The Ultimate Guide to Corrugated Box Designs

Author: CC

Sep. 02, 2024

Packaging & Printing

The Ultimate Guide to Corrugated Box Designs

Last Updated on December 5, by Packoi Team

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Corrugated boxes are sturdy, which makes them perfect for heavier objects. But will this packaging material suit your product and shipping preferences? If you&#;re unsure about it, we hear you! 

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about corrugated boxes and how to personalize them for your brand. We&#;ll cover the different types of corrugated, as well as how to choose the right size and protect your items in transit.

To create your brand&#;s lasting impression and make it the best one out there, read on! 

A Guide to Corrugated Boxes and What Are They Used for?

Corrugated packaging is a cardboard box with ruffled layers called flutes. These flutes are made of kraft paper, and the corrugated box is glued to them. The most common type of corrugate is a 3-ply, which has an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The middle layer is the corrugate, and the other two layers are liner boards. Liner boards can be made of recycled paper or new fiber. These boxes are globally used for packaging because they are strong and lightweight. And since these stackable boxes suit fragile and heavy items, they&#;re preferred over most packaging materials.

You might not give much thought to the humble corrugated box, but this essential piece of packaging plays a vital role in getting goods from point A to point B. Corrugated cardboard boxes are made from a fluted paper board sandwiched between two outer layers of liner board for extra resilience. This combination gives the box strength while still being lightweight and easy to transport. Let&#;s take a closer look at how corrugated boxes are made.

  • The first step in making corrugated fiberboard boxes is to create the fluted paper board, also known as the corrugating medium. This paper is made from recycled materials, such as cardboard and newsprint. To make the fluting, the recycled paper is fed into a machine, where it is then compressed and heated. Once heated, the paper is passed through rollers that give it its distinctive wavy shape.
  • Once the fluting has been created, it is glued to the liner board using an industrial adhesive. Liner is a flat cardboard that is made from virgin wood pulp. It provides rigidity and support to the box and is available in two types: inner and outer. The inner liner is glued to the fluting, while the exterior liner board covers the outside of the box.
  • After the inner and outer liner boards have been glued to the fluting, they are fed into a machine that will cut them to size and fold them into the desired shape. The last step is to seal the seams with tape or glue to reinforce the box&#;s structure. And that&#;s it!

This is the basic process of making corrugated boxes for packaging and shipping, but manufacturers can also customize it. For instance, if a brand wants its packaging to be extra durable, it can opt for triple-wall corrugated boxes, and the remaining process will be the same. Likewise, one can customize these boxes with glossy finishes and different colors to suit the said specialty and retail packaging personalities.

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What Materials Are Used in Making Corrugated Boxes?

Cardboard boxes are a necessary part of life; we use them to move, ship, and store things. With the popularity of online shopping and eCommerce, these boxes are produced and used more than ever. But have you ever wondered what those boxes are made of? If not, let&#;s look at the corrugated cardboard boxes&#; materials.

  • As we said, corrugated cardboard comprises three layers: an outer layer of liner board, a middle layer of fluting, and an inner layer of this board. The fluting is made up of slightly compressed paper that forms tiny air pockets; this is what gives corrugated cardboard its characteristic ribbing.
  • The liner boards are made of a flat sheet called kraft paper&#; a type made from wood pulp known for its durability. The outer layer of the liner protects the box from moisture and provides a smooth surface for printing. Likewise, the inner layer serves as a cushion for the box&#;s contents and helps absorb impact. 

Together, these three layers make up a sturdy yet lightweight material perfect for box-making. When it comes time to choose a material for your next project, keep corrugated cardboard in mind.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Corrugated Box Design 

When shipping your products, you want to ensure they arrive safely and securely at their destination. That&#;s where custom-corrugated boxes come in. Corrugated boxes are strong and durable, making them ideal for protecting your products during transit.

But with so many different box designs available, how do you know which one is right for your business? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a corrugated box design:

  • Box dimensions
  • Construction material
  • Weight and resilience
  • Your budget 
  • Shipping regulations
  • Reusability 
  • Brand voice/personality 

Here&#;s a quick look at these factors:

1. Size and Dimension Requirements

One of the first things you&#;ll need to consider when choosing a corrugated box design is the size and dimensions of your product. You&#;ll want to ensure that your box is large enough to accommodate your product without being too big or bulky. Additionally, take into account any special shipping requirements, such as if your product needs to be shipped refrigerated or frozen.

