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.

When you think about packaging and branding, it’s likely that logos, typography, colors, and photographs come to mind first. But as you’ll discover in this article, you can also use patterns to further connect with and influence your target market.

So stick around to learn about pattern design basics, where to source ideas, and how to use patterns for standout product packaging.

Elements of Pattern Design

Before we go deeper into the use of patterns, let’s examine the customizable parts that make them suitable for your packaging purposes:

1. Motifs

Motifs refer to the individual elements in a design, such as geometric shapes, lines, florals, and so on.

2. Color palette

Your pattern’s color combination should match your official brand colors.

3. Spacing

Patterns involve motifs with spaces—typically precise distances—between each other.

4. Layout

You can lay out motifs in the following ways:

Layout Pattern	Example
Directional: one-way (you can view the pattern only one way) or two-way (the pattern looks the same if you turn it 180 degrees or upside down)	One-way directional pattern Two-way directional pattern
Non- or multi-directional: the pattern repeats from any angle	Non- or multi-directional pattern
Tossed: random placement of motifs	Tossed pattern

5. Repeat

The various repeat patterns include:

Why Use Patterns in Packaging Design

The repetition of symbols and colors in a harmonious order is relatable, often producing a pleasurable experience. You can harness this characteristic of patterns in the following ways:

Enliven your design

Minimalism is appealing, but pattern and repetition also draw attention by adding texture, depth, and movement to your primary business symbols.

Improve brand recognition

Choosing a pattern that aligns with your brand story and color palette—considering that color boosts recognition by 87%—can give the public something to remember about your company besides your logo and the product’s name.

Besides being more memorable, patterns can distinguish your product from others in the same category.

Reinforce your brand values

Your pattern’s shapes and colors communicate what your business stands for—whether it’s elegance, playfulness, or sustainability—and the personality you wish to project. Research shows that such brand consistency can increase business revenues by 20%.

12 Websites to Find Stunning Patterns

While you can hire a packaging designer to create a pattern customized for your brand, you can start searching online for the most prevalent styles and see what you can adopt for your packaging. Get ready for a pattern overload from these websites:

1. The Pattern Library

Graphic designer Claudio Guglieri and creative developer Tim Holman set up The Pattern Library as an ongoing project, where creatives can share and derive tileable patterns. The site allows you to download the tile image in gif format.

2. Vecteezy

Over 1.6 million free and Pro (subscription-based) vector graphics await you when you click “Vectors” from Vecteezy’s main menu and choose “Pattern.” Some of its categories include seamless, line, wave, retro, kids, camouflage, geometric, and abstract patterns.

3. Canva

Typing “patterns” on Canva’s search bar will display templates you can freely use or purchase to tailor-fit your business and serve as a box template that can help frame your packaging artwork.

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4. Spoonflower

Spoonflower is an online print-on-demand company that customizes design prints for fabric, home decor, and wallpaper. Its community includes 25,000 independent artists, interior designers, small business owners, and DIY hobbyists.

5. Patterncooler

Graphic artist Harvey Rayner is behind PatternCooler, another online resource for editable patterns (300 by 300 pixels). The website’s color and theme generator tabs have sliding tools for customizing the pattern’s colors, saturation, and motif randomness. License plans are available if you wish to use any of his patterns commercially.

6. Patternbank

Patternbank is a surface pattern and textile design website with a filter system for searching ideas—over 75,000 of them. Surface design refers to images showing artwork patterns for decorating various surfaces.

Under its “Giftware/Stationery” link, you’ll find options such as ethnic, conversationals (novelty print featuring recognizable objects), camouflage, texture, tribal, and border.

7. Artlandia

Artlandia’s Pattern Central has a collection of patterns from various categories, including naturalistic, abstract, and geometric. It also developed plug-ins for making repeat patterns in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

8. Dinpattern

Dinpattern describes itself as an “ever-growing” seamless pattern library maintained and updated by designer Evan Eckard. Image files containing the motifs are free to download, but they’re for screen use only.

9. Pinterest

Because you can pin almost everything on Pinterest, the visual discovery engine has a wealth of pattern design inspiration, pattern art, and pattern illustration. On its search bar, type “surface design” then bookmark or save your favorite image pins for future reference. 85% of Pinners use the platform to start a new project.

