
What is hybrid packaging?
Hybrid packaging combines existing stock components with one or more custom components. Examples include a stock bottle with a custom closure or a custom bottle paired with an existing stock closure.
When should I consider a custom mold?
Custom mold development may be appropriate when existing packaging or hybrid solutions cannot provide the required geometry, function, performance or package differentiation.
Can an existing mold reduce the need for new tooling?
An existing mold may provide a starting point when the available package design meets the project's requirements. Empire EMCO's Custom Mold Library can be reviewed before deciding whether new tooling is necessary.
Can stock packaging still look custom?
Yes. Stock packaging can be differentiated through color, decoration, closure selection, dispensing components and other customization strategies. Combining a stock component with a custom component can create an even more distinctive finished package.
How does Empire EMCO help choose between stock and custom packaging?
Empire EMCO evaluates the package requirements and can consider existing packaging, component combinations, hybrid solutions, existing tooling and custom mold development before determining an appropriate packaging path.
You May Not Need an Entirely Custom Package.
Start with what the package needs to accomplish. Empire EMCO can help evaluate stock packaging, custom components, hybrid bottle-and-closure combinations and fully custom mold development to identify the right solution for your project.