The top 10 items US consumers are embarrassed to buy at physical shops include condoms (29%), emergency contraceptives (26%), bed bug spray (26%), head lice treatment (25%), hemorrhoid cream (24%), diarrhea medication (24%), pregnancy kit (23%), bladder leak or incontinence products (23%), menstrual products (23%), and cold sore medicine (23%).

More good news: brands can ship your order without any product identification or company name to prevent couriers or nosy neighbors from discovering what you bought from their store.

And that’s what discreet packaging is all about. 

Discreet packaging uses plain—no conspicuous design or imagery—shipment boxes or mailers with minimal labeling to avoid drawing attention and ensure its contents remain confidential.

Ambiguous Exterior: “Masking” What’s Inside

Discreet packaging uses the following to keep its contents a secret:

1. Plain boxes or bags

You can use plain white, Kraft, or neutral-colored carton mailers, shipping boxes (full overlap or slotted), or bags with little to no branding.

2. Generic/White labels

Discreet shipping labels can feature only a tracking number, recipient’s address, and any legally required descriptions, depending on your product. You don’t have to include your company name or business logo.

3. Stealth packaging

Packaging materials with tamper-proof features aren’t easy to rip open, securing the quality—and quantity—of its contents. They may use special seals and tapes that need scissors or blades to open. This makes it obvious if others besides the recipient attempted to look inside.

Product Categories Requiring Discreet Packaging

Customers are most likely to request or expect discreet shipping for the following categories:

1. Medication and healthcare products

Some health conditions are considered too embarrassing or sensitive that your customers are secretive about them and may prefer discreet packaging for their medicine. Examples include:

• Digestive and urinary problems (diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, incontinence)
• Personal hygiene troubles (body odor, foul breath, excessive sweating)
• Hair and skin trouble (balding and acne)
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Fungal or viral infection (toes, nails, reproductive organs)
• Pregnancy

Take InControl Diapers, for example. A YouTube video from InControl shows that the adult urine and bowel incontinence diaper brand delivers orders in plain packaging. The box only has a label with your shipment number, name, and address.

2. Vapes

The amended Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) prohibits the shipment of vaping products, e-cigarettes, and similar devices with or without “aerosolized solutions” via the US Postal Service (USPS). 

It also specifies the wording for packaging labels. “Permitted [cigarette/smokeless tobacco/ENDS] mailing—delivery only upon age verification” must appear in all caps on the mailpiece’s address side, based on its mailing guidelines. 

VapeA1 boasts “extra discreet plain box shipping.” The company ships customers’ packages from any of its four warehouses with available supplies that are closest to them.

3. Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD regulations vary by state but have common features. For instance, New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management and California’s Department of Cannabis Control require CBD retailers to use child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging that encloses the entire product.

CBD packaging shouldn’t contain elements—such as cartoonish or bubble-like fonts and bright colors—that can be confused with candies or snacks and may attract people aged 20 and below. 

Also, the state expects CBD retailers to use packaging material that will protect the content from light and other contaminants that can lead to product deterioration during storage. Both states require graphic markers on the CBD boxes and packaging.

Overall, vendors should accurately indicate CBD levels on product labels to avoid getting warning letters from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

One recent agency study showed that only 31% of 84 CBD extracts sold online bore labels accurately listing the CBD content of their goods. The FDA has issued warnings to 12 firms marketing CBD-related products as of July 26, 2023.

Meanwhile, six companies received cease and desist letters from the Federal Trade Commission for using deceptive marketing for their edible goods containing Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, another compound from cannabis sativa. The packaging resembled the designs of popular snacks, such as Doritos, Cheetos, and Nerds Rope Candy.

Utah-based WholesomeCo shows a discreet but not plain-looking packaging for its medical cannabis.

4. Adult products

Adult products include alcoholic drinks, lingerie, and sexual wellness products or sex toys.

New Zealand-based company Elusive Lingerie tells its customers to specify in the shipping “Notes” section that they want discreet shipping. Otherwise, they’ll get their order in a plain white but branded box.

Standard shipping procedures apply for sexy sleepwear, but for liquor and pleasure toys, consider the following:

Liquor

Like in CBD, state governments set rules for shipping liquor directly to consumers, including the allowable types, maximum amount, and required permit or license. In general, brands can’t send them through the USPS.

Eight states and territories accept D2C shipments of all spirits, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website, which lists the details of each state’s requirements:

• Hawaii
• Nebraska
• Kentucky
• West Virginia
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Florida
• District of Columbia

In most states, shipments must be conspicuously labeled with these wordings: “Contains alcohol: Signature of person age 21 or older required for delivery.” 

Labels on alcohol shipments for New York residents must also have the same words but must end with “Not for Resale.” Meanwhile, the labels on North Dakota-bound shipments don’t require the phrase “Contains alcohol.”

Pleasure toys

Brands should check state laws on shipping sex toys, the sale of which is banned in Alabama (due to its Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1998), Texas, and Georgia. In Texas, these adult products should be identified as “novelties.” You’ll find them sold at local novelty stores.

Bonjibon uploaded a video on TikTok showing its “super boring” white label-plain packaging for its sexual wellness products.

Expensive or luxury goods

Luxury or high-end products include:

• Fashion items: watches, jewelry, precious stones, expensive perfume, designer clothing, bags, and shoes
• High-tech gadgets: headphones, tablets, laptops, electronics, drones, video or film production devices, medical equipment
• Artwork: prints, paintings, sculptures, collectibles

6. Political items

You can ship individual candidate campaign products to thank donors and supporters or send them in bulk ahead of mass rallies and sorties. These items can include:

• Pins
• Magnets
• Bumper stickers
• Doorknob hanger tags
• Pens
• Notepads
• Stress balls
• Hand fans
• Sunglasses
• Wristbands
• Lanyards
• Keychains
• Umbrellas
• Caps and hats
• Banners
• Balloons
• Table throws
• Mugs
• Tote bags
• Shirts
• Yard signs
  

3 Steps for Memorable Unboxing with Discreet Packaging

In customizing your discreet packaging’s interior, you can go all-out on box design, colors, and messaging. Get as creative as you want to provide a unique unboxing experience by trying these steps:

1. Greet your customer

Print “Thank you,” “Hello,” or any other catchy and personalized message at the back of your box’s cover or lid to acknowledge your client’s purchase and to introduce your brand further.

Your business name, logo, and other particulars can also fill this spot.

2. Wrap their order in custom tissue paper and a brand sticker

Use tissue paper and stickers bearing your logo, brand name, colors, and patterns to make your customers remember your business even after they’ve used up your product.

3. Include promotional inserts

Add custom promotional inserts based on your engagement and customer acquisition goals:

• Thank buyers with a customized insert instead of printing a message on the back of your box’s lid.
• Get client feedback on their purchase and connect with them online through social share inserts.
• Include a referral card to the package encouraging current customers to refer their friends to your company with a purchase discount.

You can also use these inserts for instructions on using the product or to share your company history, online or offline events, and upsell opportunities. 

How Discreet Packaging Boosts Your Business

You can reap the following benefits when you offer discreet packaging:

Privacy

Confidentiality works two ways—by concealing your business name and the specifics of your customer’s order, you guard your reputation and your buyer’s privacy.

Some frustrated clients take videos of discreet shipping failures. Prospects who come across such videos are likely to get turned off when they discover your brand doesn’t ship as discreetly as you claim.

Meanwhile, contented customers can polish your image when they leave positive feedback on your review forms and social channels for your expert handling of their sensitive orders.

Security

Discreet packaging isn’t just for embarrassing body-related products but also for high-end items. Generic-looking packaging can prevent theft, damage, or destruction.

Box interior optimization

Although you must be unobtrusive on the outside, your box can bear all your branding elements on the inside. 

Optimize your packaging box’s interior by printing your brand colors, logo, slogan, or personalized message on it. You can also wrap your product with custom tissue and seal it with a custom label or sticker. 

Be intentional with your packaging inserts—use eco-friendly materials for dividers or holders, and include thank you and social share request cards to promote extended engagement with your shoppers.

Available Courier Services for Your Discreet Packages

The country’s top couriers treat various product categories differently. Below is a summary of their services:

You can also opt to work with a fulfillment center, which offers discreet labeling along with shipping services.

Future-Proof Your Business with Discreet Packaging

With 24% of retail purchases expected to happen online by 2026, offering delivery options to your customers—including discreet shipping—can prevent you from being pushed aside by fierce competitors. Over two million retailers operate in the country according to the Census Bureau.

Surprise your customers—or at least don’t make them regret shopping with you—by working with seasoned packaging suppliers that provide white-glove treatment from box type selection to prototyping.

Refine Packaging specializes in customized mailers and shipping boxes, including packaging for brands that seek a balance between a discreet exterior and an impressive interior box design.

We can work with a print-ready design that aligns with our artwork guidelines to ensure a smooth and speedy production process. At the same time, our packaging design specialists can provide expert advice, from box structure to packaging inserts and inside printing. These accomplished graphic artists and engineers can apply their expertise and skills to make your packaging a trust-building vehicle for your brand.

Your journey with us includes 2D and 3D mockup development, which allows you to examine and test your box in its folded-up form before production. Contact us today to discuss your discreet packaging needs.

The post Discreet Packaging: The Ultimate Retail Embarrassment Cure appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Your target market’s initial impression of the packaging powerfully sways their buying decision. Shoppers can get your item from the shelf and examine it more closely (or click your product image online and read more about it) before adding it to their cart. Or they can pass you up for another item.

Packaging’s marketing role is undeniable in a world increasingly focused on online engagement. Tangibility still matters, with an enticing physical presence improving your company’s brand recognition and recall more than digital communications.

How can packaging support your branding and marketing strategy? 

It all starts with understanding your buyer’s behavior. So let’s dive in and discover what makes packaging a potent conversion tool. Also, we’ll tackle how you can track your packaging’s performance.

It’s Not What They Look at But What They “See”

In packaging design, you must plan with the end in mind. For brands, this entails balancing two primary goals—product safety and customer appeal. The box or container must protect the product until it reaches the customer. At the same time, the packaging should make the buyer feel happy about the purchase and transacting with the company.

Factors Influencing Consumer Perception

Let’s admit it: despite humanity’s great strides in knowledge—including sales tactics, we’re still prone to the bias from positive first impressions, also known as the halo effect.

This bias applies in shopping and packaging—consumers are inclined to choose products based on appearance. The following factors can affect how they perceive your brand:

Color

Color can create emotions leading to desire, disgust, or indifference. Researchers and market analysts reported that 85% of consumers selected products based on color.

Thus, knowing the psychology of colors—the messages they convey—is necessary for your color choice in packaging design. Your selection should be consistent with your brand’s mission and personality. 

Although culture, life experiences, and socialization affect color preferences, graphic designers and marketers refer to guides and charts like the one above when designing their branding assets, including packaging designers looking for inspiration.

Meanwhile, recent research shows that blue currently holds the record as the most-liked color (preferred by 57% of men and 35% of women).

Shape and size

Factors such as the size of your box can depend on your target market’s demographics. For instance, children view product sizes and shapes differently than adults. Grown-ups may lean toward easy-to-carry products with minimal excess weight, but large-size or uniquely shaped packaging may excite younger consumers.

Texture

Although product packaging should look attractive even from a distance, it’s meant to be touched. Glossy and smooth packaging can give products a premium look and feel. Meanwhile, eco-conscious consumers might appreciate Kraft paperboard or molded pulp boxes, which may feel rough and barely have any design. One forecast shows a growing demand for barrier coating—for paper and board packaging—as a plastic substitute and will hit $11 billion by 2028, based on 2022 prices.

Layout, fonts, and graphics

A well-laid-out packaging box with a clear and sharp logo and images plus readable typography for your product name, description, and instructions make it easy for shoppers to know how your product can benefit them. 

Packaging Reveals What Consumers Want to Know About a Brand

Effectively designed packaging can answer your target market’s questions about you and your product. Shoppers typically want to know:

• What company produced this product?
• Why did they develop this product?
• What process did the business use to create the product?
• Where was this product made?
• What makes this product the best or better than others in the same category?

Including the following information in your custom packaging can convince consumers that buying your products is worth their money:

• Nutritional and health facts
• Ingredients
• Eco-friendly information
• Brand name
• Reasons for choosing your brand
• Certifications and awards
• Detailed instructions
• Cautionary notes
• Government regulations

Moreover, your packaging material and structure can reveal how much care you put into ensuring your product’s usability and consumer safety. In a video from The Packaging School, founder Dr. Andrew Hurley emphasizes that thoroughly knowing your product is crucial in developing packaging that hits safety targets for both your item and those who’ll use it. He says clarifying these aspects about your product can help you nail your packaging design:

1. Form and nature of your product

Your product’s state (solid, liquid, or gas) will determine what material you need to package it. 

Beyond dimensions and weight, you must also consider what’s required to prevent leakage and adverse chemical reaction due to temperature, moisture, and the packaging material itself.

2. Needed protection at each level of the sales cycle

Your packaging must keep your product safe from the stockroom or warehouse to its transfer to couriers or fulfillment centers that will transport and deliver it to your retailer or customer.

3. Product’s end user and expected interaction with the product

Customers may have unique preferences, but convenience is universal across your demographics. For instance, a resealable package is advisable for a kid’s beverage, while gable top carton boxes are handy for adults.

4. Presentation

Your packaging must differentiate your product from other players in your niche or industry. Moreover, it should include a surprise element, particularly an unboxing experience better than they expected.

5. Sustainability beliefs and regulations

Research your target market’s beliefs on sustainability in packaging and the laws at the locations where you distribute or sell your goods. Six US states currently uphold Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies on the disposal of hard-to-recycle materials: Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, New Jersey, and Maine. Use your packaging to communicate how your company adheres to EPR laws.

How to Use Packaging as a Marketing Tool

Packaging is now at the forefront of brand awareness and promotions after some marketers renamed their seventh marketing P from the overarching “physical evidence” to packaging.

Here are seven ways you can optimize packaging as your “silent salesperson”:

1. Include customized packaging in your branding

You can use packaging to reinforce your brand identity because it receives the highest engagement with your consumers next to your product. For consistency, your packaging should include these brand elements according to your style guidelines:

Name

The brand-to-product association is so strong at times that some names have undergone genericization—the trademark becomes synonymous with that class of products. 

Examples include Kleenex for tissue paper, Band-Aid for adhesive bandages, and Xerox for copying machines. Other genericized brands include Velcro, Lego, Google (“Let’s Google it.”), and Photoshop (“I think that was photoshopped.”).

Logo and brand graphics

Your logo is your visual trademark, which must be recognizable as your brand name—if not more memorable. Graphics separate from your logo must use your brand color palette.

Color palette

Your packaging should ideally use your brand colors, which should’ve been chosen after analyzing your target audience and competitors. Some designers advise using up to three colors for maximum memory retention.

Slogan

Slogans are simple and catchy phrases representing your brand’s personality. They’re also crafted to function as mini-mission statements.

M&M: “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.”

FedEx: “Where now meets next.”

Nokia: “Connecting People.”

Typography

Your fonts should be easy to read and express product information. Their look must also fit the style of your other branding elements.

Images

Images or visual elements must be crisp and attractive enough to tug at your target market’s heartstrings. They should also represent your brand message and the product’s unique value.

2. Think out of the box for higher shelf impact

Does your packaging seem to blend with other products on retailers’ shelves? Although shoppers have subconscious packaging expectations for different product categories, your brand must have unique elements that will help you stand out in a sea of other competing products. Two steps can help you achieve this:

Audience research

Conduct a simple online poll (try Twitter or LinkedIn) and ask your target buyers what they consider to be typical packaging in your product category.

Competitor research

Look through store shelves and compare the designs of your rival products. You might notice similarities in color and typography—these are the core design elements of your category. Doing something different but still in tune with your audience’s survey results is worth the risk.

Finnish company Sitko’s artisan pizza box is one example of unconventional design. It only uses black and white and shows off its sourdough balls—described as the “heart and soul” of its business—in various irregularly rounded shapes.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Freja did quite the opposite, playing up Nordic geometric shapes and a bright—although still limited—color palette for its rebranded bone broth line.

Below, this unique nature-based concept by Vu Digital encases bottles like flower petals.

Meanwhile, one designer used insect-themed window boxes for lightbulb packaging. 

3.   Incorporate packaging in your marketing campaigns

Although packaging can promote your product on its own, it’s most influential when used in tandem with the rest of your marketing arsenal. You can feature them in your digital (social media and website or Google ads) or offline (billboards, print, and TV) ad campaigns.

Aligning your packaging with your ad strategies may be as simple as using custom tape, labels, and sleeves on stock packaging boxes.

4.   Make it functional

Packaging should be durable and user-friendly in that storing, opening, resealing, and displaying them shouldn’t be a struggle. New packaging trends, such as smart packaging features, offer tamper detection and counterfeiting technologies such as QR codes and RFID tags.

Functional packaging can also refer to ergonomic handling and dual-purpose design. For instance, Motorola’s Razr 5G comes in a box that doubles as a phone holder-stand.

The Botanist Gin’s functional liquor boxes also double as a reusable planter. When you can repurpose your packaging, you get plus points for sustainability.

5.   Personalize through promotional elements

Add a personal touch through packaging inserts, such as thank-you cards, coupons, or customer-specific samples. You can follow the STP model to determine the most appropriate personalization add-ons. The acronym stands for segmentation, targeting, and positioning. 

Segmentation is dividing your customers into groups based on shared traits. Targeting is determining each segment’s buying power and identifying those most likely to convert. Finally, positioning is developing a marketing mix for each group.

To illustrate how the model works, small business owners can apply STP by including handwritten thank you messages in the package of first-time buyers, addressing them by their names. They can add freebies—stickers, trinkets, or a product sample—that complement their purchase to encourage repeat business.

Meanwhile, for returning customers, a referral card (offering discounts to the customer and a friend) or loyalty program invite can help expand your client base and deepen engagement.

McKinsey reported that 71% of consumers expect brands to personalize their interactions. Meanwhile, 88% of shoppers surveyed by Salesforce said their experience with a company is as important as the product or services they offer. McKinsey adds that personalization can increase revenues by five percent to 15%.

6.   List all the ways they can reach you online

Use social share inserts or print your social channels directly on your custom box and labels to encourage clients to connect with you online for feedback and queries. Be upfront about requesting a review and include a link that directs them to your corresponding webpage.

Also, include your main hashtags to encourage customers to look them up online and use them in their posts and tweets.

7.   Provide themed or limited edition packaging

Holidays and occasions such as your subscriber’s birthday and anniversary of their loyalty program membership or first order offer opportune moments for you to produce variations of your packaging. Themed packaging instantly turns your products into giftable items—something not-so-crafty buyers warmly welcome.

Moreover, you can roll out limited-edition packaging for specific products. Doing so can entice shoppers to buy before supplies run out and give them a sense of exclusivity because they acquired something unique to your brand and not available to the rest of the public. 

Grow with the Packaging Industry’s Marketing Thought Leaders

Once your packaging design is done, finding a capable packaging and printing company can make or break your marketing dreams. Choosing a printer with established thought leadership in this area can give you peace of mind. Besides being masters of the technical process, such service providers are aware of what makes a design arresting and professional-looking.

Refine Packaging is more than just dependable—we’re committed to ensuring your custom packaging becomes a profitable growth driver. And our dedication to your marketing success isn’t just lip service. Check out our blog section where we discuss the essentials of design, printing, and distribution. We’re serious about what we do, but always aim to keep simplicity and lightheartedness at the center of it all.

No matter what stage in the business you’re going through, we’re here for you. Our team includes in-house designers so you can get answers to any marketing concerns. Contact us today for a free consultation or more information about our process.

The post Optimizing Packaging for Marketing: 7 Client Engagement Keys appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Packvertising had intended to be a separate and more cost-effective alternative to traditional ad placements. Brands included flyers, vouchers, and promotional stickers in the box for added ways to connect and engage with consumers.