10. Dribbble

Graphic, web, and UX designers have portfolios on Dribbble. Because designers retain rights to their work, you must get permission from the pattern’s designer before using their artwork.

11. Behance

An Adobe platform, Behance provides another online community for creative professionals, including surface designers.

12. Eye on Design

This website—run by the American Institute of Graphic Arts—has several sections on everything about design from the professional community, including the latest updates about branding and patterns.

2023 Top Trending Patterns in Packaging Design

The websites above showcase talent from across America and the world. However, as a business owner, you may be wondering if there are specific patterns currently enjoying widespread adoption. Packaging design circles say these three patterns are gaining popularity among brands:

Wrap-around pattern

Health, beverage, cosmetics, and personal care brands are leading the pack in using this pattern, which features lines and waves that cover the entire surface of the product’s retail packaging. Curiosity motivates shoppers to pick up the item and explore the design 360 degrees or from every side of the container. You can apply this pattern using custom labels or print the wrap-around pattern design directly on sleeves, custom paper bags, and other box types.

Memphis pattern

Making a comeback is the 1980s Memphis pattern style characterized by bright and multiple colors and oversized geometric shapes, curves, and lines. A group led by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass a.k.a. Memphis Milano developed this retro aesthetic to oppose the 1960s minimalist design and 1970s modernism. Fashion brands and interior designers were behind its resurgence to evoke nostalgia, cheer, and individualism.

Folk botanical pattern

Current designs feature flowers, fruits, leaves, and vines drawn in unrefined, shaky doodles with rough textures and unexpected color combinations.

How to Choose a Pattern for Business Branding

How can you find the right pattern to improve your existing packaging design? These four steps can get you started:

1. Establish your brand’s visual identity

What needs does your product or business fulfill for your consumers? Understand your brand identity thoroughly, then choose a motif that aligns with your branding.

2. Research

Visit the websites and platforms we listed above to discover trends. Also, observe what’s around your home, your favorite hangout (diner or coffee shop), and your neighborhood—your surroundings can be rich sources of ideas.

Most importantly, check out your competitors’ product packaging to ensure you come up with a distinct pattern design.

3. Choose a concept or theme

Once you’re done with research, choose a motif, pattern layout, and repeat type.

4. Experiment and refine

Try different shapes, layouts, and color combinations. Designers use software such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate for their digital sketches. Meanwhile, you can create a mood board (a physical or digital one) where you can compile illustrations, photography, color swatches, stationery pieces, or even fabrics representing what you want to incorporate in your pattern.

Although you should ideally use your brand’s color palette, you can experiment with shades other than your official colors when using patterns. However, your chosen hues should still be relevant and enticing to your target audience. For instance, bright-colored stripes would be more pleasing to younger (or young at heart) and fun-loving consumers, while a more mature or high-end crowd would prefer muted colors or even a monochrome color scheme.

Another color contrast tip: you can render older brand motifs or symbols in their opposite tone (a duller tone of your original bright pattern and vice versa). With 75% of companies rebranding since 2020, your business may want to consider this idea when adding patterns or revitalizing your visual identity.

Also, examine your negative space or background and see if you can add something new, such as texture or smaller motifs.

Then create a mock-up and test the pattern, getting feedback from colleagues or clients.

Pattern Generators for Experimenting

Besides visiting the sites we recommended above, you can use online tools to create your patterns, even without design experience. Try these user-friendly platforms and let your creative side run free.

Patternizer

Are you planning to feature stripes on your packaging? Patternizer lets you play with two colors and its slider controls to manipulate opacity, width, gap (distance between stripes), and offset.

Pattern Monster

Pattern Monster is your go-to site if you want to discover and experiment with patterns featuring lines and geometric shapes.

Tabbied

To explore ideas using Tabbied, browse their gallery, then choose an artwork to “redraw” using their tools to change the color palette, motif size, and repeat style. You can then download your final pattern design as a .png file.

Repper

Repper is a pattern creator that lets you create patterns using tile images from the website or your collection. You can select from various effects and color adjustment options.

WowPatterns Pattern Maker

WowPatterns has 27 categories of over 2,500 handcrafted patterns and a pattern maker with tools that allow you to alter the tiling style, rotation (angle), and color adjustments of the motifs, whether from the site or your files. You can download the pattern’s tile or surface image in .png or .jpg format with a maximum resolution of 5,000 pixels.

