Not sure which material will work best for packaging your brand's products? Here are some of the most common, sustainable, and cost-effective kinds to consider!
The role of packaging is now more important than ever. Not only does it preserve and protect a product, but it also needs to connect with customers emotionally and leave a lasting brand impression in their minds.
That’s why it’s super important for eCommerce business owners to be able to select the right packaging materials for the products on offer in their stores.
In this article, we’ll discuss why your choice of packaging material matters so much and look at some of the most common kinds of packaging materials you should consider using.
Let’s get started.
As an eCommerce business owner, packaging comes with certain additional challenges that may seem irrelevant to someone that sells via brick-and-mortar stores. Not only do you have to pick the right containers that will get your products safely to your customers, but you must also consider the message they will convey as well as their environmental impact.
Sellers having only a virtual storefront don’t have the luxury of having a physical store that may influence buyer perception of your brand. So your packaging needs to be able to communicate effectively all that your brand stands for.
All this can make selecting the right packaging materials seem somewhat overwhelming. Worry not, it can be much easier if you ask yourself the following questions.
Ultimately, the chief purpose of packaging is to ensure the safety of the product contained within it. So you’ll need to identify the unique traits of your products and how such features may influence the type of packaging materials required. A fragile product will require a sturdy container while a heavy product will need a durable packaging material.
It’s also important to consider how a product will be transported through your supply chain. Consider the conditions necessary to preserve your product before it gets to the customer and choose a material that can provide them. For example, perishable food products may have special packaging needs.
Stand Up Pouches are perfect for shipping perishable food items! noissue Recyclable Custom Resealable Stand Up Pouch and Custom Kraft Paper Shopping Bag by @thepastryproject_
After figuring out the traits of your packaging material, you also need to consider how the size and shape of your product will affect your final choice. Your packaging must be big enough to protect your products and flexible enough to adopt a shape that aligns with that of your products. Some packaging materials can be easily mass-produced in multiple shapes and sizes while others are not so flexible.
Your choice of packaging should reflect your brand and appeal to the tastes of your customers. Many customers judge a product by the quality of its packaging. The quality of the product may be overlooked if a buyer finds the packaging unappealing.
Simple packaging made with good — but not top-quality — materials may be ideal if your product doesn’t need to generate excitement in the customer. For example, a business that sells machine tools.
However, if you need your packaging to elicit an emotional response from the customer and encourage brand loyalty, you must not only pay attention to the quality of your packaging but also to the unboxing experience.
Apple is an excellent example of a brand that pays as much attention to the quality of its packaging materials as to creating memorable unboxing experiences for its customers.
If your brand has sustainability as one of its goals, you should definitely make sure it reflects in your packaging. Customers increasingly screen the brands they patronize based on how sincere they are towards reducing their environmental footprint.
If your brand identity champions sustainability, then the types of packaging you adopt must be eco-friendly.
Your packaging budget will have the most decisive impact on your final choice. It's good to want to adopt attractive, eco-friendly packaging, but it won’t be feasible if your funds are not adequate.
Make sure you consider the costs of the most appropriate packaging materials for your product, as well as their designs. Ultimately, the packaging material that best meets the standards of your brand and is well within your price range will be the right option for your business.
Now that we’ve talked about why your choice of packaging material is so important, let’s take a look at some of the most common ones you should consider for your eCommerce business. This list below largely focuses on eco-friendly packaging options along with information on how to select the most suitable materials for your products.
Paper is arguably the most popular packaging material in the manufacturing and distribution sector. Paper is so attractive because it is eco-friendly, functional, flexible, and can be easily designed to portray brand information and colors. Paper packaging may include SBS (solid bleached sulfate) paperboard, kraft paper, or rigid boxes.
SBS paperboard is made from paper pulp and is stronger than ordinary paper but thinner than cardboard. It can be used to package frozen foods, medicine, juice, cosmetics, and more.
Kraft paper is made using the sulfate pulping process and is meant for users looking for paper packaging that’s made using more sustainable processes. It’s notable for its durability, but is much less resistant to moisture compared to SBS paperboard.
This makes it unsuitable for packaging frozen foods and many other types of food products. It is, however, perfect for boxing every other type of product and is also excellent for wrapping items.
noissue Compostable Custom Kraft Mailers are fully customizable and versatile in their application.Rigid boxes are made from highly condensed paperboard which gives them a premium look and feel. They are generally used to package luxury items.
