Issue 1 · October 2026 · Monthly
Packaging AI Visibility Index: Which Suppliers AI Recommends
Every month we ask Google AI Mode, ChatGPT and Gemini the same 41 real buyer questions about custom packaging and record which suppliers each answer names and cites. It is the first public ranking of packaging suppliers by AI visibility.
Published October 25, 2026 · Answers collected 2026-10-24
41buyer questions
3AI surfaces
122answers analysed
82suppliers named
Key findings this month
- No supplier dominates AI answers. The leader, Packlane, was named in 23 of 119 eligible answers, and no supplier appeared in more than 28% of the answers on any single AI surface.
- Alibaba.com was named more often than any packaging supplier. It appeared in 27 answers, and it was the most named name when buyers asked how to verify a Chinese factory (11 of 24 answers in the Verifying stage).
- The three AI surfaces largely disagree. Only 11 of the 60 ranked suppliers were named on all three. PackMojo, Zhengyang Packaging and CW Packing were each named in 7 to 9 ChatGPT answers and in none on Google AI Mode or Gemini, while Elixir Packaging was named in 7 Google AI Mode answers and nowhere else.
- Online platforms punch above their number. The 10 online packaging platforms in the ranking took 108 of the 319 mentions among ranked suppliers (34%).
- Community and video content is cited more than supplier websites. YouTube and Reddit were the two most cited domains in Google AI Mode answers, in 9 and 8 of 41 answers.
- AI names suppliers when buyers shortlist, not when they verify. Every Shortlisting answer named at least one supplier, compared with 58% of Verifying answers.
The ranking: top 30 packaging suppliers by AI visibility
Each surface column shows answers naming the supplier out of valid answers on that surface. “Cited as source” counts Google AI Mode answers that link to the supplier’s own site. “Avg. position” is the supplier’s average order of first mention when named. Suppliers named in fewer than two answers are not ranked.
| # | Supplier | Type | PAVI score | Google AI Mode | ChatGPT | Gemini | Cited as source | Avg. position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Packlane | Online platform | 19.4 | 7/40 | 11/39 | 5/40 | 4 | 2.6 |
| 2 | Teal Packaging | Supplier | 15.6 | 6/41 | 7/40 | 6/41 | 5 | 2.2 |
| 3 | LuxoPack | Manufacturer | 12.4 | 3/41 | 9/40 | 3/41 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 4 | Arka | Online platform | 10.9 | 4/40 | 4/39 | 5/40 | 2 | 2.9 |
| 5 | Packola | Online platform | 9.8 | 5/41 | 3/40 | 4/41 | 1 | 3.7 |
| 6 | PakFactory | Online platform | 9.3 | 3/40 | 5/39 | 3/40 | 3 | 4.5 |
| 7 | Packwire | Online platform | 9.1 | 1/41 | 9/40 | 1/41 | 1 | 3.5 |
| 8 | Custom Packaging Lane | Supplier | 9.0 | 3/41 | 1/40 | 7/41 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 9 | EcoEnclose | Online platform | 9.0 | 4/41 | 4/40 | 3/41 | 1 | 4.2 |
| 10 | PackMojo | Online platform | 7.5 | 0/41 | 9/40 | 0/41 | 0 | 2.2 |
| 11 | The Premier Packaging | Supplier | 7.3 | 6/41 | 0/40 | 3/41 | 3 | 2.9 |
| 12 | Zhengyang Packaging | Supplier | 6.7 | 0/41 | 8/40 | 0/41 | 0 | 2.1 |
| 13 | noissue | Online platform | 6.6 | 3/41 | 4/40 | 1/41 | 1 | 4.4 |
| 14 | BoxUp | Online platform | 6.5 | 4/41 | 0/40 | 4/41 | 3 | 3.1 |
| 15 | CW Packing (Crown Win) | Supplier | 5.8 | 0/41 | 7/40 | 0/41 | 0 | 2.9 |
| 16 | Mili Packaging | Supplier | 5.8 | 0/41 | 7/40 | 0/41 | 0 | 3.3 |
| 17 | Elixir Packaging | Supplier | 5.7 | 7/41 | 0/40 | 0/41 | 5 | 3.6 |
| 18 | JCL Packaging | Supplier | 4.2 | 0/41 | 5/40 | 0/41 | 0 | 4.4 |