How to Use a Pattern Design Effectively

For your chosen pattern to work on your packaging design, remember these tips:

Balance it with other details

Pick a pattern that doesn’t overwhelm your other packaging design elements, such as your logo, product name, or product description. This way, the written text and visuals can still be easy to read and understand.

Let patterns highlight other elements

While you can use patterns to bring together various shapes and other symbols of your design or offer aesthetic comfort (because repetition creates familiarity and consistency), patterns can also direct the consumer’s vision toward portions of the package you want to emphasize, such as text describing your product’s top features or its ingredients.

Differentiate product variants using pattern designs

Do you have several variations of your product? Choose colors and textures to represent or signify variants of goods, such as chocolate, coffee, soap, and fragrances.

Make your pattern scalable

Ensure your motifs, colors, and layout stay sharp when applied on a larger scale. Designers typically render patterns and line art in vector format to retain their high quality regardless of resizing. 

Pick an Expert for Your Packaging’s Pattern Design 

Businesses will continue to compete against each other through packaging, with recent data showing that budgets are set to rise 5.4% between 2022 and 2024 after a 3% rise from 2020 to 2022. Brands can expect patterns to stay influential as a design element in the years to come amid the thriving surface design industry. While US-based statistics aren’t available, over 3,000 designers worldwide belong to the Surface Design Association.

By following our tips, you can also use patterns to boost your branded packaging. Whether your idea is just germinating or a designer has developed a pattern design for you, Refine Packaging can make your motifs and colors come alive with our custom boxes and high-quality printing.

Our team can discuss your project given your artwork and preferred materials. We also have in-house designers ready to assist you if you haven’t finalized your desired pattern yet. Moreover, Refine Packaging can produce a mockup of your packaging box to ensure that the outcome fulfills your purpose. 

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 Where to Find Remarkable Patterns for Packaging Design appeared first on Refine Packaging.

At a time when thousands of new companies—and, therefore, new products—enter the market annually, businesses rely on these experts to see their products enjoy their day in the sun. The food industry alone welcomes 15,000 new products every year.

But with so many freelancers and agencies offering their design services, how would you know who can translate your unique selling proposition (USP) onto your brand’s visual identity?

This article will discuss how you can prepare for your collaboration with a packaging designer, including the factors to consider in selecting the one who can support your goals.

Before we dive in, allow us to show you some stats for insights on the consumer market from a wider angle. The figures below show how important it is to take product packaging seriously and seek the right path toward customer-centric packaging.

Impact of Packaging on Sales

Attractive packaging design remains at the heart of the unboxing experience. According to a Macfarlane poll, branded packaging made up 59% of all boxes shipped by merchants in 2022. Moreover, 41% of respondents said that printed packaging produced memorable moments, which made them want to buy again.

The outcome of this UK-based survey reflected similar sentiments of American shoppers in Dotcom Distribution’s study. 47% of participants who bought luxury shoppers over the past year said that “visually appealing/gift-like” boxes (32%) and personalized packaging parts (15%) made them share photos or videos of a purchase. Meanwhile, 24% valued sustainable packaging that is eco-friendly and paper-based.

Project Brief: Clarifying Your Vision

Packaging designers would ask you to share the details of your project in a project brief (also called a design or packaging brief). It lays the foundation of understanding between you and the designer or design agency by establishing your project’s purpose, scope, timeline, and budget.

The brief can take time to write, but it’s the most effective way to organize your thoughts and make the most of your meeting with your chosen designer. The document will serve as your playbook and prevent your designer from saying, “We didn’t realize or know you needed that” midway through the project.

Here are the sections to include in your project brief:

Project overview

Start the document with a short project description to help your designer envision what they need to deliver. Include the name of your brand and product, its back story, your USP, and how you want to communicate with customers through packaging.

Describe your product’s physical qualities, including its fragility, its appearance, smell, and so on.

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Company profile

This section describes what your company does, its values, and general objectives.

Goals

Discuss your reason for getting the designer’s services. If you’re launching a new product, your goals may include brand awareness, ensuring shelf appeal, and providing a pleasurable unboxing experience. 

However, if you’re hiring a designer to improve your existing packaging, identify your current problems—for instance, high production or transport costs, weak box structure, too simplistic design compared to rivals, or poor print quality. 

Share your competitor’s design or packaging to help your designer or agency grasp how you want to carve a unique presence in your market or niche.

