Industry Trends

Graham Packaging: FAQ on Custom Packaging, Bubble Wrap, and Quality Standards

This FAQ covers the most frequent questions I get about Graham Packaging, custom packaging, and the quality standards behind it. Based on four years of reviewing packaging specs and inspecting deliveries, here's what you need to know.

What does Graham Packaging do?

We manufacture custom packaging and shipping supplies from two U.S. locations—York, PA and Muskogee, OK. Our product range covers corrugated boxes, bubble wrap, tape, envelopes, and specialty items like tote bags and protective wraps. The key difference: we handle custom orders that require precise specifications, not just off-the-shelf stock. Over 200 unique items pass through our quality check annually, and I personally review every custom spec before production.

Does Graham Packaging make carry-on bag totes?

Yes, we produce custom tote bags suitable for carry-on use—but with a caveat. Our totes are typically designed for promotional or retail packaging, not as personal luggage. If you need a lightweight tote for trade show giveaways, we can customize size, material, and print. That said, if you're looking for a full-featured travel bag with zippers and compartments, a luggage manufacturer would be a better fit. I mention this because I've seen clients order packaging-grade totes expecting luggage durability—they're different products.

How do you package anti glare window film?

Anti glare window film is sensitive—scratches or creases ruin it. The standard method: interleave each roll with a protective liner, then wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap inside a rigid box. We use ⅜" bubble wrap (the small-bubble variety) because larger bubbles can leave marks. Critical specs: the film must not shift during transit, so we add internal strapping. I rejected 12% of first shipments in our 2024 audit because of insufficient cushioning for this product category.

How to make bubble wrap?

This was true 20 years ago when you could laminate two sheets of plastic with trapped air pockets using a heat sealer. Today, commercial bubble wrap is extruded through specialized dies—a process involving resin melting, bubble formation, and controlled cooling. The 'DIY' approach produces inconsistent bubble sizes and weak seals. For example, our standard bubble wrap has a ¼" bubble height with tolerance of ±0.02". Handmade attempts usually exceed that variance within a single sheet, which means uneven protection. The frustrating part: some customers still believe they can replicate it at home, then blame us when their items arrive damaged because their bubble wrap deflated mid-transit.

Are there jobs at Graham Packaging?

We're hiring, especially in quality assurance and operations. In 2025 we added a second shift at our York plant, which created roles for inspectors and machine operators. Check our careers page for open positions. If you're applying for a quality role, expect questions about tolerance standards—I once had a candidate who couldn't define a Delta E measurement. That's a red flag in this industry.

Why does this matter? Because packaging quality directly affects your brand perception. A box that arrives crushed or a tote with misaligned printing tells customers you don't care about details.

What quality standards does Graham Packaging follow?

Three things: color accuracy, print resolution, and material consistency. For brand-critical colors, we target Delta E < 2 per Pantone Matching System guidelines (PMS reference). Print resolution must be 300 DPI at final size for offset work—below that, text and logos appear blurry. For paper weights, we adhere to standard U.S. sizes (letter, legal, tabloid) and stock options from 20 lb bond up to 100 lb cover. These aren't arbitrary numbers; they're industry baselines that prevent most quality issues. Granted, some clients think we're being overly strict—but I've seen what happens when you ignore them: a $22,000 redo on a custom box run because the color shifted Delta E 3.5.

Is custom packaging always better than standard?

No. Custom is ideal when your product dimensions don't fit standard box sizes, or when branding requires unique print colors and finishes. But if you're shipping standard items in consistent volumes, standard packaging is often cheaper and faster. For instance, a standard 12x9x4 inch box costs roughly 30% less than a custom die-cut equivalent for quantities under 500. I recommend custom for 80% of cases where dimensional fit or brand consistency matters. If you're in the other 20%—say, low volume with no special requirements—go standard. The question isn't 'which is better?' It's 'which fits your situation?'