| 19 | Blue Box Packaging | Supplier | 4.1 | 5/41 | 0/40 | 0/41 | 4 | 2.0 |
| 20 | Hot Custom Boxes | Supplier | 4.1 | 4/41 | 0/40 | 1/41 | 2 | 3.0 |
| 21 | Richpack | Supplier | 4.1 | 2/41 | 2/40 | 1/41 | 2 | 2.0 |
| 22 | OXO Packaging | Supplier | 4.1 | 0/41 | 0/40 | 5/41 | 1 | 2.2 |
| 23 | Premier Rigid Boxes | Supplier | 4.1 | 1/41 | 0/40 | 4/41 | 1 | 2.4 |
| 24 | Gentlever | Supplier | 3.3 | 3/41 | 0/40 | 1/41 | 3 | 1.8 |
| 25 | Gift Box Market | Supplier | 3.3 | 3/41 | 0/40 | 1/41 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 26 | Custom Packaging Pro | Supplier | 3.3 | 2/41 | 0/40 | 2/41 | 2 | 2.8 |
| 27 | Shanghai DE Printed Box | Supplier | 3.3 | 3/41 | 0/40 | 1/41 | 2 | 2.8 |
| 28 | We Custom Boxes | Supplier | 3.3 | 1/41 | 0/40 | 3/41 | 1 | 3.8 |
| 29 | Cubit Packaging | Supplier | 3.3 | 0/41 | 2/40 | 2/41 | 0 | 3.2 |
| 30 | Expert Custom Boxes | Supplier | 3.3 | 0/41 | 0/40 | 4/41 | 0 | 2.0 |
The score measures visibility in AI answers. It does not rate product quality, price or service. Supplier links are provided for reference.
Where suppliers get named, by buyer stage
AI assistants name suppliers far more often in some stages of a sourcing journey than in others. Questions about verifying a factory or estimating cost often get an answer with no supplier in it at all.
| Buyer stage | Questions | Answers | Answers naming a supplier | Most named (answers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shortlisting | 10 | 30 | 100% | Packlane (9), Arka (8), EcoEnclose (8) |
| Comparing | 10 | 30 | 77% | Packlane (11), Packola (7), PakFactory (6) |
| Deciding | 10 | 30 | 97% | LuxoPack (8), Teal Packaging (8), Alibaba.com (7) |
| Verifying | 8 | 24 | 58% | Alibaba.com (11), Global Sources (2), Zhengyang Packaging (2) |
| Use case | 3 | 8 | 62% | Packlane (2), Teal Packaging (2), Blue Box Packaging (1) |
Sources Google AI Mode cites most
Top 20 domains linked as sources across 41 Google AI Mode answers. ChatGPT and Gemini source links could not be collected reliably this month, so they are not counted.
| Domain | Type | AI Mode answers citing it |
|---|---|---|
| youtube.com | Content / other | 9 |
| reddit.com | Content / other | 8 |
| luxopack.com | Manufacturer | 7 |
| elixirpackaging.com | Supplier | 5 |
| tealpackaging.com | Supplier | 5 |
| blueboxpackaging.com | Supplier | 4 |
| packlane.com | Online platform | 4 |
| pakfactory.com | Online platform | 4 |
| boxup.com | Online platform | 3 |
| custompackaginglane.com | Supplier | 3 |
| gentlever.com | Supplier | 3 |
| giftboxmarket.com | Supplier | 3 |
| instagram.com | Content / other | 3 |
| linkedin.com | Content / other | 3 |
| thepremierpackaging.com | Supplier | 3 |
| alibaba.com | Marketplace | 2 |
| allurepack.com | Supplier | 2 |
| arka.com | Online platform | 2 |
| betterpackaging.com | Supplier | 2 |
| chinesecheck.com | Content / other | 2 |
Marketplaces and sourcing channels
Marketplaces are listed separately because they host many suppliers rather than make packaging themselves.
| Marketplace / channel | Answers naming it | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Alibaba.com | 27 | 22.7 |
| Global Sources | 4 | 3.3 |
| Made-in-China.com | 1 | 0.8 |
Where LuxoPack stands
LuxoPack publishes this index and is scored by exactly the same rules. This month LuxoPack ranks #3 with a PAVI score of 12.4, named in 15 of 122 answers. On Google AI Mode, the only surface run with personalisation switched off, LuxoPack was named in 3 of 41 answers and cited as a source in 7. Questions that mention LuxoPack by name are not part of the index, and no supplier is boosted by hand.