Providing your designer with the above information will deepen their insight into your needs, possibly giving them a list of factors to eliminate when they start brainstorming your design.

Target audience

Define your target buyers—their demographics, preferences, and buying behavior. Be specific: trying to reach senior citizens who want to safely use their home bathtubs is different from trying to reach bathtub owners of any age.

Scope (design, material, and dimensions)

The scope covers your project’s technical details. Specify the style (box type), shape, measurements, preferred material (including any sustainable aspects or methods you wish to apply), and finish or texture. Remember to provide your brand style guide: logo, color palette, and proprietary artwork. Also, include all legal or mandatory copy you want to appear, such as ingredients, manufacturing information, warnings, and barcode.

Are there any elements that you don’t want your packaging to have? Incorporate them in the brief to help reduce revisions in the future.

If you’re changing your existing packaging, tell them about its shortcomings and get their feedback on how to improve it. Also, tell your designer about your shipping, distribution, and display methods so they can recommend suitable materials.

Timeline

Set your target dates, from when you want to see the design studies or samples to your expected delivery date of the printed boxes. Divide the timeline into stages depending on the urgency and output volume.

Budget

State your budget, but be open to discussions with your agency so you can balance quality with cost-effectiveness.

Deliverables

List the items you expect your designer to produce: mockups, digital files of the design, quantity of boxes, and any extras you may need. Discuss and agree on the approval process—ask how you expect them to deliver their output for your approval for each stage.

Contact information

Your project’s success will depend on regular communication between you or your team and the design agency. Include phone numbers and messaging contact details where your designer can reach you.

After your initial discussion, you may need to review the brief with your designer again to explore any changes. Amend as necessary and work together to ensure both sides share the same understanding of the brief. 

Where to Find Designers or Design Agencies

There are several places you can search to find a designer or design agency:

• Google (type “top or best packaging design agencies/firms” or “top or best packaging designers” + your location)
• Freelance networks, such as Fiverr and Upwork
• Portfolio sites feature designers’ past works, such as Behance and Dribbble
• Crowdsourcing sites, such as DesignCrowd and 99designs, operate like a design contest—you can post your project and receive proposals from around the world. Clients only pay for submissions they like. Refine Packaging has partnered with 99designs to provide brands an easy way to match with design experts to create world-class product packaging at an affordable price.

Which Is Better: A Freelancer or Design Agency? 

Freelance designers are experts in their niche and work independently—typically on a contract basis. Being a one-person team and their own boss, freelancers communicate directly with you or your marketing head. Meanwhile, design companies typically have several members, such as graphic designers, brand strategists, and market research specialists. Agencies can offer an array of services given the diverse skill set of their team.

How do you choose between the two? Your funds, project scope, and sense of urgency are top considerations.

Hire a freelancer if you have a small, lower-budget project that you need to complete fast. Meanwhile, choose a design agency for larger projects requiring more strategic planning to go into your packaging design, such as market research and mockup development. 

Agencies charge higher and assign you to an account manager. However, they have access to more resources and follow an established process, enabling them to finish your project within your deadline and scale when necessary.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Agency or Designer

To determine the designer or agency most suitable for your needs, evaluate your prospects with these criteria:

1. Track record

Designers can have various specializations—select the one who specializes in packaging. Not all graphic designers work with dielines. Research the person or company online to verify their track record. Read their case studies and what reviews say about them. Ask for references from past clients if possible.

Seasoned designers can recommend the packaging type that will work best with your product. They can also suggest the design and imagery, which will make your package eye-catching, given your preferred box size, shape, and material. Moreover, such designers know government compliance requirements on labeling (origin claim, FDA guidelines, and others).

Whenever possible, pick a designer who has package manufacturing experience. Those who do can go alongside you from design concept to production and box delivery. They are also familiar with the average production time for different box types.

2. Portfolio

Does the designer or agency have experience working in your industry or niche? Check their online portfolios for past work related to your sector and see if their output aligns with your taste. You can also request them to show you samples of their past projects.

3. Connection with printers

Designers or agencies typically have printing partners. Past collaborations hasten the process due to the agency’s familiarity with the latter’s quality and speed. They can also ask the printer about the minimum volume requirement for your preferred packaging.