2. The Fragility of Your Product

Another thing to consider when choosing a corrugated box design is the fragility of your product. If your product is fragile and needs extra protection, you&#;ll want to choose a box design that includes additional padding or reinforcement. On the other hand, if your product is not fragile, you may be able to get away with a more basic box design.

3. Your Shipping Budget

When choosing a corrugated box design, you&#;ll also need to consider your shipping budget. Choosing a reinforced or padded box will inevitably cost more than a basic design. However, it&#;s important to remember that investing in a higher-quality box now could save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your products during transit.

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6 Types of Corrugated Box Designs

If you go to your storage closet right now, you&#;ll find several types of corrugated boxes. Depending on their brand, they can be stackable, elongated, round, or square. But how many exact types are there of corrugated boxes? Let&#;s find out!

The main types of corrugated box designs are:

  • Telescopic boxes
  • Slotted boxes
  • Die-cut boxes
  • RSC boxes
  • One-piece folder boxes
  • BC flute boxes

At its core, a corrugated box is designed to protect your product during shipping. But that doesn&#;t mean your box has to be boring. There are dozens of different types of corrugated box designs, like single-walled corrugated boxes or liner board facings, each with advantages. Not sure which type of box is right for your product? Here are six of the most popular types of corrugated boxes:

1. Telescoping Boxes

Telescope half-slotted container boxes are two-piece boxes that nest inside each other. A telescope-design-style container is perfect for products that need to be shipped frequently, as they&#;re easily bundled or unbundled boxes and take up less storage space than other boxes.

2. Slotted Boxes

Slotted boxes are similar to telescoping boxes but have one piece that fits into the other, like a puzzle. They&#;re also easy to assemble and take up less storage space, making them ideal for products that need to be shipped frequently.

3. Die-Cut Boxes

Die-cut boxes are custom-made using thick corrugated fiberboard to hold a specific product. They offer a snug fit and can be designed with features like handles or windows to make them even more user-friendly.

4. RSC Boxes

RSC stands for &#;regular slotted container.&#; These are the most common corrugated boxes and can be used for various products. RSC boxes are also easy to store and ship, as they can be nested inside each other when not in use.

5. One-Piece Folder Boxes

As the name suggests, one-piece folder boxes fold into place&#;no tape or glue required. They&#;re perfect for products that need to be shipped flat, such as documents or artwork. 

6. BC Flute Boxes

BC flute is a type of cardboard that&#;s thick and durable, making it ideal for heavy or delicate items. BC flute boxes can be customized with foam inserts or other cushioning materials to provide extra protection for your product. Also, these corrugated packaging boxes stand the edge crush test because of their triple-walled construction.

6 Particular Types of Corrugated Used in Packaging Boxes

When scrolling through online retailers or visiting your local store, have you ever wondered what kind of box your product came in and why that specific type was chosen? Underneath a box&#;s design is a pattern that holds it together and determines how resilient it is for retail packaging. Since this pattern or symmetry is a crucial factor in corrugated boxes, here&#;s what you must know about it:

1. Single-Phase Corrugated Box

A single-phase corrugated box consists of one layer of fluting sandwiched between two liner boards. This corrugated box is typically used for light products such as clothes, small electronics, or packing material. 

2. Single-wall Corrugated Box

A single-wall corrugated box is similar to a single-phase corrugated box, except it has an additional layer of fluting. This additional layer provides more rigidity and protection, making it better suited for retail packaging of heavier products such as books, small appliances, or dishes. 

3. Double-Wall Corrugated Box

A double-wall corrugated box has two layers of fluting sandwiched between three liners. This type of box is stronger than single- and double-wall boxes and is typically used for heavier products such as furniture, electronics, or machinery.

4. Triple-Wall Corrugated Box

Triple-walled, stacked corrugated sheets have three layers of fluting sandwiched between four liners. These three stacked corrugated sheets provide maximum protection and are often used for hefty products or products that require extra protection, such as glassware or high-end electronic equipment. Thanks to the triple-walled construction, such a shipping box can bear the edge crush test.

