Short Run
Packaging
Short run packaging solutions for brands that need speed, flexibility and premium quality, without large volume commitments.
- No restriction on quantity
- Fast UK Production
- Produced by a award-winning B Corp
- Premium finishes available
Custom printed boxes are more than containers. They bridge shelf appeal and memorable unboxing experiences, reflecting your brand’s quality and intent from the very first touchpoint.
Our bespoke packaging uses advanced digital technology to deliver creative flexibility, faster turnaround and cost efficiency. Ideal for cosmetic, food, health and e-commerce brands launching, testing or refining products without high minimum order commitments.
Why choose short run packaging?
Short run packaging is ideal for brands that need professional, retail-ready packaging without committing to high volumes. Whether you are launching a new product, releasing a seasonal edition or managing frequent design updates, low volume packaging gives you the freedom to evolve without waste.
Lower risk
Order only what you need, avoiding tying up cash in excess stock.
Faster turnarounds
Digital production reduces lead times and accelerates launch.
No expensive tooling costs
No expensive dies or plates required.
Flexible & scalable
Update artwork, messaging or compliance between runs.
Production-ready quality
Digital doesn’t mean compromise, it means retail-ready finish.
Ready to start your custom packaging?
Get a quote nowOrder small batch packaging as you need it, avoiding surplus stock, unnecessary costs and obsolete packaging.
An award winning UK manufacturer
Eight Groups is trusted by UK brands that prioritise quality and reliability. Our recent accolades include:
- IPIA Recognising Excellence Awards 2025 – Manufacturer of the Year
- Digital Printer 2025 – Added Value Award Winner
- East Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2025 – Sustainability Award Winner
Capabilities that set your brand apart
Our integrated workflow combines high-end digital printing with precision finishing, ensuring your packaging looks exceptional from the first unit to the last.
Digital die-cutting
No physical dies means faster turnarounds and complete creative freedom. Perfect for short run custom boxes and premium retail packaging.
Production-quality finishing
Use spot UV, precision cutting, and accurate creasing even on very small runs to get a luxury feel without the luxury volume requirements.
Wide material compatibility
We print on a vast range of stocks ensuring you get shelf-ready results from day one, rather than settling for unsatisfactory prototypes.
One-pass workflow
Our system handles cutting, creasing, and embellishment in a single process, reducing handling errors and ensuring quality.
Tailored for your industry and needs
Ideal for Cosmetic & Beauty
Create small batches of of premium cosmetic packaging for seasonal drops, influencer kits, and PR mailers that meet the high premium packaging expectations of the beauty sector.
Ideal for Food & Beverage
Stand out on the shelf with limited editions of food packaging and seasonal beverage packagings. We help you manage compliance changes effortlessly while delivering high-impact branding that drives sales.
Ideal for Health, Wellness & Supplements
Navigate a highly regulated environment with ease. Manage frequent artwork changes for ingredients and regulations, ensuring your packaging is always accurate and compliant without the waste of overproduction.
Ideal for E-commerce & DTC Brands
Scale your packaging as your brand grows. From custom subscription boxes to promotional packs and inserts, we help you create an unboxing experience that builds loyalty and encourages social sharing.
Start your short run packaging herePowered by the Razar 1070
To deliver true innovation in short run packaging, we utilise the Razar 1070. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to integrate intricate cutting, creasing, and raised spot UV in a seamless workflow. It is the engine that allows us to bring your most complex designs to life efficiently and with exact precision.
Combined with the VOC-free, energy efficient printing of the AccurioJet KM-1e, we provide an energy-efficient, low-waste solution for the modern brand.
Committed to sustainable print
We believe that high-quality packaging should not cost the earth. By combining VOC-free, water-free digital printing from the AccurioJet KM-1e with precision digital finishing, we deliver an energy-efficient, low-waste packaging workflow that supports more sustainable production.
Sustainable printing Our Sustainability B Corp CertifiedCustom Packaging FAQs
What is short run packaging?
Short run packaging refers to low order volumes. At Eight Group, this is typically around 2,000 units or less for a packaging run, although it can vary. We will always advise on what’s most suitable based on your project and goals.
Short run packaging allows brands to produce low-volume, custom printed packaging without the cost of traditional tooling. Using digital printing and digital finishing in a single workflow keeps lower quantities cost effective and high quality. It’s ideal for product launches, limited editions, compliance updates, and brands that are still evolving.
How to get custom packaging for small business?
The first step is a clear brief and a clear goal. Custom packaging for a small business starts with choosing a supplier that offers short run or low volume packaging, rather than requiring large minimum order quantities. Digital packaging production allows you to create custom printed boxes and bespoke packaging without the cost of physical tooling.
The process typically involves selecting your packaging style, materials and finishes, supplying your artwork, and ordering only the quantities you need. Short run packaging is ideal for small businesses launching new products, testing packaging designs, or scaling gradually without the financial risk of overproduction.
What are the advantages of low volume custom packaging?
Low volume custom packaging offers flexibility, speed and reduced risk. Brands can order smaller quantities of custom packaging boxes, making it easier to test new products, seasonal designs or updated branding without committing to thousands of units.
Other advantages include faster turnaround times, lower upfront costs, the ability to make design or compliance changes between runs, and reduced waste. For growing brands, low volume packaging provides a professional, retail-ready finish while maintaining control over stock and cash flow.
How to design effective short run packaging for new products?
Effective short run packaging design starts with clarity and simplicity. Focus on communicating key product information clearly, ensuring branding is consistent and compliant, particularly for regulated sectors such as food, cosmetics and supplements.
Short run packaging allows you to test design elements such as structure, finishes and messaging in the market before committing to large production runs. Using digital production, artwork can be refined quickly based on customer feedback, performance on shelf or evolving brand direction, making short run packaging an ideal solution for new product launches.
