To ensure safe and standardized delivery of GelatoCreate orders, all partners must follow Gelato’s detailed packaging procedures. This article outlines the complete packaging standards across all product types and includes instructions for sourcing approved packaging materials through GelatoConnect Procurement. It also explains core terminology and operational guidelines every packaging operator should know.
General Packaging Guidelines
Workstation Best Practices
Keep your desk clean and spacious.
Only handle one job at a time to prevent mistakes.
Always use your personal login credentials.
Complete one package before starting another to avoid errors or backlogs.
Stock & Packaging Area
Stock for frames should be organized and accessible.
Use the dedicated packaging area free from distractions.
Glossary
Print Job (PJ): Unique number for each product with the same design.
Order: Unique number for one or multiple PJs.
Box: Contains several PJs with varying motives/sizes.
Top Sheet: Summary sheet with PJ details.
Common Issues
If unsure, ask your team lead.
Damaged PJs should be placed on the designated shelf for reprints.
If labels don’t print or are incomplete, click Report Problem in the top right corner of the PJ preview and tick I cannot get a label, then add a comment and press Confirm.
Product-Specific Packaging Instructions
Small Posters (Up to A4)
Place the poster in a corrugated folder.
Add kraft paper and two chipboards to prevent bending.
Fold and seal the multi-well box.
Add a “Do not bend” sticker.
Use glassine paper for Fine Art posters only.
Do not use envelopes or stay-flat mailers.
Large Posters (Larger than A4)
Add glassine paper (Fine Art only).
Roll poster with protective paper that extends beyond the edges.
Twist and fold the ends to secure.
Place the poster in a triangle tube mailer.
Frame and Mounted Print Packaging
Assembling the Frame Box
Fold all edges inward and lock corners at the base.
Use the flat box, not an easy-fold mailer.
The base should be larger than the product.
Add a corrugated air cell edge for protection.
Use inner folders to protect unmounted posters.
Single Frame with Poster
Place poster in folder, then in bottom of frame box.
Add the frame on top.
Insert I-fillers vertically with corrugated sides facing frame.
Two Frames with Posters
Use a single poster folder.
Place both frames in the same double frame box.
Add I-fillers appropriately.
For three frames, combine single and double boxes and tape together.
Mounted Frames
Use Partner App to scan poster and frame barcodes.
Inspect the frame and clean both sides of the plexiglass using microfiber gloves.
Use dryer sheets for dust and goo gone/Windex for smudges.
Assemble and inspect the final product.
Mugs
Single Mug
Use a 3mm thick corrugated box with a mug insert.
Place the mug inside the insert, close, and seal the box.
Multi-Mug (2 to 6 mugs)
Pack each mug as above, place up to 6 into a larger box.
Fill extra space with cardboard or kraft paper.
Foam Corner Packaging (North America)
For large frames shipping in North America, enhanced corner protection is required.
Use foam corner protectors.
Double-slot protectors and separating sheets for 2 frames.
Seal using kraft water-activated tape only.
Canvas, Acrylic, Foam, Wood, Metal Prints
Wrap in bubble/foam/plastic sleeve.
Tape wall mounts to wrap.
Add corner protectors and I-fillers inside frame box.
Corrugated side of filler should face the print.
Other Product Types
Books and Brochures
Use roll box or book-wrap mailer to protect corners.
Calendars
Stack alternately for balance.
Verify top sheet before removing.
Use book wrap or multi-depth mailers only.
Cards and Envelopes
Small orders: Multi-depth mailers or book wrap.
Large orders: Cardboard box with kraft paper.
Always band cards together.
Photobooks
Rigid cardboard mailers are required.
A roll box or book-wrap mailer should be used to protect the corners from damage.
Wall Hangers
Use triangle tube.
Tape the hanger to the bottom of the box. Insert the poster, if applicable.
Apparel & Tote Bags
Packaging should be white labeled, with no invoice included, and no sender name, branded bar code, or logo shown on any part of the packaging.
Logos should indicate sustainability.
Use 100% recycled kraft paper waterproof bags.
Put the item in the bag. It should be directly inserted into the packaging, with no additional packaging used and close it;
Close the bag and apply the address label;
For multi-item orders and large orders, please use outer boxes. Each apparel item should be folded neatly into inner bags inside the cardboard box. Inner bags should be 100% recycled.
Hats
Rigid hats: Corrugated box.
Beanies: Sustainable bag.
International Shipments
Place commercial invoice in resealable plastic envelope.
Tape outside, away from shipping label.
DO NOT paste the invoice directly into the package;
DO NOT tape the resealable edge of the plastic envelope;
DO NOT paste the plastic package on top of the shipping label.
Branded Packaging: Insert and Label
Scan the poster/product that requires insert or label in a packaging station with branded packaging;
Follow the workflow as indicated in the screen;
Labels: Top right corner. With a shipping label next to it;
Inserts: As close as possible to the poster. In a position in which it will never be dropped during the shipment.
Label Position
For Large Posters and Posters with hanger in tube & outer box:
For Small poster in flat mailer, Poster with frame and Mounted Posters:
Insert Position
For Large Poster on tubes and Poster with hangers:
For Small Poster in flat mailer:
For Poster with frame:
For Poster with Hanger:
For Mounted Poster:
Sourcing Packaging Materials
All packaging materials must be sourced via GelatoConnect Procurement. Use the official guide to ensure compatibility with Gelato’s approved standards.
This guide includes:
Print size vs. box size matrix
Filler type and corner protection per region
Supplier item codes and ordering links
FAQ
Can I use local packaging if it looks similar?
No. Only Gelato-approved materials are allowed. Written approval is required for exceptions.
What if I receive damaged items or no labels?
Report issues via the “Report problem” function in the Partner App and notify your team lead.
Where can I find the correct box for a new frame size?
Use the Ordering & Packaging Guide, which includes all approved frame, folder, and tube pairings by size.
Do I need to apply branded inserts or labels?
Only if required. When applicable, scan the product and follow on-screen prompts. Place labels and inserts securely to prevent them from moving during transit.