Paper can be used to create anything from bags to boxes and envelopes. noissue offers a range of eco-friendly, paper-based packaging products including:
Cardboard boxes are the same as corrugated boxes. They are made of multi-layered paper that gives them excellent structural stability.
Cardboard has three layers; the inner layer, the corrugated layer, and the outer layer. The corrugated layer (also known as the fluted medium) provides the rigidity, insulation, and strength that makes cardboard such a perfect packaging material.
noissue Custom Compostable Mailer Boxes by @alegriadesign.coPlus, cardboard is flexible and can be molded into any shape and size. It can also be strengthened to carry heavier items by adding more flutes to its composition.
As such, cardboard is the defacto packaging material for shipping products and noissue offers an entire range of cardboard boxes including:
Glass has been used as a packaging medium for centuries because of its superior ability to preserve the flavor and freshness of the items contained within it. Glass is also beautiful and gives your packaging a premium look. Plus, it’s easy to recycle and is completely eco-friendly.
Glass is great for packaging food and beverages. The shape of your containers will depend on the type of food product you are shipping. Glass bottles are generally used for beverages, while glass jars are used for food packaging. Keep in mind however, that glass can be quite heavy and fragile to ship.
Plastic packaging is everywhere and for good reason. It’s durable, flexible, lightweight, airtight, and can be mass-produced cheaply. In fact, more than 350 million tonnes of the material are produced each year. Its transparent nature also means the customer can see the product without opening the packaging.
However, most plastics are not eco-friendly, especially, plastics made from fossil fuels. They contribute to the degradation of our environment, which is the reason why many businesses are now moving towards circular packaging, which include recycled materials from plastics that were previously in circulation or byproduct. We'll touch on recycled plastics shortly!
Soft plastics can be used to create different types of plastic packaging including plastic bags, bubble wrap, bottles, and more. There are also rigid plastics that can be used to package liquids like milk and juice, or to protect fragile products like laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. The main issue with rigid plastics is that they are harder to recycle than soft plastics.
Bioplastics are an eco-friendly alternative to polyethylene-based packaging and traditional plastics. They are made from plant-based materials like corn, sugarcane, beets, etc. This makes them biodegradable and they will break down naturally at landfills unlike plastics made from oil and natural gas.
Another added advantage is that bioplastics retain all the desirable qualities of regular plastic. They are also flexible, lightweight, and airtight. However, not all bioplastics break down rapidly. Many of them require extremely high temperatures to be broken down.
Instead of opting for a bioplastic packaging material, you are better off using compostable mailers. The noissue Compostable Mailer is a far superior alternative to plastic packaging bags. It breaks down easily in compost — within 90 to 180 days. It comes in a variety of sizes and includes a second adhesive strip that makes sure it can be reused.
noissue 100% Compostable Biodegradable Mailers are a fantastic alternative to single-use plastic mailers, since they easily break down in home composts!
Recycled plastic is much better for the environment than virgin plastic. Recycling plastic prevents it from joining the pile of plastic waste that pollutes our oceans. Ideally, recycled plastic should be made from 100% recycled materials.
noissue offers several packaging products made from recycled plastic including:
Both of the above are made using recycled plastics in circulation and come with a second adhesive strip so they can be reused. Available in a variety of sizes, they are both durable and weather-proof. The Custom Poly Mailers can be customized on both sides with your brand logo or designs as well.
noissue Recyclable Custom Poly Mailers feature a secondary adhesive strip for customers to reuse!
Cotton is a natural fiber that is predominantly used to make clothing but can also be used for packaging. Its soft texture and customizability make it more suitable for luxury goods. As such, cotton is typically used to package shoes, jewelry, watches, and other premium items.
noissue Tote Bags and Drawstring Bags are both made from 100% organic cotton and designed to be reused over and over again. The Tote Bags are perfect for packaging as well as for use as branded merch, while the Drawstring Bags are perfect for packaging delicate jewelry and cosmetics.
noissue Custom Drawstring Bags are printed in water-based inks and are a great reusable packaging option.
Aluminum is light, durable, and highly resistant to corrosion. The material is abundant which makes it one of the cheapest packaging materials on the market. It is also very versatile and 100% recyclable.
