Custom Solutions
Tailored packaging solutions designed around your unique operational requirements and business goals. From consultation to ongoing management, we build programs that deliver measurable ROI.
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What We Offer
Every business is unique, and so are its packaging needs. A solution that works perfectly for a food processor will not work for an e-commerce fulfillment center, and what a chemical distributor needs is entirely different from what a produce farm requires. That is why PackMesa invests the time to understand your specific operation before recommending anything.
Our custom solutions team works closely with you to develop a packaging program that addresses your specific challenges — whether that is reducing costs, improving reliability, meeting compliance requirements, reducing waste, or all of the above. We combine products, services, logistics, and expertise into a single integrated program managed by a dedicated account manager who knows your business inside and out.
The result? On average, our custom solution clients see a 35% reduction in total packaging costs within the first year, with many achieving payback on the program within 60 days. More importantly, they gain a packaging partner who proactively manages and optimizes their program over time — freeing them to focus on what they do best.
Core Custom Solution Components
Mix and match these components to build the ideal program for your business. Most clients use a combination of three or more.
Custom Sizing & Specifications
Need non-standard sizes or specific material specifications? We source and process materials to your exact requirements — from custom box dimensions and wall thicknesses to specialized liner materials and printed branding.
- Custom box dimensions (any size)
- Specific wall thicknesses & flute types
- Special material requirements
- Printed/branded options
- Color coding systems
- Custom liner specifications
Specialized Processing
Our facility can process materials to meet unique requirements. From precision cutting and pre-assembly to cleaning, sanitizing, and reconditioning, we handle the preparation work so materials arrive ready to use.
- Custom cutting & trimming
- Pre-assembly of packaging kits
- Cleaning & sanitizing to spec
- Reconditioning & repair
- Sorting & grading to custom standards
- Quality testing & certification
Inventory Management
Let us manage your packaging inventory so you always have what you need without tying up warehouse space or management time. We stock, track, reorder, and deliver on your schedule.
- Dedicated off-site inventory
- Automated reorder triggers
- Just-in-time delivery
- Usage tracking & reporting
- Safety stock management
- Multi-location support
Consultation Services
Our packaging experts evaluate your operation and recommend optimal solutions for efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. From initial audits to ongoing optimization, we bring decades of expertise.
- Comprehensive packaging audits
- Cost optimization studies
- Sustainability planning
- Material specification engineering
- Supply chain review
- Vendor consolidation strategy
From Consultation to Delivery
Our proven six-step process ensures every custom solution is thoroughly designed, carefully implemented, and continuously optimized.
Discovery Consultation
We start with a thorough conversation about your packaging challenges, operational requirements, budget constraints, and goals. This may include an on-site visit to your facility to observe your packaging workflow firsthand. There is no cost or obligation for this initial consultation.
Needs Assessment & Audit
Our team conducts a detailed assessment of your current packaging usage, costs, waste, and pain points. We analyze your material specifications, volume patterns, storage constraints, compliance requirements, and supplier relationships. This is where we identify the biggest opportunities for improvement.
Solution Design
Based on the assessment, we design a custom solution addressing your specific needs. This may include product recommendations, custom specifications, inventory management protocols, delivery schedules, recycling programs, and projected cost savings. We present the complete plan for your review and feedback.
Proposal & Approval
You receive a formal proposal with detailed specifications, pricing, implementation timeline, and projected ROI. We walk through every element to ensure alignment and answer all questions. Revisions are made based on your feedback until the solution is exactly right.
Implementation
Our team handles all implementation logistics — sourcing materials, configuring inventory systems, establishing delivery routes, training your team on new procedures, and transitioning from your existing suppliers. We manage the entire cutover process to ensure zero disruption to your operations.
Ongoing Management & Optimization
After launch, your dedicated account manager monitors performance, handles day-to-day operations, and continuously looks for optimization opportunities. We provide regular reporting on usage, costs, savings, and sustainability metrics. Quarterly reviews ensure the program evolves with your business.
Customization Options
A comprehensive menu of customization capabilities across product, processing, and program levels.