Choose an agency that can liaise with the printer and follow your timeframe. Alternatively, you can recommend that your designer use a leading packaging manufacturer such as Refine Packaging for your printing needs.

4. Prototyping and testing

Can the agency supply you with a sample or mockup for review before mass production? Find one that offers prototypes as part of their service. Testing services—especially boxes for fragile products—will be a great plus.

5. Other services

Ask the designer if they can render your design onto other items in your product range. Consider specifying this in your project brief, as your other goods might have different dimensions and packaging materials.

Moreover, verify whether your designer or agency can offer copywriting and editing services for the text on your box.

You can also inquire if they’re knowledgeable about trademark and copyright issues. Otherwise, you might have to hire a lawyer to avoid legal issues.

Limitations of a DIY Approach to Packaging Design

New technologies allow entrepreneurs to design and print basic marketing materials by themselves faster and at a lower cost. However, if you want your product to stand up to the competition, you’ll need some professional help.

A DIY approach lets you practice your freedom of expression besides being in full control of the creative process. Immersing yourself in production can also educate you in graphic design, printing, and the box manufacturing sector.

But that said, handling packaging design yourself has some limitations, which a professional designer can help overcome:

1. Your design can be authentic but out of touch with your market

You may choose symbols, colors, and copy for your packaging representing your style and beliefs, which are close to your heart as a business owner. However, the design may not click with your target audience. For 63% of consumers, a product’s packaging is equally important as the brand itself.

Working with a packaging designer widens your perspective to include the factors involved in buying decisions. Designers translate their consumer knowledge, awareness of trends, and artistry into a unique design containing your preferred elements.

2. The hours you spend on package design can take time off your core tasks

You may also act as your company’s accountant, driver, legal liaison, and purchaser when you’re starting your business. Designing your package might get you stuck in an ever-deepening hole as you discover its intricacies.

A packaging designer can handle market research, competitor analysis, ideation, the creation of various design samples, prototyping, and more.

3. Your software may offer editable templates, but your final design can still look generic

The Internet offers a wealth of free and paid tools that design logos and stylize pictures, which you can print as labels or directly on paper packages. However, you risk finding a similar box template design on other products and appearing amateurish. Designers use more specialized software, which can generate an original design for you from scratch.

4. The quality of your home printer’s output can suffer with bulk printing

If you print your stickers and sleeves using your home printer, the output may eventually fade on some printed material over time. Quality printing is essential since more than 70% of consumers state that packaging design influences their buying decisions.

A professional designer works with commercial-grade printers to provide consistent print quality, which is crucial in branding.

5. Stock boxes may not be as sturdy and cost-efficient as custom boxes

Using stock boxes is more economical if you’re on a tight budget. Moreover, restocking won’t be a problem, unlike custom boxes, which your printer must replenish.

However, made-to-order boxes can be more financially sustainable in the long run if you sell luxury items or uniquely shaped items. Designers can develop the most suitable structure and choose the correct materials to hold up your product and preserve the box’s visual appeal until they reach their destination.

Well-designed boxes can make you spend less on padding (within or outside the box) and shipping. Moreover, it reduces damages, which lower product returns, which will also cost you. 80% of consumers also state that solid and sturdy packaging impacts their satisfaction with a product.

6.   Designing on your own can stretch your budget

Unless you’ve had previous experience with design, packaging, and printing, you might end up buying materials you might have to replace later on due to their low quality, inaccurate dimension, or incompatibility with your product. Meanwhile, you might stock up on expensive supplies only to discover later that more reasonably priced packaging is available.

Packaging designers consider your budget and apply their know-how and experience to ensure these issues don’t become your own during your partnership. 

Ensure Your Packaging Design Translates Beautifully on Your Custom Box

Any packaging design is only as good as its final version—the physical box. While it can look great from your designer’s study sample, your product can only have a fighting chance in the market through high-quality print packaging, which has the look and feel you envisioned from the start.

Refine Packaging has in-house designers who can assist you to this end. You can view our product gallery to learn about our capabilities. At the same time, you can get assurance from our testimonials that our team will be with you every step of the way in your packaging design journey. 

Contact us today to discuss your custom box project, whether you already have a basic concept, want to change your existing packaging, or need help from scratch.

The post How to Find an Incredible Packaging Designer (5 Critical Factors) 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.