5. Foil-Coated (MET) Tape

Foil-coated (MET) tape is a double-sided tape with a conductive acrylic adhesive on one side and aluminum foil on the other. The tape creates electrical and thermal conductivity paths between surfaces that would not normally be conductive. This tape can be used in various applications, such as EMI/RFI shielding, grounding, or double-walled thermal management.

6. Adhesive Transfer Tape

Adhesive transfer tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that comes on a release liner. The release liner protects the adhesive until it is ready to be used. Once the release liner is removed, the adhesive can be applied to surfaces such as paper, plastic, metal, or double-wall foam.

When shopping online or in stores, take note of the different box products and consider why that particular type was chosen for the contents inside. Also, an edge crush test will help you decide whether you need a triple-wall corrugated board or a thicker version.

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14 Tips to Choose a Corrugated Box Design to Suit Your Brand&#;s Voice

In today&#;s competitive marketplace, businesses must have a consistent brand voice across all their marketing materials. Your corrugated packaging is no exception! The design of your boxes can say a lot about your company, so it&#;s crucial to choose a style that suits your brand voice. 

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a box design for your business:

1. The Purpose of the Box

First and foremost, you need to think about the box&#;s purpose. What will it be used for? Will it be storing fragile items? Shipping products across the country? Displaying items in a retail setting The answers to these questions will help guide the rest of your decisions about the box design.

2. Your Target Audience

Who is your target audience? What age group are they in? What are their interests? What other brands do they love? Answering these questions will help you choose a design that appeals to your target market.

3. The Overall Look and Feel of Your Brand

What is the overall look and feel of your brand? Is it modern and sleek? Rustic and earthy? Classic and timeless? Fun and playful? Again, the answers to these questions will help guide your decision about the design of your corrugated box.

4. The Colors You Want to Use

What colors are associated with your brand? Do you want to use those same colors on your boxes, or are you looking for something different? If you&#;re going for something different, what color scheme will complement your brand&#;s colors without clashing with them? 

5. The Product itself 

When choosing a corrugated box design, you must first consider the product itself. What are the dimensions of the product? Is it fragile and in need of extra protection? Does it have any special packaging requirements? Answering these questions will help you narrow your choices and find a box that best protects your product.

6. The Recipient 

The recipient is the second factor to consider when choosing a corrugated box design. Who will be receiving the product? A business? An individual? A family? This question will help you determine what type of box to use.

Say you are shipping a product to a business; you may want to choose a more plain and professional-looking box. On the other hand, if you are shipping a gift to an individual or family, you may want to select a decorated box or special features like handles or ribbons. Knowing who will receive your shipment will help you choose a functional and aesthetically pleasing package.

7. The Brand&#;s Message 

Your product&#;s packaging is an extension of your brand. It should reflect your company&#;s values and communicate the message you want to send to your customers. For example, if you want to communicate that your brand is luxurious, you might choose sleek and elegant packaging. 

8. Unboxing Experience 

In today&#;s digital age, the unboxing experience is more important than ever. Customers increasingly rely on retailers to provide a positive unboxing experience, with many products being ordered online. This means that the first impression of your corrugated packaging matters now more than ever before.

For example, if you want customers to feel like they&#;re opening a special present, you might choose festive and fun packaging. Or, if you want customers to feel like they&#;re opening a high-end product, you might select sleek and minimalist packaging. 

9. Sustainability 

When choosing a corrugated box design, consider the environmental impact of the materials used. Corrugated boxes are made from paper, which is a renewable resource. However, the production of paper does require water and energy. To minimize the environmental impact of your packaging, look for corrugated boxes made with recycled paper or recyclable materials.

10. Branding Considerations 

Another thing to emphasize when choosing a corrugated packaging design is how it will impact your brand. The packaging you use is an extension of your brand and can influence perceptions of your company. Choose a box design consistent with your brand identity and make a good first impression. For example, if you sell luxury items, you will want to use packaging that conveys luxury (e.g., clean lines, minimal graphics, etc.).

11. Packaging Cost 

Packaging is a crucial aspect of any business, and when you&#;re targeting a broad customer base, you must crack the best deal. You should ensure that the packaging costs align with your budget and that you are not overspending on packaging materials. There are a few ways to keep costs down regarding corrugated boxes. One way is to choose a smaller box size and a less expensive printing method, such as digital printing, instead of foil stamping or embossing.

