Why CPG Brands Are Switching to 3D Renders for GS1 Image Requirements

As product lifecycles get shorter and SKU counts grow, consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands are rethinking how they create visual content. One area seeing a major shift? GS1-compliant product images.

Traditionally produced through photography, these images are now increasingly being generated using photorealistic 3D rendering.

Here’s why the switch is happening — and why it makes sense.

1. Physical Samples Are Slowing Teams Down

To photograph a product, you need a physical version in hand. But what if you’re still finalizing the packaging? Or launching in multiple regions with staggered timelines?

3D rendering lets you generate images before manufacturing is done — accelerating your go-to-market.

2. GS1 Requirements Are Exacting

GS1 image standards leave little room for error:

• White background, no reflections

• Specific angles and DPI

• Strict margin control

• File naming based on GTINs

Photographers can get close, but often need extra editing and rework.

With Packely, these specs are built into the rendering pipeline. The result? Fewer compliance issues and faster approvals.

3. SKU Growth Requires Scalability

Modern CPG brands are managing hundreds or even thousands of SKUs across different markets. That means every efficiency counts.

3D rendering is built to scale. With the same artwork, you can create visuals for:

• Different sizes (250ml, 500ml, etc.)

• Private label or co-branded variants

• International packaging versions

One upload, many images.

4. Costs and Lead Times Are Shrinking

A typical product shoot might cost hundreds per SKU and take 1–2 weeks. With 3D rendering from Packely:

• Turnaround is just 48 hours

• Pricing is transparent and affordable

• No need to reshoot when packaging changes

That adds up to major savings over time.

5. Teams Want Flexibility and Speed

From marketing managers to compliance leads, brand teams want tools that move as fast as they do. Packely delivers:

• Built-in GS1 templates

• Feedback tools with pin commenting

• Version tracking

• Seamless asset downloads for submission

And soon, direct GS1 integration.

The Takeaway

GS1-compliant images are still critical — but how you create them has changed.

3D rendering is faster, cheaper, more flexible, and fully scalable.

That’s why brands like KiMs, Lantz Copenhagen, and Sæby are making the switch.

Join them and try your first 3D render free. No camera required.