Aluminum or (aluminum foil) can be used to package a wide range of products including food, beverages, cosmetics, candy, toothpaste, soaps, and more.
These types of packing materials are most commonly made from polylactic acid derived from plant sources like corn, sugarcane, straw, and others. They are biodegradable and compostable.
Popular plant-based packaging includes:
Bagasse is made using the pulpy residue from sugarcane stalks. Different types of bagasse plastic packaging include takeout containers, plates, bowls, trays, etc.
The noissue Clamshell Takeout Container is an example of a bagasse-based packaging product. It is oil-resistant and great for both hot and cold foods. It is also microwavable and freezer-safe.
noissue Clamshell Takeout Containers are commercially compostable and petroleum-free, preventing non-renewable waste from being generated.
Seaweed is an excellent packaging material because it is readily available all over the world and very cheap. It can be consumed as food or fermented to create bio-plastic packaging. It is another versatile and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.
Mushroom is still a novel plant-based packaging material, but with enormous potential. Not only can it be used to replace petroleum-based plastic, but it can also substitute paper packaging like cartons and cardboard boxes. It is made from mycelium and it is easy to produce.
These are a sustainable alternative to polystyrene-based packing peanuts used for cushioning. They are made from starchy plants like wheat and corn and are completely biodegradable. They come in multiple colors and are a good option if you have the budget.
Now that you are familiar with all the different types of packaging materials available, you should be in a better position to select the right one for your eCommerce business.
Make sure you consider your unique business needs before identifying the most suitable packaging solutions for your business.
And don’t forget to check out our complete range of sustainable and customizable packaging solutions for eCommerce businesses!
Your packaging is the first interaction your customer has with your product. Whether that’s seeing it, or picking it up, holding it, and reading about your product inside.
Choosing the right packaging will tell your customer about the product’s quality, importance, and what to expect. That means your packaging is just as important as your product.
With all the packaging and box options available in the market, it can be difficult for brands to pick the best choice for their products. This blog will give you an understanding of the various options available to you, and which you might choose.
Contact Bennett today about your packaging needs
Understanding the differences between various levels of packaging is critical to understand what is best for your product.
Read on to get a quick overview of all three types of packaging.
This is the type of packaging that your customer comes in direct contact with.
This is the retail packaging that secures your product.
Primary Packaging is best designed to make your product look more appealing.
You should invest most of your budget into this packaging type.
This packaging is used for stock-keeping, typically referred to as a SKU.
It is focused on securing your primary packaging (and your product) in a stack to facilitate movement and storage.
It also provides additional protection to your packaging and products.
This is focused on safely moving primary packaging and protecting it from damage.
These can also serve as small shipments, and are used regularly in e-commerce.
Secondary packaging has multiple components: a box, padding, separators, reinforcements, bags, paper, and more. It is customized to your product and packaging.
Finally, this packaging is used typically as bulk or transit packaging.
This is focused on moving larger quantities of units during freight / shipping.
During shipping, your products are handled as “distribution units”, and the packaging is focused on moving large and heavy loads efficiently.
Paperboard is a lightweight, but solid, paper-based material. It’s great at making custom shapes and structures, and can be quickly cut and manipulated.
This makes it extremely suitable for customized packaging. It is made into pulp by turning and then bleaching fibrous materials that come from wood or recycled waste paper. It comes in different grades, each appropriate for various requirements for packaging.
There are two main options, SBS (bleached) or Kraft / CUK (unbleached “brown”) paperboard. Both options are commonly used, but Kraft is more eco-friendly.
But Kraft is less moisture resistant, which makes it less suitable for wrapping food-related items or frozen goods.
Corrugated actually refers to what is typically called cardboard. Cardboard boxes are most known as the large shipping, shoe, storage boxes, and moving boxes.
It consists of three layers of paper. An outside liner, an inside liner and a corrugated medium (called fluting). This corrugation gives the cardboard its strength and stiffness.
This packaging is made of raw material that is mostly recycled. The great news about this packaging is that it can be recycled multiple times!
There are various kinds of corrugated boards, single-faced, double-faced, twin wall, and triple wall. They can be used to manufacture packaging with distinct features, performance and power.
For e-commerce and product packaging, it has become a common packaging option as well. It’s cheap, lightweight, and cost effective at protecting packaging in the mail.