When COVID-19 struck, social media became flooded with at-home unboxing videos. The trend elevated the packaging box as an extension of every product, coming under the same scrutiny as its content in vlogs and influencer videos. Many brands now compete by showing off their product’s primary and secondary packaging in paid advertisements.

In light of this development, you may wonder: is it really worth investing in not just branded packaging but ads that include your product boxes? How can you make your packaging ad-ready?

This article answers these questions as we discuss improving your packaging ROI through ad placements that feature your custom branded packaging.

What Is Packaging ROI?

Your investment in packaging includes payments for design, packaging material, printing, distribution, and promotional activities.

How to calculate packaging ROI

You can apply the basic formula for ROI in calculating your product packaging ROI. That is, divide your net profit—the amount you earned from an investment or the investment cost minus its present value—by the investment cost and multiply the result by 100.

ROI =  (Net profit / Investment Cost) x 100

However, other factors contribute to packaging ROI. They include the following:

Damage reduction

A solid, structural packaging design results in savings for shipping and replacement of goods returned due to dents, breakage, or other damage. By protecting fragile goods, you can avoid processing returns, which can run up to 59% of the item’s original price.

Improved environmental profile

A quarter of consumers prefer buying from brands that use sustainable packaging, which Statista lists as the second top consideration among American shoppers after coupons and discounts.

Higher sales

Consumers have become more careful about how brands influence their buying decisions. 82% of shoppers in a Razorfish poll said they favor brands that stand for a greater societal purpose, which brands can achieve through packaging that conveys their intended contributions to the community. Your sales performance after your new packaging design’s launch is a good indicator of your ROI.

Recurring customers

When shoppers are delightfully surprised or satisfied with their initial purchase, their positive experience leads to what is called a “brand halo” effect. As a result, they’re likely to buy again and tell others about the product. American subscription box companies combine the power of packaging’s visual appeal with anticipation in keeping and growing their client base, which stands at 61 million. 

Top 3 Reasons to Include Custom Packaging in Your Ad Campaigns

You can double the influence of packaging over your target audience in the following ways when you incorporate them in your ads:

1. Packaging enhances your social media presence

Before the pandemic lockdowns, businesses used packvertising as a standalone marketing channel. They relied on extra features such as multi-page labeling and inserts containing rebates, discount coupons, and product information to attract buyers and engage customers.

When self-isolation mandates took effect, brands didn’t only ramp up their shipping and delivery procedures. They also ensured that their packaging would make up for the excitement and pleasure derived from in-store shopping. Their strategy included packaging in their content marketing and advertisements, mainly on their target market’s preferred social platforms. You can apply the same tactic to your online promotions. 62% of consumers tend to buy products a purchaser features in an image or video post.

Although unboxing videos reportedly started as early as 2006 (featuring a Nokia E61 phone), the contemporary content creators’ commentary covers the entire package—literally—from the box to its contents and fillers.

2. Packaging helps manage your customer’s expectations about a product

Advertisements featuring your product with its packaging promote transparency. Such ads can promote trust if you’re selling high-end products. As they say: the higher the price, the higher the customer’s expectations.

Potential buyers discover the item’s dimension and how large—or small—it is compared to its box. These visuals are more mentally digestible and retainable than a written description.

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3. Packaging allows you to receive immediate feedback

Why not hit two birds with one stone by asking your followers to comment on your packaging when you publish your social media ad?

How to Optimize Packaging for Advertising Success

You can succeed at including customized packaging in your advertising strategy by taking these steps:

1. Conduct market research and analysis

Market research and analysis help you discover more about your target market, competitors, and the packaging industry. Your study should ideally give insights about:

• Who belongs to your target market and their pain points
• Where your target and existing buyers research to discover and learn more about products and services
• Which of your rivals does your target audience turn to for options and information
• What influences conversions and purchases among your target audience
• What aspects of your competitors’ packaging are working for them
• Whether there’s a demand for your business initiatives
• Underserved or unaddressed consumer needs your business can turn into a selling opportunity
• What’s trending in your industry in the buyer’s eyes
• Consumer attitudes toward a particular topic or consumer issue, a brand or product, and pricing
  

2. Identify your goals and metrics

Surveying your target audience and industry helps you define or clarify the objectives and success indicators for your packaging.

Goals should reflect what your brand identity wishes to convey—a message (such as your unique selling point) and emotion (your brand personality)—besides growth objectives, such as increasing awareness, loyalty, and referrals. Meanwhile, success metrics include brand recall, conversion, retention, and word-of-mouth.

3. Pick the appropriate design, packaging materials, and box style (Proceed to points 4 or 5 if you have existing packaging)

Your design, paper stock, custom box style, and coatings must suit your product type and function. For premium products, you may want to use luxury materials and extra features.

4. Design, test, and evaluate your packaging’s performance

You can use prototypes when testing your product packaging with small markets or focus groups. Gather people’s opinions through surveys or interviews so you can determine your packaging’s strengths and areas for improvement. Here are some tips to follow:

• Limit the number of questions to ask, as they are open-ended ones.
• Provide participants with a demo or prototype.
• Ask them how they feel about your pricing.
• Ask for their views about your competition.
• Give them a chance to air any questions, concerns, or other comments at the end of the questionnaire or feedback session.

5. Adapt your packaging-related ad materials to the requirements and expectations of each advertising method

Around 55% of B2B and B2C product suppliers’ marketing budgets go to digital campaigns. However, traditional channels like print, TV, and billboards continue to be viable options.

If you’re allotting a large chunk of your budget to online marketing as well, familiarize yourself with the image sizes for product photography and video lengths required for website or social media ads. Our cheat sheet below is a handy reference.

Besides great visuals, the best social media ads have a clear call to action so your followers know what to do next, such as “Buy now” “Add to shopping cart,” “Sign up,” and “Learn more.”

6. Include your social media icons on your packaging

Invite ongoing engagement with your customers by including your social media handles on your company info. Doing so can raise your chances of upselling opportunities and referrals. 

Social Media Ad Specs Cheat Sheet

Here’s our cheat sheet for social media ad specifications. Aspect ratio (x:y) refers to the ratio of an image’s width to its height.

Social Media Examples Featuring Product Packaging

Here’s how some businesses featured their personalized packaging in social media ads:

ThreadBeast

Streetwear brand ThreadBeast showcases their subscription boxes directly in their Facebook advertising campaigns.

Jam Cellars

Jam Cellars’ Butter Chardonnay brings on some “better beach time” based on the brand’s YouTube video featuring the wine with its bright yellow-labeled bottle, can, and packaging box.

Crest

This Instagram image ad of Crest 3D White Strips directs the platform’s users to Amazon.

Corkcicle

A TikTok subscriber included the packaging in the unboxing video of the insulated tumbler by Corkcicle, which she received on Mother’s Day.

Purolator Inc.

Purolator made a LinkedIn post to announce its limited-edition holiday boxes. Like the Canadian courier, you can end your written ad with hashtags to widen your reach. Although you can use up to 30 hashtags, marketers advise using only a few of them. Three to five are enough according to the Instagram Creators account.

Know Your Other Advertising Channels

Through market research, you can focus your ad budget on your target audience’s preferred channels. Nevertheless, knowing the various advertising channels below makes you aware of additional venues for sourcing product promotion ideas.

Moreover, consider that although the average American broadband-connected household has 13 connected devices, 28 million households can’t afford the fees for internet access.

Television

Advertisers forecast a 10.4% growth in ad revenues amid an expected increase of connected TV (CTV)—or traditional TV connected to the internet that allows video streaming and web browsing—adoption from 2023 to 2028. Moreover, 50% of Americans connect their smart TV or CTV sets through their in-built mechanism.

Minimum CTV ad costs range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Print

Newspaper and magazine ads, flyers, and posters are all part of print advertising. Their tangibility gives them an edge over online adverts, the oversupply of which has taught netizens to ignore their presence, resulting in so-called “ad blindness.” Moreover, internet users can use ad blockers for privacy. Top Media Advertising reported that a digital ad’s effectiveness rises 400% when combined with print ads. 

Newspaper ads can cost between $50 and $2,700 and up for full-page ads.

Outdoor advertising

Billboards and public transportation ads are examples of outdoor advertising. Billboard fees—which cover four weeks—are worth $850 (for static) or $2,100 (for digital) on average. Meanwhile, transit advertising shares the same average cost as static billboards.

Email ads

Your brand can place an ad on a third-party email newsletter in exchange for an endorsement. The sponsorship cost depends on the newsletter’s industry, subscriber count, and audience engagement. Advertising charges can start at around $15 to $30 per sponsored email. 

Make Your Custom Box Packaging Ad-Ready

Selecting an expert custom box manufacturer with an eye for design is crucial when you decide to make product packaging design a part of your advertising projects. Your box provider should help deliver what you promised consumers in your image or video ads in whatever medium.

Refine Packaging can print branded boxes that will delight your customers beyond what they see in traditional or digital ads. Our happy customers can tell you all about it.

Moreover, our seasoned in-house design team can ensure that every step in your packaging development journey with us targets optimal client satisfaction from discovery to conversion. Contact us today to request a free consultation about your ad-ready packaging requirements.

The post How to Increase Your Ad Campaign’s ROI By Showcasing Custom Packaging (6 Steps) appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Technical packaging terminology can be difficult to understand, even for those in the field for years. If you need to learn about the jargon and terminologies that are commonly used in the packaging industry, this is the guide you need. 

Why Are Packaging Definitions Important to Know? 

By understanding packaging definitions, you’ll save time, communicate more clearly and effectively with your team, and build a stronger reputation and overall custom packaged product. 

The Individuals Who Should Know Packaging Terms  

Ultimately, custom packaging and package design takes place within a company or with multiple degrees of external packaging engineering, often requiring support from independent contractors, consultants, vendor evaluations, independent laboratories, contract packagers, total outsourcing, graphic designers, among other disciplines. Here is a list of professional that should know packaging and printing terms to work more efficiently: 

• Packaging designers 
• Customer service representatives of such companies 
• Brand managers 
• Packaging technicians 
• Material scientists 
• Printers and press operators 
• Packaging engineers 
• Prepress technicians 
• Production managers 
• Ink technologists 
• Finishing technicians 
• Packaging consultants 
• Quality control and assurance personnel 
• Supply chain managers 
• Sustainability managers 
• Machine operators 
• Technical support specialists 
• Regulatory compliance officers 
• Sales and marketing professionals 
• Procurement and purchasing managers 
• Product development managers 
• Artwork coordinators 
• Brand strategists 
• Graphic designers working on these projects 
• Research and development teams 

Without further ado, let’s dig into our complete glossary of packaging definitions from A to Z!

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Numerical Terms

0100 In The Industry: The type of sheets and rolls you can use for commercial purposes. It refers to the types that work for only one side.  

0200 Slotted Boxes: A type of box that is used for packaging purposes. It comes in the form of top and bottom flaps that are stitched or glued.  

0201: A standard regular box with outer flaps that meet the top and bottom for sealing. 

0300: A type of box with a telescope style and more than one piece alongside a lid.  

0500: A type of box that carries several liners or pieces and slides into each other in multiple directions as well. 

0900: This jargon is used for treatments that you can add inside your boxes in the form of partitions, pads, and liners. They work as a singular item; you can also glue them as one item. 

0700: This type of container has one piece; you would ship them in flat form. At the same time, they are ready-to-use types that need a very easy and simple assembly. 

0600: This term is used for rigid style processes that normally have two pieces that are separate. You can switch them together before they are used, and they are known for being large industrial types. 

0400: This is another type of folder box and toys that have pieces of box and hinges. At the same time, they come with interlocking tabs. 

3PL: Acronym for third-party logistics.  

Terms Starting with A

ABS: A logistic that you can create with injection molding and has the ability to give you rigidity and toughness. Although it is a great material that you can use for your packaging, it may be expensive. 

Accelerated Test: A test that allows you to find out about the strength of a coating or a box. The main purpose is to test products in shorter intervals that may occur than in real life. 

Acid Rain: This refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition that you can have in that atmosphere. This table is important in the packaging and printing industry as well. Acid rain can cause issues to the sources that help the industry create raw materials for their processes.  

Acrylic: A type of thermoplastic material you can get from the polymerization process. So, it is a packaging method that can help you get perfect results for your needs.  

Acrylonitrile: That can provide you with transparency, resistance, and rigidity. There are multiple features it can provide in comparison to its alternatives. 

Additive: The additive is a type of packaging or printing material that you can use to get a certain result for it. 

Adhesive Bleed: It can help you get results against a label material being too pressure sensitive. Multiple scenarios can cause it, like excessive roll winding tension or cold flow. 

Aerosol: This term is used for a range of containers that have specific criteria to meet to get this name.  One of the features they must contain to have this name is a pressure-resistant container that is also gas-tight. Such a box should also have a desired product. 

Aerosol Components: This system is used for liquefied or compressed gasses that you can pack with pressure propulsion containers. This method aims to bring enough pressure to get discharge from a valve. 

Aerosol Services: These are filling arousal products that you use as original formulations and can also be customer supplied.

AlphaSeal: This term is used for units that come with the help of getting a folding box board or virgin pulp wood. There are stringent requirements to meet the standards of these products for the food industry. There is a complete range of materials you can use, like aluminum foil. 

Alternative Fuels: Fuels used in the packaging industry during shipping and transportation. 

Amber Glass: It is a type of brown-colored grass that is used for multiple types of packaging processes. One of the main features of this material is the reduction of light effect on the products packed inside. 

Anneal Bubble Pack: A type of temperature process you can use for creating glass products with the use of stresses and strains. You can use natural and uneven cooling for it.    

Antioxidant: A type of chemical substance you can use for the purpose of preventing the effects of oxygen on plastic material. Such an oxygen attack can cause brittleness in plastic products and reduces their likability and features.  

Anti-Skid Corrugated: A type of corrugated board that comes with chemical treatment and an embossing effect. The benefit of such boxes would be a stable palette and unit load.  

Additive: A substance that you can apply to the surface of a plastic product that you can add to it. The main benefit you get from this one is getting rid of electrostatic charges in your products. 

Applicator Cap: A type of clay closure that you can add to a packaging box to apply content to them, such as grease spouts or daubers. 

Applicator Rod:  A type of short glass rod, which comes in the measurement of 2 MM to 4 MM in diameter. You can use it alongside an applicator cap that can help cut a cap.  

Assembly: A process in which you combine different box elements into one product. The use of such procedures would be to avoid any contamination inside your box. 

AQL: Acronym for the acceptable quality level of a box. This is the maximum percentage move or proportion of a variant In the units that you get with a certain production. The quality assurance department ensures that this variable is under certain guidelines. 

Aromatherapy Packaging: These are the items you can use for packaging aromatherapy products which can also be aluminum bottles, candle holders, and others. 

Aseptic Packaging: A technique you can use to place a product into a box with sterilization kept in mind. The purpose of this process is completed when you get sterilization for your product and the box. Another benefit you get from this packaging product is that there’s no refrigeration requirement for such products. This also applies when the package seal is broken.  

Ampul: A type of smaller container that you can make from glass or plastic tubes. You can draw it into a stem and close it by fusion once you have filled it. You can use a bottom that may be flat and can also draw out as you require it to.  

Ampules/Accessories: These are ampules and also accessories that you can find in the form of breakers, sleeves, and others.  

AN: A material that comes with rigidity, excellent barrier properties, and transparency. This material is used for thermoforming as well. 

Autoclave: A type of pressure vessel that allows you to standardize packages with the help of high-temperature steam or vapor.  

Average Wall Thickness: A type of measurement that you find by measuring the thickest section of a box wall and the thinnest one. Then you divide them into two to find out this measurement.  

Avoirdupois Weight: A system of weights you can use for the purpose of measuring goods. But you are not supposed to measure precious metals and drugs with this unit.  

Animal Healthcare Products in Packaging and Printing: Products that are used for healthcare purposes and come in the packaging category. Injection-molded items are a common example of such packaging products used in the animal health sector.  

Aerosol Components: A type of material that is used for the purpose of creating bottles and boxes. For instance, extruded aluminum containers over caps and closures.  

Autoclavable: Products you can produce from resins and give you the ability to bear up to 250 degrees of temperature for up to 45 minutes. 

Abrasion Resistance: The endurance of a packaging material against scratching and wrapping. This term refers to how strong our packaging material is when it comes to such issues from the use of products that come from them. 

Across Flute: This term is used to measure edited materials as it is a unit for their measurement. 

A-Flute: A type of corrugated flute that is thickest in their category. 

Air Freight: A term used for the products you transport by air. It’s important to have special considerations when packaging such products, such as the sensitivity of the goods, their dimensions, center of gravity, and mass.  

Aluminum: A common material for packaging purposes, known for being lightweight and non-toxic. 

Allocated Inventory In Packaging: The material quantity that a department has been assigned for their production. 

Adhesive: A material that helps bond multiple surfaces into one. 

Anaerobic Digestion: Part of biodegradable waste treatment that helps reduce landfill gas emissions into the atmosphere.  

Anti-Scuff Bicell: A type of basal sheet that you can use without any woven fabrics. These normally work for the outer surfaces of the item and can help against damage to that product. 

Antistat: An anti-static type of packaging that helps avoid any static current in your packaging. This method can help reduce the chances of product damage due to this issue. The full form of this word is anti-static. 

Artwork: This term means the logo or unique design that you can create for your packaging, which are typically associated with specific artwork guidelines.  

Automotive: This term is used for cars and similar vehicles that may be considered in the packaging industry.  

Astraboard: A type of polypropylene that is used inside cases and is famous for its strength and lightweight. 

Attenuate: Reduction of force on products that are sensitive to vibration.  

ATA: Abbreviation of an association that promotes the safety of your case and packaging specifications. The basic functionality of this association is to promote the safety of these products during air transit jobs. 

Terms Starting with B

Backing Liner: A type of paper material you can use to eliminate surface irregularities in packaging products. At the same time, it has the ability to be resistant to water and carry extra strength. 

Banding: This type of machine can help improve the level of security you can have with different items.   

Back Off: Loosening a cap that may occur due to improper cap application torque.  

Backing Liner: A type of compressible paper material to which you can attach the liner. This paper allows you to get rid of any regulation regularities that may exist on the sealing surface. At the same time, you get better strength, appearance, and resistance against spoiling factors. 

Baffle Mark: A type of bottom defect that may occur due to a seam coming between the baffle and the blank mold. 

Bag-In-Box: A type of sealed plastic bag that you can find inside a rigid outer box. The most common use of this one is for packing liquid products that can be of different viscosities. 

Bags: When we talk about bags, there is a long list of products that you can find in the packaging industry. These can be poly bags, mailing currency, anti-static, and many other types of bags.  

Bail: A type of wire handle that allows you to carry a product inside a box. You can weld these two to the opposite sides of boxes to get better results for carrying purposes.   

Barrier Material: A term used to classify packaging materials that offer protection for the environment. You can find these materials with the properties of having pores. At the same time, this helps remove passage of microorganisms, which helps prevent contamination in the boxes.  

Barex: A type of polymer that you can make out of Acrylonitrile. You can also have methyl acrylate and butadiene in these. You can get impressive gas barrier properties and chemical resistance with these. At the same time, it provides you with a good impact. 

Barrels: Barrels are a common type of garden, food, storage, or wine type of containers, which can also be made out of plastic. 

Barrier Material: Any type of material that can help reduce the chances of passage of moisture, gas, and other problem-causing factors into the packaging. 

Baseline Performance: Standards that industry manufacturers adhere to for comparing the performance of their products. 

Bead: A type of narrow and round projection that you can find above or below the surface of a packaging box. 

Bent Finish: A type of finished defect that normally has a bent or crooked appearance on it. You can also call it a crooked finish, in short.  

Barcode: A type of code that can help packaging and printing professionals to understand different aspects about products. For instance, it can help with the SKUs of the product. 

Blown Glass: A term for containers that are created from molten glass. The use of air pressure in this process is a prominent factor that helps create the required shape.  

Blushing: Widening or discoloration that may occur in a plastic bottle. The reasons behind this event can be physical or chemically induced phase separation.  