Which questions named each supplier
Open a supplier to see the buyer questions where AI named it, and on which surface.
Packlane — named in 23 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT
- “best custom mailer box companies” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — ChatGPT
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — ChatGPT
- “custom packaging platform vs factory direct pros and cons” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “alibaba vs direct factory for custom boxes” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift box manufacturer 100 pcs MOQ” — ChatGPT
- “influencer PR box packaging supplier” — Google AI Mode
- “corporate gift box supplier bulk order” — ChatGPT
Teal Packaging — named in 19 answers
- “best packaging suppliers for jewelry brands” — ChatGPT
- “custom magnetic closure gift boxes wholesale” — Gemini
- “luxury packaging manufacturer for cosmetics brand” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — Gemini
- “custom candle packaging boxes manufacturer” — ChatGPT
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — Google AI Mode
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — Google AI Mode
- “custom gift box manufacturer 100 pcs MOQ” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “FSC certified custom packaging manufacturer” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “corrugated mailer box with tear strip custom” — ChatGPT, Gemini
- “influencer PR box packaging supplier” — ChatGPT, Gemini
LuxoPack — named in 15 answers
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — ChatGPT
- “custom magnetic closure gift boxes wholesale” — Gemini
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — ChatGPT
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — ChatGPT
- “best chinese gift box factories that export to USA” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift box manufacturer 100 pcs MOQ” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
- “low MOQ custom rigid box china” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT
- “how much do custom rigid boxes cost at 500 units” — ChatGPT
- “custom box manufacturer fast sampling 48 hours” — ChatGPT
- “FSC certified custom packaging manufacturer” — Gemini
- “corrugated mailer box with tear strip custom” — Google AI Mode
- “how long does custom packaging take from china” — ChatGPT
- “corporate gift box supplier bulk order” — ChatGPT
Arka — named in 13 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — Gemini
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode
- “best custom mailer box companies” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “custom packaging platform vs factory direct pros and cons” — ChatGPT, Gemini
Packola — named in 12 answers
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode
- “best custom mailer box companies” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — Google AI Mode
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “custom box manufacturer fast sampling 48 hours” — Gemini
PakFactory — named in 11 answers
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “custom magnetic closure gift boxes wholesale” — Google AI Mode
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — ChatGPT
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Gemini
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — ChatGPT, Gemini
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — Google AI Mode
- “custom packaging platform vs factory direct pros and cons” — ChatGPT
- “how much do custom rigid boxes cost at 500 units” — ChatGPT
Packwire — named in 11 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — ChatGPT
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode
- “best custom mailer box companies” — ChatGPT
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — ChatGPT
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — ChatGPT
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — ChatGPT
- “alibaba vs direct factory for custom boxes” — ChatGPT
- “rigid box vs folding carton for luxury brands” — ChatGPT
- “how much do custom rigid boxes cost at 500 units” — Gemini
- “FSC certified custom packaging manufacturer” — ChatGPT
Custom Packaging Lane — named in 11 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — Gemini
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — Gemini
- “best packaging suppliers for jewelry brands” — Gemini
- “custom magnetic closure gift boxes wholesale” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — Gemini
- “custom candle packaging boxes manufacturer” — Gemini
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — Google AI Mode
- “how much do custom rigid boxes cost at 500 units” — Google AI Mode
- “custom box manufacturer fast sampling 48 hours” — Gemini
- “FSC certified custom packaging manufacturer” — Gemini
EcoEnclose — named in 11 answers
- “best packaging suppliers for jewelry brands” — ChatGPT
- “best custom mailer box companies” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini
- “custom candle packaging boxes manufacturer” — Google AI Mode
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — ChatGPT, Gemini
PackMojo — named in 9 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — ChatGPT
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — ChatGPT