Next, this packaging is typically used for luxury items, or high end electronics. Think Apple, Tiffany, Rolex, etc.
It is similar to corrugated, but it’s stronger because it’s made out of highly condensed paperboard. It’s 4x thicker than a standard folding carton!
This is one of the most expensive corrugated options, but for good reason. It signals to the customer that your product deserves the upgrade in cost.
A big downside of this packaging is the difficulty in efficiency. Apple has done a great job, but not every can maximize the air-reduction inside the box, and are therefore shipping empty space.
This type of packaging is used in a variety of industries. Typically seen in electronics, medical, food, cosmetics, and even some beverages.
Another type of paperboard made out of reclaimed paper stock, it can be cut, folded, and formed into almost any shape. That makes it an extremely cost-effective option.
Chipboard comes in a variety of densities and strengths, but it’s not useful for heavy items. This is typically for lightweight items like cereal, tissue boxes, and other household items.
Storage can also be an issue. Due to moisture problems, chipboard structures can quickly weaken, and fall apart. So it’s best if your product is already sensitive.
A Poly Bag, (aka Pouch, Plastic Bag), is manufactured out of compact, thin, plastic film. It is one of the most popular packaging styles and can hold a wide variety of items.
Think food products, chemicals, fertilizers, magazines, flowers, etc.
These are very durable, lightweight, flexible, and sometimes reusable. They are a very simple structure to make, which makes them excellent at branded customization - while remaining a cost-effective option.
One thing to note is that not all Poly Bags are created equally. Depending on the construction you choose, they can be recyclable.
The positives are obvious: security features, hanging holes, handles, and more. This helps your product stand out, feel secure, and catch the customer’s attention.
If you have fragile items, this is one of the safest packaging options out there.
This packaging contains shock absorption built-in to its structure, shielding the contents from any shocks, vibration, and some options even protect against moisture, humidity, and dust.
For fragile electronic goods, or an unstable chemical, this heavy-duty packaging is one of the best options.
What’s important is finding the balance of safety, protection, and cost-efficiency with your packaging.
Now Shrink Wrap can be either primary or secondary packaging, and sometimes even both. You can Shrink Wrap your products, and a pallet of shipping boxes that tightly pack them all together during shipping.
This provides your packaging with protection against puncture and abrasion, and increases its impact resistance. When you individually wrap your products in Shrink Wrap, it can give them a greater visual appeal to customers.
It is one of the most commonly used packaging options out there, and one you should consider.
Finally, Vacuum Packaging is a wonderful choice for products that need to be safely sealed. That includes retail products and perishable food items.
Vacuum packaging is a great option for goods that need to be sealed, which makes it a preferred option for perishable foods. Food that arrives with vacuum wrapping can remain fresh longer in the freezer than food packaged in other container forms.
This is also used for medical materials, and other health related products. By Vacuuming the products and sealing them, you eliminate all oxygen - preventing any bacteria from developing.
Bennett is a premier packaging and retail displays manufacturing company striving to protect and promote our clients' products with customized corrugated solutions. When you work with us, you’re part of the family. We will partner with you every step of the way.
With our fully-integrated design-to-delivery process, we can be the single supplier source. We are an award-winning manufacturer of virtually anything corrugate. We offer everything from plain brown shipping boxes to sophisticated, high-graphic printed point-of-purchase displays, and everything in between.
Contact Bennett today about your packaging needs
What’s the difference between “Solid Board” and “Corrugated Packaging”?
There are 2 main types of product packaging. Solid board (also referred to as carton board) is a solid material used to create boxes such as those used by Apple (for its iPhones / iPads etc.). Corrugated packaging is made from cardboard). Both are suitable for retail applications.
What packaging is best for my product?
The style of box chosen for your product depends on a number of factors. This includes the size, shape, weight, and fragility of your product - and even your target market. At Bennett, we can offer the full spectrum of box styles that will take your brand from plain to premium.
What Printing Styles do you offer?
We are able to produce Litho, Flexo, and specialize in Digital. We were one of the first manufacturers to invest in Digital Printing, and that’s put us ahead of the curve. Typically customers think Digital is only useful for small runs, but Digital allows you to create printing variations and create multiple runs of different targeted designs - using some of the latest innovations in marketing!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of ODM perfume square bottle, caps for perfume bottles, OEM flat perfume bottle. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.