How Are Wholesale Tumblers Packaged?

In the custom drinkware market, large-volume orders often come with the perk of fully customized packaging—from inner boxes to shipping cartons. But for small-batch wholesalers, packaging can be a frustrating dilemma. On one hand, brands worry that personalized packaging may increase damage risk or cut into margins; on the other, they still want the packaging to reflect their unique identity. Too often, they’re forced to choose between basic protection and expensive customization.

At Haers, we believe small tumblers orders shouldn’t mean limited options. That’s why we’ve developed a thoughtful packaging system designed specifically for small-batch scenarios—one that balances individual protection, efficient bundling, and shipping safety. So how exactly do we make smart packaging work for smaller orders? Let’s take a look.

Individual Protection

Individual packaging is the first line of defense for every tumbler. It protects the product during handling and shipping, while also helping showcase the item to customers or end users. At Haers, each tumbler is first placed in a polypropylene (PP) bag. This transparent, durable material offers excellent clarity and scratch resistance. It protects the cup from dust and abrasions, and it also allows for quick visual checks—making it easier for staff to inspect product quality before shipment.

But we don’t stop there. We also offer multiple packaging combinations tailored to different retailer needs, giving small wholesalers more flexibility to align protection, presentation, and cost.

1. PP Bag + PDQ Display Packaging

One of the most common packaging combinations for small-batch orders is the pairing of a PP bag with a PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) display box. This setup offers enhanced protection and presentation, especially when cushioning is a priority.

Inside the PDQ, we use egg-crate style inserts with a honeycomb structure. The hexagonal cells are not just visually appealing—they’re structurally smart. This design helps evenly distribute external pressure and absorb shocks during transport. When tumblers are nestled in these inserts, they sit in a kind of “suspension zone” that greatly reduces the chances of dents or scratches caused by bumps along the way.

PDQs come in various formats to fit different display needs. You can refer to our custom packaging options to select your preferred display quantity and layout—or contact Haers to create a PDQ box tailored specifically to your brand.

2. Standard Printed Box

For brands that care deeply about visual consistency and customer experience, the standard printed box is a great solution. These boxes are designed based on your brand’s visual identity, using high-quality printing technology to ensure vibrant colors and clean, professional finishes.

We offer options like glossy lamination for a sleek, premium look, or matte finishes that offer better scratch resistance. Thoughtful structural features—such as easy-open designs and foldable lids—make the packaging user-friendly and space-efficient. Not only does the box protect the product during transit and storage, but it also adds perceived value when opened by the customer. It becomes a touchpoint for brand storytelling, helping to reinforce your image and leave a lasting impression.

And because these boxes follow a standardized production process, they’re both scalable and delivery-efficient—ideal for growing brands with an eye on quality and consistency.

3. PP Bag with Bubble Wrap

When full custom boxes aren’t necessary, we offer a simplified packaging solution: PP bags combined with protective bubble wrap. The wrapped tumblers are placed in egg-crate dividers inside the shipping carton to prevent them from knocking into each other and getting damaged.

This method strikes a great balance between practicality and protection. It’s especially popular for small wholesale orders destined for retail shelves—offering safe transport without the need for elaborate branding.

Outer Carton Packaging

Once individually packaged tumblers are ready to be shipped in bulk, the focus of Haers’ packaging strategy shifts from protecting single items to safeguarding the entire shipment—without compromising transport efficiency. This is reflected in how we design the outer carton and its internal packing layout.

How Many Per Carton?

Choosing how many tumblers go into each carton isn’t arbitrary—it’s a carefully calculated decision based on product size, structure, and logistical considerations. Common carton counts include 6, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 30 units.

For example, smaller, more compact tumblers—like travel mugs or kids’ bottles—are often packed 24 or 30 per carton. This makes efficient use of space while keeping overall weight and stacking pressure within safe limits. Larger items, such as high-capacity vacuum flasks or tumblers with unique shapes (like handles or special lids), typically go into cartons of 6 or 12 to prevent damage from overcrowding or pressure during shipping.

These packing quantities also follow industry standards: 12 and 24 are easy to count by the dozen, helping simplify inventory management and sales tracking for retailers.

Two Main Packing Styles

There are two primary approaches to full-carton packing, depending on how each tumbler is protected individually:

Carton with Boxed Units: Tumblers that are individually packed in rigid cardboard boxes are lined up neatly inside the outer carton according to the set quantity.

Carton with Bubble-Wrapped Units: For tumblers protected by PP bags and bubble wrap, we use egg-crate style corrugated dividers. These prevent items from touching during transport and cushion each cup against shocks and drops.

Double-Wall Corrugated Cartons

The outer carton itself plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of your shipment. Haers uses double-wall corrugated cardboard for its superior strength and protection. This layered construction forms a hollow, shock-absorbing structure—almost like a flexible armor. The outer layer provides high compression resistance, while the inner layer adds extra cushioning.

This design evenly distributes external pressure, making the boxes highly resistant to crushing and impacts. Moisture-resistant coatings are applied to the surface to protect against humidity during transit. Reinforced bases are also stress-tested to ensure stability during warehouse stacking and long-distance transport.

Inside the box, we use partitions or additional padding to prevent movement of individually packed tumblers. Each carton is sealed using secure closures to ensure the package remains intact throughout its journey.

At Haers, we approach small-batch packaging with the same level of care as we do for large-scale orders. From single-cup protection to full-carton transport solutions, our system is built on two core principles: protective performance and practical adaptability. Whether you’re managing a niche brand or scaling up retail distribution, our flexible packaging solutions help you deliver safely—without compromising quality or presentation.