12. Custom Sizes

Using high-quality, custom packaging is a clever move to make your products stand out. Sure, custom box sizes can be more expensive than standard sizes, but they&#;re worth it if you have an unusual product shape or size. If you need custom corrugated boxes, make sure to work with a manufacturer that offers this service to get the perfect fit for your product.

13. Printing Options 

Luckily, we have many printing options in corrugated packaging to personalize them. When shortlisting box designs for your business, make sure the design is visible and eye-catching. You also want to ensure that the printing option you choose will be durable. Some printing options include digital printing, Flexo printing, and screen printing. 

Digital printing is popular for corrugated boxes because it is versatile and can produce high-quality images. Flexo printing is another popular choice because it is a cost-effective way to print large quantities of boxes. Screen printing is a good choice for simple designs or boxes that will be used for storage. 

14. Box Closure Type

The type of closure you choose for your corrugated box should be based on how the box will be used. If the box is used for shipping, you will want to choose a closure that will keep the contents secure during transit. Some common closure types are tuck flaps, glued trays, folding cartons, and RSCs. 

Tuck flaps are commonly used for small boxes that do not need to hold much weight. Glued trays are good for packages holding more weight or for shipping fragile items. Folding cartons are usually used for larger items, such as appliances. RSCs (Regular Slotted Containers) are the most common type of closure and can be used for various purposes. 

Choosing the right corrugated box design is vital for any business owner. There are many factors to consider, but if you keep your brand voice in mind, you&#;ll be sure to choose a design that suits your company perfectly!

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7 Top Benefits of Using Corrugated Boxes in Your Business

At first glance, corrugated boxes may not seem like they would offer many benefits for your business. However, these boxes are versatile, affordable, and eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. 

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of using corrugated packaging for your business.

1. Versatility 

Corrugated boxes come in various sizes, shapes, and designs to suit any need. No matter what you&#;re looking to ship, there&#;s a corrugated box that&#;s perfect for the job. Furthermore, these boxes can be customized with your company&#;s logo or other branding elements to give your products a professional look.

2. Affordability 

One of the best things about corrugated boxes is that they&#;re affordable, especially when you compare them to other shipping options like wood crates or metal containers. You can find these boxes at any office supply or packaging store, which makes them easy to get your hands on when you need them.

3. Eco-Friendliness

Corrugated boxes are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. These boxes can be recycled again after they&#;ve been used, which further reduces their environmental footprint. Furthermore, using recycled materials helps to save trees and other resources that would otherwise be used to create new packaging materials.

4. Ability to Protect Your Products 

When you use corrugated packaging to ship your products, you can rest assured that they will arrive safely and soundly at their destination. These boxes are designed to protect your items from damage during transit, meaning you won&#;t have to deal with angry customers or replacement costs.

5. Lightweight and Stackable

Another great benefit of using corrugated packaging is that it&#;s very lightweight, which keeps shipping costs down. This is especially beneficial for businesses that ship large quantities of products regularly. The lighter weight also makes these boxes easier to handle and less likely to cause injuries while loaded or unloaded.

6. Easy Assembly

Corrugated boxes are straightforward to put together&#;all you need is a bit of tape, and voila! This makes them ideal for businesses that don&#;t have much time or manpower to spend packaging their products. Furthermore, these boxes can be easily disassembled and stored flat until they&#;re needed again, saving you time and effort in the long run. 

7. Professional Look 

When you use corkboard shipping boxes, you give off an air of professionalism. Your potential clients will subliminally notice this, making them want to do business with you even more than if you were using plain old cardboard boxes. As we mentioned, you can add branding elements like logos or company colors to make them stand out.                                                

7 Tips for Designing Personalized Corrugated Boxes

A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog post about the importance of using personalized corrugated boxes for your business. We discussed how they can help you build brand recognition and customer loyalty. Today, we want to follow up with a post about how to design personalized corrugated boxes that will make your brand shine.

1. Keep it Simple 

When it comes to designing your box, less is more. You want your package to be eye-catching, but you don&#;t want to overwhelm your customers with too much information or too many graphics. Stick to a simple color scheme and a handful of well-placed graphics for your shipping boxes to make them stand out!

2. Make it Memorable 

Your goal is to make sure your box is memorable&#;in a good way! That means choosing a color scheme and design that represent your brand. If your brand is fun and playful, go for bright colors and fun graphics. If your brand is more serious, opt for a more subdued color palette and clean lines. 