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — ChatGPT
- “PakFactory vs ordering direct from a china factory” — ChatGPT
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — ChatGPT
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — ChatGPT
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — ChatGPT
- “alibaba vs direct factory for custom boxes” — ChatGPT
- “china packaging factory vs trading company how to tell” — ChatGPT
The Premier Packaging — named in 9 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — Gemini
- “where to buy custom rigid boxes wholesale” — Google AI Mode
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode
- “Packlane alternatives cheaper factory direct” — Gemini
- “custom magnetic gift box price per unit” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
- “custom box manufacturer fast sampling 48 hours” — Google AI Mode
- “standard gift box sizes and dimensions guide” — Google AI Mode
- “influencer PR box packaging supplier” — Google AI Mode
Zhengyang Packaging — named in 8 answers
- “luxury packaging manufacturer for cosmetics brand” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — ChatGPT
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — ChatGPT
- “best chinese gift box factories that export to USA” — ChatGPT
- “low MOQ custom rigid box china” — ChatGPT
- “FSC certified custom packaging manufacturer” — ChatGPT
- “china packaging factory vs trading company how to tell” — ChatGPT
- “how long does custom packaging take from china” — ChatGPT
noissue — named in 8 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — ChatGPT
- “best custom mailer box companies” — ChatGPT
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — Google AI Mode, ChatGPT
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode
- “Arka packaging alternatives” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
- “custom packaging platform vs factory direct pros and cons” — ChatGPT
BoxUp — named in 8 answers
- “best custom gift box manufacturer for small business” — Gemini
- “custom gift boxes with logo low minimum order” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
- “best custom mailer box companies” — Google AI Mode
- “Packhelp alternatives for US brands” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
- “custom box manufacturer fast sampling 48 hours” — Google AI Mode, Gemini
CW Packing (Crown Win) — named in 7 answers
- “eco friendly custom packaging suppliers” — ChatGPT
- “is it cheaper to buy custom packaging direct from china factory” — ChatGPT
- “best chinese gift box factories that export to USA” — ChatGPT
- “magnetic box vs drawer box which is better for jewelry” — ChatGPT
- “custom gift box manufacturer 100 pcs MOQ” — ChatGPT
- “custom magnetic gift box price per unit” — ChatGPT
- “china packaging factory vs trading company how to tell” — ChatGPT
Methodology in brief
41 questions across five buyer stages were each asked once on Google AI Mode, ChatGPT and Gemini, in US English, between 2026-10-24. A supplier counts as named when its name appears in the answer text. A supplier named in the question itself is not counted for that question. Questions that name LuxoPack are excluded from the index entirely.
Use this data
Cite: Packaging AI Visibility Index, October 2026, LuxoPack, https://luxopack.com/packaging-ai-visibility-index (CC BY 4.0).
Download: pavi-2026-10.json contains every score, surface count and named question in this issue.
Ranked in the top 10? You can show the badge on your site with this code:
<a href="https://luxopack.com/packaging-ai-visibility-index" title="Packaging AI Visibility Index"><img src="https://luxopack.com/packaging-ai-visibility-index/badge-2026-10.svg" width="220" height="64" alt="Packaging AI Visibility Index October 2026 - Top 10"></a>
Frequently asked questions
What is the Packaging AI Visibility Index?
A monthly ranking of packaging suppliers by how often AI assistants name them when buyers ask real sourcing questions. Each issue asks 41 questions on 3 AI surfaces and counts which suppliers each answer names and cites.
How is the PAVI score calculated?
For each AI surface we divide the number of answers that name a supplier by the number of valid answers on that surface. The PAVI score is the average of those surface rates times 100, so every surface carries the same weight.
Does a high score mean a supplier is better?
No. The index measures visibility in AI answers, not product quality, price or service. It shows which suppliers AI assistants put in front of buyers today.
Why does LuxoPack publish a ranking that includes competitors?
Buyers increasingly start sourcing in AI assistants, and no public data showed which packaging suppliers those assistants recommend. LuxoPack applies the same rules to itself and reports its own position as measured.
Can I use this data?
Yes. The data is published under CC BY 4.0. Cite it as “Packaging AI Visibility Index, October 2026, LuxoPack” with a link to this page. A machine-readable JSON file is linked below.
How do I report an error?
Email sales@luxopack.com with the supplier name and the answer you believe was miscounted. Confirmed corrections are listed in the methodology changelog.
Sourcing custom rigid boxes yourself? LuxoPack is a factory in Shenzhen. Request a factory-direct quote.