Today, knowing the difference between raster and vector images is crucial in packaging design, which prizes accurate and consistent print quality. Discovering their attributes allows you to choose the most appropriate type—or at least helps you appreciate why your packaging designer used one type or a combination of them.

Designers understand that their creations look different in 2D—on a computer monitor or a printed sheet—and in 3D—or the printed box. That’s why they save designs in a format that will preserve their look during the printing process. Moreover, designers aim to ensure that their creations—your brand logo and illustrations—stay sharp and comprehensible under store lights and beside other similar products.

Captivating with Visuals

One study says that brands have a seven-second window to convince shoppers to buy their products. According to another research, visuals—such as your logo, product name, and artwork—are among the first design elements that catch consumers’ attention. Imagery is an undeniably powerful design element. It represents your brand and shapes the public’s view of your business before they even try your product.

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The percentage of consumers who value a product’s packaging when making a purchase (10%) is about the same as those who prioritize the brand name (12%). So you must make sure that your packaging and brand assets appear crisp and stir curiosity, trust, and pleasure.

Leveling Expectations: Understanding Raster and Vector Files

Packaging designers save their creations as raster or vector files, the two main groupings of image formats in the digital art world. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these two image types points us to their best applications.

Raster Images (Bitmap Images)

A series of tiny colored squares or pixels blend and form a raster image. Like a mosaic, each raster image contains a fixed number of pixels, expressed in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI). The pixel number determines the image’s quality or resolution. Raster images with high DPIs or PPIs allow you to enlarge them without looking grainy or blurry—or what we call pixelated. However, these images come in larger file sizes.

Photographs and scanned images are examples of raster images. 300 DPI is the best resolution for printing, while 72 DPI is ideal for website images. Raster files, recommended for non-line art images, can undergo editing using Adobe Photoshop.

Vector Images

Mathematical paths, shapes, and curves define the direction (starting and ending points) and the magnitude of vector images. Because these files aren’t pixel-based, you can scale them up to billboard size or down to fit a pin or button without losing quality. 

Logos, illustrations, fonts, icons, and graphics created in Adobe Illustrator are examples of vector graphics. Their file size is relatively small because they consist of lines and anchor points, making them faster to transmit through email or other file-sharing platforms.

Image File Formats

Printers typically tell you their required file format and other specifications to make your design “print-ready.” Read our list below to familiarize yourself with various file formats for raster and vector images.

Raster files

TIFF or tagged image file format (.tiff)

TIFF was the most common format for saving high-resolution images bound for printing until the early 2000s when PDF and other vector formats became more popular. This file type uses lossless compression, resulting in large file sizes but high-quality images. TIFF can save transparent backgrounds.

JPG or joint photographic experts group (.jpg)

A JPG file is a compressed image with thousands of pixels saved as a flattened bitmap that uses less space. This method results in a smaller file size and quality loss— also referred to as lossy compression. 

The quality loss is generally not noticeable unless they’re sharp lines and geometric shapes, which become blurred as a result of compression. Moreover, this file type doesn’t save transparent backgrounds. Images with such backgrounds become a solid color when saved in JPG.

These images support a 24-bit palette of color, making them the best format to use for photos. Most website images and non-professional prints use this format.

PNG or portable network graphics (.png)

Unlike JPG, PNG is a lossless format and has larger file sizes as a result. These files are more versatile than JPG, as they support transparency, allowing them to blend with different backgrounds. Due to their low resolution, PNG images are more suitable for web graphics than printed materials. 

BMP or bitmap image file (.bmp)

BMP images also belong to the uncompressed file category. Microsoft developed this format to appear in Windows programs, but you can open and revise these files in major image-editing software. Experts recommend this high-quality format for archiving images or documents.

GIF or graphics interchange format (.gif)

You can find GIFs widely used today for web-based animated images. This format has a small file size and supports transparency. However, GIFs can only carry 256 colors, not making it advisable for photos and high-quality printing.

HEIC or high-efficiency image container format (.heic)

HEIC is the format of images taken on iPhones and other Apple devices using iOS 11 or later. It only needs half the storage space eaten up by JPG images. Windows have developed extensions that convert this file type into JPG.

Vector Files

PDF or portable document format (.pdf)

PDF is a popular format for printing because you can create it from various programs, and it preserves your formatting and layout. The file is commonly associated with vectors, but it can also contain a raster image, depending on the software you use to create it. 

