Spring & Summer Packaging Prep: What Brands Should Be Ordering Now

The busy season creeps up fast, don’t let packaging be the thing that slows you down

Every year, we see the same trend.

Brands head into spring and summer with exciting launches, seasonal SKUs, new flavours, and special promotions. Then the realization hits: “We needed to order packaging weeks ago.”

Lead times tighten. Freight gets busier. Stock fluctuates. And rush orders suddenly become part of the plan. The good news? With a little prep now, your packaging can be the easiest part of your season.

Let’s walk through what you should be ordering early, realistic timelines, and smart packaging choices that help your products move smoothly from production to shelf.

Why planning spring and summer packaging early matters

Spring and summer are peak seasons across food, beverage, wellness, nutraceutical, and retail industries.

Warmer weather means: 

• More events and festivals

• Patio season

• Tourism traffic

• Outdoor gatherings

• Higher on-the-go purchases

• Seasonal gift sets and bundles

All of that equals one thing: demand.

Ordering ahead helps you:

• Lock in timelines before busy production windows

• Reduce rush fees and shipping surprises

• Give design and approvals proper time

• Keep launches on schedule instead of reactive

When packaging shows up on time, everything else feels easier.

What packaging should brands be ordering now?

Below are some of the most common items we recommend planning ahead for - especially if spring and summer are big selling seasons for you.

1. Corrugated boxes and trays

Corrugated is one of the true workhorses of packaging, and it’s heavily used for:

• Retail displays

• Case packs

• 24-can trays

• RSC shipping boxes

• Tear-away trays

• Bottle carriers

Because corrugated often requires custom sizing, printing, and dielines, it benefits from early planning.

Order early if you’re:

• Launching seasonal flavours

• Increasing volume for busy months

• Building club store packs

• Adding new distribution

Bonus: digital print options allow flexibility without massive minimums.

2. Boxboard cartons and folding cartons

Boxboard shines when presentation matters.

Think:

• Gift packaging

• Retail shelf cartons

• Subscription boxes

• Multi-pack carriers

• Seasonal collections

Spring and summer are prime time for:

🌸 Mother’s Day

🍓 Farmers market season

🍋 Lemonade, seltzers, RTDs

🎁 Summer promo bundles

Factor in time for:

✔ Dieline work

✔ Artwork approvals

✔ Print production

Getting ahead here means your products look intentional, not rushed.

3. Labels and sleeves

Nothing refreshes packaging faster than a new label or sleeve.

Perfect for:

• Limited-edition runs

• Small batch specials

• Seasonal flavours

• Rebrands or updates

Digital printing lets you produce high-quality graphics without massive commitments, making it easier to experiment.

Plan ahead if:

• You’re adding new SKUs

• You have holiday weekends or festivals in mind

• Your brand is attending markets or events

Small details can completely change shelf appeal.

4. Flexible pouches and bags

Pouches are one of the fastest-growing packaging formats because they’re lightweight, versatile, and efficient to ship.

Common spring/summer products include:

• Snacks and trail mix

• Pet treats

• Coffee and tea

• Supplements and powders

• Bath and self-care products

Some pouch formats require slightly longer timelines, especially if custom structures or features are involved. Getting ahead ensures you don’t have to compromise on zipper style, size, or print finishes.

5. Paper KB Bottles for seasonal and sustainable launches

Spring and summer are popular times for brands to rethink how their products are packaged, especially when sustainability goals are top of mind.

Paper KB Bottles are well suited for seasonal releases, limited runs, and outdoor-friendly formats. Their lightweight, shatterproof design makes them easier to ship and handle, while the 100% recycled paperboard exterior offers a full 360° canvas for branding and storytelling.

Brands often explore paper KB Bottles when:

• Launching sustainability-focused SKUs

• Planning festival, patio, or travel-friendly products

• Looking to reduce transportation emissions compared to heavier packaging

• Wanting packaging that stands out visually without adding complexity

  
  

Because paper KB Bottles require planning, spring and summer launches benefit from starting conversations early to allow time for design, testing, and production.

How far in advance should you order packaging?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a helpful guideline.

General planning windows:

• Labels and sleeves: 3–6 weeks

• Boxboard cartons: 6–10 weeks

• Corrugate: 6–10 weeks

• Pouches: 8–12 weeks

• Paper KB Bottles:  8-14+ weeks

Add extra time if:

✔ You’re still finalizing artwork

✔ You’re testing new materials

✔ You’re coordinating multiple packaging components

✔ You’re increasing volumes significantly

When in doubt, talk to us early. Even if you’re just in idea mode, it helps us map out realistic timelines.

Tips to keep your packaging prep stress-free

A few simple habits go a long way.

✓ Lock your artwork early - Minor edits always take longer than expected.

✓ Order additional stock - It’s always easier to store extra packaging than scramble at the last minute.

✓ Keep seasonal items separate - Clearly label SKUs by season so they don’t get mixed into standard inventory.

✓ Work with one packaging partner - Having everything under one roof saves time, questions, and coordination.

✓ Consider lightweight or alternative packaging formats early - Packaging like paper KB Bottles can be a smart option for seasonal products with higher shipping volumes.

We’re here to make busy season easier

Spring and summer should be exciting, not chaotic.

Whether you’re planning traditional packaging or exploring more sustainable options like paper KB Bottles, getting started early gives you more flexibility and fewer compromises.

At KinsBrae, we help brands plan packaging timelines, explore sustainable formats, and coordinate everything from design to delivery - so your spring and summer launches stay on track.

Let’s plan your packaging before the rush hits. Reach out to our team - we’d love to help you get spring/summer ready.