Board: A heavy-weight thick sheet of paper that can also be created from other fiber substances.  

Boston Round: A style of portal which has the features of a cylindrical shape and roundness. The most common use of this container is in the Pharmaceutical industry. 

Beacon: A network of high-growth businesses also famous for their positions. 

Blank: A piece of corrugated box that has been prepared for making a box. Normally it is in a cut-and-scored form. 

Beers Tray: A type of folding tray that is made of corrugated material. You can find it to have glued corners, and it is quite effective for shipping and storage purposes. 

Bevel: A type of edge of container structure that does not have a 90-degree angle to the container.  

Bins: Boxes used for the purpose of storage of hardware and small parts. You can find them in the shape of corrugated cardboard and recycled plastic. Also, they are useful for shelving and hanging from panels. 

Bioburden: The relative number of microorganisms that you can find for a product at a specific time. This measurement may also apply to the level of microorganisms that you can find in a specific area during air sampling.  

Biofuel: A type of fuel that you can get from organic matter and not fossil products. 

Bird Swing: An edge oversight defect or a string of glass you can find inside a bottle. 

Black Spots: General defect or a small black speck that you may find inside a glass bottle or box in the packaging industry. 

Blake: A certain type of style of straight oblong bottle used in the Pharmaceutical industry. You can also call them space savers and wide-mouth packers. 

Bicell: A plastic sheet material brand you can consider to be a quality product. You can use it as an alternative to Correx. 

Bitmap: A type of digital graphic that is based on pixels normally. They have very large files, and you cannot resize them without losing their quality. 

B-Flute: A term that refers to a corrugated flute that has 1/8th of an inch. 

Bleached Pulp: A type of pulp that you can get by oxidizing chemicals.  

Bott: A term for an Aluminum case manufacturer in the packaging industry. 

Blister Packs: Blister packs are a common type of packaging made from transparent molded plastic, providing a tamper-proof solution for sensitive products, such as for medical and pharmaceutical product packaging.  

Blisters: Blisters are quite different from a blister pack, as blisters can be inside a glass in the form of a bubble. 

Blow Molding: A process that you can use to create plastic containers and bottles. This process also involves molding into two halves of a mold. At the same time, air pressure is used to create mold cavities in products made with this process. 

Blow Pin: A part of tooling that you can use for creating hollow objects or containers with the help of the blow molding process. You can consider it a tubular tool that allows air pressure into a container to shape the mold you want. 

Biodegradable: A material that can decompose in natural conditions. The factors that degrade it are bacteria and other living organisms. 

Blow Molding: A type of process that you can use to mold plastics. There are three main types of this process which are injection, injection stretch, and extrusion molding.  

Bondline: A term for structural parts of a packaging product, including the adhesive part. 

Board: This term is for a thick type of sheet of paper that comes in different variations. Cardboard, containerboard, and fiberboard are 3 common examples of this type.   

Bonding: A process to combine different pieces of foam or plastic. The use of this process allows you to get desired thickness and shape of your packaging products. 

Board Grade: The type of rate that you can give to corrugated boards on three different elements. 

Branding: Branding is a unique aspect or design found on your packaging boxes – such as a logo, color scheme, pattern, icon, slogan, or symbol – that helps people quickly recognize a specific product or suite of products. 

Break Pack: A type of transit container that can be a corrugated case. 

Bubble Pack: Type of package used to protect products inside your packaging. The basic mechanism of this pack is to create a cushioning between the product and potential damaging factors. 

Bottom Plate: Part of the mold carrying heel radius and helps to push up the box. 

Boundary and Scope: These are the two terms you can use for the measurement of project parameters and help define attributes and conditions for them. 

Bruise Check: A side effect or edge that may appear on the side of our product. 

Bulged Finish: A type of finished effect that may be blown out of shape during the production of a box. 

Bung: A type of plug you can use to close a barrel. You can also try using it for closing a drum bunghole. 

Burn Line: A type of dark streak of material you can have inside a plastic bottle. It can result in the decomposition of the material. 

Butterchipboard: A type of pigmented chipboard popular for having smooth sides. You can use it for laminating aluminum foil and quote it with a release quote. 

Buttress Thread: A design of a thread profile that can take certain forms, like a right triangle or a slightly different form.  

Brush Marks: A general defect that can be on the side of a box. Such artifacts may also appear on the neck of a packaging box. 

Brushes: Common packaging equipment that you can use in multiple activities. For instance, you can use them for cosmetic dental, medical, or other applications. 

Terms Starting with C

Capacity: The total volume of space a container can offer for a product that you want to store inside it. 

CAD: This term stands for the computer-aided design you can use in the form of electronic design automation. You can create them in the form of interactive engineering drawings with the retrieval and storage processes. 

CAM: This term is used for a process in the manufacturing of these products. You can use this one to feed data into machines and manufacture products with this data.   

Cap: Cover of a bottle or any packaging that keeps it sealed. Using this part of your packaging ensures that you avoid any type of adulteration into it by keeping it tamper-evident. 

Canning Supplies: Terminology for mason jars and closures. 

Carboy: A type of bottle or other that you can make out of clay, plastic, or metal. Notable for its ability to contain a capacity of three to 13 gallons, used for shipments of spring water and comparable resources.   

Catalyst: A type of chemical substance that can improve a chemical reaction but does not take part in this event. 

Cavity: The process of plastic blow molding, which works to provide the body of the container. 

Carry on Approved: A type of case you can use to meet the luggage requirements for your airline hand luggage needs. 

Chemical Block: This term is used for a form that produces a block of chemical resistance. 

Chop Edge: The chopping-edge is the length of the board or the sheet you use for packaging products.  

CDA: This type of agreement ensures that different organizations do not disclose certain information about certain commitments.  

Coatings: There are several types of specialist coatings that you can use on corrugated boxes. These coatings can help you get different types of benefits like waterproofing, anti-corrosion, and other effects. 

Cobb Test: This type of test allows you to understand the total amount of water a certain material has absorbed. 

C-Flute: A type of corrugated material that can help you get crush resistance. At the same time, this material can offer great printing properties.  

Coldset PVA:  This type of adhesive material can become liquid when you heat them to 60 degrees. On the other hand, it will lose fluidity under 20 degrees.  

Collapsible: A type of box that you can fold to ensure that you can easily bulk transport them.  

Conductive: A type of packaging that can offer protection against static currents.  

Corrispring: A type of material you can use as an alternative to foam and polystyrene cushioning often considered for its eco-friendliness. 

Corrugator: This term is used for an industrial machine that combines various paper types to create a new type.  

Corrust: A special type of coating you can use to avoid cohesion corrosion. Its main uses for protecting metal products for both storage and transit processes. 

Corstat: A type of carbon-based coating that you can use for corrugated cardboard. Its ability to get rid of static current makes it important for the packaging and printing industry.  

Corstat Container: Boxes, picking bins, and trays that have anti-static coating on them. 

CQV: Acronym for commissioning, qualifying, and verifying. These management methods ensure that packaging systems and machinery are kept in the best conditions. 

Cradle: Corrugated cardboard inserts and fittings that you can use to protect during shipping. 

Corrugated Material: The main feature of this material is its shape which allows you to get a lot of strength and stability against difficult conditions for packaging products. It carries ridges and grooves that can help improve the ability to provide strength. 

Corrugated Board Material: The main feature of this material is containing fluted paper sheets.   

Containers For Shipping: A type of container that you can use for shipping purposes. 

Contract Packaging: A 3rd party packaging company that provides you with human resources and packaging boxes for your business.  

Countertop: A type of displacement for retail packaging. You can consider them similar to shelf-ready boxes. 

Convertor: Companies that convert raw materials into packaging products. 

Copolymer Resin: A type of plastic material that is famous for its flexibility and toughness. At the same time, it has a great ability for transparency and clarity. 

Cores: Manufactured from wood pulp fiber, the fibers are wrapped around a rod in a spiral to create a tube shape. For the size of the core, consider both the core’s diameter and length.

Corner Blocks: Corners that you can use for form packaging. The main purpose of peace products is to help reduce the chances of product damage during the shipment process.

Correx: A type of twin-walled plastic that has multiple applications in the packaging industry. 

Corriflute: This term is used for Correx plastic material as a second name.  

Carton Board: A type of material that is stiffer than a board. You can use it for its ability to avoid compression and moisture issues. It has the ability to resist both of these issues.  

Closed Loop System: This term is used for an industrial system that carries zero waste and can reuse and recycle all the materials it uses for production. It can even do the composting processes to improve the eco-friendliness of your methods. 

CNC Routing: A process that allows for the usage of different materials. The main benefit of this method is the use of computerized devices. 

Closures: A type of device or technique that you can use for sealing packaging boxes. There are some common techniques for this purpose, like stapling, glowing, and tapping. 

Case Making: Case-making machines are the equipment you need for making a computerized setup.  

Clean Room: A type of assembly and packaging service among the facilities of packaging and printing. The purpose of this facility is to get rid of any contamination during different procedures. 

Case Sealer: A type of manufacturing machine that you can use for sealing and closing the flaps of any boxes. You can use glue and tape to make sure these packaging boxes are sealed well. 

Castors: A type of set of small wheels that you can use for the movement of different objects in the packaging process.

Clay Coat: A thin layer of clay coat that you can coat onto corrugated boxes. This is a method that can help improve the printing surface of this material. One of its common uses is on unbleached kraft paperboard.  

Crash Lock: A box style that allows you to lock its base. The main benefit you get from it is no need for tape for its interlocking system. 

Cratering: Small and thin spots where you can find bubbles in packaging products that you code with paint or dye. 

Crazing: Cracks that can come under a plastic or glass layer. 

Creep: A type of deformation that occurs progressively in packaging material. It can be caused by stress; anything or any factor may apply to it. 

CSI: A company that can project development and specializes in producing corrugated packaging. 

Cushioning: A type of packaging element that allows you to protect fragile products during delivery and transit. 

Cycle: The number of times you can get usage from a packaging product, used for reusable packaging containers.  

Cushioning Curves: These indicate materials that provide you with different levels of thickness. 

Cushioning Bicell: Foam laminate which allows you cushioning properties. At the same time, you get anti-abrasive features with this material. 

Creasing: Folding lines that you can find in packaging that allow you to allow the package to be folded and cut as desired. 

Terms Starting with D

Damage Burst: Term for packaging containers that may burst or split owing to their exposure to too much pressure. 

Declaration: The total amount of shock any packaging product can handle and endure. The main criterion of its measurement is the product should not get damaged by any force applied to it. You can measure it in G force. 

Deckle: The width of the board that you can run on a corrugator.  

Decorative: Aspect of finish used to identify color and printing of a packaging product. 

Demo Case: Cases you can use as a demo during your presentation in the sales meeting or a sales pitch. 

Density: The weight of a gas, solid, or liquid that you can measure in the unit of grams per cubic centimeter. 

Desiccant: A substance that you can use for drying purposes when you need to try water vapor. The main purpose of this is to decrease and control humidity inside sealed packages. You can use multiple substances for these many of these are calcium oxide. 

Design: A packaging design includes drawings and specifications of a packaged product. These specifications help you determine what a box will look like and how it will be constructed as an end product. 

Die: A die is a special type of packaging tool that allows you to customize your packaging products. You can create customized dyes to achieve a certain type of box design and other specifications. 

Die Cutting: A process that allows you to stamp the cuts and scores that you want to add to a packaging design. 

Distributor: Supplier of merchandise or products to a retail seller, who does not use any products but works as a reseller provider. 

Dividers: Devices that separate different sections of a container to ensure they get good protection. 

Dolly: A small type of device that you can use for moving heavy objects. It has a setup that is fixed on builds and allows you to move heavy objects easily. 

Drawing: Creation from an art designer or packaging engineer used for technical purposes.   

Drop Test: Test to find out the durability and capabilities of a packaging box.  

Dump Bins: A type of point-of-sales packaging that allows you to keep different objects disorderly.  

Dunnage: A type of material that you can use to support the protection of packaging against different contaminating factors. Moisture and damage are two factors they allow you to avoid. 

Duplex: A type of paperboard you can make out of two layers, commonly used for coating material to gain resistance against water. Often used for pharmaceutical industry paper cups and many other applications. 

Double Walled Board: A combination of corrugated material layers to make them one. Using this method allows you to get extra strength for your packaging boxes. 

Digitization: A process that allows you to convert data into digital format for packaging and printing purposes. 

Dimensions: The length, depth, and height of a packaging box. 

Direct Food Contact: Direct food contact is the physical contact of any material with food. There are certain regulations that must be followed if you are packaging a product with direct food contact. 

Displays: Type of packaging used to showcase a product or merchandise at the point of sale, which can be made from corrugated material. 

Terms Starting with E 

Ecommerce: Ecommerce or electronic commerce is a term that is used for selling products online. If you provide packaging or other products through the internet, you are in the ecommerce business. 

Ecommerce Packaging: The packaging boxes used for ecommerce purposes are called ecommerce packaging. The purpose of these boxes and packaging is to keep your product safe during transit. 

E-Flute: A type of material that allows you good crush resistance. At the same time, it offers you great quality printing.  

Egg-Box Foam: A type of form that you can use in packaging. A main feature of this one is being flat from one side and grooved from the other.  

Electrostatic: A unit of the decay rate electrostatic charge. 

Embossing: A type of effect that allows you to create raised design or lettering on a packaging material surface. 

EMC: Acronym that stands for electromagnetic management coupling. You can use this term for a case or product that helps you manage electromagnetic energies in packaging and processes. 

Emulsions: A type of topical public quoting which is famous for being water-soluble. At the same time, it would be quarter resistant when it is dry. 

End Caps: A type of form question cushioning that allows you protection for the product you pack inside a corrugated box. 

Environment Agency: Environment agencies work to improve the regulations set for waste production for packaging.  

EPS: Acronym for expandable polystyrene, which is a foam that allows you good thermal insulation and helps you with high impact resistance. You can use it in the construction and packaging industries alike. 

ESD: Acronym that stands for electrostatic discharge, which can be a common problem for packaging products. 

ESD Anti-static: A type of cortex that allows you to store equipment from entering a packaging box or other product. 

ESD Shielding: A type of conductive material that allows you to resist electrostatic charge in packaging. 

Estimate: The total amount a company calculates to produce packaging boxes.  

Extrusion: A type of method used for producing plastic bottles.  

Extrusion Profiles: Term for extrusions of shaped products, which you can get in multiple configurations. These shapes come in box solid and hollow forms. 

Ethafoam: A type of semi-rigid packaging that allows you medium-density lightweight. At the same time, it is quite flexible. 

Euro Box: A tough and durable storage solution that you can get in standardized sizing. You can get these in warehouse facilities.  

Euro Container: This term is used alternately for Euro boxes, as mentioned in the previous section. 

Explorer: These are military-grade cases that reproduced in Italy. 

Terms Starting with F 

Fabrication: The process of manufacturing, often used as a packaging or printing term. 

Falling Dart Impact: A traditional method used to evaluate the strength of plastics. 

Faraday Cage: A type of enclosure that you can use for blocking electric fields. You can find it in the form of conductive materials. Also, they are available in the form of a mesh of such materials.   

Faro: A type of digitization device that allows you to find different computerized versions of a small object used for packaging. 

Fatigue: The deterioration of packaging boxes in use. You can use this term for products that can be used repeatedly.   

Feasibility Study: Studies to determine if you can get certain results from a particular process, as well as what adjustments to the process are needed to receive the desired results.  

FEFCO: Acronym for an organization that sets standards for design patterns for corrugated products in packaging.  

Fiber: Fibers are the smallest unit of material that creates a packaging box., also known as molded pulp. 

Finish: A type of coating or print that you can use on packaging products. There are multiple benefits of these you can have for your packaging products. For instance, it allows you to get rid of any chances of corrosion.  

Foam: A substance that is created through a process of trapping gas pockets inside a solid material. There are different types of these that you can find, like XPS foam and Polyurethane. 

Foam Lining: A type of foam liner that you can use inside a case to get protection for your packed products.  

Folding Carton: A paperboard product that you can fold, print, and laminate. Also, you can use it by cutting and gluing, and the main purpose of this product is the transportation of products.  

Forme: A type of metal cutter that you can use for cardboard scoring. The purpose of this cutting can be die cut finish.  

Fulfillment: The use of third-party warehousing for your inventory services for your packaging production. 

FSA: A food standard agency determines different standards for shipping food products. 

FSDU: A type of display unit you can use for retail packaging products. 

Fittings: A range of fixtures that you can add to cases and can be made from plastics and steel.  

Flatbed Die Cutting: A process you can use for creasing, cutting, and embossing sheets. You can use this press this die on a material that you can find on a flat surface.  

Flat Pack: A type of packaging that you can use for shipping purposes. The main feature of this type is that you can use them as a flat box during such processes.  

Flood Coat: Term for when an entire surface will use a dye or color. 

Flute Direction: The literal direction you can add inside a corrugated box. You can have two types of directions here, vertical and horizontal. The main feature of these is to get strength for your boxes and other packaging products. 

Flute: Paper layer that allows you to get more strength when added to a certain corrugated board. You can get more rigidity for your product with these as well.  

Terms Starting with G

Glued: A process that allows you to connect different materials into a box. For instance, different sheets of cardboard can be glued together with wood for strength to your boxes. 

G-Force: A type of measurement that becomes the reason for the weight of a product. You can define it as a weight per unit mass.  

Gloss: A type of coating that can help you get higher reflection for your packaging boxes. A big feature of this coating is a good color and contrast definition for your boxes. 

Terms Starting with H

Hanging Tabs: A type of part that different boxes can carry. The main purpose of this part is to allow you to hang your products packed inside these boxes for display. 

Hardigg: Molded equipment cases used to transport fragile and delicate equipment.  

HDPE: Acronym for high-density polyethylene. You can use it for blow molding, which allows you resistance against cracks and also provides stiffness. 

Heat-Seal: Common method to seal multiple surfaces. 

Hermetic Seal: A type of seal you can use when in need of the ability to avoid leaks. 

Hinged End Cap: Similar to standard types, however, the main difference is hinged end caps do not involve any bonding feature. 

HIPS: Acronym for high-impact polystyrene. The multiple features of this material include cost-effectiveness and resistance against impacts. At the same time, it is quite easy to fabricate this material, making it a low-cost option. 

Hot-Melt Adhesive: Term for hot glue, which is famous for being solid at room temperature. On the other hand, you can liquify that by heating it. 

HPX Resin: A type of high-performance resin that is a polypropylene copolymer. 

Hybrid Pack: A type of packaging that uses both corrugated and rPET materials. 

Hand Erect: Term for a packaging type that you can assemble by hand. A common reason to use this type of packaging is the complexity of a packaging box design. 

Hand Holes: A type of space you can live inside a box for the purpose of its movement and handling.

Terms Starting with I

Impact Strength: The ability that a box carries against any mechanical shocks.  

Imperial: The traditional unit of measurement that you can replace with metric. 

Inert: An object that does not cause any reactions. 

Injection Molded Case: Term for the production process of certain plastic packaging boxes. 

Inkjet Printing: One of the most common types of printing that uses pigmented or dyed printer ink and the creation of images, letters, and other objects.  

Inline: A type of die-cutting machinery. 

Inline Wheels: A type of equipment that you can use for the purpose of easier movement of larger cases, insert supply chains, and other processes. 

In-Mold Labeling: This process allows you to place preprinted labels into the plastic mold. This process is done into the mold before the injection process is done into it.  

Inside/Outside View: Inside view refers to the way a package is designed. On the other hand, the printing process of artwork and text is viewed outside the boxes. 

Integrated: Plant that creates both the raw material and the products created from those raw materials. 

Integral Hinges: Type of one-piece molding is done for cases, and hinges are an important part of this process. You can keep in mind that you can inject two parts of a hinge if you want a cost-effective solution. 

Internal Dimensions: The dimensions of a case or box that you get by measuring it from the inside. Just like other box measurements, you keep depth, height, and width in mind during this measurement. 