3. Use High-Quality Imagery 

Your customers should be able to tell, at a glance, what&#;s inside your box. That&#;s why it&#;s important to use high-quality images in your box design. Product photos are always a good choice, but you can use lifestyle photos or simple graphics. Just make sure that the imagery is clear and easy to see. 

4. Keep Your Text Readable 

In addition to using high-quality visuals, you must ensure that your text is easy to read. Use a simple font that will be easy for customers to scan. And don&#;t forget to leave plenty of white space around your text so that it&#;s easy on the eyes.

5. Make an Impact with Color 

Color is one of the most powerful tools in your box design toolkit. The right colors can make your box pop, so choose wisely! If you&#;re not sure where to start, try using 2-3 colors that complement each other well. And remember, less is usually more when it comes to color usage.

6. Consider Die Cuts 

If you want your box design to stand out from the crowd, consider die cuts! Die cuts are special shapes that are cut into the cardboard itself. They can be used for everything from windows (so customers can see what&#;s inside the box) to handles (for easy carrying). Die cuts are a great way to add extra interest and intrigue to your design.

7. Think Outside the Box&#;Literally 

Don&#;t be afraid to think outside the literal box when it comes to your design! There are no rules for the design of shipping boxes, so let your creativity shine through. You might even consider using something other than cardboard for your boxes, like wood or plastic, for an extra-unique look. Whatever you do, make sure your final design reflects your brand identity memorably.

Conclusion

Corrugated shipping boxes are an essential part of the packaging industry, and their popularity is well-deserved. They are strong and lightweight, and they can be customized to fit any product. Thanks to their resilience, corrugated boxes are an excellent choice for businesses and consumers. From protecting your products to promoting your brand, corrugated boxes can do it all. So when you&#;re looking for a way to package your products, remember that corrugated boxes offer strength, durability, and flexibility&#;everything you need to ensure safe delivery.

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If you need corrugated boxes for your business, we&#;ll make custom boxes that promote your brand&#;s personality and are eco-friendly. We use recycled materials and build each box with sustainability in mind. Plus, our team of skilled craftsmen will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind design that perfectly reflects your brand.

We believe every business deserves a unique packaging solution that meets their needs. So whether you&#;re looking for durability, style, or eco-friendly options, we&#;ve got you covered.

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Ultimate Guide To Product Packaging: Tips for

Product packaging&#;everything from garment hang tags to mailer boxes&#;serves a number of functions, such as identifying product details and providing protection during shipping. It&#;s also one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for online brands. 

By , nearly 23% of consumer purchases are expected to happen online. This growth has coincided with an increased focus on improving the packing and shipping processes to recreate the personal touch of in-store shopping.

While most packaging is designed to protect or identify your products, taking a purely functional approach means you might be missing out on its full potential. Ahead, learn how to use customized packaging to deliver your products safely while creating a positive experience.

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What is product packaging?

Product packaging refers to the physical materials that house your product. Its main function is to protect products, and can contain usage information, help your product stand up on a retail display, and maintain its contents&#; shelf life. But it&#;s also a company&#;s chance to delight customers and build brand loyalty through a memorable branded experience.

Product packaging for ecommerce includes both the product packaging itself (say, the glass bottle that contains body cream or hang tag on a sweater) and the outer packaging (box and tissue) that gets that product to its final destination. Both of these types of retail packaging can be branded and customized to deliver impact.

A holistic branded packaging experience is a set of thoughtful design choices and selection of shipping and packing materials. Its purpose is to provide additional value for your customer and your business by way of creating a positive first impression of your brand identity&#;ideally, one that&#;s memorable and shareable.

What is product packaging design?

Product packaging design refers to the phase of brand identity design where you apply logos, branded graphics, and copy to product and shipping packaging. In some cases it refers to designing custom packages from scratch for your unique product. Packaging design applies to any primary packaging that comes into contact with your product (like blister packs) and secondary packaging for shipping purposes. 

The product packaging design process often involves working with standard size templates from a digital printing company. You can use a tool like Adobe Illustrator to design your product&#;s packaging or outsource to a professional designer.

