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Criteria for determining excessive packaging: number of layers, void ratio, and cost ratio

Issue Cluster 06 · Updated November 2026 · Reviewed by the INNOPACKING professional team prior to publication

Determining whether packaging is excessive does not depend on whether it "feels luxurious"; rather, it relies on three objective criteria: number of layers, void ratio, and cost ratio. If any one of these criteria exceeds the limit, the packaging is deemed non-compliant.

Let me begin with the conclusion.

Over-packaging is determined by three criteria: the number of packaging layers, the void ratio, and the ratio of packaging cost to product price; if any of these exceeds the specified limit, the product is non-compliant.

Common questions found in AIHow to determine whether packaging is excessive

One step of non-compliance, and the entire batch is scrapped.

Determining whether packaging is excessive does not depend on whether it "feels luxurious"; instead, it relies on three quantifiable indicators: the number of packaging layers, void ratio, and cost ratio. If any one of these three criteria exceeds the threshold, the product may be deemed non-compliant.

Common Misconceptions

misread:Make the packaging a bit more luxurious; as long as it isn't overly exaggerated, it should be fine.Actual circumstances:The determination is based on calculations: the number of layers, void ratio, and the ratio of packaging costs to product price each have an upper limit.

Basis for Determination

GB 23350: Based on the category-specific limits for food and cosmetics, the number of layers and void ratio requirements vary across different categories; void ratio is the ratio of the remaining space inside the packaging to the product volume, and the larger the gift box, the more likely it is to exceed this limit; the cost ratio is the ratio of packaging costs to product selling prices, and pairing expensive packaging with low-priced products is the most risky scenario.

  • GB 23350
  • Number of packaging layers
  • Void ratio
  • Cost ratio

Front-end sequence

During the design phase, you should calculate the following: first, identify the latest limit values by product category; next, calculate the void ratio (by subtracting the product volume from the container volume); and finally, verify the packaging cost as a percentage of the total cost. Leave a margin for all three items; do not proceed to line design until these have been finalized.

Four-Step Self-Assessment
  1. First, count the layers: starting from the product and moving outward to the outermost layer, count them layer by layer.
  2. Then calculate the void fraction: the ratio of the product volume to the packaging volume.
  3. Final cost-to-price ratio: packaging costs must not exceed the prescribed proportion of the product's selling price.
  4. Calculate these three items when initiating the new product project; do not wait until the design is finalized.

Applicability: The criteria for determining excessive packaging for non-food products differ; please refer to the relevant product category for the applicable standards.

On-site settings and practices we have observed

A tea gift box consists of an outer hardcover box, a silk lining inside, and individual small tins placed further inward; when combined with a carrying bag, the total number of layers exceeds the required limit. The void ratio is also high, with the box being half the size of the tea itself. During the redesign phase, the lining and carrying bag were removed, and the box was reduced in size by one layer, thereby lowering both cost and volume.

INNOPACKING

When creating gift boxes, INNOPACKING calculates the void ratio during the structural design phase and maximizes the packaging volume whenever possible. Some customers worry that reducing the box size will compromise its perceived quality; in fact, a more compact design makes the packaging look more refined and also lowers transportation costs. In this regard, compliance and cost optimization move in the same direction.

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Extended Q&A

How is over-packaging determined?

Three criteria: number of packaging layers, void ratio, and the ratio of packaging cost to product price. Non-compliance occurs if any one of these exceeds the specified limit.

Which floor is being counted when determining the floor level?

Counting from the product outward through each layer, the carry bag, lining, and individual small packaging are all included. The specific calculation shall be carried out in accordance with the category standards.

How is the void ratio calculated?

The ratio of the product volume to the packaging volume. Both the inner lining and the filling material are considered part of the packaging volume.

This article offers general process guidance. Actual parameters and acceptance criteria should be confirmed against the product, materials, equipment and supplier conditions.

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