Inter-Stacking Pattern: A mechanism that you can use to stack cases on top of each other with ease.  

Inventory: Materials and equipment that are meant for the purpose of reselling. 

IP Rating: The effectiveness level of a claim without any closure, measured against foreign objects.

ISO: Acronym that you can use for the international standards organization. 

ISO 14001: The environmental management system that allows you to set the framework for this purpose. The system is used for companies to adhere to and ensure environmental management. 

ISO 9001 Certified: Certification that a company has met the requirements of this ISO system. 

ISTA: Acronym for the international safe transition, which is responsible for setting international safe transit systems. Also used to improve your logistics for your international trade. 

Terms Starting with J

Jigsaw Packs: A term referring to cushion packaging that allows for the positioning to be logged alongside one another.  

JIT: Acronym for just-in-time inventory system, which is a management strategy that aligns raw-material orders from suppliers directly with production schedules.

Terms Starting with K

K470: A type of lightweight aluminum protective case that is also rugged. This case data test is ATA approved. 

Kanban: A Japanese manufacturing system in which you use the scheduling process. Also, you control the inventory system with the supply chain.  

KD: Acronym for knocked down, which means that you are sending boxes or cartons in a flat form. This works for the boxes to get stored and shipped. 

Kiss Cut: A term that refers to a form of die cutting in which you do not cut the top layer of the material, while leaving the bottom of the material attached. 

Kit Skip: A packaging form that sports teams can use to transport their kit, mostly made from aluminum.  

Korrvu: A type of packaging that allows you to use films inside corrugated outers to help keep your products safe during transportation. 

Kraft: A type of paper colored brown and made from paperboard. The process of its manufacturing has to do with virgin pulp.  

Terms Starting with L 

Labels: Informative document you can attach to a product which may also include bar codes.  

Label Panel: The section of a box where you can add labels to it. 

Laser Etching: A type of engraving method in which you can make designs and other elements with the help of lasers.  

Layer Pad: Used inside cases to divide layers of stacked products such as cans, bottles and other rigid packaging, used in the rigid layer separation process. 

LD: Acronym for low density. 

Lead Time: The time that it takes you to get your order from a manufacturer. You can measure it by starting from the time the order has been received till your customer gets the product.  

Lid: An attached top that you can use to enclose your contents. This type also has the feature of being removable.   

Lightweighting: Reducing the total amount of material used on a particular box for manufacturing to reduce the weight of a box, as well as reduce costs. 

Liner: A part of paper material that works as a component of a corrugated board. You can use inner and outer lines that give you higher-quality features. For instance, you can use them for the print finish.  

Line-Side: The type of packaging in which you handle containers. The main purpose of these will be your transport components to your assembly lines. 

Lithography: The printing of flat services in which you use plates. Also, you can find it as one of the most common and useful types of printing. 

Litho Laminated Print: A type of high-quality printer in which you can also add a press with a corrugated board.

Terms Starting with M

Machine Erect: A type of line of packaging which you can use as fully erected by a mechanical machine.   

Manufacture: Producing products on a large scale, typically through either the use of machinery and/or manual labor. 

Material: A substance of matter from which you can produce a product. 

Materials Handling: A system you create for storing and retrieving materials. You can use this system for distribution and manufacturing processes. 

Matte Finish: A type of coating that allows you to create a surface that absorbs light. As it is a coating, you can apply it to the surface of a packaging box. 

Max Case: A case you can use for military and minding marine industries. 

Mini Bag: Bag used for small samples for a serious picture or presentation.  

Mission Critical: A certain act or event that is essential for an organization. It can be any act or event you need to perform a certain task. 

MLT: Acronym that stands for manufacturing lead time, which is the total time of the production cycle till the finish. There are multiple terms that are used to represent different periods of this total term, including move times, inspection, set up times, and order preparation time.

MM: Acronym for millimeter, which is a type of unit you can use for the measurement of different packaging boxes. 

Monomer: A type of chemical that you can use for the purpose of packaging production. The main feature it provides is its reaction with polymer. 

MOQ:  An acronym for minimum order quantity, which refers to the lowest quantity that a supplier will accept to place an order.  

Mold Seam: A vertical groove that you can find at the mold halves, also referred to as a parting line. 

Multipoint Gluing: The points where you apply glue to two intricate designs.   

Multi Trip: A type of packaging that you can use for multiple trips. 

Multi Up: A type of design in which dyes and presses are designed.   

Terms Starting with N 

NATO Part No: NATO stands for North Atlantic treaty organization, a military alliance. This jargon represents a digit code used for identifying material supplies standards. 

N Case: A cost-effective version of smart cases which you can use for presenting and pitching products and their samples.  

Nesting Containers: The type of containers you can design with sloped side walls. This allows you to stack them on each other when empty, saving a significant amount of space. 

Nomar: A type of abrasion-resistant coating you can use for being water-based and can also be glued. 

Terms Starting with O 

Offset Litho: An alternative word for mass production printing in which you use the offset method.  

Offset Printing: This method uses the transferring from the printing plate onto double blankets. You can also use rollers instead of rubber blankets. It is a popular printing method that provides high quality printing and color labeling. 

Ohm: A measurement method that allows you to measure electrical resistance, used for devices and materials. 

Operational Temperature: A range of temperatures that protects you for a certain type of packaging or case.  

Output: The total number of units certain manufacturing blinds can create in a particular manufacturing cycle.  

Outside View: The exterior or outer view of any packaging design. 

Overprint: This is the process of printing multiple colors in a way one will be printed on another. 

Terms Starting with P

Packaging: Term for placing products in a stock or customized container, bag, or box.  

Pack Burst: A type of versatile package design that can contain lubricants. Such packages carry pre measured amounts of these materials. 

Pallets: A flat transport structure you can use for supporting products. These can be most commonly used in the form of wood, which also helps you lift and move products. 

Pantone: A system you can use for matching colors and for printing inks. 

Partitions: A device you can use to create partitions inside a box. You can use interlocking corrugated, cushioning, or other types of boxes. 

PE: Acronym for polyethylene material. 

Perforations: Small holes made into the side of a material that allows you to open a packaging box more easily.  

Performance: Productivity strength features and other noticeable aspects in a packaging process. 

Picking Bin: Containers for picking and shipping to the customer.

Pick Face: The front face of the storage that the order picker can see in the warehouse. 

Pillow Pack: A box that looks like a miniature cardboard pillow and can pop up into shape by handling. You can use interlocking tabs in them; they are perfect for small products and objects. 

Pin-Holding: Small holes you can find in a finish that can occur due to substance. Coating applicators can use multiple options to reduce the chances of such issues. 

Plastic Boxes: Any type of plastic box you can manufacture in a wide range of materials you get from plastic.

Platen: A process to achieve flat surfaces by pressing multiple surfaces against each other. There are types of presses that use such a platan process. 

Plotter: A device you can use for the cost-effective manufacturing of prototypes. You can also get pre-production samples with them that also give you new manufacturing of specific products. 

Plywood: A type of board made from wood carrying 2 layers you can glue together with grain direction altering.  

PMS: Acronym for the Pantone matching system, a popular color-matching system used in the printing industry.  

Polyethylene: A typically used plastic material that has multiple manufacturing benefits, with three classifications being low, medium, and high. 

Polyethylene Foam: A type of closed-shell foam you can use for its resilience against chemicals and the strength it provides. 

Polymer: A material that forms large molecules emerging from smaller molecules coming together. There are two types of them; you can get both synthetic and natural types. 

Polypropylene: A common material you use for packaging purposes and can provide stress resistance. At the same time, it can be transparent even after production. 

Polystyrene: A type of thermoplastic material you can get from the polymerization of styrene. It is non-toxic, and where the resistant features make it special. On the other hand, it can provide you with power and strength.  

POS: POS stands for point of sale product displays, which normally showcase products with promotions.

Postal: A type of packaging you can create and use to post items. This means it should serve all the needs you want to fulfill for transportation by posting. 

PP: Acronym for polypropylene.  

PPE: Acronym for personal protective equipment, which refers to the equipment used to protect team members directly involved in manufacturing.

Press and Pull Catches: Letters used for the purpose of packaging. They can be opened with the push of a button and can stay closed under stress. At the same time, they can bear impact without opening. 

Product Amenities: Additional product features. 

PU: A thin material you can use for being versatile as a plastic material. It is a flexible form of elastoplastic.  

Pulp: Material made from cellulose fibers, wood, and waste paper. You can prepare it by separating cellulose fibers from these materials. 

Purge Valve: A valve that allows you to let air flow through a case. But the real feature is that you can stop dust and water from entering this case without stopping the air.  

PVA Adhesive: A common type of rubbery and synthetic polymer that you can use as a thermoplastic. 

Terms Starting with Q 

Quote: A packaging code you can get from a salesperson or an estimator. With this statement, you’ll receive the total price for a specific packaging order.

Terms Starting with R

Rationalization: A process you can use for the purpose of merging similar packaging lines. With these, you can get but if it’s like a smaller inventory and better economies of scale.   

Rack Mount Case: A metal framework that allows you to carry electronic equipment. 

Rack Unit: A unit that you make for flat cases and portable server cases. 

Recyclable: Packaging materials that can be reused, instead of becoming waste or new single-use material.  

Reel: A spool or coil that you can use to wind flexible materials around. The benefit of this equipment is that you can easily store and translate these materials with it. 

Registration: Locations or marks you can make on print surfaces for better results with the print. It can be quite helpful if you print multiple colors on such a surface.  

Resistance: A measurement of how much difficulty an electric current would pass through a conductor.  

Rotary Die Cutting: A type of die cutting on a cylinder rotary press, commonly used in line with printing, in which you can use solid and engraved dies. At the same time, you can consider magnetic and adjustable dies. 

Rotational Molding: A type of molding process that you can use for plastic materials and has multiple qualities. For instance, it can help you with one-piece hollows and is also stress-free. 

RFQ: Acronym that stands for request for quotation that a company or person gets for estimating the costs and to make products.   

Reusable: Type of packaging that can be used multiple times before discarding it. 

Retail: A method of selling products directly to the public for use purposes and not for reselling or wholesaling.  

Royal Mail Sizes: Guidelines to measure the size and weight of different postages, also used for the maximum size of postages you can add. 

RSI: This acronym stands for repetitive strain injury that can occur due to repetitive actions. 

Run: The total number of products a unit produces in a session.  

Retention Pack: A type of packaging that allows you to have cost-effective and simpler protection in the form of protection. 

Terms Starting with S 

Shadow Board: A type of case insert you can use for an organization station. You can also make them custom forms with foams, and they highlight if a tool is missing or back to the store.  

Sheet: A raw material used for packaging and printing. 

Sheet Feeders: A type of plant that allows you to work with corrugated sheets with the help of a corrugator.  

Shell Case: An alternative commonly used for the purpose of sampling. You can use it instead of a traditional sampling case.  

Shielding Layer: A type of conductive layer that you can use for the purpose of blocking electrostatic fields. 

Sheet Plant: A company that buys its materials from sheet fitters and cut numbered them into packaging. Such plants typically do not have a corrugator device. 

Silk Screening: A printing technique you can use for transferring ink to the printer. There are multiple ways you can use it, like applying it to liners, containers, and other elements. 

SKU: Acronym standing for stock-keeping unit or an identification code you can use for an individual or product. 

SLA: Acronym for a service level agreement, which is a contract that a provider tells about the responsibilities of the supplier, as well as vice versa.   

Sleeve: A type of paperboard that you can customize with shape and style. You can make it in a way that slides over another one to provide you with decoration and beauty. 

Smart Case: A type of packaging case you can use to show products for a sales pitch or a business meeting. 

Sourcing: A term encompassing all functions used for raw materials. You can also consider the collection, processing, and recycling of these processes. 

Spec Number: A five-digit number that you can use for a certain design.  

SPRC: The total time that a production unit can use to create a certain amount of products.  

SSE: Acronym for static-safe environments that work by distributing certain conductive products. 

SSI Schaefer: A manufacturer of warehouse logistics systems shelving storage equipment, and many other similar products. 

Stack Height: Regulations that must be maintained to ensure that you stack packaging safely.  

Stacking Corner: The type of strong plastic corner that you can add to a case or a package to make it more steady and safe. So, the main purpose of it is during stacking. 

Standard 300: A standard age of presentation cases of shell type. 

Starpack: An organization in the packaging and printing industry that recognizes innovations in technology and design packaging. 

Stereo: A type of flexible plate that you use for printing, so it’s even easier, like the flexographic technique. 

Stillage: A type of brake or pilot you can use to hold multiple items. A common use of these is lineside assembly applications.  

Static Dissipative: A form or material you can use to dissipate static charges. These boxes help protect any item within these boxes against any such charges. 

Spool: A type of cylinder that allows you to wind flexible materials around.  

Single Wall: A certain type of box you can use for packaging purposes, which you can use with two materials. You can have fluted paper and then two materials that you can bond on any of the two sides of this material.

Simulated Rainfall: A test used in the UK for checking the protection of a packaging box.  

Single Pass Printing: A single-pass printer allows you the production of four-color printing and monochrome data in one pass. 

Single Source: A method of providing supplies to customers from one source. You can save costs with these and make management easier and better. 

Single-Up: A type of rotary die cutter you can use to cut products in one particular shape. 

Sheet Plant Association: An association that works on the motion of best practices in their member companies.  

Shelf Life: The total time during the age of the product can be usable after production. Packaging is one of the best methods to improve the shelf life of your products.   

Shelf Ready Packaging: A type of packaging that allows for easy assembly and display of your product.  

Sampling: The process of creating a prototype that you can use to get customer approval. All of its features must be like the products you will create. It is a process of creating a sample to show your customer what the end product will look like.  

Seams: Encompasses various techniques used to keep a package together. The methods you use in this technique are tapping, stitching, and gluing. For instance, you may use a corrugated board to make it bigger and stronger.  

Strapping: The process you can use for strapping and combining straps. You can try reinforcing these for stability for certain packaging products.   

Stratocell: A type of low-cost polyethylene foam that is used for packaging. You can try using it for the inner cushioning of a packaging box. 

Style: A style guide can be used for the purpose of box designs that the European federation has set. 

Supazote: A type of cross-linked ethylene copolymer format that you can use for its extremely soft feel. 

Supply Chain: A network that you create between different companies to handle and produce like any product.  

Suspension Pack: A type of check that protects your products during transit. Its mechanism of making products suspended between two layers allows you to get rid of impact. 

Sustainability: Processes and products that reduce the chances of environmental harm and promote eco-friendliness.  

Terms Starting with T

Tamper Resistant Seal: A type of seal that cannot be opened without clear evidence of tampering. When you try to open such a seal or gap, it will be partially destroyed, showing the abundance of tempering with the product. 

Tamper Evident Band: A part of caps and seals that allows you to determine if a product has been tempered. This way, you can reveal if any product has been tampered with or not. Once you open a cab, this part would be destroyed to provide evidence of this activity. 

Tear Strip: A type of plastic film that you can apply to the inside of a package.   

Tear Tab: An extension of a tearing strip that you can find on a package or a bottle. Its purpose is to provide easy grasping of the packaging.  

Technobag: A type of presentation bag made from polypropylene in Germany. Often considered for project production with injection molding, as they have a single wall. 

Test Liner: Manufacture a type of recycled liner board as a sheet of fibers. The big feature of this one is that all the fibers in this one are similar. Its outer layer is better quality cycle fiber, called multiply or duplex.  

Thermoforming: A type of manufacturing process in which you use vacuuming or pressuring. There are a number of industries you can use it for, like product displays, clamshells, and food packaging needs. 

Triboelectric Charge: A type of charge that can be produced by different materials coming together.  

Tri-Wall: The triple-floated corrugated board has the ability to provide flexibility and strength. At the same time, it has amazing eco-friendliness that makes it quite preferable. 

Tubes: Equipment used for the purpose of corrugated tubes for multiple reasons. Commonly you can find these alongside end caps. 

Turkey Lock: A style of box that comes with a full overlap base, which does not require tapping.  

Tool Control: A type of tool organization insert that you can use for cases. You can get its highlight when you’re missing different colored foams. 

Tongue and Groove Seal: A type of extended group that you can operate even on mind mirror image concepts, with the ability of a titled enclosure. 

Travel Skips: Large aluminum cases used to transport sports kits and equipment.  

Trays: Packaging solutions commonly used for samples and other product elements. 

Tote: A type of plastic container that you can stack one upon each other.

Transit: The process by which you transport products from one place to another for shipping. 

Transit Damage: Any damage to a product that may occur during transportation. 

Terms Starting with U

Ultrasonic Welding: A type of industrial building technique that allows you to create certain types of materials. You can use ultrasonic high-frequency vibrations for this purpose. It allows you to create a solid-state world that you can use for plastics.  

Unit Cost: The cost for manufacturing a particular product. Multiple types of costs exist, such as overhead costs, labor costs, among others. 

Terms Starting with V

Varnish: A type of ink that can be shortened or glossy. At the same time, it can be made and helps improve the beauty of a product, as well as increased product protection.  

VCI: Acronym that stands for vapor corrosion inhibitor. The coating allows you to get protection against corrosion. It works both passively and actively to provide this protection.  

Vector: A type of graphic that is made up of paths and defines points from start to end. These images are made from multiple dots, allowing you to scale them up without any quality loss. 

Vibration: Factors such as loose cargo that can damage packaging products and goods packed inside. 

Vibration Sweep: A vibration that travels from one frequency to another. You can use this method for protective cases. 

Virgin Material: A term of approval that a material has not been processed in any way except in its manufacturing process. 

VMI: Acronym that stands for vendor management inventory, used in stock management to determine the appropriate packaging levels. 

Void Fill: A type that you can use to protect a certain product inside a packaging box. You can get it from certain materials that fill the whole box except the product packed inside. 

Volume: The total number of units a manufacturer can produce in a certain amount of time. 

Volume Resistivity: The ability that a material contains to resist the flow of current.  

Vortex Pressure Relief Valve: A type of valve that can help adjust air pressure without letting in any water, and it does it automatically.  

Terms Starting with W

Waterjet Cutting: A type of equipment that allows you to cut materials with the help of high water pressure.  

Weight: The density of a material used for packaging purposes.  

Warehousing: The storage of parts and components that you can use for the purpose of packaging and printing processes. 

Wastage: The components or packaging boxes that do not meet your quality standards and can be discarded. 

Terms Starting with X 

Xtrabag: A type of case that makes you lightweight and is made of plastic. 

Terms Starting with Y

Yield Value: The actual amount of force needed to start an ink flowing.

Terms Starting with Z

Zarges: Manufacturer of a range of aluminum shipping cases and containers.

FAQs 

What are the most common examples of packaging? 

When it comes to the examples of products in this industry, there are multiple products you can have. For instance, there are products like: 

• Mailer boxes 
• Ecommerce packaging 
• Cosmetic packaging
• CBD packaging 
• Retail packaging

What are the most common types of packaging boxes in the packaging industry? 

The type of box ultimately depends on the unique products and custom specifications. In general, the most common types of boxes tend to be mailer boxes, candle boxes, product boxes, ecommerce boxes, and other retail packaging boxes. 

What is packaging, and why does it matter for products in different industries?  

Packaging is any type of product cover that needs protection against environmental factors that can cause issues.  

What is the importance of packaging abbreviations? 

When it comes to the terminologies used in the packaging industry, abbreviations play an important role. The better you understand printing jargon, the more impactful your collaborative packaging process and output can be.

What are the most common food packaging types? 

When it comes to the food packaging industry, there are multiple products that are essential. For example, cake boxes, cookie boxes, and other bakery packaging are quite commonly utilized. 

What does retail packaging mean? 

When it comes to what retail packaging means, it is simple that any type of box for selling to end consumers must be a retail packaging box. 

What does bulk packaging mean?  

Bulk packaging is a type of packaging that allows for scalability in box quantities, as well as more cost-efficient unit prices due to increased order size.  

