Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by YPGreen
At YPGREEN, we connect global designers with China’s top packaging manufacturers, helping turn creative ideas into custom boxes—complete with fast sampling and quality control. In our research on Charlotte’s design scene, we found several studios that truly understand how to build packaging that performs on shelf and speaks to today’s eco-conscious consumer.
How to Choose a Packaging Design Company in Charlotte
Charlotte offers a growing ecosystem of design talent, particularly suited to emerging brands in food, wellness, beauty, and home goods. When selecting a packaging design company in Charlotte, look for firms with experience in your product category and a clear understanding of packaging production and sourcing.
Many Charlotte-based agencies offer full-service branding, which can be helpful if you’re launching a product from scratch. Others specialize in packaging-specific design and can create custom dielines, labels, and retail-ready visuals. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples of past work in sustainable packaging formats—like compostable trays or recycled paperboard cartons.
If you work with a sourcing partner like YPGREEN, make sure the design firm can provide print-ready assets and communicate effectively across borders. Charlotte’s design culture is collaborative and hands-on, making it a great location for growing brands to develop strong packaging identities.
Adam Roth Design Inc.
Services & Client Cases
Adam Roth Design, based in Charlotte, NC, is a full-service creative studio offering a wide range of branding and visual services, with a strong emphasis on packaging design. Their offerings include art direction, brand strategy, logo design, print collateral, signage, environmental graphics, and—in particular—shelf-ready packaging solutions. They craft cohesive visual systems that integrate across physical and digital media.
Client engagements have included:
- Boudreaux’s Kitchen & Tavern – comprehensive menu and packaging rebranding to capture local culinary identity.
- Agility Recovery – packaging tailored for logistical and visual impact.
- Belmont Abbey College – video promos and printed materials tied to packaging-like presentation kits.
- Carver Pressley Realtors, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and City of Charlotte – branded materials often including boxed kits and print bundles.
The studio is recognized for its tailored team models, assembling creatives best suited for each project’s scope and delivering polished packaging aligned with brand ethos.
Editor’s Recommendation
We confidently recommend Adam Roth Design for organizations and community-focused brands wanting packaging that ties into broader brand ecosystems. Their approach ensures packaging isn’t an afterthought—it’s a thoughtfully integrated asset built into environmental, editorial, and print collateral strategies. This ecosystem alignment makes their work exceptionally review-worthy for institutional and regional brand expression.
Link: http://adamrothdesign.com
Arthur Elliott
Services & Client Cases
Arthur Elliott is a Charlotte-based creative agency that offers multi-local brand strategy, creative direction, and standout packaging design—especially for beverage and lifestyle products. They lead projects end to end, including branding, packaging, digital activation, and POS experiences .
Notably, the Spirits of Alchemy cocktail mixer line featured a full packaging system with seven unique flavor SKUs, designed to hit shelves with strong visual unity and co-branding flexibility. They also engineered regional launch kits and digital-first strategy—pairing QR codes and Spotify playlists with packaging to offer storytelling that resonates physically and online. The launch led to sold-out runs, shelf success in ten markets, festival placings, and press exposure.
Editor’s Recommendation
We highly recommend Arthur Elliott for brands seeking flavorful, market-specific packaging tied to storytelling and launch strategy. Our review applauds how their approach blends packaging with digital storytelling and regional activation, making products stand out and sell fast—earning review-worthy interest from both consumers and industry.
Link: http://arthurelliott.com
BOLTGROUP
Services & Client Cases
BOLTGROUP is a Charlotte-based powerhouse that blends brand strategy with industrial and packaging design, especially for large-scale operations. They handle everything from concept sketching and CAD die-line creation to prototyping, material sourcing, ergonomics, and sustainability analysis.
- Their work for Chick‑fil‑A was a landmark: they reimagined the fast-food packaging system through back-of-house research, modular design, recyclable material introduction, and streamlined SKU consolidation. The effort eliminated 8.5 million pounds of plastic and reduced waste by 18% annually—all while preserving brand experience.
- Additional packaging achievements include consumer-grade products like the Golf Pride grip, emphasizing ergonomics and clear shelf communication.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend BOLTGROUP for brands requiring systematic, sustainable packaging at scale. Their expertise in research-driven design and operational efficiency makes them ideal for CPG and retail giants aiming for review-worthy packaging systems that achieve environmental goals and retail consistency.
