PACKAGING SAMPLES & DUMMIES
Packaging Samples and Dummies for Virtually All Types of Packaging
A high-quality packaging sample can be crucial for a successful product launch – especially in the retail and FMCG sector.
When you’re developing a new product that needs new packaging or improving an existing design, a professionally produced packaging dummy allows you to experience and evaluate both form and function in a realistic way.
At exemplar, we make it easy to test materials, design choices, and printing techniques in a physical format that matches the final packaging.
This means you can create dialogue, engage stakeholders, and fine-tune your solution early in the development phase.
A packaging sample ensures your product not only looks good digitally but also works naturally on the store shelf or in front of your customers.
Packaging Dummies: From Metal to Plastic – Almost Anything Is Possible
In the grocery category, packaging spans a wide range of materials – each requiring its own unique approach.
Metal packaging – especially aluminum and steel cans – is widely used for beverages and canned goods and offers vast design potential, from the classic soda can to robust food cans.
Glass packaging provides both transparency and a sense of quality – ideal for everything from jams to premium beverages – though it places high demands on form and labeling.
Plastic and film materials dominate supermarket shelves, offering flexibility for everything from fruit and vegetables to ready meals and snack bars.
Here, packaging dummies and samples play a key role, as transparency, opening mechanisms, and visual appeal often need to be tailored to both product and audience.
Fortunately, we can produce 1:1 packaging dummies in almost any material, size, and color – with functionality that closely replicates the final product.
Nearly anything is possible. Nearly anything is possible.
Test new packaging materials for existing product
Packaging samples give you the freedom to explore new materials for existing products.
Recyclable paper and cardboard are increasingly popular – both among eco-conscious consumers and companies seeking lightweight, flexible, and visually strong packaging.
Here, prototypes and packaging dummies are an effective way to test print quality, dimensions, and creative folds before production.
Advantages of a Physical 1:1 Packaging Sample
Physical packaging samples and dummies offer clear advantages over digital prototypes – especially when it comes to design development and decision-making before production.
With a physical packaging dummy, you can see and feel the actual product – experiencing its material, shape, size, color, and finish in a way that digital tools can’t replicate.
This tangible, three-dimensional experience makes it easier to assess both aesthetics and functionality in real life.
A physical packaging sample reduces risk – and saves time and money.
Dummies reveal design or material issues early, helping avoid costly surprises.
Dummies reveal design or material issues early, helping avoid costly surprises.
They are produced with high precision, often matching the final product’s cuts, welds, and material effects closely – making them ideal for testing, presentations, and approvals.
Making them ideal for testing, presentations, and approvals.
User Testing & Feedback
Physical packaging samples also play an important role in user testing and feedback.
When people can interact with the product in its real dimensions and materials, it provides insights that digital mockups simply can’t.
They don't "deceive" like digital PSD files
Digital prototypes are limited to 2D or photorealistic renderings – they can’t convey texture, weight, or real-world functionality.
They lack physical realism and can only provide a two-dimensional or photorealistic representation of the design – but not the feeling, the weight of the material, or the packaging’s function in practice.
They’re useful in the early stages for presenting ideas or making quick adjustments, but they can’t replace the accuracy and insight of a physical packaging dummy.
Sometimes digital models even create false confidence, as they look polished on screen but can hide real-world issues – such as how colors, layers, or materials interact once produced. .
Packaging Dummies for Presentations & Communication
Beyond material and color choices, a good packaging dummy brings the entire development process together.
When marketing, production, and procurement can see and touch the same model, misunderstandings are reduced – and progress becomes faster and more inspiring.
A realistic packaging sample also makes it easier to convince clients, distributors, or partners of your concept’s value.
A well-executed dummy design builds trust and professionalism – and gives you a solid foundation for gathering feedback before investing in production tools.
What type of packaging sample should you use?
Etiket mockups
Realistiske prøver på etiketter, så man kan se design og tryk på selve produktet før produktion.
Doypack mockups
Fysiske poser med svejsninger og form som de færdige doypacks, egnet til præsentation og test.
Dåse mockups
Prøver på drikkedåser eller konserves, typisk i aluminium eller stål, med tryk og udformning som slutproduktet.
POS mockups
Visualisering af point-of-sale materialer som displays eller emballage til salgsmiljøer, tilpasset branding og formål.
Kartonnage mockups
Prøver på kartonemballager som æsker, sleeves eller foldede æsker, med korrekt tryk og materialevalg.
Krympefolie mockups
Prøver, hvor krympefolien sidder tæt om produktet for at simulere slutresultatet, ideelt til test af grafik og pasform.
Contact us today
+45 81 75 05 58
We look forward to hearing from you!
Get our advice – and see your packaging ideas flourish to life.
Exemplar.dk is a specialist in packaging design, the helper whose purpose is to visualize and refine packaging design.
We create realistic samples of beverage cans, packaging bags, labels, shrink wrap, capsules and cardboard – according to your needs.
For us, a packaging sample is more than a test – it is an effective, visual tool for your product communication.
It protects your product while conveying your company’s story in a credible and engaging way.
Want to see how a customized packaging sample can bring your ideas closer to the market?
Please contact us for a non-binding conversation about your next packaging project.
With us you get: professional sparring, fast delivery and a partner who understands simple and value-creating communication.