The importance of product packaging 

Online stores have fewer direct touchpoints to deliver delight compared with physical retail. While there are many advantages to ecommerce for both seller and buyer, the tradeoff is a lack of direct connection between them. When ecommerce shoppers interact with your package after delivery, it&#;s your first chance to make an impression through a direct touchpoint.

Adding brand value

Product packaging can become an extension of your brand. The choices you make can reflect your brand voice, aesthetic, and even values. For example, Seed, a direct-to-consumer retailer selling probiotic supplements, uses simple branded packaging made from biodegradable sachets and paper foam inserts. This reinforces Seed&#;s brand values and increases customer satisfaction among its target audience of eco-conscious buyers. 

Seed uses eco-friendly custom product boxes for its product packaging. Seed

Creating a sharable experience

A great experience is worth sharing. If you deliver a delightful experience from the first website interaction to the moment your customer opens their package, they&#;ll be more inclined to share it. User-generated content and word-of-mouth marketing are both valuable forms of organic marketing that can benefit brands.

Building loyalty

A positive unboxing experience can also increase customer loyalty and affinity with your brand. Building a long-term brand means bringing customers back time and time again. Investing in retention can move you off of the acquisition treadmill, giving you more time and money to improve your brand experience for your biggest fans.

Growing sustainably

Demand for sustainable options has meant that companies are popping up everywhere to meet it. It&#;s easier than ever to walk the walk and truly be a sustainable brand, from manufacturing all the way to shipping.

When Hero Packaging ran Google Ads for its biodegradable shipping supplies, the response was overwhelming. &#;In a week, we got a thousand people signing up [for a free sample], and that was the first sign where we said, &#;People are really interested in this,&#;&#; says co-founder Anaita Sakar.


Types of product packaging

Product packaging refers to both the packaging in direct contact with the product and the packaging used for shipping. Both types can be customized through a digital printing company that specializes in custom packaging. Before you dive into packaging design, let&#;s look at the different types of packaging you can customize.

Primary packaging

Product packaging that is in direct contact with your product is called primary packaging. This refers to the packaging of the product itself, before it&#;s placed in a shipping box with added materials. Examples of primary packaging include:

  • Blister packs
  • Hang tags
  • Glass or plastic bottles and jars
  • Shrink wrap
  • Stickers and labels
  • Resealable pouches 
  • Drawstring fabric bags
  • Bundling cord or tape
  • Air-tight wrapping
  • Clamshell packaging
  • Paper bands
  • Cardboard or plastic tubes
  • Shoe boxes
  • Jewelry boxes
  • Cans
  • Paper labels

    Secondary (shipping) packaging

    Before you can ship your products, you&#;ll need to package them for safe transport. Most products will require some type of box or envelope to protect the order for safe transport, as well as a cushioning material.

    Corrugated boxes 

    Fantastapack

    Cardboard boxes are the most common type of product packaging used by online retailers. They&#;re sturdy, don&#;t add a ton of weight to packages, and can be recycled. Double-walled corrugated boxes can provide extra strength and durability for heavier weight items. Many cardboard boxes are also made from recycled components for a sustainability factor.

    Padded mailers

    noissue

    These packages are best for shipping smaller, flat, or delicate items such as jewelry, handcrafted goods, or books. Many of these mailers are made from a polyethylene and contain a cushioned or &#;bubble&#; insert. In recent years, more companies have switched to eco-friendly versions made from biodegradable materials or paper.

    Bags and envelopes

    Hero Packaging

    Unpadded polyethylene mailers, Tyvek envelopes, or sustainable alternatives are great solutions for soft items that don&#;t require impact protection&#;a perfect packaging solution for apparel companies. Bags and poly envelopes are inexpensive, lightweight, strong, and self-sealing, adding efficiency to your shipping process.

    Tertiary packaging

    Tertiary packaging is the outermost layer of packaging and is used for shipping and distributing products. It protects products from damage during transit. A corrugated cardboard shipping box containing multiple units of a product is an example. 

    Custom product packaging

    Better Packaging Co.

    All packaging types described above can be customized with your branding and to your product&#;s specifications. For specific primary packaging, you may need to work with a manufacturer to design and produce your packaging from scratch. But many standard shipping products can be customized using a company like Hero Packaging or Better Packaging Co.

    There are many options for printing and customizing everything from tissue and gift wrap to jewelry boxes and shipping envelopes. Branded outer packaging makes an impression the second it lands on your customer&#;s door stop.