Product Customization
| Option | Description | Available For |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Box Dimensions | Non-standard sizes manufactured to your exact specifications | All product types |
| Wall Thickness / Flute Type | Single, double, or triple wall based on load requirements | Gaylord boxes, corrugated |
| Custom Printing / Branding | Your logo, handling instructions, or barcodes printed on packaging | Gaylords, bags, drums |
| Liner Selection | PE, foil, food-grade, anti-static, or vapor barrier liners | Gaylords, bulk bags, drums |
| Color Coding | Color-coded packaging for product differentiation or quality sorting | All product types |
Processing Services
| Option | Description | Available For |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Cutting & Trimming | Materials cut to specific dimensions for your application | Corrugated, foam, wood |
| Assembly Services | Pre-assembled packaging kits delivered ready to use | Box + liner + pallet combos |
| Cleaning & Sanitizing | Pressure wash, sanitize, and certify used containers | IBC totes, drums, gaylords |
| Reconditioning | Full reconditioning including repairs, valve replacement, testing | IBC totes, drums |
| Sorting & Grading | Materials sorted and graded to your custom specifications | All used products |
Program Services
| Option | Description | Available For |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Management | We stock, track, and deliver your packaging on demand | All account types |
| Just-in-Time Delivery | Materials delivered precisely when needed — no early, no late | Recurring accounts |
| Reverse Logistics | We collect, sort, and process your used packaging after use | All account types |
| Closed-Loop Programs | Packaging circles back through reconditioning for reuse | Totes, drums, pallets |
| Vendor Consolidation | Replace multiple suppliers with a single PackMesa program | All account types |
Inventory Management Program
Our inventory management program eliminates stockouts, reduces warehouse space requirements, and automates reordering — so you always have the right packaging in the right quantity at the right time.
Dedicated Inventory
We maintain a dedicated stock of your specific packaging materials at our Mesa facility. Your inventory is reserved and not available to other customers, guaranteeing availability whenever you need it.
Automated Reordering
Based on your consumption patterns and lead times, we set reorder points that automatically trigger replenishment. You never have to think about placing a packaging order again.
Usage Tracking & Reporting
We track every unit in and out, providing you with detailed usage reports by product type, department, or location. This data helps identify trends, optimize quantities, and forecast future needs.
Flexible Delivery Scheduling
Choose daily, weekly, or on-demand delivery. Materials are delivered to your dock on your schedule. Multi-location businesses can receive split deliveries across facilities.
Safety Stock Management
We maintain an agreed-upon safety stock level to buffer against demand spikes, supply disruptions, or seasonal surges. Safety stock levels are adjustable as your business evolves.
Cost Predictability
With contracted inventory pricing, your packaging costs become predictable and budgetable. No more surprise price increases or emergency procurement at premium rates.
Consulting Services
Expert guidance on every aspect of your packaging operation. Each consulting engagement delivers a concrete deliverable with actionable recommendations.
Packaging Audit
Comprehensive review of your current packaging usage, costs, waste, and efficiency. We evaluate every material, supplier, and process in your packaging workflow.
Deliverable
Detailed audit report with findings, benchmarks, and prioritized recommendations.
Typical Timeline
1-2 weeks
Cost Optimization
Analysis focused specifically on reducing your packaging spend. We evaluate material alternatives, sourcing options, volume consolidation, and waste reduction opportunities.
Deliverable
Cost optimization plan with projected savings by category and implementation roadmap.
Typical Timeline
2-3 weeks
Sustainability Planning
Assessment of your packaging's environmental footprint with recommendations for reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, and transitioning to more sustainable materials.
Deliverable
Sustainability plan with environmental impact metrics, goals, and action items.
Typical Timeline
2-4 weeks
Material Specification
Engineering-level evaluation of your packaging requirements to determine the optimal material, size, weight rating, and specifications for each application.
Deliverable
Material specification document with performance requirements, approved alternatives, and sourcing recommendations.
Typical Timeline
1-3 weeks
Supply Chain Review
End-to-end review of your packaging supply chain from sourcing through disposal, identifying risks, inefficiencies, and consolidation opportunities.
Deliverable
Supply chain report with risk assessment, efficiency recommendations, and vendor consolidation plan.
Typical Timeline
3-4 weeks
ROI Examples
Real-world return on investment scenarios based on typical client outcomes. Your specific results will depend on your current situation, but these examples illustrate the magnitude of potential savings.
Switch from New to Used Packaging
Payback: ImmediateInvestment Required
No additional investment — simply sourcing change
Expected Savings
40-70% reduction in packaging material costs
Example
A business spending $200,000/year on new gaylords and pallets switches to PackMesa used inventory and reduces spend to $70,000-$120,000/year.
Implement Inventory Management Program
Payback: 1-2 monthsInvestment Required
Small setup fee + contracted inventory pricing
Expected Savings
15-25% reduction in total packaging costs through volume pricing, waste elimination, and reduced emergency purchases
Example
A manufacturer with $300,000 annual packaging spend implements our inventory program and saves $45,000-$75,000/year while freeing warehouse space.