Refine Packaging: Your Ultimate Custom Packaging Partner

So, you’re armed and ready with all of the packaging terminology that can help you grow as a packaging professional. Now it’s time to start the packaging production process!

Refine Packaging can assist from conceptualization to mass box production. We aim to provide as many options as possible and simplify the process so you can see your idea materialize in the shortest time possible.

Select from our array of custom box industries and products, or let us know your concept so our designers can work with you. We use various printing techniques and offer 2D and 3D mockups of your packaging. Our team can send you a sample so you can verify if the prototype matches your vision.

But don’t just take our word for it—discover how the Refine Packaging process has delivered successful customer stories for 1,000s of satisfied brands and their clientele. Contact us for a free quote today, and our packaging specialist will connect with you shortly.

The post Packaging Definitions: Complete Glossary of Printing Terminology appeared first on Refine Packaging.

You’ve made countless decisions already, but now is the moment of truth. It’s time to decide on something that could make or break your customer’s first impression about your products.

Should you choose stock packaging or custom packaging? 

It’s a difficult decision to make. Especially when you consider that:

• In a Dotcom Distribution study, over 60% of those surveyed said that gift-like packaging gets them excited about what they ordered.
• 40% of these online shoppers said they would be more likely to purchase from a retailer again if the retailer used premium packaging.

By understanding the differences and the pros and cons of stock and custom packaging, you’ll be able to confidently make this decision and give your product the best possible impression on your customers. 

Here’s what you need to know before you decide on either stock packaging vs custom packaging. 

Stock packaging is readily available packaging that’s easy to access and use right away. It’s often the default choice from shipping warehouses. Stock packaging, as its name implies, comes “as is” with little to no customization available. Since it’s not designed specific to your needs, it will have a basic and generic look and feel to it. 

You’d want to use stock packaging if you urgently need to get your product into consumers’ hands and you’re not concerned about the impression your packaging will have on your customers.

Stock packaging is fast, freely available and comes in different sizes and shapes (all of which are very broad and not specifically tailored to your product). It’s also economical, so if you’re looking for ways to save money, stock packaging just might be your solution.

Custom packaging is essentially everything that isn’t stock packaging.

Imagine that your product has a unique size or shape. You may want retail packaging that’s specifically designed to highlight the product’s shape and house the product snuggly and securely. Custom packaging can help you do just that.

In fact, if all you want is a plain white box, although it sounds broad and generic, you’d be surprised to learn how few suppliers of stock packaging actually have the exact box dimensions you need.

Custom packaging is also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and you can customize nearly every facet of it – and not just in terms of the design, but also added printed effects that make your brand and product truly stand out and leave a lasting impression.

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Even if you don’t want all the “bells and whistles” that custom packaging can offer – customizations like matte or gloss lamination, foil stamping, embossing or debossing or spot UV  – it may still be a good idea to opt for custom packaging.

Just search for “unboxing” on YouTube and you’ll see how much people obsess over beautiful custom packaging. In a recent Dotcom Distribution study, 50% said gift-like or branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a brand to others.

Suffice it to say, custom packaging is an easy way to spike interest in your products and build excitement around your brand.  

Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging: When To Use Each One

With all these pros and cons for stock packaging vs. custom packaging, you may find it difficult to truly narrow down when you’d want to use each type of packaging.

To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of instances where one option is likely better than the other. 

You should use stock packaging when: 

• You want to test out different marketing options and don’t want the expense and time of custom printing until you’re ready for it.
• You’re a startup on a tight budget and are looking for an economical way to conduct market tests or do other promotions.
• You’re faced with production shortages and need to get the available product out the door ASAP. 
• You’re preparing trade show samples to be given out to attendees.

As you can see, the name of the game with stock packaging is that it’s quick, cheap, easy to obtain and almost certainly available. 

You should use custom packaging when: 

• You have a luxury product and you want to create a sophisticated look.
• You want to take full advantage of custom box design or shape options for your product.
• You want users to unbox your product on social media and share their reactions
• You need or want packaging that’s unique and beyond the ordinary and you’re prepared to pay more for nearly limitless customization options.
• You have a large volume of printed packaging needed and you want every facet of your packaging production to be tailored to your specific needs. 
• You have a subscription box service or an ecommerce type of service and you want to highlight your product in a unique way.

Stock packaging may be cheap, fast and easy, but you lose a lot of things you may not have even considered when you choose to go with out-of-the-box packaging.

With custom packaging, you open up a whole world of design and personalization benefits. There are flexible printing techniques and tools that you can utilize to deliver an impressive customer experience. Every angle of the package, and even the material itself can be printed, embossed, highlighted, glossed and so much more in order to make it stand out from the competition. 

The Bottom Line on Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging

As you can see, the “debate” on stock packaging vs. custom packaging is really not much of a debate at all. When you consider the stark differences between what stock packaging brings to the table, and what you can have with custom packaging – there really are times when one is a better option than the other. 

When it comes to choosing custom packaging, it’s vitally important to do it right. At Refine Packaging, we have years of experience creating custom packaging for all types of products, sizes and configurations.

The world of custom packaging can be confusing and overwhelming for a first time product designer, and even if it isn’t your first product design rodeo, it’s still nice to have a knowledgeable team of experts on your side to help guide you and provide advice.

Whether you already have an idea in mind or you’d like suggestions, our team of artists is trained in a variety of styles and mediums, and can maneuver easily across different graphic styles to create a look that accurately captures your idea and your product in one complete design.

The team at Refine Packaging is eager to help you take the next step with your custom packaging and walk you through the process so that you can have packaging that perfectly exemplifies and embodies the best features of your product and your brand.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote on your custom packaging needs and we’ll work with you to create a look and a package that brings together the very best of your brand personality, social appeal, and quality product design to create a look that is unmistakably your own. 

The post Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging: What’s The Difference? appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Carton packaging is also commonly referred to as carton boxes, folding cartons, paperboard cartons and paperboard boxes.

The History of Folding Cartons: Who Invented Carton Packaging?

Foldable carton packaging was invented by Charles Henry Foyle in the late 1800s, an Englishman who created the product we know as the carton today. It was essentially a piece of paper that was cut in such a way that it could be folded into a custom box. Although incredibly innovative for its time, carton packaging still lacked a lot of the features we know and love today.

For example, although it could be folded into a box shape, the ends still needed to be held together tightly, so it was common to use tacks and strings to hold the carton boxes together. This was expensive, not to mention labor-intensive. What’s more, such boxes were difficult to produce, so carton packaging like this was usually only used for valuable luxury items like jewelry. 

Fortunately, carton packaging came into the limelight in 1879, when Robert Gair realized that his printing press could cut through the carton material and allow for mass production of carton packaging. Food and snack companies realized that the foldable boxes greatly extended the shelf life of their products, and were among the first to regularly use such materials. 

The first snack food company to adopt the use of carton packaging was the National Biscuit Company, better known today as Nabisco. 

How Is Carton Packaging Used Today? 

Today, carton packaging has found a reliable home among store shelves around the world. When deciding on your product’s box design and presentation, there are many reasons to consider using carton boxes, including: 

Eco-Friendly Packaging

In this day and age, consumers do their best to be responsible stewards of the planet. That means buying and using packaging made from recyclable materials like Kraft paper.

Cartons are made with more than 75% paper that comes from sustainable sources and is harvested using responsible practices. This means choosing carton packaging boxes for your product packaging needs is an eco-friendly choice that reflects well on your brand and your company. 

High Shelf Appeal

Beautiful packaging has what we call “high shelf appeal”.  Properly designed, structured carton boxes help solidify your brand in the consumer’s mind as one of quality and consistency. What’s more, they provide ample space to showcase your brand message.

Tell your story through your product packaging design, highlight the benefits of your product, present a promotion or even showcase your social responsibility endeavors by using eco-friendly packaging. The choices are endless! 

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Common Types of Carton Packaging Boxes

There are several distinctive types of carton packaging, each with its own benefits depending on your needs. Companies turn to high quality paperboard carton packaging to protect, store and showcase their food, beverage, cosmetics, supplements and so much more. Here are just a few of the many different types of carton packaging that are commonly used in retail packaging. 

Strength Packaging

Strength packaging offers solid, reliable structural design to help protect your product from being compressed. But don’t let its rigidity fool you, high strength packaging is still fully customizable and printable so you can feel free to unleash your creativity with this durable packaging. 

Foldable Cartons

The original and still one of the most popular types of carton packaging. Flexible enough to be folded by hand if you only have a few small batches, or process through high speed automation for larger numbers, foldable cartons can be completely customized and designed for all your promotional needs.

Multipacks

If you’re selling several of an item together, multipacks are an excellent way to keep each item secure and stable while protecting the entire lot in one complete package. Often used for things like canned goods, cereal, yogurt and other types of food. 

Hybrid Packaging

Hybrid packaging blends different features of different types of carton packaging to create a “best of both worlds” combination. 

Looking for more types of carton packaging? Read our ultimate guide to carton boxes for a deeper look into folding cartons.

Other Benefits Carton Packaging Offers

It’s worth noting that like any type of packaging, carton packaging offers an opportunity to increase the perceived value of the product inside.

Although we’re no longer tying up or tacking down our cartons, and they’re no longer reserved for jewelry or other expensive items, carton packages have nevertheless surged in popularity and continue to be popular today with some adjustments, such as being made with eco-friendly materials. 

What’s more, foldable carton packaging can be shaped into any type of design. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a box. This makes it a great way to add a unique flair or creativity to your product to set it apart from all of the other boxes out there. Taking advantage of the large printable area on carton boxes is a smart idea that is commonly used in cosmetic packaging design, and is a great way to showcase the benefits of your product.

Build Your Brand with Carton Packaging 

Read our comprehensive article about packaging terminology to help you get up to speed with industry jargon as you create your own custom boxes.

At Refine Packaging, we understand that not everyone is a packaging expert.

Packaging is our passion and we strive to create printed designs that are the perfect match for your product. Our staff of graphic artists spans a variety of styles, so even if you don’t have a design in mind, we can create something that perfectly encompasses and reflects your brand, your story and your message, as well as the things that set you apart from your competition.

We create memorable, beautiful and stylish packaging for a wide range of industries, products and businesses large and small. If you’re thinking of choosing paperboard boxes or you’re not sure what type of custom packaging is right for your specific needs, talk to us!

We have decades of combined experience and bring our detailed industry knowledge to work for you in a way that’s easy to understand and will get your product in the hands of consumers faster. 

We also offer a variety of styles and printing processes that can make your packaging look extraordinary. From UV coating to foil stamping or different types of glosses, there are a variety of factors you’ll want to consider when choosing the right type of packaging material and design for your specific needs. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone! 

Now that you’ve read about carton packaging boxes in more detail, why not contact the printing and packaging experts at Refine Packaging for a free, no obligation estimate on your printing and packaging needs? 

Let’s work together to create a style that’s uniquely your own, with packaging that exceeds your expectations. 

The post What is Carton Packaging? Folding Carton Packaging Explained. appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Guess what you’re more than likely to find?  

Carton boxes.  

That’s right. The not-so-humble carton box is everywhere.  

Cartons house our milk, our cereals, our cosmetics, our kids’ toys, our electronic items – and so many of the other everyday necessities that constantly arrive in our homes.  

They’ve been around for eons and show no signs of disappearing.   

In fact, demand for cartons is on the upswing. According to Grand View Research, the folding carton packaging market size is predicted to be $171.35 billion by 2025. And not all of this growth is coming from the US. Thanks to a growing middle class, the Asia Pacific folding carton packaging market is expected to reach nearly $80 billion by 2025. 

More and more companies are realizing that the functionality, affordability, and aesthetics of carton boxes are hard to beat. 

Carton boxes protect the goods inside, are easy to open and use, are cost-effective, and they can attract a buyer’s attention. That’s quite an impressive resume for a simple folded piece of cardboard. 

Now, let’s dig deep into the world of carton boxes and see what they can do for you.

Carton Boxes Defined

Is a carton, a box? Most definitely. But a box isn’t necessarily a carton.  

We know, it’s confusing. 

Definitions of cartons vary, but rigid boxes or heavy-duty corrugated boxes generally aren’t considered cartons. And boxes made of materials, such as wood, aren’t usually referred to as cartons in the industry. 

To add to the confusion, cartons also go by various names. Sometimes carton boxes are called paperboard boxes, chipboard boxes, or folding carton boxes. 

But whatever you call them, you’re bound to find them in your pantry, your bathroom, and all over your house. 

There are many different definitions of cartons floating around, but one most can agree on is this: 

A Brief History of Carton Packaging Boxes

It’s hard to remember a time when grocery store or big box store shelves weren’t crowded with row upon row of colorful carton boxes – all vying for our attention.   

The first carton boxes looked a little different than what we have today. 

Charles Henry Foyle is credited with inventing carton boxes back in the 1840s. He used a piece of paper that was cut in such a way it could be folded to form a box.  

Initially, these boxes were held together by strings and tacks. As you can imagine, it was a very laborious process to make them, not to mention expensive. That’s why, in the old days, cartons were reserved for special luxury items, such as jewelry. 

This all changed when in 1879, Robert Gair accidentally discovered that his printing press could be used to mass-produce carton boxes. From then on, the carton box industry began to take off and has never looked back. 

With mass production, even simple everyday items could be packaged in cartons. This served a practical purpose – the carton packaging protected the items and gave them a longer shelf life. Cartons also provided a whole new way for companies to place their branding front and center. 

Benefits of Carton Boxes for Packaging

If you’re looking for a practical, beautiful, environmentally-friendly box to hold your goods, then carton boxes are the way to go. 

The Practical Side of Carton Packaging Boxes

First and foremost, the custom packaging needs to be functional. Let’s take a look at some of the practical benefits of carton boxes:

• They make efficient use of space. They’re lightweight and, because they fold flat, they can be easily stacked. This saves space in the warehouse.
• They offer ease of use. Folding designs make it easy to open and reclose packets.
• They’re suitable for automatic packaging. This makes it easy to fill and seal with automated machinery.
• They’re inexpensive. It’s not just the physical materials that are cost-effective.  Since cartons are lightweight and fold flat, they save on shipping costs.
• They offer tons of flexibility. Cartons can store all sorts of shapes, even liquids.
• They’re strong and durable, so cartons keep products safe.
• They can deter crime. Some companies are incorporating anti-theft and anti-counterfeit measures into their custom carton boxes. Grand View Research found that companies are increasingly using RFID (radio frequency identification) and embedded barcodes in cartons as a way to deter counterfeiters. 

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Folding Carton Boxes are Easily Customizable

Carton boxes are indeed functional, but don’t confuse that with being boring and simply utilitarian.  

You can infuse your carton packaging boxes with whatever personality you like and let your creativity shine. With an eye-catching carton design, you can set the retail boxes for your company apart from the competition.

A carton box is often your customer’s first impression of your brand. And we all know how important that is. Some research even suggests that people form first impressions in about 17 milliseconds. Now that’s fast.

Lucky for you, cartons are conducive to beautiful packaging design. Carton boxes were made to embrace the wow factor. Paperboard surfaces are printer friendly so it’s easy to incorporate eye-catching, colorful designs. You have many options with high-resolution graphics and can incorporate two-sided prints onto the cardboard carton boxes. 

You can let your creativity run wild – or you can hire a designer at just about any price point to get you started.  

Check out sites like Behance or 99designs that showcase designer’s portfolios. A quality designer can create a carton mockup that will help you find the right box size, shape, and colors to beautifully showcase your product. 

There’s also the more practical side to the easy printability of cartons. 

You can include product information right on the box. This is a major plus for food packaging, where detailed nutritional information can be printed right on the box.  

Ever been in the grocery aisle trying to decide between two competing kinds of cereal? 

We all know to flip to the side panel and boom. There’s all of the information we need to decide which one to grab. 

The versatility of carton box design is not just limited to graphic images. Cartons can easily be made into different shapes and sizes. You’re not limited to a predictable cube shape.   

You can also add other marketing options, such as cut-outs, that add interest and offer a sneak peek of the product.

The Environmental Benefit of Paperboard Cartons

Nowadays, a company that doesn’t take environmental concerns seriously, does so at their own peril. 

As consumers are becoming all-too-aware of the damage we’re doing to the environment, eco-friendly packaging is quickly becoming a must have component for brands.  

Consider that in 2015, global plastic waste volume reached nearly 6.3 billion metric tons. This figure is predicted to increase to 12 billion metric tons by 2050. 

No wonder single-use plastic containers have fallen out of favor, and are even banned in many instances. Even China, which is one of the world’s largest consumers of plastic, has said it will ban non-degradable bags in major cities by the end of 2020 and in all cities and towns by 2022.

As a result of the world’s waning appetite for plastic, companies are increasingly turning to the old standby – carton boxes. Let’s look at some of the environmental benefits that carton boxes offer: 

• Paperboard can be easily recycled. It’s non-toxic and can be reused. Carton boxes are also easy to break down for recycling, and consumers are more likely to make the effort to recycle. According to the EPA, around 44.2 million tons of paper and paperboard were recycled in 2017 for a recycling rate of 65.9 percent.
• Many carton manufacturers follow SFI and FSC certifications, which promote forest sustainability. Carton manufacturers are required to do their part, such as planting trees to replace the ones they’ve cut down.
• Many manufacturers of custom carton boxes are also making use of recycled paper pulp and non-wood pulp.
• Carton boxes are usually shipped flat, which cuts down on the amount of fuel needed to get these boxes to their destination. 

Drawbacks of Carton Boxes for Packaging

Of course, nothing’s perfect. Sometimes a carton box can’t fulfill all of your packaging needs and you’ll have to look at other options. 

Perhaps the biggest drawback of carton boxes is that they are not designed for shipping. Sometimes, carton packaging works well with your shipping and fulfillment needs, but note that cartons are not intended to be standalone or robust outer packaging.

Carton boxes are meant to be light-weight and easily stored. Unfortunately, to accomplish this, they have to sacrifice some of their strength. Carton boxes typically have a maximum thickness of 0.032 inches (.81mm), so they’re only meant to hold a few pounds at most.

Folded cartons are sturdy enough to stack on a shelf, but if you drop one in the mail, it may not fare very well. Cartons are generally meant for retail display applications – not to rattle around in the back of a delivery truck.

Most companies can’t rely solely on carton boxes for their goods. The carton packaging boxes may house the individual products, but to get from the manufacturer to store shelves, a supplier will need to opt for something a little stronger for transport. 

This is where corrugated boxes – which are much stronger – are a good option. Rigid boxes, which don’t fold or collapse, are also typically sturdier and can be used for certain applications when a carton box just won’t cut it. 

Common Folding Carton Box Styles Explained

After you’ve decided that you want to use carton boxes for your products, now comes the tricky part. It’s time to make some decisions. 

First, you need to determine which style will work best for your unique product. The options are almost limitless. There are so many different styles and sizes to consider, so your decision might feel daunting. You can truly go wild with your choices. And this is before you even think about the fun stuff like colors and fonts. 

Don’t worry. With a better understanding of what’s out there, you can find the right carton style for your product.  

