Coordination guide

Coordinate inner and outer packaging.

Use this guide to connect each component, its dimensions and its role in the complete pack.

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Overview

Start with the pack you have.

A product description and one clear question are enough to begin.

Start with the product and the packaging you already have. You can read this guide and prepare notes without a project number or finished specification.

What is being packed?
Describe the product, count or portion and how the pack will be used.
What already exists?
Name the tray, support, sleeve, presentation box or carton you have. A photo or description can start the discussion.
What needs to change?
Choose the main issue: product movement, how parts fit, presentation, packing order or carton arrangement.

Project view

List the packaging layers.

Include the primary pack, support, branding, presentation carton and shipper that the project needs.

  1. L1 — Product and use condition
  2. L2 — Inner protection or primary container
  3. L3 — Support, accessory or divider
  4. L4 — Identity and presentation
  5. L5 — Outer box or presentation structure
  6. L6 — Corrugated shipper and handoff

Complete packaging system

1 image
Bayberries arranged individually in a white insert inside a clear tray.

Process

Check the fit between layers.

Review clearances, support, closure, orientation and stacking at each interface.

  • Product dimensions → inner fit
  • Inner outside dimensions → support or outer fit
  • Support position → identity and presentation
  • Closure and opening → label, sleeve and box access
  • Assembled pack dimensions → shipper count and orientation
  • Component change → affected approvals and files

Inner and outer pack interfaces

5 images
Clear bayberry packs and a bottle fitted into insulated outer boxes.
An open insulated box with two labelled bayberry packs and a bottle.
A worker sorts fruit beside a table of filled bayberry trays.
Bayberries and a clear gift pack displayed beside printed product packaging.
Small orange fruits arranged in white compartment trays.

Comparison

Agree who supplies and reviews each part.

Record who prepares drawings or artwork, provides samples and approves the component.

  • Team supplying the design input
  • Team holding the reference files
  • Responsibility for each component
  • Team checking measurements and samples
  • Team managing artwork
  • Team reviewing the sample
  • Team confirming the production version
  • Next action and when it is needed

Process

Keep one current set of references.

Make a change easy to find across the connected parts.

Keep the current set together
Group the component references, drawings or artwork and sample notes being reviewed. Use a date or version so the set is easy to identify.
Describe each change once
Name the changed part and keep the earlier reference alongside it. Point out connected parts that may need to be checked again.
Separate a proposal from a confirmed version
Keep open questions with the proposed change. Record the agreed reference when the sample review is complete.

Process

Review the assembled sample in five steps.

Keep each observation with the part or file it concerns. Agree the checks for your project together.

  1. Product in the inner pack

    Observe fit, support and contact with the closure. Keep the product and sample references with the observations.

  2. Connected parts

    Assemble the pack with its supports and other components. Record clearances, interference and any adjustment to discuss.

  3. Presentation and opening

    Check that the label, sleeve or box works with the opening path. Mark changes on the corresponding artwork or drawing.

  4. Packing into the shipper

    Record the orientation, layers, dividers and actual arrangement. Use a packing note and photos of the assembled sample.

  5. Handling and next decision

    Review the agreed handling conditions. List observations, any repeat checks and the version that both sides still need to confirm.

Inner and outer packaging guide

4 images
Bayberries placed in a white insert with individual compartments.
A worker sorts bayberries from large baskets at a packing table.
Fruit gift packs with clear windows arranged in the back of a vehicle.
An open shipping container being loaded with cartons beside a loading area.

Process

See what a useful review note contains.

Use this example as a starting structure for your own notes.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE · NOT A CUSTOMER PROJECT

A fruit gift-pack review note

Parts to review
Fruit, inner tray, support, presentation sleeve, gift box and shipping carton.
Arrangement to discuss
Fruit in the supported tray, tray inside the gift box, and closed gift packs arranged inside the shipper.
Still to confirm
Fruit variation, component references, assembled dimensions, carton arrangement and who supplies each part.
Next step
Bring the available components together for a sample review. Record the chosen arrangement only after it has been checked.

Process

Take your complete-pack notes forward.

Include the parts you have, what needs to change and any open questions.

Use the notes below to keep what you know and the questions you want to discuss. Copy them before leaving or refreshing this page; they are not saved or sent to A BOX.

Write and copy your notes

Your complete-pack handoff

Fill in what you know. Leave open questions for the conversation. Entries stay on this page until you copy them; nothing is sent.

Product, use and primary-pack reference.

Pads, dividers, labels, sleeves and presentation box.

Assembled-pack and carton dimensions, units and orientation.

Which connected component changes when a dimension or design changes.

Current versions and the teams responsible for each component.

Remaining measurements, sample checks and decisions.

Share your copied notes through the contact method you choose. A photo or a short description is enough to begin the conversation.

Discuss your complete pack

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Take your complete-pack notes forward.

Include the parts you have, what needs to change and any open questions.

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