"Packaging is more than just a box," a phrase that becomes increasingly true the deeper you get into product development. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian hosts Kate Oliynykova, Sofeast’s Head of Supply Chain Management, to dive into the often-overlooked yet critical world of packaging. From early-stage design to common pitfalls and emerging trends, this episode is your essential guide to treating packaging not as an afterthought, but as a strategic pillar of your product's success.

00:39 – Why Packaging Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

02:41 – Types of Packaging: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary

04:26 – The Four Phases of Packaging Development

07:02 – Retail vs. E-Commerce Packaging: Key Differences

10:03 – Why Unboxing Experience Matters

12:21 – Common Pitfalls That Delay Launches

14:56 – Key Packaging Milestones in Product Development

17:12 – Packaging Timeline: How Long It Really Takes

20:26 – Packaging Trends: Sustainability and Innovation

24:02 – When Sustainable Packaging Doesn’t Work

25:57 – Eco-Friendly Ink, QR Codes & AR Packaging Features

26:57 – Common Mistakes to Avoid

28:58 – The Importance of Reliability Testing

29:58 – Final Thoughts: Packaging as Strategy

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