Without further ado, let’s breakdown some of the most common styles of folding carton boxes:

Most Common Styles of Folding Carton Boxes

Tuck top boxes are one of the most popular folding carton box options. Here are some of the most common tuck top boxes you’ll find on the market:

• Reverse tuck end (RTE) boxes have the closing panels (sometimes called tuck flaps) on opposite sides. One closing panel is on the front of the box, the other on the back. These customizable carton boxes are easy to assemble, store flat, and are cost-effective. Reverse tuck end boxes typically use a slit-lock tab to close the ends. They’re great for light-weight items, but can’t handle anything too heavy.
• Straight tuck end (STE) boxes are similar to reverse tuck end boxes, except the tuck flaps are on the same side. This gives the box a cleaner look since you don’t see the raw edges. These customizable folded carton boxes are easy to assemble, store flat, and are great for light-weight items. They also typically use a slit-lock for secure closing. Straight tuck end boxes are usually a bit more expensive than the reverse tuck end boxes, since you get fewer boxes per paperboard sheet.
• Lock bottom boxes (sometimes called 1-2-3 bottom boxes) are meant for heavier items. They usually have a tuck top closure. As with the above-mentioned styles, these box cartons also store flat. Lock bottom boxes stack well and look better on the shelf since they have a flat bottom.  A lot of food items come in these types of box cartons. One drawback is they’re typically more expensive than some of the other carton box options.
• Crash bottom boxes (sometimes called auto-lock bottom boxes) are pre-glued on the bottom for extra strength. They have a bottom that goes into place automatically. Auto-lock bottom boxes also store flat and can be assembled and loaded quickly. Crash bottom boxes are usually more expensive, since the carton box manufacturer has to take the extra step to glue the bottom.  
• Top tuck boxes are what you might think of as a cake box, but they’re not just for pastries. These boxes offer a creative way to display other light-weight items, such as clothing or multiple small items. You can even add a little window to your top tuck boxes, so your customers can get a peek at what’s inside (see window patching below).
• Five-panel hanger tab boxes are like the reverse tuck end boxes, except they have a longer hanger panel that extends from the back panel. These offer a simple solution to display lightweight products in a retail setting. These custom boxes can be easily modified to include cut-outs, to give customers a better idea of your product. If you visit a pharmacy, you’ll see all kinds of products that utilize five-panel hanger tab boxes – everything from cosmetics to crayons (as shown in the following image). 

Your head might be spinning, but hang in there. Let’s switch gears and look at a handful of common features you may want to add to your folding carton box:

• Adding Inserts: An insert is a piece of paperboard that is folded, or sometimes glued, to fit in your box to secure loose items. This is a useful feature if you have fragile items or multiple items that you want to prevent from crashing around in the carton. Custom inserts can work with any folded carton type and are easily customizable to fit whatever random-shaped article you’d like to secure.
• Custom Cutouts: This is when you cut out part of the paperboard to show what’s inside. Custom cutouts can be made in any shape, so it can reflect your brand.
• Window Patching:  If you want to go one step further than a simple cutout, you could try window patching. Window patching is a thin plastic film that’s attached to the die-cut window (you’ll see this as part of your dieline as well). These windows are usually reserved for higher-end products and are often used to showcase food and beverage items, so customers can get a glimpse of the quality inside.
  
  Of course, one drawback with window patching is it uses plastic, which isn’t as environmentally friendly as paper products and may turn off some customers.  That’s why it’s so important that you know your customers and you make sure your retail packaging reflects your brand.
• Thumb Tabs: Thumb tabs are those little circular cutouts made in the main panel of the carton packaging to make the box easier to open.  

Practical Design Considerations for Carton Packaging Boxes

When you think of packaging design, your mind probably jumps to the fun stuff. 

What colors should I use? Where should I put my logo? But first, there are a few practical aspects of design you need to consider. Some of the most important elements to consider are your material selection, paperboard thickness and cost considerations. Let’s jump in.

Selecting Materials for Carton Boxes

Before speaking with you carton manufacturer, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make when designing your carton boxes, is what material do you want to use. 

Here are a few of the most common materials used for carton boxes:

• Solid-Bleached Sulphate (SBS):  SBS is made from bleached chemical pulp.  It’s a medium density board that’s coated on the top surface and sometimes on the reverse side as well. It’s white both inside and out, so it has excellent printing qualities. High-end graphics will look crisp on this material.SBS is also hygienic, doesn’t impart any smell or taste, and is approved for food contact. That’s why SBS is a popular choice for goods, such as chocolates, cigarettes, and perfumes. A bonus is it’s recyclable and relatively inexpensive. 

• Clay Coated News Back (CCNB): CCNB is a recycled board that’s made out of a blend of recycled newsprint, old corrugated containers, and mixed secondary paper. It’s less rigid than the SBS board. It has a glossy coated surface on one side and is grey/brown on the other. 
  
  CCNB is cheaper than SBS, but it has some disadvantages. Since it’s not a pure white color like the SBS board, it’s not as effective for printing and you’ll have to compromise a bit on the graphics quality. When it comes to colors, remember to discuss the differences between RGB and CMYK and Pantone colors with your manufacturer.CCNB also absorbs water, which means it needs to be kept dry. But if you’re looking to make low-cost folded cartons where recycled content is preferred, then CCNB may be the option for you. 

• Natural Kraft or Coated Unbleached Kraft (SUS or CUK): This is made from 100% recyclable materials. CUK is coated with a polyethylene resin, which is safe for food. Kraft paper is also strong, durable, and resistant to tearing, which makes it a good fit for items like heavy beverages. 

Paperboard Thickness for Folding Cartons

Next up, you need to consider the board thickness (the caliper). 

Paperboard comes in many different calipers, so you’ll have to make some decisions about what thickness is best for your product.  

It needs to be able to hold the weight of your product, but you also want to consider the assembly process as well. You don’t want to waste money and efficiency on an overly-thick board. 

To give you an idea of the thickness of a standard paperboard box, such as a cereal box or a mac and cheese box, those generally fall in the .016 or .018 caliper range. A counter display may use a more robust .024 point thick board.  

Cost Considerations for Carton Boxes

Of course, you don’t want to neglect the bottom line when designing your carton boxes.  

Most of the time, custom boxes cost less than you probably think. But that’s not always the case. You’ll want to weigh the cost of the materials and manufacturing efficiency. And sometimes, it pays to spend a little more. 

Consider whether you want to use offset printing or digital printing. Offset printing is often considered the go-to choice for bulk and wholesale custom packaging, but it’s not right for every company’s needs. 

Your choice might be slightly more expensive, but if it’s in your budget, it may be worth the splurge. It gives a higher-end look since you have more options with graphics and colors. 

Another thing to keep in mind is to take into account the scalability of any options you choose. The printing process is usually cheaper the more you order, so you may want to place a larger order all at once, rather than several smaller orders. 

Also, remember that old adage, time is money. You’ll want your cartons to be easy to fill with your product. An overly-intricate carton may look cool, but if it’s difficult to get your product in there, it’s probably not worth it.

Carton Box Design: Make Your Packaging Beautiful

Now for the fun stuff. Making your custom carton boxes beautiful and getting them noticed on a crowded shelf. 

Matte or Gloss Lamination: The Finishing Touch

One important aesthetic decision you need to make about your carton box is what kind of finish do you want. This is the lamination process, which is a protective layer that gives your box that finished look. You can choose between a matte or gloss lamination:

• A matte finish doesn’t reflect light, so it doesn’t have a sheen. It’s somewhat understated, but can give a sophisticated look. Scratches are less noticeable with a matte finish.
• With a gloss finish, light bounces off the surface, so it looks shiny. It’s more “in your face” than its more subdued counterpart. Gloss finishes are good at resisting dust and fingerprints. 

Either finish can look great and both have their pros and cons. It all depends on what message you want your custom carton boxes to convey. 

Learn more about finishing options to make your product packaging stand out. Read up about UV coating, soft touch coating and lamination, spot UV, embossing vs debossing and aqueous coating for a quick primer.

Branding: Printing Your Logo on Custom Carton Boxes

There are so many design elements that you can incorporate into a carton box, but the important thing is to not overdo it.  

It’s fine to use bold colors or some crazy fonts, but you don’t want to overload your customer’s senses. Sometimes it’s a fine balance between capturing a customer’s attention and turning them off with too much noise. 

Also, remember that your custom packaging is an extension of your brand and needs to reflect your company’s values.  It’s important to keep your branding consistent over all of your platforms – whether it’s your website or the packaging boxes that store your goods. 

Here are some common branding elements you might want to include on your carton packaging boxes:

• Your logo. You’ve no doubt put a lot of thought into that baby and it should have pride of place.
• Your colors. Even if your company doesn’t have a set color scheme, you should put some thought into what colors you want for the box design of your carton. Are you going for an earthy feel? Then go with muted, natural colors. Looking to convey some fun? Then go bold.
• Use materials that reflect your company’s values. If the environment is important to you – make sure your cartons reflect that. 
• Typography. Use a font that stays consistent with your brand identity. Don’t use a boring, staid font if you’re looking to project whimsy.
• Shapes. With cartons, you’re not limited to cubes. Look at Toblerone, the classic Swiss chocolatier. Chances are that you’d recognize the iconic chocolate bar just by the shape of the box.  

Read more about how to nail packaging design with our guides on ecommerce packaging, cosmetic packaging design and the unboxing experience to help get those creative juices flowing.

Carton Design Inspiration and Examples

Carton boxes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. 

The choices can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s sometimes useful to look at what other brands are doing. You don’t want to copy, just pull a little inspiration.  

Here are some examples of companies that are using custom carton boxes to effectively reflect their brands. 

Burlington Socks

Who said that socks have to be boring?

This fun carton design for Burlington socks adds a clever twist to a globally known product. 

Rather than using a usual cube shape for their sock boxes, they went with an unexpected sandwich box. The fun colors and bold font also give the carton packaging boxes a playful edge. 

Sojos

Sojos makes naturally nutritious raw pet food and gourmet treats. 

They incorporated many of the product packaging design elements we touched on earlier in their dog treat boxes. 

Sojos uses bold colors, has a window to offer a look at what’s inside, and even have a handle that can double as a hanger tab. 

It may only contain dog treats, but this box just exudes quality and fun. 

Crabtree and Evelyn

A carton box doesn’t need to be a crazy shape to command attention. 

Crabtree and Evelyn used an understated, yet eye-catching box design for their volcanic ash face mask. 

The carton matches the container inside. The sophisticated black background with white lettering and a simple gold image shows you don’t need to overdo the colors and graphics to make it stand out.  

The box radiates a sense of adventure, which is true to the company’s self-proclaimed vibe.

Beso Del Sol

Unlike a corrugated box, cartons aren’t limited to only containing solids. 

Beso Del Sol’s fun, sangria-filled, cartons quite literally look like a party in a box. 

When it comes to carton packaging, your imagination truly is the limit.

Lego

The classic blue Lego boxes may not be described as beautiful by many adults, but no matter what kind of carton you need, always remember your target audience.  

Lego plasters colorful, detailed pictures of their toys right on the box. They fill the front, back, and sides of the box with pictures of what’s included with the set. Kids want to see what’s inside.  

The larger carton boxes use close tabs so the toy can be stored back in the box when it’s broken down.  

Some Lego boxes have even become collectibles in their own right. 

Don’t believe us? Try searching “empty Lego box” on eBay.  

Get Started with Custom Carton Boxes

There’s a reason why carton boxes are so ubiquitous. 

And it’s understandable to have more questions than answers at this point. If you need help navigating through the carton boxes process, we’d be happy to speak with you. 

Refine Packaging has years of packaging expertise working with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Contact us today for a free quote on your custom packaging project. We’ll connect you with a live customer support representative who is able to answer any questions you might have.

Our team of designers are ready to help bring your artistic vision to life, who work hand in hand with our printing professionals that are ready to make your carton boxes truly shine.

Carton packaging boxes walk that delicate line of being both practical and potentially beautiful. 

Cartons are affordable, come in all shapes and sizes, can hold all kinds of goods (including liquids), are kind to the environment, and are a wonderful asset to your marketing arsenal. 

So, what are you waiting for?  

Start planning how carton boxes can help store and sell your products. There are so many carton options out there. You can come up with the right carton design to showcase your products at nearly any price point.  

Peruse store shelves for inspiration, choose what materials will work for your product, decide on the shape and size you need, figure out the logistics, and then pick out what finish and graphics you want. 

You can be as fancy as you want (or can afford). And don’t forget to have some fun.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Carton Boxes: Carton Packaging 101 appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Her unboxing experience—spread over three videos—amassed millions of views and over 1 million likes. The reason why she bought these cotton pads and posted them on social media? She wanted to see if they came in Chanel’s premium, luxurious packaging. And they did. 

Le Coton comes in the classic cream Chanel box, tied in a signature black bow. Not only that, but the box includes free samples of Chanel mascara and perfume, delicately placed in a cream bag. As The New York Times and Washington Post noted in their coverage of the bizarre viral trend, “the purchase is more for the packaging and the aesthetic of having a Chanel box than anything else.”

This is the power that packaging can hold: a customer buying your product for the sheer experience of opening it. It’s fair to say that, if you play your packaging cards right, your packaging can become more than just a safety vessel, it can become a communication tool, a marketing powerhouse and, even, a lifestyle. 

The Value of Packaging

@theerinmarie video wasn’t a one-off either. With the ubiquity of TikTok and YouTube, unboxing videos and captures of retail shopping experiences are moving from strength to strength. Take @marc.unbox, an influencer who has dedicated his channel to “buying and unboxing the cheapest items from luxury brands,” says his TikTok bio. With over 200,000 followers and millions of likes, Marc’s channel shows the appetite for premium packaging experiences. The research backs this up, too.

In one published study, researchers uncovered that attractive types of packaging stimulate the reward-seeking parts of our brain, which are associated with impulse purchasing. This means that beautiful packaging designs—and the well-crafted experiences that go along with them—can directly increase your sales.

How to Create Beautiful Customizable Packaging

It’s evident that the types of packaging that house your products play an important role in showcasing their value, But where do you begin? Creating beautiful packaging is no happy accident. It takes strategy, careful planning, and understanding. 

The tricky thing, of course, is that there are so many types of packaging options out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. You want to get your packaging right, but you don’t know which material is best, what size to choose, what to fill your package with, and so on. 

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In our opinion, the question of choosing the right packaging really should be an enjoyable task, but we understand that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of options out there. We know you want to make the right choice, at the right price, for your customers.

This is exactly why we’ve created this guide—to help you demystify the jargon around packaging types and find a solution that benefits your business. To begin with, though, let’s go back to basics…

Packaging’s Importance for Both Ecommerce and Retail Strategies

Instead of diving straight into the different types of packaging and the packaging materials available, let’s first cement the reasons why you need packaging for your product. From the below list, it’s likely that a few reasons will resonate with you and your brand, some more than others. This is a good thing. By finding what’s important to your packaging strategy, you can make informed decisions later down the line when it’s time to pick your materials. 

1. Functional Purposes

At a basic level, packaging is a necessity for safely transporting products. It provides physical protection from damage, from things like vibration, weather, compression, dust, and so on. Packaging also offers a sense of security. If the product is well wrapped, it prevents someone in the logistics system from tampering with it—or even stealing it. 

2. Cost-Efficiency

Putting effort into the economics of your packaging strategy can help the bottom line. By choosing cost-effective types of packaging and ensuring the size is just right, you can minimize waste, improve delivery costs and, ultimately, save money. Think of it like this: Your products packed in boxes that are way too large will take up a lot of extra space during the delivery process. This leads to higher costs and possibly even longer delivery times if not as many parcels can be sent out at once. After all, there’s only so much room in a delivery van! 

On the flipside, if your packaging protects your products snugly, then you’ve found the most cost-efficient way to both store and deliver them.  

3. Appeal to the Eco-Conscious Customer

According to EuroStat, in 2018, the total volume of packaging waste was roughly 77.7 million tonnes. Consumers aren’t happy about this. A recent McKinsey study found that 71% of US respondents said they are more concerned about packaging sustainability in 2020 than they were in 2019. For brands like yours, this is an opportunity. Choose the right packaging materials, and you can:

• Have a positive impact on the environment
• Build a more positive relationship with your customers

This is because consumers are becoming more and more conscious of their carbon footprint. Many want to be eco-friendly, and they are looking to the brands they engage with to help them on this mission. If your packaging materials are recyclable or more sustainable, then you can appeal to consumers with this mindset. 

4. Brand Differentiation

When we say Tiffany & Co., what image springs to your mind? Chances are it’s the brand’s little blue box, possibly adorned with a signature white ribbon. The box is so infamous that, in London, there’s a cafe named after it: The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods. 

What Tiffany & Co. has done with their packaging is create something iconic, a box that instantly conjures up a precise image of sophistication and luxury. For your brand, creating signature packaging can be a way to stand out from the crowd and cement yourself in the crowded retail space. Plus, as we explored above, the notoriety of unboxing videos on social media means it’s easier than ever to reach huge, global audiences with your packaging. A beautiful design and engaging experience can build brand affinity and get you new customers. 

5. The Digital Touchpoint

With COVID-19 taking hold in 2019, many consumers who had never shopped online before started to do so. Even now things are somewhat back to normal, there’s no doubt that some consumers will have changed their shopping habits for good. But in the absence of a physical retail store, how can brands create the same experience and connection with their customers? 

You guessed it—packaging! In the ecommerce journey, your packaging is the final step of your customer’s engagement with your brand. 

Sure, you may have a cool website and you’ve got your email marketing down to the tone of voice, but if your packaging experience is bland or subpar, then you risk your customer being one-time only. On the other hand, if you’ve thought out the unboxing experience and make an effort to make it enticing and pleasurable for your customer, then you can effectively bring a little bit of the in-store experience directly to your customer’s home. 

6. Brand Affinity

You know that moment in Pretty Woman, when Richard Gere presents Julia Roberts with a beautiful suede jewelry box. She’s completely dazzled by the gift, without opening it. The box conveys so much. The packaging is elegant and oozes luxury. Of course, not every brand is a luxury brand, but that doesn’t mean your packaging can’t be cool, fun, or exciting. You can still create a special moment for your customer and build brand affinity in the process. 

By creating a type of packaging that elevates your product and brand, you can create that same feeling in your customer that Roberts’ character felt when she was presented with the jewelry box. Create this positive feeling consistently and you might find you build some long-lasting, loyal customer relationships. 

7. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

Lastly, we can’t forget that packaging is ultimately a marketing vehicle. With clever design and branding, your packaging can become an extension of your marketing strategy. It can communicate your brand values, lead to new customers via social media, and make your brand memorable. It’s integral to make sure that packaging is one of your “Ps of marketing.”

Packaging Materials: Narrowing Down Your Focus

So we have the why, and you’re now keen to unlock the power of packaging to build better customer relationships, supercharge your marketing, and boost cost-efficiency. To help you do this, it’s important to get a few things clear upfront.  

The below questions are designed to help you narrow down your focus, so that you can start to clarify what different packaging materials are best for your business and goals. 

1. What Packaging Material Suits Your Needs? 

There’s a wealth of materials out there to choose from: cardboard, plastic, paper, glass. Within these materials, there are subsets, too. For example, if you’re an ecommerce brand, you’ll want to make sure your choice of packaging materials is durable enough for the logistics journey. You also need to think about the size, weight, and fragility of your product—and what type of material will best protect it. 

But aside from practical considerations, you should also think about how your packaging materials can reflect your brand values. If sustainability is important to you, then your packaging choice should be eco-friendly. Consider this stat: 68% of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a product in paper packaging or cardboard boxes over plastic, while 63% say paper packaging makes a product appear higher-quality. 

So if you consider yourself a luxurious brand, then plain, corrugated cardboard won’t be the way to go, as it won’t portray the sense of elegance your brand wishes to convey.  

2. What’s Your Budget? 

As with all things in business, your budget will dictate what you can and cannot do, and that includes choosing the packaging materials that you want your brand to stand for. Imagination and creativity can get you a long way but you still need to plan financially. After all, product packaging is meant to enhance your business, not detract from it. 

Your budget should consider a few things: 

• Firstly, how many units will you need? 100? 5,000? 100,000? The more units, the more cost. But you will also find that when buying your packaging materials wholesale, you will be able to get a large amount of boxes for a good price. Equally, though, you want to make sure that the amount you buy reasonably matches the number of orders your online and retail stores expect to receive. Otherwise, your boxes and other packaging materials could end up taking up unnecessary space.
• Secondly, you’ll need to budget for design. If you’re going to make your packaging a part of your marketing strategy, customization is crucial. Creative work is an extra cost – but a worthwhile one if you want to stand out from the crowd.  

3. What Do You Think Your Customers Want? 

“Know thy customer” is the first and most important commandment of business. When choosing and designing your packaging, you should look at the product through the lens of your target audience: 

• What kind of packaging would they like? 
• What colors will resonate with them? 
• Will they want freebies? Recyclability? 
• What should be inside the box? 

