When Biobox Labs set out to make science more accessible, they had one mission: create experiences that spark curiosity and wonder in kids, right at home.
Founded by Lisa, a longtime science educator and professor, Biobox Labs offers a subscription service that delivers life science experiments straight to families' doorsteps each month.
“We just found that kids weren't getting a chance to do a lot of hands-on experiments when they were younger,” Lisa explains. “So we decided to package things and send them off to their home so families can get a whole series of life science experiments right to their door.”
Today, Biobox Labs sends colorful, interactive science kits across the country—packaged with care, creativity, and a little extra magic thanks to Arka’s custom packaging solutions.
A Subscription Box That Feels Like a Gift
Each Biobox Labs kit is designed to feel like opening a present. While the exterior of the box is purposefully simple—plain white and clean—the real surprise comes when kids open it.
Inside, vibrant graphics, tissue paper, colorful stickers, and carefully curated supplies create an instant sense of excitement.
“We really wanted it to be something where they opened it up and it felt like it was a present,” Lisa shares. “When they open it up, they're like, this is so much fun.”
By keeping the outside minimal and letting the inside burst with energy, Biobox Labs transforms the unboxing into an experience.
It's a moment that builds anticipation and sets the tone for learning through discovery.
Custom Packaging That Protects and Excites
For Lisa and the Biobox Labs team, packaging needed to do more than look good. It had to be durable, sized perfectly for their kits, and environmentally responsible. Custom sizing was critical, especially for more complex kits like the starter box, which includes a real microscope.
“Particularly for this microscope, we needed it to fit exactly,” Lisa says. “We wanted to be able to create a box that was as small as possible, but also provided protection for all the equipment.”
With Arka’s custom box options and full-color interior printing, they could design packaging that met every need—from functionality to branding.
And the results speak for themselves. Customers regularly send feedback praising the quality, excitement, and sustainability of the packaging.
“I think those factors, it's just, it's fun, it's quality, and it's recyclable. Those are all things that I think are really important to customers these days,” Lisa says.
Why Biobox Labs Chose Arka
Finding the right packaging partner was essential to Biobox Labs’ brand vision. After trying other providers, Lisa discovered Arka and immediately noticed the difference.
“The price point, the quality, the ease of use of the website, and then just over time, it's probably that it’s a very consistent product. It's very easy to go back in and just hit reorder. Within a few minutes, you've got your whole new order done.” She explains.
Arka’s domestic production also keeps shipping times and costs manageable—an important consideration for a growing business based in Southern California.
Beyond convenience and cost, Lisa also praises Arka’s responsive customer support team, which helped ensure the packaging perfectly aligned with their evolving needs.
A Strong Focus on Sustainability
Because Biobox Labs teaches life science, sustainability naturally weaves into their mission. Whenever possible, the kits use durable, reusable equipment rather than disposable materials. Packaging is primarily paper-based, avoiding unnecessary plastics.
“Almost everything inside the box is recyclable,” Lisa says. “We work hard to make things sustainable, make things have as little of a footprint as we possibly can. We're a life science company, so we definitely want to [support and preserve].”
Although the company hasn't heavily marketed its sustainability efforts yet, it's a growing priority moving forward.
What’s Ahead for 2025
Biobox Labs is already planning an exciting lineup of science kits for the year ahead. Upcoming themes include arthropods and ladybugs, kidney biology (where kids will build a simulated kidney), and special senses exploring human perception.
Each month offers a fresh topic that blends hands-on learning with environmental and biological awareness.
As new kits launch, the team may also refresh their packaging graphics to reflect updated branding, though the current box size and structure will stay the same.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, Lisa offers advice to other entrepreneurs stepping into product-based businesses: surround yourself with experts, and don’t fear mistakes.
“As you grow, grow your team with people who are going to bring something that your capacity is limited,” she advises. “And don't be afraid to make mistakes, because when you make a mistake, it's really an opportunity to learn something new as opposed to it actually being a failure.”
How Arka Supports Brands Like Biobox Labs
At Arka, we understand that great packaging isn’t just about protection—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and sparking customer joy.
For businesses like Biobox Labs, custom packaging isn’t an extra step—it’s part of the experience. With flexible, easy-to-use design tools and high-quality production, Arka helps small businesses elevate their products and build brands that last.
Ready to create packaging that educates, excites, and inspires? Start designing with Arka today.
You may also like:
Need packaging?