Link: http://boltgroup.com
Cynthia Frank Design
Services & Client Cases
Cynthia Frank Design, headed by creative director and Yale/MFA graduate Cynthia Frank, is a boutique Charlotte studio offering holistic graphic services, including custom packaging and label design.
- The studio has crafted packaging for food products, such as the Bungalow Picnic Company granola line, showcasing how packaging can elevate artisanal foods through custom patterns, textures, and sustainable print methods.
- With over 20 years of experience, Cynthia leverages her editorial and design background to ensure packaging feels curated and grounded in narrative—melding custom typography, print finishes, and tactile quality .
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Cynthia Frank Design for brands seeking refined, narrative-rooted packaging executed with editorial sensibility. Their attention to detail—from material to finish—yields packaging that is review-worthy and evocative, ideal for small-batch or artisanal consumer goods.
Link: http://cynthiafrankdesign.com
Dana Gray Studio
Services & Client Cases
Dana Gray Studio, located in Charlotte, is a boutique creative studio focusing on intimate brand experiences and packaging, including subscription boxes and interactive unboxing.
- Their signature project is the Peterson MADE fingerprint jewelry kit, with a box design echoing memory and emotion: why they opted for dandelion fingerprint motifs, spot varnish, and custom inserts to heighten the tactile connection.
- They also design subscription box packaging across sectors like beauty, wellness, and gifts—balancing aesthetic delight with practical production considerations.
- The team emphasizes environmentally conscious packaging choices as well, opting for biodegradable mailers and FSC-certified materials when personable unboxing matters .
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Dana Gray Studio for brands that value emotionally resonant packaging and unboxing experiences. Their thoughtful design—from materials to motifs—creates review-worthy packaging that enhances connection and brand loyalty in gift, jewelry, or subscription categories.
Link: http://danagray.studio
Elwood Design
Services & Client Cases
Elwood Design, led by Tony Elwood in Orange County, CA, is a multidisciplinary creative studio renowned for film posters, book covers, and consumer packaging. Their standout specialty is high-fidelity 3D rendering and structural prototyping for packaging.
- For Momentive/GE Silicones, they didn’t just design packaging tubes—they developed structural proposals, texture maps, and point-of-sale mock-ups that elevate complex industrial products into visually compelling, ready-for-market items.
- Beyond industrial scopes, Elwood has also crafted packaging assets for B2B and consumer projects like medical tubing and garden-care items, utilizing sophisticated renderings for e-commerce and exhibition environments.
- Their visual toolkit extends to illustrations, motion mock-ups, and photo-realistic renderings, making them an all-in-one partner for brands needing packaging design with cinematic polish across web, print, and digital platforms.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Elwood Design for brands that want packaging brought to life through cinematic renderings and structural sophistication. Our review highlights their ability to visualize complex products realistically—ideal for technical, industrial, or lifestyle brands seeking review-worthy visual storytelling.
Link: http://elwoodesign.com
Nice Day Ahead
Services & Client Cases
Nice Day Ahead, based in Charlotte, NC, delivers hospitality, retail, and lifestyle branding and packaging with a minimalist, elegant twist.
- The Rookie project showcases a refined packaging system featuring crisp typography and dignified textures, designed to resemble a stylish home décor item rather than just a container.
- For Chilito, the team combined vibrant, nutrient-forward design with eco-friendly materials, giving health-conscious shoppers a compelling reason to notice on shelf.
- They also handle label printing, custom bags, and seasonally modulated packaging accents, ensuring brand visuals remain consistent across touchpoints. Additionally, they develop photoshoot guidelines to align product styling with packaging aesthetics—creating full storytelling synergy.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Nice Day Ahead for brands looking to pair lifestyle elegance with functional packaging. Our review notes their nuanced handling of materials, finishing details, and cohesive visual language—making every pack truly review-worthy in lifestyle and wellness categories.
Link: http://nicedayahead.com
Page2Studio
Services & Client Cases
Page2Studio, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a powerhouse for mass-market consumer brands, specializing in integrated packaging redesign and scalable brand systems.
