When 3D Printing Meets Degradable Packaging: The Era of Flexible and Personalized Customization Begins

3D printing technology opens up new possibilities for packaging. It enables “design as production,” where design, modeling, and printing bring concepts to life. This not only aids in evaluation and communication but also speeds up design work, simplifies prototyping and trial production processes, reduces costs, and shortens the product-to-market cycle.

Currently, 3D printing is playing a role in industries such as consumer goods, cosmetic packaging, prototype design, and beverage packaging.

More specifically, the applications of 3D printing in the packaging industry can be divided into four key areas:

1. Personalized Product Packaging

In a highly competitive market, product homogenization is inevitable. Personalized packaging design can increase product appeal and enhance consumer engagement. 3D printing technology makes the rapid production of customized packaging possible.

For example, an overseas fan of eSUN used eSUN’s transparent general-purpose rigid resin to create a skincare product bottle. After post-processing, the bottle features a premium matte texture and can be customized based on user needs.

2. Rapid Prototyping for Complex Personalized Packaging Structures

As mentioned earlier, 3D printing allows companies to quickly print packaging samples of various designs, helping them test before official production, saving time and costs.

For example, an overseas client of eSUN used 3D printing to create an egg holder mold and an egg liquid filtering tray. According to the client, traditional molding methods would have been much more expensive, but these 3D printed molds cost only a few dozen dollars and were produced faster. These designs are now in mass production.

Additionally, 3D printing allows designers to create complex internal structures that better secure products within packaging, reducing reliance on traditional materials like foam. This design improves shipping efficiency and lowers packaging costs.

As shown in the image below, the white packaging was 3D printed using eSUN’s lightweight PLA material. As a low-density foamed material, packaging made from it is customizable and lightweight. Additionally, it offers better protection for items with special or complex structures.

3. Flexible Manufacturing Technology for Custom Packaging

Some high-end handcrafted products have small production volumes, making traditional packaging methods less cost-effective. As 3D printing becomes more widespread, small-scale 3D printing farms can design unique packaging for each product, meeting market demand for personalized, high-quality products.

Moreover, we can also use 3D printing to create personalized shopping bags and other items.

The author of the material is @variableseams, printed using eSUN TPU material

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging

Currently, some companies are using 3D printing technology with biodegradable materials to create eco-friendly packaging. This packaging not only protects products but also decomposes under certain environmental conditions, aligning with sustainable development trends.

The application of 3D printing in packaging is gradually changing traditional perceptions of packaging. From personalized design to the use of eco-friendly materials, as well as rapid prototyping and complex structural designs, these innovative applications offer greater design flexibility, scalability, and support for decentralized manufacturing, making it easier to meet industry needs.

As technology and materials continue to advance, future packaging will become smarter and more eco-friendly, truly connecting with consumers on a deeper level.