Plan out and imagine the ideal packaging experience for your end customer. If you’re not sure or are still figuring out your key demographic, then spend time doing research. Look at what other brands have done, read articles like this one about packaging expertise, and create mood boards to cement your vision for your packaging.  

4. What Are Your Box Dimensions?

This is a fundamental but often overlooked part of a packaging strategy: finding the best size package for your product. The dimensions of your packaging play an important role in the cost of production, the price of shipping, and the safety of your products.  

The three main dimensions to measure a box are length, width, and depth. You measure these inside the box, not outside. Accuracy is pivotal here. We recommend triple-checking your measurements to make sure you’ve got them right.  

Ideally, the dimensions of your box should be an inch or two bigger than the size of your product, so that they fit snugly inside. This will help to reduce the risk of transportation damages, as well as minimize the need for lots of internal packaging filling. 

9 Popular Types of Packaging

Let’s take a look at some of the common packaging material options that can be used for both ecommerce and general purpose consumer packaging, like cosmetic packaging products, FMCG, clothing, and toys.  

As we go through each type, we’ll give you an idea of the benefits and disadvantages of each, as well as a guideline on the price, to help you make an informed decision. 

What If I Just Want Basic Cardboard Boxes?

This is a fair question and we get it. For busy business executives, mulling over packaging design can feel like another stress, another thing to add to the endless to-do list. However, you’ll be surprised to learn that there is no such thing as a “basic box” when it comes to packaging materials. Even plain corrugated boxes or brown paperboard boxes come in many types and sizes. There are different closures, different levels of thickness, and much more. 

If you want retail packaging to be part of your marketing strategy, then going beyond basic necessity is well worth the time and effort. If your packaging ends up going viral in a TikTok unboxing video, your whole company will reap the rewards. 

1. Rigid Boxes  

You know Apple’s infamous, clean-cut, white iPhone box. This is a prime example of cardboard being used for a rigid box. The look and feel of rigid boxes lends itself well to items that are delivered as gifts, such as beauty products, jewelry, or fashion accessories like sunglasses or watches. Because of their durability, this type of packaging material is also excellent for technology items, keeping them safe during the ecommerce journey. 

Rigid boxes are made using super thick cardboard, at least 4x thicker than your average piece of cardboard. As the name insinuates, these boxes are rigid to touch. They’re hard to bend and not very malleable. Like Apple’s boxes show, this type of custom packaging is great for unique designs. You can print your logo on them, choose different colors, give them a matte or glossy finish, and even emboss them.  

Cost-wise, rigid boxes are on the pricier end of the scale. The durability and design flexibility of these types of packaging materials come at a cost, which is why these boxes are often associated with luxury items (Apple, we’re looking at you!)  

2. Paperboard 

Think of paperboard like thick paper. It’s thick but not quite as thick as a traditional cardboard box. You’ll see paperboard used often for small products, especially food items like cereal or sometimes even toys.  

Paperboard as a packaging material is extremely affordable, but it’s also extremely flimsy. It’s not good for delicate products, as it doesn’t provide much protection from the elements. Saying this, it’s also very versatile in that it can be cut into all sorts of shapes and designed into beautiful, unique finishes that portray brand values.  

Paperboard is created using wood pulp. If you use the right manufacturer, you could even get your paperboard packaging created using 100% recycled materials, which is great for eco-conscious brands.   

Notably, paperboard tends to come in two options: 1-ply or multiple-ply. What you choose will depend on the durability you need. Multiple-ply is slightly more dense and stronger than 1-ply, making it a better choice as protective packaging. Although, we still wouldn’t recommend using paperboard packaging materials for delicate items. 

3. Corrugated Cardboard  

Corrugated cardboard is a bit of a powerhouse in the ecommerce industry. When you hear people talking broadly about cardboard packaging materials, chances are they’re referring to the corrugated variety. This cardboard is as versatile as it is durable. It can be used for everything from shipping cartons to gift boxes to takeout deliveries.  

Cardboard is made of multi-layered paper called fluting. It’s corrugated, thanks to the sandwich-style application of the different layers, which makes the packaging strong and cushioned. No wonder it’s a top option for ecommerce deliveries.  

Generally speaking, the more fluting in the box, the stronger the package will be. From a sustainability standpoint, corrugated cardboard boxes tend to be made using recycled materials, making it a good option for eco-conscious brands. It’s also inexpensive. 

From a design standpoint, corrugated boxes are often a favorite. Corrugated cardboard is extremely customizable. Whatever shape, color, or finish you want, it’s possible. Corrugated cardboard can handle different types of coatings, treatments, and adhesives. 

Although heavy products are often shipped in rigid boxes, if an item is too heavy for even a rigid box, a corrugated box will do nicely. Rigid boxes are made using corrugated material, so they keep their structural integrity intact even when stacked up. This, in turn, helps prevent more damage to the items stored inside. These features make these types of boxes ideal for moving. 

4. Cotton Bags   

Remember the Chanel unboxing experience we mentioned at the beginning of this guide? You may recall that, within the beautifully designed box, there were a couple of freebies encased in a delicate cotton bag. 

For physical retailers, cotton can be a great packaging material option for your products. For a start, cotton is usually a renewable, inexpensive fabric. This makes it great for brands who want to demonstrate their sustainability values through their types of packaging. Also, because cotton bags or pouches are reusable, they are in the mind of your consumer long after their purchase is made. 

Cotton is also extremely versatile. While its color is naturally cream, it can be dyed into any color you like. It can also be weaved in different ways to create different measures of thickness.  

Cotton materials can be treated and personalized in numerous ways. It is naturally an ivory color, giving it the ability to fit any vision. The color isn’t the only advantage; it can be made into different types of gauges and weaves, so bags can be thin like delicate muslin or very thick like a sturdy tote. Cotton fabric as a packaging material is also easy to work with, so there are no limitations in how small or large the final package can be. 

Needless to say, the softness of cotton makes it a no-go for the ecommerce journey. However, just like Chanel did, you could always incorporate cotton packaging inside your more durable shipping boxes.  

5. Plastics  

Ah, plastic. Once the shopping bag of choices for retailers around the world, plastic packaging has faced some backlash in recent years, mostly down to its environmental impact. The interesting thing about plastic is its versatility. Aside from traditional shopping bags, plastic can be molded into durable shipping cartons and even blister packets.  

In terms of benefits, plastic packaging can be strong and good at resisting different weather conditions. It’s also inexpensive and highly customizable, enabling you to go crazy with your design ideas.  

There are many types of packaging material options for plastic and despite the bad rep, there are also some more sustainable options. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene) are two of the more eco-friendly options. However, the recyclability of these plastics depends on the recycling stream in the country you’re shipping to, so if you’re an international retailer, take note. For example, PET can be recycled in Germany but not in the United Kingdom. 

In terms of their source, both PET and LDPE come from fossil fuels. But bioplastics exist, too. These are made using renewable materials but are also more expensive. In terms of protection, plastic packaging materials are not as strong as cardboard. So if your items are delicate, this packaging type may not be right for you.  

6. Jute (Hessian/Burlap)   

Jute is made from the bark of the white jute plant and is also widely used in the packaging industry. It’s a golden fiber that can be woven into a coarse, strong material. Jute is often used for reusable shopping bags, agricultural packaging, and coffee bags. Since the decline of plastic shopping bags, jute has slowly edged into the spotlight. It’s 100% sustainable and extremely durable. However, it also has a rustic look and feel, meaning while it may be great for ethical brands looking for sustainable packing materials, it doesn’t shout premium. 

For physical retailers, jute is a great option. It’s cheaper than cotton packaging and its strength also means it can be used again and again and again. Talk about free marketing!  

 7. Padded Mailers

For small products that are about to go on an ecommerce journey, padded mailers as packing materials are a great option. They’re super easy to ship and are also very cost-effective. Because they can be sent in the mail stream, you don’t have to pay the prices associated with FedEx or another shipping provider. 

Padded mailers are usually made from paper, which is then blended with a padding material, such as bubble wrap, to provide extra cushioning. While the cushioning can help to keep items safe during the ecommerce journey, padded mailers aren’t recommended for very delicate items, as they may still get squashed during the logistics process. However, if your item comes in a box—say, a necklace encased in a small cardboard box—then a padded mailer will work. 

Padded mailers come in a variety of sizes and also have different sealing options, from peel and seal to self-sealing. These mailers are designed for the postal system, meaning the seals are usually very secure and difficult to open, which will prevent tampering or the elements impacting the package.  

In terms of design, padded mailers are extremely customizable. You can change the color, add designs, include your logo, and so on. They’re also easily recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice. 

The Inside Counts, Too! 

That’s our overview of the top types of exterior packing materials. Now, it’s time to think about the interior. 

Let’s revisit Chanel again. What made that unboxing experience so great was the synergy between the beautiful exterior packaging and the interior of the box. You want to create a consistent experience from the outside in and continue your customer’s delight. 

Now, if you’re thinking of packaging for your physical retail shop, then this part of the article will be slightly less relevant to you. After all, if your customer is waiting in a queue to pay for their item, they don’t want to see a sales clerk at the till faffing about with lots of bits and bobs to put inside their paper or poly bag.

However, for ecommerce players, the inside really does matter. From a functional perspective, interior packaging adds another layer of protection and safety during the logistics journey. Then, from an experiential point of view, the interior materials can help to convey your brand’s messaging (think recycled paper for sustainability). This will excite your customers even more and add to the theater of the unboxing experience. 

Let’s dive into some of the common types of interior packing materials below: 

1. Styrofoam (Polystyrene)   

Styrofoam is a go-to protective material for ecommerce packaging. It’s made of mostly air, giving it a foam-like consistency that provides excellent cushioning for products during the logistics process. It’s also a good insulator, helping your products to withstand different temperatures, such as high heat levels during a hot summer’s day.  

Styrofoam tends to come into two forms: in rectangular shapes that fit between parts of a product—for example, do-it-yourself furniture—and also in the shape of packaging peanuts, which are small styrofoam nodules that can be poured into a box to provide protection. 

Styrofoam’s air-like consistency makes it extremely lightweight. It’s also relatively inexpensive. From a customization standpoint, styrofoam offers a lot of potential. It can be molded into different shapes and even dyed different colors. For instance, packaging peanuts could be turned into brightly colored stars that add to the wow factor of opening a package. However, for all its plus points, styrofoam is not environmentally friendly. It is not biodegradable and can’t be recycled.  

2. Cardboard  

Another top choice for packaging materials is cardboard. Its versatility extends beyond its use for exterior packaging; it can be used for the interior, too. For example, corrugated cardboard boxes can be shredded to create an alternative to packing peanuts, or cardboard can be snugly placed around items to add an extra layer of cushioning and protection.  

As we’ve already noted, cardboard is inexpensive and sustainable. It provides strong protection, making it a great choice for many internal packaging needs.  

Just as with external cardboard packaging, internal cardboard pieces or shreds can be customized into your brand’s colors and molded into different shapes to add to the unboxing experience.  

3. Soft Plastics   

Soft plastics have a sturdy yet foamy consistency. They are made of a type of polyethylene or from a material known as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). You tend to find this kind of material inside of boxes that hold premium, electrical items, such as phones or voice assistants.  

They’re a great choice for these kinds of products because they are extremely strong, water-resistant, and cost-effective. They are also flexible, which means they can be wrapped or shaped around products to provide insulation and protection. 

4. Bubble Wrap  

Who doesn’t love popping a bit of bubble wrap? With its fun consistency and strong protective properties, bubble wrap is a solid and affordable choice for fragile items like electronics or glass bottles. 

It’s made using polyethylene film, which is rolled into a sheet that contains small pockets of air. The sheet is extremely flexible, so bubble wrap can be wrapped around products of all shapes and sizes. The bubbles also come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny, centimeter air pockets to ones that are an inch in diameter. The size and fragility of your product will dictate the size of bubble wrap you go for. 

In terms of the ecommerce journey, bubble wrap’s structure is superb at protecting products. It’s also weather-proof, helping to keep your products safe from rain, hot weather, and so on.  

For all its benefits, bubble wrap is not easily customizable, meaning it’s not great for a premium unboxing experience. It’s also not the most sustainable choice, as it is made from PET, which isn’t recyclable in all countries’ recycling streams. 

5. Kraft Paper  

Kraft paper is a plain, brown paper that can be wrinkled into ball-like shapes and put inside a box to provide extra protection. Kraft paper is something that you don’t necessarily need to purchase especially. Your printer paper, old magazines, and even leaflets can be scrunched up and used for protection.  

From a sustainability standpoint, this makes kraft paper a good choice. Not only can it be recycled itself, but by using existing materials, you can upcycle. However, it’s worth noting that crumpled pieces of newspaper don’t exactly scream premium or customized, unless you find a way to put a creative spin on this in your marketing strategy.

You can, of course, choose to purchase kraft paper specifically for your packaging. If you do this, you’ll benefit from a range of customization options. Different colors, finishes, and patterns are all on offer.  

While kraft paper offers good protection at a good price, it’s worth noting that paper has some drawbacks. Namely, it’s not the best for dealing with humidity. This means that if your products are delicate or sensitive to weather conditions, kraft paper won’t be the best option. 

6. Tissue Paper  

Tissue paper is thinner than kraft paper. Each sheet is extremely lightweight and thin. When a bunch of sheets are put together, though, tissue paper becomes a sturdy, cushioned option for both ecommerce and physical retail.  

Aside from being protective, tissue paper has an air of elegance about it even though it’s very cost-effective. Its range of colors and consistency lends itself well to designer products like perfumes, jewelry, and fine clothing.  

Saying this, we advise being careful about how you use tissue paper for the ecommerce journey. If your items are delicate, then tissue paper on its own won’t be enough to protect your products during the logistics process. However, they can still be added to the inside of your package to add a little theater and luxury. 

7. Air Bags (Pillows)  

Air bags are exactly that—plastic bags that are filled with air. Unlike many kinds of plastic, airbags are recyclable because they are made from high-density polyethylene film, making them a more sustainable choice. 

Typically, air bags come in a long roll of individual bags. The edges between each bag are perforated, making them easy to separate. To use them, you simply stuff the desired number of airbags around your product in its packaging.  

Air bags are inexpensive and provide great protection for fragile items, offering the utmost cushioning. They’re also durable against the elements. While they’re lightweight, it’s worth noting that airbags are bulky. 

Add Some Wow Factor 

Throughout this guide so far, we’ve dropped some nuggets about the importance of customization. Now, it’s time to delve into that aspect a little further. Having an idea of the product packaging materials you want to use is the first, pivotal step. But how you use them as a vehicle to tell your brand’s story is just as important. 

Let’s reinforce this with some key stats: 

• According to Bain & Company, 60-80% of consumers will not repurchase from a brand with poor packaging, even if they liked the product they bought.
• Ipsos found that 72% of American consumers feel that a product’s packaging impacts their decision to buy.
• 71% of consumers feel frustrated when a shopping experience is impersonal, says Segment.
• According to SmarterHQ, 80% of frequent shoppers only shop with brands that personalize the experience.

It’s clear that personalization is the name of the game if you want to win new customers and retain old ones. This is where packaging innovation becomes integral. Funnily, innovation has become a bit of a buzzword in the business world. However, it is often not thought about in terms of packaging. 

Many businesses make the mistake of thinking packaging is a functional thing, something to protect your product as it gets from A to B. But it’s so much more. Customized packaging can be the difference between a one-off customer and a loyal brand advocate.  

It’s Time to Get Creative

The beautiful thing about many of the most popular packaging materials options (both internal and external) that we’ve discussed so far is their versatility. Besides offering basic protection and safety, they can be customized into different colors, shapes, and designs.  

For example, a couple of years ago, we worked with T-Mobile to create bespoke packaging for their physical retail location in New York. With their logo elegantly placed on the box and their brand colors shining through, these boxes were a hit with customers in-store. 

Turn Your Vision Into Reality 

Earlier, we asked you to imagine your ideal unboxing experience for your target consumer. Got the image in your mind? Now, let’s take a look at how you can turn that vision into an amazing reality…. 

Personalize with Printing

The sky’s the limit for your packaging vision. With the power of custom printing, you can adorn your retail packaging with different colors and designs, putting your brand’s stamp on your box. There are a few different printing options to consider. The main ones are:  

1. Ink Effects

When you’re looking at ink designs, you’ll see a couple of acronyms pop up again and again: RGB and CMYK. RGB stands for red, green, and blue. These are the colors that make up images on your computer screen or TV. CMYK stands for the ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). These are the colors that you see on printed designs. For your packaging, it’s pivotal to submit your ink designs for printing in CMYK. 

In terms of what you can create, the opportunities are boundless with custom ink. They can be used to coat your package in your brand colors and come in different textures, such as metallic, matte, and even glow-in-the-dark. You can use as many colors as you like. However, be aware that the simpler the design, then the lower the price.  

2. Die Cutting

Die cutting is effectively like using a giant cookie cutter to add texture and dimension to your packaging. For example, you can cut a rectangular shape in your packaging using a die-cutter to give customers a sneak peak of what’s inside. 

For a detailed overview of how die cutting works and its applications, take a look at our die cutting guide for everything you need to know.  

Add a Touch of Sparkle

Printing and die cutting aren’t the only ways to personalize your packaging. There are tons of nifty ways to elevate your packaging with different artistic solutions. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping involves using high temperatures and pressure to glue a foil design onto your packaging. The foil can vary in colors and textures, from gold to metallic to holographic. Foil stamping can add a sense of luxury and grandeur to your packaging. However, it comes at a price. It’s a labor-intensive process, meaning it takes both a lot of time and money to use foil stamping for large orders.
• Embossing and Debossing: Embossing and debossing are two processes that bring texture to your packaging. Embossing works by elevating your artwork from the printed material of your packaging. Debossing sinks your artwork into the packaging. Like foil stamping, both processes add a sense of luxury to your packaging. It’s worth noting that embossing is slightly more expensive than debossing. 
• Spot UV: Spot UV is a coating technique. It uses a high-gloss paint to coat your packaging, using UV (ultraviolet) light to cure the printed material’s varnish. It results in a shiny, glossy aesthetic where your packaging has been printed. Take a look at the example below.

• Typography: Just like printing a piece of paper, you can add text in different fonts, sizes, and colors to your packaging. We advise using your brand guidelines as the basis for the text and colors you choose to ensure synergy with your wider marketing strategy. At the same time, you’ll need to make sure that your color background compliments your text color. For example, cream lettering on a white box will be difficult to see. Size is also an important consideration. For all the effort that goes into adding text to your box, you want to make sure it’s readable to the receiver.

What Should I Do Next?

We’re almost at the finishing line! Having read this guide, we hope your mind is brimming with creative ideas of the types of packaging and packaging materials to use and how to add a stamp of personalization. However, we also appreciate that the world of packaging can be a little overwhelming. Because there are so many different types and options out there, there’s no such thing as a wrong or right choice. One thing’s for sure, though. There is one that will be best for your business’s unique needs and goals. 

Here at Refine Packaging, we have years of expertise in helping brands large and small to unleash the potential of customized packaging. In this way, they can attract customers, improve relationships, boost brand affinity, and help the bottom line.

Whether you’re a pizza delivery service or a mobile phone provider, our range of boxes has you covered. Our team is with you every step of the way, from helping you choose the type of box you need to designing the perfect exterior, to ensuring the interior materials you use are safe and can wow your customers. We work with you to turn your vision into a reality. 

Refine Packaging is the top choice for the world’s Inc 5000 and Fortune 500 companies. With super fast production times, affordable pricing, and a sky’s the limit attitude, we’ll help you turn your custom packaging into a competitive differentiator. Contact us today and a dedicated packaging specialist will guide you through every step of the custom packaging process without breaking a sweat.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Packaging: Which is Right for You? appeared first on Refine Packaging.

It might be that distinctive, smiley box from Amazon, or one of those Blue Apron boxes that seem to crop up everywhere—or maybe it’s something you’ve never seen before.

