By Better Packaging

📍 Serving sustainably-ambitious brands worldwide, proudly born in Australasia and trusted globally

Launching a start-up is an exciting ride. There are countless decisions to make, and packaging, though often an afterthought, can play a powerful role in shaping your brand’s identity, sustainability impact, and bottom line.

At Better Packaging, we’ve helped thousands of start-ups scale their packaging solutions, from shipping their very first order to sending thousands of branded parcels each month. Here’s your step-by-step guide to packaging for Australian start-ups.

🚀 Stage 1: Use Stock Unbranded Packaging (Keep it Lean)

Best for: New businesses testing the waters
Why: Low investment, low commitment
Also called: Generic packaging, plain mailers

When you're just getting started, cash flow is king. You may not know how many orders to expect or how your product will perform in the market. That’s where stock, unbranded packaging becomes your best friend. You can order as little or as much as you want and there’ll be less chance you’ll end up with packaging you don’t need. Waste isn’t good for the environment or your precious bottom line. Bonus, it will also be delivered quickly from our warehouse in Sydney (no lead time!).

✅ Affordable: No upfront customisation fees
✅ Low MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Order as few as 50–100 units
✅ Quick dispatch: Available and ready to ship

✨ Stage 2: Use Semi-Customized Mailers

Best for: Growing brands ready to elevate their unboxing experience
Why: Brand visibility without the bulk commitment
Also called: "Low MOQ Custom Mailers" or pre-printed hybrids

As orders increase and your brand becomes more established, you’ll want packaging that better reflects your visual identity. With these partly-customised mailers, you can:

🎨 Add your design logo, graphics, maybe a QR code, to the front of a stock-size and colour mailer
📦 Order as few as 500 units
🌿 Stay sustainable with eco-friendly materials
💡 Start building brand recognition and trust

🛍️ Stage 3: Fully Custom Packaging (Scale with Confidence)

Best for: More Established start-ups scaling operations
Why: Consistency, cost-efficiency, and brand impact
Also called: Branded packaging, full custom runs

Once your volumes are more predictable and you’ve secured more stable revenue streams, it’s time to go all in. Fully customised packaging gives you creative freedom and supply efficiency.

🔁 Order 6+ months of packaging at once
💰 Lower unit pricing with larger volumes
🖨️ Choose sizes, materials, colours, inks, finishes
♻️ Leverage eco-certifications and reporting to deepen customer loyalty
💼 Set your brand apart with a professional, polished look

Yes, this stage often requires a deposit and planning ahead, but it’s also where you start to see the real ROI of branded packaging.

🌍 Think Global, Pack Local

Whether you’re a start-up based in Sydney, a scale-up in Melbourne, or launching a new product line from Byron Bay, your packaging speaks volumes. That’s why we’ve built local fulfilment and support hubs, so you can get the packaging you need, sustainably and swiftly.

We’ve supported thousands of start-ups at every packaging stage. Our POLLAST!C mailers, compostable satchels, and recyclable #treefree options have helped brands make a difference with every delivery.

🔄 Recap: Your Start-Up Packaging Roadmap

💬 Ready to Start or Upgrade?

No matter where you’re at in your packaging journey, we’re here to help. Explore our Low MOQ Mailers, or get in touch for a custom quote.

Better for business. Better for the planet.

KATE BEZAR

Co-founder & Head of Impact & Brand

Kate Bezar is the co-founder of Better Packaging Co. and a sustainability professional helping businesses, from start-ups to global giants, find packaging solutions that make a real-world difference. She believes in the power of purpose-led design, circular thinking, and beautiful delivery experiences.

KATE BEZAR

Co-founder & Head of Impact & Brand

Kate Bezar is the co-founder of Better Packaging Co. and a sustainability professional helping businesses, from start-ups to global giants, find packaging solutions that make a real-world difference. She believes in the power of purpose-led design, circular thinking, and beautiful delivery experiences.