Add Recycling & Buyback Program
Payback: ImmediateInvestment Required
No investment — we provide containers and pickup
Expected Savings
Eliminates waste hauling costs + generates revenue from recyclables
Example
A distribution center paying $3,500/month for waste hauling switches to PackMesa recycling and now receives $800/month in recyclable revenue. Net swing: $4,300/month ($51,600/year).
Full Custom Solution (All Services Combined)
Payback: 1-3 monthsInvestment Required
Consultation and program setup (typically $0 — absorbed into service pricing)
Expected Savings
30-50% reduction in total packaging lifecycle costs
Example
A food processor spending $500,000/year on packaging procurement, disposal, and logistics implements a full PackMesa program and reduces total cost to $250,000-$350,000/year.
Case Studies
See how PackMesa custom solutions are delivering real results for Arizona businesses.
Automotive Parts Manufacturer Redesigns Packaging Flow
Challenge
A Chandler-based automotive parts manufacturer was using one-size-fits-all gaylord boxes for shipping components of vastly different sizes and weights. Small parts rattled around in oversized containers, causing damage. Heavy parts exceeded weight ratings on standard boxes, leading to failures during transit. They were also managing inventory manually, resulting in frequent stockouts that halted their shipping line.
Solution
PackMesa designed a three-tier packaging system: small gaylords with custom inserts for precision components, standard gaylords with reinforced bottoms for mid-weight parts, and heavy-duty triple-wall gaylords for their heaviest assemblies. We also implemented a just-in-time inventory management program that automatically triggers reorders based on consumption data, maintaining a 2-week safety stock at their facility.
Results
- Transit damage reduced by 78% (from 4.2% to 0.9% damage rate)
- Packaging costs reduced by 31% through right-sizing
- Zero stockouts in first 18 months of inventory program
- Shipping line downtime eliminated — previously averaged 6 hours per month
- Annual savings of $142,000 in packaging, damage claims, and labor
Food Processor Builds Compliant Closed-Loop System
Challenge
A large food processing operation in Mesa needed food-grade packaging for shipping bulk ingredients to production facilities. They were buying new IBC totes and gaylords for every shipment, then disposing of them after single use. Compliance requirements meant they could not use random used containers — every unit needed documented chain of custody and sanitization records.
Solution
PackMesa built a closed-loop packaging program using reconditioned IBC totes and food-grade lined gaylords. Each unit is tracked with a unique ID, sanitized to food-grade standards at our facility after each use, inspected, and returned to the customer's rotation pool. Full documentation is maintained for regulatory compliance, including sanitization certificates and chain of custody logs.
Results
- Packaging spend reduced by 57% ($234,000 annual savings)
- Full FDA and food safety compliance maintained with documentation
- Container lifecycle extended from 1 use to 8-12 uses per unit
- Waste generation reduced by 85% — near-zero disposal
- Dedicated account manager handles all compliance documentation
E-Commerce Company Scales Packaging for 300% Growth
Challenge
A rapidly growing e-commerce company in the Phoenix area was tripling their order volume over 18 months. Their existing packaging supplier could not keep up with demand, leading to missed ship dates. They were also outgrowing their warehouse space and could not dedicate more floor area to packaging inventory.
Solution
PackMesa designed a scalable packaging supply program with off-site inventory management. We maintain a dedicated inventory of their packaging materials at our Mesa facility, with daily scheduled deliveries based on their pick-and-pack schedule. Volume scales up and down automatically based on order forecasts they share weekly. We also consolidated their four previous suppliers into a single program.
Results
- Zero missed ship dates due to packaging shortages since program launch
- Freed up 3,200 sq ft of warehouse space (previously used for packaging storage)
- Packaging cost per order reduced by 28% through better sourcing and right-sizing
- Supplier management simplified from 4 vendors to 1
- Scaled smoothly from 2,000 to 8,000 orders per week over 18 months
Chemical Distributor Implements Tote Reconditioning Program
Challenge
A chemical distribution company was purchasing new IBC totes at $320 each, using them for a single customer shipment, then either disposing of them or letting customers keep them. With 1,200 totes per year, this represented a massive and growing cost. Regulatory requirements meant they needed full traceability on every container.
Solution
PackMesa implemented a comprehensive tote reconditioning program. We collect used totes from the distributor's customers, inspect and pressure-test each unit, replace gaskets and valves as needed, clean according to the appropriate protocol for the previous contents, and return reconditioned totes to inventory. Each tote's full history is tracked in our system.
Results
- Tote costs reduced from $384,000/year to $127,000/year (67% savings)
- Average tote goes through 6 reconditioning cycles before retirement
- Full chain of custody documentation maintained for every unit
- Customer return rate improved from 35% to 82% with incentive program
- Environmental benefit: 900+ totes diverted from landfill annually
Industry-Specific Solutions
We have deep experience in these industries and have developed specialized solutions for each.