Just the other day while driving in my neighborhood, I saw a bold, purple-colored box with the words “Purple Carrot” emblazoned on the side. What’s a Purple Carrot? I’d never heard of the company. But the vibrant colored box was enough to capture my attention and stick out in my mind.

Guess what I did when I got home? I googled Purple Carrot and found out they’re a plant-based meal delivery service. Talk about effective marketing.

By merely using distinct, recognizable packaging, Purple Carrot piqued the interest of a casual observer (me), and eked out a little free advertising too.

For businesses of all sizes, effective custom packaging can yield impressive marketing results.

Just consider these stats:

• In a Dotcom Distribution study, over 60% of those surveyed said that gift-like packaging gets them excited about what they ordered.
• 40% of these online shoppers said they would be more likely to purchase from a retailer again if the retailer used premium packaging.

And pretty packages can lead to social shares:

• 50% said gift-like or branded packaging makes them more likely to recommend a brand to others.
• People obsess over packaging. In 2018, there are more than 92 million “unboxing” videos on YouTube.

Suffice it to say, custom packaging is an easy way to spike interest in your products and build excitement for your brand. Not to mention that your competition is probably already putting effort into how they package their products. Don’t get left behind.

So how can your business stand out from the crowd?

Let’s take a look at how you can incorporate custom boxes and branded packaging into your marketing arsenal.

And fear not, there are price points that will work for every size business.

Why Go Custom?

Custom Boxes We Created For T-Mobile

Gone are the days of haphazardly tossing some goods in a post office box and calling it a day.

The physical box you put your product in is important, so put some thought into it. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Making a memorable brand experience is especially relevant for one very important consumer group—millennials. Millennials now make up nearly 25% of the US population and possess an annual purchasing power of over $1.3 trillion dollars. For millennials, feeling a connection with a brand is of paramount importance when making purchasing decisions.

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Unique packaging is a great way to initially wow your customers and make them feel special. When done right, you’ll increase brand exposure, through social sharing, and directly pump up brand loyalty and sales.

Where To Start

It all begins with choosing the type of outside shipping box you need.

Boxes come in all shapes, colors, materials, and sizes, but cardboard and corrugated rectangular boxes are the most popular choices, because they’re sturdy and affordable.

When it comes to packaging design or box design, there are two main types of packaging to consider: Fully customized boxes and printed stock boxes.

Let’s take a closer look:

You can choose to go the fully customized route, but maybe a printed stock box will fit your needs. It’s always best to ask packaging companies for a quote. A lot will depend on your budget and the type of products you’re shipping.

With a custom box, you can pick any size you want, add fancy designs, fitted dividers, inserts, throw in some custom tissue paper, or make use of inner boxes and bags.

In other words, you can get exactly what you want and know that your brand will have something entirely unique.

When you design your custom retail packaging, don’t let the inside flap of your shipping box go to waste. Take a company like Loot Crate, for example. They use this piece of precious real estate by including “unboxing instructions,” as a way to encourage social sharing.

Successful packaging starts with a compelling design.

Your company probably already has a logo or a particular color associated with your brand. Try to incorporate these elements into your boxes or other packaging. It will promote brand awareness and help people remember you.

There are all kinds of variables that can inflate the costs of your packaging. When weighing your printing options, don’t forget to consider things like cutting dies, printing plates, flute size, dielines, and minimum orders.

Keep in mind printing costs are usually lower for bigger orders. So if you can, figure out what you’ll need down the road, and order accordingly.

And always get a printed sample proof before approving the job for production. You’d hate to place a large order only to have your company name misspelled, or the colors to be all wrong. That’s definitely not the kind of branding you want.

NOTE: We offer 100% free design for all of our customers who need help. Don’t have a design? Let us help you make it.

Choosing The Right Type of Box: Custom Boxes By Industry

You might be surprised to learn that there are custom boxes for specific industries. Some packaging is crafted to suit specific product box styles, and others to match unique retail box needs.

On A Tight Budget? Think Beyond The Box

Not every company has the budget to digitally print their logo on the side of their shipping boxes. But that doesn’t mean you have to forfeit all attempts at promoting your brand. The little things inside the box are an important component of adding that personal touch.

Looking for a little inspiration? It’s not hard to find.

Even a cursory search on Pinterest will have all kinds of packaging eye candy pop up.  Many pinners devote whole boards to packaging ideas.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Notes

How about the thrill of receiving a personalized, handwritten note?

If you find one of those tucked inside your product box, you’ll take notice. A simple thank you note can go a long way.  And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For mere pennies, you can print up some thank you inserts, and make your customers feel special.

You can get as fancy as you want, but if money’s tight, you can even print some out on your own computer.

Stickers

The post The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Custom Boxes (With 5 Real World Examples) appeared first on Refine Packaging.

There’s a box for nearly any size or shape item. 

Need a box for some perishable meat? No problem. A bulky mattress? That can easily be delivered – in a box. A fragile 18th-century chandelier? Too easy. 

Rest assured, if you need to ship it, there’s a box for you.

Let’s dive right into how to measure a box, so you’ll know how to pick the right box size and style for your specific needs.

How to Measure a Box: Finding Your Box Size 

First off, you need to get the box size right.  

You’ve probably heard that old saying, “measure twice and cut once.”  

Well, it’s relevant to box measurements as well. Before you place a large order for custom boxes, you need to make sure you’re ordering the right size for your printing and distribution processes. And simply eye-balling your measurements isn’t going to cut it. 

If you want a jumping-off point measure to help gauge standard box sizes, consider the most common size shipping box is 16”x12”x12”, a 1.5 cubic foot box.

The critical and crucial thing to remember when measuring the dimension of a box is that there are only dimension of two measurements – the interior and exterior measurement. A common 16″x12″x12″ box? Those are the inside box measurements. Outside, that same box measures 16 3/8×12 3/8×12 5/8″.

As you can see, often these box dimensions can be close, but you need to know which is which to avoid costly mistakes. You’d hate to measure a box to have its dimensions be just a ½ inch off and not be able to fit any of your products in the box.

When you see the box measurements listed in a catalog or a website, they’re typically referring to the interior dimensions.  

Box sizes are measured by their internal dimensions, and are are listed in the order of length, width, and height (L x W x H). 

If you’re measuring for a custom box, you should measure the exact cubic size to the closest 1/10th of an inch. That’s pretty precise, so double-check your numbers with a ruler or a tape measure. 

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Now let’s talk about the exterior measurement of the box, which will determine your shipping costs.  

While the costs of shipping vary widely between services and carriers, you can ballpark what you might expect to pay using their specific box size guidelines. FedEx and USPS offer fairly straightforward guides.

Obviously, anything that falls outside of their basic pricing guidelines could be subject to even higher costs.

After you’ve packed up your box and taped it shut, measure the inside dimensions against the exterior, so you’ll know how much volume the box will take up on the truck. The volume of a square box is the cube of length of the side of the square box. Put another way, if you’re shipping in bulk, the exterior measurements will also give you an idea of how many boxes you can fit on a pallet.

When you begin to measure dimensions before printing, note that manufacturers have manufacturing variance. Acceptable manufacturing variance is the difference between estimated and actual costs of a full production run, which typically range above or below 10% of the estimated cost.

Box Styles Explained: How Boxes Are Built

So now, you should have a good grasp size box sizes you need, but now comes the tricky part.  

There are virtually hundreds of box styles to choose from. I know, who would have thought there could be such a variety.

But consider for a minute all of the different products and items and things and knick-knacks that ship on a daily basis. Remember our earlier examples? Perishable meat, bulky mattress, fragile 18th-century chandelier?

You need a lot of different square boxes to ship a lot of different products. And this is the nuts and bolts of packaging.

You might have the prettiest looking box. You might offer the best possible product. But a mismatch between the two can result in damaged goods or a poor unboxing experience for the consumer.

Nobody wants that.

Let’s take a deep dive into all of the possible box types and styles to ensure you have that winning combination that will make both your customers and your brand happy.

Finding the Best Box Type for Your Strength and Build Requirements 

The majority of retail packages that you’ll see lining the shelves of any brick-and-mortar store – from cereals, milk, cosmetics – come in carton boxes. While these are one of the most well-known and diverse box types available, they aren’t intended for shipping.

For our purposes below, we’ll be considering shipping needs as well. And when discussing shipping boxes, the primary package type being referenced is the corrugated box. 

Most often constructed of three layers – two layers of fiberboard (container or linerboard) surrounding a fluted corrugated medium (a wavy piece of fiberboard) that helps give the box its strength and durability. 

Consider the difference between a cereal box (a single sheet of paperboard) versus a basic moving box (the corrugated box). It’s easy to see why the latter is favored for shipping and fulfillment.

These corrugated boxes can be used for all manner of goods – everything from toys and electronics to foods and appliances. Even hazardous materials ship in the corrugated box if afforded the right exterior thickness and interior packing material.

The advantages of corrugated boxes for shipping include:

• High durability

• Lightweight

• Relatively low shipping costs

• Reusable

• Good protection by itself, outstanding when paired with void fill

• Comes in practically any shapes or sizes of box

Corrugated boxes come in four different builds. They include:

• Single Face: A single sheet of fiberboard is glued to a single fluted corrugated medium. Most often, this form is utilized as a heavy-duty packing material and not in the construction of an actual box.

• Single Wall: This form is your basic everyday corrugated box – the two layers of fiberboard glued on either side to the fluted corrugated medium. Single wall corrugated boxes are the standard for the vast majority of shipping needs due to their strength and efficient material and cost optimization.

• Double Wall: With an additional layer of protection – three sheets of fiberboard alternated with two fluted corrugated mediums – double wall boxes significantly increase a box’s durability and protection. Although it offers increased protection for bulky or heavy items like electronics, it also adds to your shipping costs. 

• Triple Wall: As you might have guessed, a triple wall corrugated box is some heavy-duty stuff. It adds another layer of fiberboard and a corrugated medium to the build. The strength is on par with wooden crates. Do you need to ship industrial or medical equipment, big appliances, or large panes of glass? This is what you use to do it.

Taking the construction a step further, there are five different fluted corrugated mediums. The flute variances are based on flutes per square foot and thickness. You can combine different flute styles in custom packaging to adjust dimensional weight, the thickness and durability based on actual weight of what you’re shipping.

• A-Flute: 33 flutes per square foot and 3/16 inch thickness. Ideal for shipping fragile items.

• B-Flute: 47 flutes per square foot and 1/8 inch thickness. Ideal for items such as canned goods or for use as interior packing dividers.

• C-Flute: 39 flutes per square foot and 5/32 inch thickness. Ideal for basic shipping needs and is the most common flute size.

• E-Flute: 90 flutes per square foot and 1/16 inch thickness. Ideal for smaller fragile items and high-quality printing (think cosmetics packaging or for small glass products). 

• F-Flute: 125 flutes per square foot and 1/32 inch thickness. Ideal for small retail packaging items.

Different Styles of Corrugated Boxes for Shipping

So that’s how boxes are built. What about the box sizes and forms they can take?

As we noted earlier, it can be a taxing affair to count all of the ways you can shape a box. 

Depending on where you look, you can choose from between 1,500 and 2,000 different options. That’s assuming you don’t have any custom packaging needs.

We’ll wait while you quietly utter “wow” to yourself.

In an effort to keep the details uncomplicated, let’s focus our attention on the most common box forms. Trust us, it’s still a lot.

There are actually six basic box styles – Slotted, Telescope, Rigid, Folders, Self-Erecting, and Interior Forms. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most widely used box styles:

Slotted Boxes

Constructed from one single piece of corrugated fiberboard, these boxes are “slotted to allow for easy folding and assembly. This style of box is the most popular and widely used.

• Regular slotted container (RCS): Regular slotted containers are the most commonly used corrugated shipping box. They have two sets of flaps, each being half the width of the box, which meet in the middle. You’ll need tape to close it.

• Half slotted container (HSC): Similar to the regular slotted option except that there’s only one set of flaps instead of two.

• Overlap slotted container (OSC): This box resembles the regular slotted box, but the two sets of flaps are of equal length, that provides an overlapping enclosure (roughly about an inch to an inch and a half more than the regular slotted box) instead of ones that meet in the middle. You’ll commonly see these boxes fastened with staples instead of tape.

• Full overlap slotted container (FOL): Like the overlap box, all flaps have an equal length but measure the entire width of the box. Not only are these packages more secure, but they stack easier due to a seamless flat bottom when closed. Both the overlap and full overlap are more expensive to procure.

Slotted boxes also feature center slotted varieties with inner flaps with equal sides that meet and other flaps with various degrees of width side overlap. The snap-lock bottom or 1-2-3 bottom offer a quicker set-up than a regular slotted container and can feature a top tuck or regular slotted enclosure.

There’s also a bellow style top that includes a folding top instead of standing side flaps to secure the box’s top portion.

Other Box Styles to Consider

While slotted boxes are the most popular form of box for shipping, the other styles we mentioned garner plenty of use. These include:

• Telescope Boxes: Telescope boxes include two separate pieces – a top and a bottom – with one fitting over the other. The main styles include a full telescope design style container (FTD) option formed from two slotted pieces that serve as trays that fit inside each other. The box design style container with cover is similar to the above. Only the top portion or cover of the box does not extend all the way down the bottom portion of the container. Imagine a traditional two-piece shoebox. Other variations include the double cover container (DC), interlocking double cover container (IC), and the full telescope half slotted container (FTHS).

• Rigid Boxes: Rigid boxes, also called bliss boxes, feature two same size end panels and a body that folds around to create two side panels and a seamless bottom. Once the joints of the box are sealed, the box is considered rigid.

• Folders: Folders are just that, single pieces of corrugated fiberboard that fold to create a seamless bottom with flaps coming together at the top of the box. Two variants include the one-piece folder (OPF) and five-panel folder (FPF). Another type of folder includes trays that fold and join together to create sturdy containers featuring both a cover or an open top. Other folders feature air cells (flaps that fold over to create additional protection), wraparounds that fit directly around a product, or a high wall or display tray.

• Self-erecting: Self-erecting boxes feature top panels typical of a regular slotted container with a pre-glued auto bottom. There’s also a self-erecting six corner tray that features a telescope top.

• Interior Forms: Finally, interior forms are corrugated pieces that serve as interior packing forms. Styles include dividers, liners, pads, partitions, or tubes. Interior forms help further strengthen corrugated boxes and protect and cushion fragile products. Although the added materials can increase costs, custom interior forms can also enhance your packaging presentation and provide customers a wow-worthy unboxing experience. 

Phew. Bet you didn’t know there were so many choices for a lowly box. And the list could go on and on. We haven’t even touched on packaging design. But this gives you an idea of some of your options. 

When deciding on which box size is best for your products, the cost of custom boxes is important, but also keep in mind how long it takes to assemble boxes.  

You may pay more upfront for already assembled boxes, but it might be worth it if you don’t have time to devote to folding the boxes together. 

Mailers

Before moving on to how to choose the right box size, we would be doing you a disservice if we didn’t include a quick note on mailers. 

Yes, boxes are the primary vessel for shipping the vast majority of products to your customers. However, mailers are a good alternative if the product – or your presentation – may not warrant a full-blown box.

Think items that don’t require the protection a box provides (t-shirts) or flat products that would be swallowed up in a box (smartphone cases, screen protectors, or books). 

Solutions such as bags, Tyvek envelopes, and padded mailers are great box alternatives. If you can’t package a number of small products together or have singular items that need little protection, a mailer might be the way to go. In some cases, they can prove considerably cheaper to ship packages, as well.

Consider How Packaging Fill Impacts Box Dimensions

Boxes and shipping are more than just, well, boxes and shipping.

Rarely is an item just flung in a box and shipped off. What goes inside your box is also important. And we’re not talking about the products you ship. Not directly anyway.

Void or infill is an integral part of the box-sizing process. Not accounting for how you plan to pad and protect the products you ship can lead to ordering improperly sized boxes, utilizing more materials than is necessary, or increased packaging and shipping costs. Double check your padding with measuring tape or a ruler to avoid having an incorrect size of box.

Haphazardly piecing together your packaging may also result in dissatisfied consumers either from a less than desirable unboxing experience or damaged goods. Having packaging that’s social media shareworthy is one of your strongest marketing tools, don’t risk losing it with damaged products.

Let’s explore a handful of popular options for void fill and how they can impact the box dimensions and style that you choose.

• Packaging Paper: Arguably, the most widely used void fill material, packaging paper is excellent for filling space and general product protection during shipping. The two main types of paper include Newsprint and Kraft. Considering both are ultimately just a sturdier form of paper, neither option will have a significant impact when accounting for box sizes. You can also use recyclable paper options.

• Bubble Wrap: A go-to for many brands, bubble wrap is great because, similar to packaging paper, it’s perfect for filling voids and keeping items safe. It does prove burdensome to store (and DIY options require the purchase of a $4,000 air filling machine). It isn’t the most environmentally-friendly choice for packaging. But it won’t alter your box measuring requirements.

• Corrugated Paper: The environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap, corrugated paper is what’s left of the corrugated box making process. That excess makes for superior material both as basic void fill and protection or for a more appealing boxing presentation. Supremely flexible, modest amounts won’t have an impact on your box measurements. However, incorporate it as a stylish display in smaller packaging (it’s excellent for creating a “nest” to cradle items), and you might need to increase your box size.

• Inflatables: No, we’re not talking balloons here. Instead, inflatables, also called air pillows, offer some of the best shipping cushioning available. The downside, though, is that due to their looseness within a box, it can lead brands into buying one size fits all boxes. Not great if your aim is to closely match your product, boxing and shipping needs. In addition, while they offer a small storage footprint (they come uninflated), they do require a pricey air filling machine.

• Custom Inserts: Although it might add to your packaging and shipping costs, customized inserts are excellent for protecting and enhancing the unboxing experience. It will take some extra leg work to get your box measurements and style just right. You’ll need to account for the size of the product, how it will fit within the insert, and how the insert will fit within the box. It can be time-consuming and requires some planning, but it’s well worth the effort.

• Crinkle Paper: Yep, it’s basically shredded paper that’s crinkled up. Although it’s a bit messy, this form of custom packing makes for a fancy presentation, offers adequate protection for small or moderately fragile items, and will work within practically any box dimensions you choose. That said, we’ll reiterate, it can create a mess, so it’s best used in smaller boxes and doses.

• Packing Peanuts: Speaking of messes, packing peanuts is a stalwart of the shipping business. They will work for any size box, especially large ones with a lot of void to fill, but they’re not at all good for the environment. We suggest you steer clear of these.

• Biodegradable Starch Peanuts: If, however, you like the idea of peanuts and packing and filling whatever box size you want with them, we suggest you go green. Biodegradable starch peanuts are essentially the same as regular packing peanuts, only eco-friendly. These are awesome and will be appreciated by your customers. Because, seriously, who wants to drive to a UPS store to recycle old styrofoam peanuts?

• Double Boxing: Similar to custom inserts, double boxing creates a package within a package effect. In theory, this does aid in protecting items within the product box. Still, you will need to account for securing the smaller product box within the larger box for shipping. Unless it’s part of a specific presentation, this approach will increase your costs and double your box measurement and style considerations.

• Instapak: Instapak is an expanding foam that conforms to the shape of the item you’re shipping and the box it’s shipped in. It offers good protection, especially for heavy or fragile equipment, and is usable in most box sizes. But it’s not eco-friendly and can be expensive.

• Molded Pulp: Molded pulp, on the other hand, is eco-friendly since its recycled newsprint or cardboard that acts as a superb and attractive buffer for fragile products (think bottled wine). It is a bit more pricy than basic packaging, and it works best customized to fit your outer box.

When planning out your boxing and void fill options, it’s always a good idea to stick to eco-friendly packaging if you can. 

Ecommerce, as convenient as it is, does generate its share of waste. When planning out your ecommerce box needs, stay cognizant of using only what’s necessary to protect your goods and offer the best unboxing experience possible.

Additionally, using boxes and other packaging made of post-consumer waste may cost you a little more money upfront but can enhance your reputation by showing that you care about the environment.