    11 steps to create a product package

    Decide which small business packaging options deliver the best experience and most value for you and your customers. Strategically investing in a few of these product packaging supplies can go a long way to creating an unboxing experience that cements your brand&#;s identity in the minds of customers.

    1. Choose the right packaging

    The most significant element to consider is your ecommerce shipping container. Depending on your product, this might be a box, bag, or poly mailer. White and brown corrugated packaging options once ruled as the sole option because they&#;re cheap, sturdy, and get the job done, but they may not create the first impression you&#;re looking for&#;or be the right fit for your product.

    Do you own a sustainable company? You can opt for biodegradable packaging alternatives made from compressed coconut fibers or compostable mailers made from corn rather than plastic.

    2. Add branded tissue paper

    Arka

    Wrapping your products in tissue paper adds an extra level of luxury, creating anticipation during the unboxing experience. It can also provide protection for delicate items. Custom-printed tissue is another opportunity to add your brand aesthetic to the experience.

    3. Consider filler

    Traditional filler includes Styrofoam packing peanuts, foam inserts, air pillows, and bubble wrap. Many brands are meeting customer demand for sustainability and opting for eco-friendly alternatives like recycled crinkle paper (colored or brown), excelsior (wood fibers), and biodegradable packing peanuts made from wheat or cornstarch. The type you choose depends on your product and brand values (i.e., sustainability).

    4. Brand with stickers

    Using stickers on a plain box or bag is a versatile and fairly inexpensive alternative to creating custom packaging. A branded sticker can seal tissue paper or brand the outside of your packaging. You may also want to include a few extra stickers in the package as a way to thank your customers for their purchase.

    5. Tuck in promotional material

    noissue

    Business cards or postcards can be added to packaging to tell customers more about your brand, thank them for their purchase, and even offer a discount on a future purchase. Use QR codes to link customers to a special landing page that you can update more easily than a printed card. You can also send other types of packaging inserts such as newsletters or a branded magazine. This unique packaging idea serves as reading material that deepens the brand&#;s relationship with customers.

    6. Add a packing slip

    It&#;s standard to include a receipt or packing slip in your package, but many businesses don&#;t use this as a branding or marketing opportunity. Add your logo and on-brand messaging. Then, place the receipt and packing slip in the package at a point that makes sense&#;not at the top of the box where you want to make the biggest splash.

    &#; Tip: When you print a packing slip on Shopify, you can customize its contents and product packaging design by adding or removing elements like your logo or product images. You might also consider including a coupon code on your packing slip to encourage repeat purchases.

    7. Write a custom note

    Though handwritten notes may be tricky to scale, new businesses are fighting to earn every customer. Connecting through a personal note can show customers there are real people powering your brand.

    8. Include educational materials

    If you sell products that require assembly or instructions for set up and use, add educational materials to your packaging. Sharing educational materials like usage instructions shows that you care about their experience, builds trust, and ensures that customers have a positive initial experience with your product.

    9. Consider custom tape

    Like stickers, branded packing tape can be added to a plain box at a lower cost than customizing the whole box. It comes in a variety of colorful options off the shelf, too. 

    10. Design seasonal packaging

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    To improve customer experience during the holidays and seasonal events, consider limited edition packaging design that maintains your recognizable brand identity with a festive flair. For more tips, check out this holiday shipping guide to survive and profit during the seasonal rush.

    11. Add a free sample or gift

    Surprise customers with a free sample or gift with purchase inside the packaging. This tactic can help you cross-sell by introducing a customer to new products. Choose an item your customer is likely to be interested in to encourage them to purchase the full size at a later date. 

    Product packaging costs

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    A downside to a custom-branded packaging experience can be the associated cost. You&#;ll need to decide based on your average order size and profit margins what options are financially feasible, along with which present the greatest value to your business and customers.

    Unbranded packaging

    Unbranded packaging is the cheapest solution with many options available off the shelf in a number of quantities and colors. If you go this route, you can always add inexpensive customization with branded tape or stickers. Custom stickers can cost between 10¢ and $2 each, depending on order quantity and size.

    Branded packaging

    Custom boxes and mailers tend to be the most expensive solution. 