Manufacturing
Production-line packaging programs that keep your lines running without interruption. Custom specifications for your product requirements, just-in-time delivery, and scrap packaging recycling.
- Line-side delivery programs
- Custom-spec packaging
- Scrap and waste recycling
- Returnable container programs
- Seasonal surge capacity
Food & Beverage
FDA-compliant packaging programs with full traceability, sanitization protocols, and documentation. Closed-loop systems that minimize waste while maintaining food safety standards.
- Food-grade container programs
- Sanitization & certification
- Chain of custody tracking
- Closed-loop reconditioning
- Compliance documentation
Agriculture & Produce
Harvest-ready packaging available on demand with seasonal surge capacity. Field delivery, produce-grade containers, and flexible programs that scale with your growing season.
- Seasonal scaling programs
- Field-side delivery
- Produce-grade containers
- Post-harvest waste recycling
- Bulk bag programs
E-Commerce & Fulfillment
Scalable packaging programs designed for high-volume fulfillment operations. Off-site inventory management, daily delivery, vendor consolidation, and cost-per-order optimization.
- Off-site inventory management
- Daily scheduled delivery
- Cost-per-order optimization
- Multi-size packaging programs
- Returns packaging handling
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Compliant packaging programs for regulated industries. Container reconditioning, pressure testing, documentation, and hazardous material packaging expertise.
- Container reconditioning & testing
- UN/DOT rated packaging
- Full traceability systems
- Clean room packaging options
- Regulatory documentation support
Construction & Building Materials
Heavy-duty packaging for construction materials, building products, and raw materials. Oversized and custom-engineered packaging solutions for non-standard products.
- Heavy-duty gaylords & crates
- Oversized packaging engineering
- Jobsite delivery
- Pallet programs for heavy loads
- Debris container programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our custom packaging solutions.
How long does it take to develop a custom solution?
Typical timeline from initial consultation to program launch is 4-8 weeks, depending on complexity. Simple solutions (like switching from new to used packaging with scheduled delivery) can be implemented in as little as one week. Complex programs (inventory management with custom specifications and multiple locations) may take 6-8 weeks to fully design and implement.
Is there a cost for the initial consultation?
No. Our initial consultation and needs assessment are completely free with no obligation. We invest this time upfront because we believe in earning your business by demonstrating value before you commit to anything. If we cannot identify meaningful savings or improvements, we will tell you honestly.
What size business do your custom solutions work for?
We work with businesses of all sizes — from local operations spending $5,000 per year on packaging to large enterprises spending over $1 million. Our solutions scale accordingly. Smaller businesses might benefit from a simple buy/sell arrangement with scheduled delivery, while larger operations often need comprehensive programs with inventory management, recycling, and consulting components.
Can you replace our current packaging suppliers?
In most cases, yes. Many of our custom solution clients have consolidated from 3-5 packaging suppliers down to PackMesa as a single source. This simplifies procurement, reduces management overhead, improves pricing through volume consolidation, and gives you a single point of accountability. We handle sourcing of both used and new materials as needed.
How do you measure and report on program performance?
Every custom program includes regular reporting tailored to your priorities. Standard metrics include: cost per unit, total spend vs. budget, delivery on-time percentage, inventory levels, waste/recycling volumes, sustainability impact, and cost savings vs. baseline. Reports are delivered monthly with quarterly business reviews for in-depth analysis.
What if our needs change after the program is in place?
Our programs are designed to be flexible and evolve with your business. Your dedicated account manager monitors performance and proactively suggests adjustments. Volume changes, new product additions, seasonal scaling, new locations — all are handled as part of the ongoing program management at no additional cost.
Do you require long-term contracts?
No. While we offer contract options with the best pricing for clients who want long-term commitments, we also work on a month-to-month basis. We believe our service quality and cost savings are the best retention tools — not contractual lock-in. Most clients stay because the program works, not because they have to.
Can PackMesa handle packaging for products we export internationally?
Yes. We are experienced with export packaging requirements including ISPM-15 compliant wood packaging (heat-treated pallets and crates), export-grade containers, and packaging that meets international shipping standards. We can advise on material requirements for specific destination countries and ensure your packaging meets all applicable regulations.
Let's Build Your Solution
Tell us about your packaging challenges and we will develop a custom solution that fits your needs and budget. The consultation is free, the assessment is thorough, and the results speak for themselves.
Average client savings: 35% on total packaging costs. Average payback period: under 60 days.