Project Background & Key Challenges
In October 2025, APR, a UAE-based company, approached PandaPackage to develop a high-end rigid box for aluminium samples.
What they wanted was not a standard lid-and-base box, but a more premium structure:
- A pull-up sliding lid: the top white part is lifted upward to open the box
- A black inner compartment revealed as the lid slides up
- A white lower collar visually connected to the black interior
- Clean, minimalist look in white and matte black
- A centered black logo on the front panel
- Delivery first to their Shanghai office, then self-forwarding to Abu Dhabi
The starting point, however, was vague: APR only sent a few reference pictures, with no clear dimensions, and even the structure in the photos didn’t fully match what they really needed.
The key challenges were:
- Defining the exact structure and size from a rough idea.
- Managing multiple rounds of size changes while keeping the structure feasible.
- Getting the design approved without sending a physical sample.
- Balancing budget, quality, and a tight timeline.
- Coordinating production in China and delivery to Shanghai for onward shipping to the UAE.
1. Turning a rough idea into a clear, manufacturable structure
Through detailed questions, we clarified that APR wanted:
- A rigid box where the top lid slides up vertically
- Products to be placed in the black inner section
- The lower white collar visually anchoring the box when closed
- The logo centered on the visible face when the box is shut
At the same time, the internal size kept changing:
From 16.5 × 16.5 cm,
To 17 × 15 × 4.5 cm,
Finally to 17 × 15 × 15 cm.
We advised that 4.5 cm was far too shallow for this structure and for aluminium pieces, and would not look like the reference images. After our explanation, APR agreed to increase the height, and we locked in 17 × 15 × 15 cm as a workable internal size.
This step converted a loose idea into a clear, technically sound specification.
2. Using a plain sliding sample to eliminate misunderstanding
Because APR was overseas and did not want to wait for a physical sample, we proposed a two-step approach:
Step 1 – Plain structural sample
We first created a plain white sample with:
- The pull-up sliding lid
- The black inner compartment mock-up (structure only at this stage)
- The lower white collar
We recorded multiple videos showing:
- How the top lid slides upwards
- How much of the black inner part is revealed
- Overall proportions and opening experience
APR’s reaction was very positive – they confirmed the structure and motion were exactly what they wanted.
3. Final sample approval via photos and video only
Once the structure was confirmed, we produced the final sample with:
- Textured white paper on the outside
- Full matte-black finish on the inner compartment
- Centered black logo for “ALUMINIUM PROJECTS”
- Clean pull-up sliding action
We sent high-resolution photos and close-up videos showing:
- The logo size and position
- The contrast between the textured white exterior and matte-black interior
- The smoothness of the pull-up movement
- The alignment between lid, black inner section, and lower collar
APR replied:
“I like it. Approved.”
With this, they confirmed the design without needing a physical sample.
4. Pricing and timeline: finding the right balance
As dimensions evolved, we updated the pricing accordingly. After discussing their budget and negotiating with our factory, we agreed on:
200 pcs: USD *.30 each
500 pcs: USD *.90 each
The client also requested a shorter lead time. We coordinated production and compressed the schedule to about 15 days, while maintaining the chosen materials and finishing quality.
5. Production in China, delivery to Shanghai, then onward to the UAE
Although APR is based in the UAE, they preferred to receive the goods at their Shanghai office and ship them onward themselves.
PandaPackage:
- Confirmed the full Shanghai address and contact
- Estimated weight and carton dimensions
- Arranged local delivery from our factory to Shanghai
- Helped the client avoid unnecessary international airfreight costs
- The boxes were delivered as planned, ready for APR to forward to Abu Dhabi.
Final Result: A clean, premium pull-up sliding box
The finished packaging achieved exactly what APR envisioned:
- A vertical pull-up lid that reveals a solid black inner compartment
- A textured white exterior paired with a matte-black inside
- A centered black logo that stays visually dominant when the box is closed
- A neat white collar at the bottom that completes the composition
- A structure sturdy enough for aluminium samples, yet refined enough for a premium presentation
APR was very satisfied with the final boxes and confirmed the full production run.
Conclusion
This project shows how PandaPackage:
- Turned an unclear visual reference into a precise structural design
- Used plain samples and video to remove risk in a remote collaboration
- Provided practical structural advice instead of just following initial dimensions
- Balanced cost, quality, and time under real production constraints
- Managed China-based production and domestic delivery for a client serving the UAE market
From a simple picture to a finished pull-up sliding box with a strong brand presence,
PandaPackage helped APR bring their aluminium sample packaging to life—clearly, efficiently, and with care.
