Elmes360° Advantage
A fast, transparent thermoforming package design process—partnering with you from quoting and prototyping to tooling, fulfillment, and ongoing support.
You’re here because you need custom thermoformed packaging that gets to production—quickly, done right the first time, and without the usual headaches. The Elmes360° Advantage is how we make that happen.
It’s our end-to-end design process built to move fast without cutting corners. We quote in hours, prototype in weeks, and stay by your side through every phase—from early design diagnostics to production tooling, fulfillment, and ongoing support.
With hands-on guidance and full transparency from start to finish, Elmes360° helps you avoid delays, reduce risk, and launch with confidence.
Phase 1: Quoting
You need clarity before you commit. That starts with a quote that does more than tally numbers—it maps out the path ahead. Whether you’ve already developed a thermoforming package design or need a partner to create one from scratch, we meet you where you are. If you need to move fast, we will — we can deliver a quote in as little as two hours. If you prefer to dig into design options across multiple touchpoints, we’ll guide the conversation. Either way, your goals shape the engagement.
Every quote outlines exactly what it will take to get from idea to production. You’ll see phase-by-phase costs and timelines—prototype tooling, production tooling, fulfillment—and what’s needed at each step to stay on track. You’ll know what’s expected from your team, and how we’ll keep things moving forward. Together, we create a shared plan shaped by your goals, your timeline, and your product.
Phase 2: Prototype Tooling
Before you scale, you need to know it works. That’s what prototyping is for—turning ideas into functional samples you can test, hold, and refine. Even the most polished designs on paper often reveal hidden issues that could become costly down the line. Catching these early means changes are faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
Most prototypes are in your hands in just 2–3 weeks. We move quickly without skipping steps—testing fit, function, and aesthetics. If a tray needs more clearance, or a locking mechanism isn’t performing, we catch it now—not in production. And if there are tradeoffs to consider, we help you evaluate options and decide the best way forward.
A medical device company brought us a well-developed tray design for a delicate tool. It looked production-ready but our prototyping process flagged issues with formability and structural integrity. We reshaped the flange, reduced tray depth, and replaced a fragile snap closure with a more durable perimeter-locking mechanism. The final design performs reliably at scale while protecting the product and maintaining a polished look.
Phase 3: Production Tooling
With a proven prototype in hand, it’s time to create the tools that turn your design into consistent, high-quality packaging at scale. Production tooling demands precision and expertise to build durable molds that deliver repeatable results—every time.
That precision can make or break your production run. A global automotive manufacturer came to us after discovering that their existing tray—designed and tooled elsewhere—was damaging precision components during transport. The issue hadn’t surfaced in early design stages, but it showed up in the field. We re-engineered the tray and rebuilt the mold to prevent further damage—getting them back on track fast.
We plan every tool with long-term performance in mind. You get a detailed schedule, proactive updates, and a transparent review process—so issues get addressed before they become expensive problems. Our tooling is optimized for longevity, so your packaging performs perfectly from the first shipment to the hundredth.
Phase 4: Fulfillment
After you approve the prototype, your packaging can be delivered in as little as five weeks. You’ve already seen what success looks like—now we make it real.
From finalizing contracts to shipping your first order, everything is built around your schedule, volume, and standards. Whether placing a low-volume run or scaling up to full production, Elmes keeps you informed and in control. Timelines are clear, updates are proactive, and your packaging arrives exactly as expected.
Because you’ve been part of the process from the start, there are no surprises—just a smooth transition from sign-off to shipment, handled by a partner who knows your product inside and out.
Phase 5: Long-Term Support
Once your packaging hits production, our partnership doesn’t stop—it evolves. From ongoing design iterations to new projects, Elmes stays engaged to support your business as it grows and changes.
We act as an extension of your operations, staying proactive and agile. Whether it’s adapting to volume changes, addressing supply chain challenges, or refining designs for future runs, we’re always ready to respond—no need to start over.
One client in the pet food space has returned to Elmes repeatedly. Why? Because the experience, attention to detail, and long-term reliability they get here are hard to find elsewhere. Our process builds trust, and that trust keeps working for you long after the first delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know thermoformed packaging can raise a lot of questions—whether about timelines, tooling, or ongoing support. Below, we address some of the most common inquiries to help you feel confident at every step of the Elmes360° Advantage process.
We can deliver a quote in as little as 2 hours. If your project needs a deeper consultation, we’ll guide that discussion and still move fast to get you the clarity you need.
Whether you’re starting with a sketch, a CAD file, or just the product itself, we’ll help you define what’s needed—guiding you through materials, design options, and next steps to move forward with clarity.
There’s no charge for initial design consultations. If you move forward, prototype tooling and samples are clearly priced in your quote—so there are no surprises, and you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Most prototypes are delivered in just 2–3 weeks after approval. We build time into our schedule for review, testing, and adjustments—so we get it right before scaling.
No problem. We can start from scratch and collaborate with you on the full thermoformed packaging design—starting with concept development and ending with a production-ready prototype.
No. There’s no obligation to move into production with Elmes after prototyping, but most of our customers do—because the process is straightforward and transparent.
Tooling timelines vary based on the complexity of the design, but most production tools are completed in just a few weeks. We provide a detailed schedule and clear updates throughout.
The biggest risks during tooling are errors that delay production or lead to quality issues. Elmes minimizes these by validating the design through prototyping, planning tooling builds with precision, and maintaining a transparent review process.
We can deliver full production packaging in as little as 5 weeks after prototype approval. Our process is designed to move fast while maintaining accuracy and quality.
Delays typically stem from unclear timelines, design surprises, or supply chain issues. We avoid these by setting expectations early, confirming all specs up front, and staying proactive through every step.
Reorders are fast and efficient. With tooling already in place and specs confirmed from your initial run, we can typically fulfill repeat orders with a 4-week lead time.
Yes. We retain all production files and tooling data so we can make updates efficiently. Whether you’re extending a product line or refining a detail, we can adapt quickly to support your goals.
We stand behind our work. If a defect appears, we work with you immediately to assess the issue, determine the cause, and implement a solution—whether it’s a tooling adjustment, material change, or design fix.
Get a Quote from Elmes Packaging
Thanks for your interest in Elmes Packaging. We’re excited to learn more about your next thermoforming project. From initial discussion and prototyping to product development, our team of experts is here to work with you every step of the way. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 1-2 business days, or give us a toll-free call at 1-877-909-7272.
We look forward to working with you!