    To create your own custom printed boxes, you may be looking at a minimum order of 250 and a cost of $2 to $25 per box. Some printing companies have no minimums&#;but you&#;ll pay for it. For example, Packlane will print 15 standard boxes for around $6 each, but if you order 10,000, your cost per unit drops to just over $2 each. On top of that, consider that ecommerce boxes will add more total weight to your shipment than a poly mailer.

    Poly mailers will average 40¢ to $3 per printed mailer, depending on your order size and material&#;but you can order as few as 25 at a time with some suppliers (at a cost). Remember that the weight of this solution is low and will keep your shipping rates lower, too.

    Tips for keeping packaging costs low

    • On sites like AliExpress, unbranded colored and patterned boxes can be purchased with a minimum order of 50 units for less than 40¢ each (depending on size), with free shipping to most countries.
    • The greater your order size, the cheaper the cost per unit. Strategically plan which items you will use and place larger orders to bring costs down.
    • Consider the impact of weight when looking at the overall cost of your packaging. Higher weights mean higher costs to ship, which can impact your shipping strategy as a whole.

      Best product packaging design examples

      To improve your ecommerce packaging design, we&#;ve highlighted some creative ideas for shipping you can borrow from these best-in-class online businesses. 

      Caraway

      Caraway Home is a direct-to-consumer retailer that sells non-toxic ceramic cookware in unexpected colorways. To convey its values, the brand uses recycled materials with zero-plastic bags, low-impact print dyes, and biodegradable or recyclable inserts to package and ship goods.

      Caraway also includes a welcome booklet with orders, made from recycled paper, along with messages printed directly on the packaging that improve the unboxing experience.

      Overall, what stands out about Caraway&#;s ecommerce packaging is how organized and true to its brand aesthetic it is. Because this is a premium product (with a premium cost) little touches like this go a long way to assuring the customer they&#;ve made a smart purchase.

      Otherland

      Otherland is a brand known for its beautifully packaged and fragranced candles. Otherland&#;s founder, Abigail Cook Stone, is a former art buyer for Ralph Lauren stores and therefore understands the importance of aesthetics at every stage of a customer&#;s interaction with a brand.

      Whether a customer purchases a limited edition seasonal product or items from the core collection, the experience is familiar and consistent with pops of color and beautiful branding.

      Allbirds

      Allbirds is an ecommerce brand selling shoes made from sustainable materials, like tree fiber and sugar cane. This commitment to the planet extends to packaging that&#;s recycled and printed with soy inks.

      Clever details in Allbirds packaging reflect the brand&#;s personality and focus on creating a seamless experience from the moment the package arrives. It&#;s playful and functional&#;just like the Allbirds brand. 

      Wild Deodorant

      Wild is a pioneer in personal care, tackling one of the biggest issues in the category: plastic waste. The brand solved this problem with product packaging. The packaging design process is at the heart of brand identity for Wild, as it serves as the brand&#;s unique selling proposition.

      &#;Everything from shampoo, conditioner, shower gel through to toothpaste and deodorant, people&#;s bathrooms are absolutely packed full of plastic,&#; says co-founder Charlie Bowes-Lyon. &#;Not only did we want to reduce that problem, but we felt we could remove plastic and single-use materials completely.&#;

      Clever packaging means that customers buy a reusable applicator once, and refill with a product that uses much less waste than conventional deodorant. The refill packaging is made from a compostable bamboo pulp.

      Notice Hair Co.

      Notice Hair Co. sells sustainable products for your hair, body, and home, with a mission to get as close to zero-waste as possible. It goes against the grain to offer packaging that is minimal and compostable to align with its values. The brand&#;s signature conditioner and shampoo bars also come wrapped in compostable paper, so there&#;s virtually no waste.

      The brand continues to seek out fulfillment centers that commit to its zero-waste and no-plastic policies to lower the brand&#;s carbon footprint.

      Create an unboxing experience worth sharing

      High quality packaging that reflects your brand&#;s voice and values can give you the competitive edge to not only generate repeat customers but also attract new ones.

      Consider the customer&#;s experience from the first visit to your website to the moment their purchase lands on their doorstep. A thoughtful packaging strategy can create a memorable impression that turns one-time buyers into lifelong brand advocates.

      Feature illustration by Gracia Lam
      Additional research by Thea Earl

      Want more information on Custom cardboard packaging mailing moving shipping boxes Factory ? Feel free to contact us.

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