- Their work on American Flatbread involved updating 18 SKUs—reworking visual hierarchy, improving shelf readability, and refining packaging structures to better communicate product benefits.
- For a children’s hair-clip range, they crafted packaging tailored for Walgreens and Target, with data-backed design choices that appeal to both kids and parents.
- Their kid-friendly cookie packaging uses kraft paper, playful artwork, and easy-to-carry formats ideal for families on the go.
- They even integrate digital touchpoints—like mobile-triggered AR experiences or nutritional info—that bring engagement to life right from the packaging.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Page2Studio for brands seeking scale-ready, multi-SKU packaging solutions that combine strong shelf presence with smart engagement tactics. They ensure each design decision serves brand coherence and commercial performance—making their output review-worthy for high-volume deployment.
Link: http://page2studio.com
The Plaid Penguin
Services & Client Cases
The Plaid Penguin in Charlotte, NC specializes in F&B, hospitality, and lifestyle packaging, extending brand identity into packaging and printed collateral.
- Their work for Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp includes bespoke takeout boxes, sauce pouches, and branded wraps featuring oceanic artwork and authentic packaging finishes.
- With Harriet’s Hamburgers, they created a complete set of branded items—burger cartons, fries wraps, drink sleeves—anchored in vintage Americana style.
- They also collaborated with The Health Club, developing merchandise packaging that uses active color palettes and bold typography to relay energy and motion.
- Beyond food, they’ve extended packaging systems to local wines and handcrafted chocolates—complete with tissue wrap, branded tape, and reusable bag systems.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend The Plaid Penguin for DTC food, restaurant, or lifestyle brands looking for immersive packaging experiences that tie into ambiance and service. Their work brings review-worthy cohesion and visual charm to the packaging moment.
Link: http://theplaidpenguin.com
Tied & Two
Services & Client Cases
Tied & Two, based in Fort Mill/Charlotte, provides boutique-grade branding and packaging catered for lifestyle, wellness, and artisanal products.
- For Dolcedew, they designed perfume or skincare packaging featuring foil-stamped labels, ribbon closures, and tactile embossing—evoking luxury with artisanal flair.
- Their jewelry gift-box solutions include brandable interiors, structural inserts, and durable closures that enhance the unboxing moment.
- A full suite of collateral—custom label panels, decorative tape, branded pouches—ensures every packaging detail reflects the brand’s identity.
- They manage the full production process, collaborating with manufacturers to align visual design with material performance and budget constraints.
Editor’s Recommendation
We recommend Tied & Two for brands seeking elevated, story-rich packaging that feels premium in both feel and function. Their attention to production-readiness and sensory detail makes packaging truly review-worthy—perfect for boutique products and subscription models.
Link: http://tiedandtwo.com
How to Design Food Packaging That Appeals to Charlotte Consumers
Charlotte’s consumer base values quality, tradition, and modern Southern style—making packaging a key part of brand communication. Whether you’re marketing baked goods, coffee, condiments, or plant-based snacks, your packaging should reflect craftsmanship, honesty, and a touch of refinement.
Start by incorporating natural, warm color palettes and serif or script-style typography that nods to the South’s artisanal heritage. Charlotte buyers appreciate clean yet friendly design—think modern farmhouse or elevated rustic vibes. Transparency and storytelling go a long way, so use packaging real estate to highlight your product’s origins, ingredients, or maker story.
Sustainability also matters. Many Charlotte consumers are turning to compostable or recyclable packaging, especially for everyday goods. Whether you’re designing trays, cups, boxes, or pouches, using eco-conscious materials can help your brand resonate with environmentally aware buyers. Be sure to call it out on the label.
Functionality should not be overlooked. Your packaging must perform well in retail and local farmers’ markets alike—easy to carry, reseal, and stack. If your product is often gifted, make sure the box looks premium enough to present, without wasteful excess.
With the right combination of charm, sustainability, and usability, your packaging will connect deeply with Charlotte’s loyal, community-focused shoppers.
Conclusion
YPGREEN helps design studios and product brands in cities like Charlotte turn creative packaging ideas into beautiful, functional boxes. Whether you’re launching a new brand or scaling an existing one, we’re here to help bring your packaging to life.
