Prototyping Packaging

Prototyping has been at the heart of DCA since our foundation over 60 years ago. We have always had a dedicated Packaging Lab with prototyping and testing facilities. Over the years we have developed, prototyped and tested most types of packaging from most categories and industries. From some of the first plastic paint cans, to various coffee consumables, deodorant cans to toothpaste tubes, we have built the skills, knowledge and facilities to tackle most packaging challenges.

It’s incredibly powerful to be able to physically experience how a concept feels, sounds and works. Whether quickly iterating a design to put it in the hands of users or to get business ‘buy-in’ by delighting a senior stakeholder, prototyping is a critical part of packaging development. In the DCA Packaging Lab, we use bespoke machinery to efficiently prototype all types of packaging formats to accurately represent the production experience. We can produce a one-off proof of concept or multiple sample batches for consumer research. Processes include laser cutting, flexible packaging, tubes, vac-forming, vac casting, carton engineering, delivery mechanisms and applicators.