You can also encrypt the file, setting passwords and digital signatures for access. However, PDF isn’t the best choice if your design will still undergo editing later.

EPS or encapsulated postscript (.eps)

Like PDFs, EPS files preserve their resolution or image quality when you scale them. Although no longer as popular in the design and printing process, many designers still use them for saving the logos, icons, and illustrations they create. 

Adobe created EPS in the 1980s to cater to artistic typography projects. This format aimed to ensure that image quality remains intact during text resizing, particularly for large format printing. You can edit EPS images in Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.

AI or Adobe Illustrator (.ai)

Adobe introduced the AI format to replace the older EPS. AI images require Adobe Illustrator to view and edit (although CorelDRAW and other programs offer limited functionality). This format supports transparency and special effects.

CDR or CorelDRAW (.cdr)

Like AI, CDR files only work with full support within CorelDRAW’s platforms. The format is another good option for illustrations, icons, and logos.

SVG or scalable vector graphics (.svg)

SVGs are formats with small sizes that you usually find on the web. Some of its best uses include graphs and diagrams for websites.

This table summarizes our discussion on vector and raster images so far:

How to Prepare Your Artwork to Achieve the Best-Looking Prints

After learning about vector and raster images, you can now be on the same page with your designer and printer in preparing your design for printing. Here are some tips to ensure the final product will feature clear imagery:

1. Know your printer’s file-format requirements

Most printers require a vector file. Ask your printing company about the specific file format it needs. Moreover, verify if the file should include layers and cut and fold lines.

2. Check your colors

Consumers take around 90 seconds to decide how to interact with products. Moreover, color influences up to 90% of their initial impression. So be aware of colors and how they will register on your chosen packaging material. For instance, Kraft paper can carry darker colors well. However, not all printers can print white ink on this material.

Files bound for printing are typically in CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-“key” or black) mode. Images for websites and other digital media (on-screen displays) use the red-green-blue or RGB model. Ask your printer if it can match your Pantone or specific colors.

3. Get the correct files from your packaging designer

Unless your designer or agency included printing services in their package, relay your printer’s requirements so you can submit a “print-ready” version of your design (including dielines and color codes if your printer does custom colors).

4. Verify your paper or packaging material choice

This step can coincide with your ideation process or when you and your designer discuss your preferred material as part of your project or design brief. Your packaging designer and printer can confirm whether the material you selected is compatible with your preferred printing technique.

5. Request a custom box sample

The best printing service providers can give you a sample to view the final product up close and make any final tweaks before mass production. 

Questions for Evaluating Packaging Visuals

Once you get your prototype, you and your team can ask these questions to help you gauge your target market’s reaction to your packaging’s visuals:

1. Is it clear, and does it define your product right away?

Your packaging should immediately let buyers know what your product is and its purpose. Avoid confusing shoppers—don’t package your soap bars like food unless such design is part of your marketing strategy. 80% of customers are willing to try new products that help them attain their goals.

2. Does it honestly represent its content(s)?

Photos and descriptions on your packaging should accurately represent what’s inside, such as quantity, flavor, and so on.

3. What is the packaging’s “shelf impact”?

Visit one or more shops that will sell your product and see how it fares when on display with your competitors’ products. Does it stand out? How can your packaging be more noticeable?

Your product’s most important information should be front and center so that consumers can discover your brand when it appears between others of the same category on store shelves.

If you run an e-commerce store or subscription box service, visit sites that offer products like yours to determine your packaging’s visual appeal. Search engines (55%) andretailer websites (34%) are among the consumers’ top three sources of pre-purchase information.

4.  Is the design versatile enough?

When you decide to introduce variations of your product, can you easily modify your design for one or more variants?

Choose Professionals for Your Artwork and Printing

Outsourcing the creation of your custom-printed product box to a packaging designer or design agency is the most effective route to achieving your branding goals.

Agencies and printing firms specializing in packaging can recommend, develop, and execute designs that grab attention and elicit curiosity, excitement, and pleasure.

At Refine Packaging, we don’t just produce stunning boxes. Our customer support can start from artwork design guidance and structural engineering. If you already have a design, you can visit our Artwork Guidelines to help you or your designer send a print-ready file. The checklist, which includes our file format and other requirements, will allow us to process your order—or first produce a mockup—with minimal to zero hitches. Contact us today so we can connect you with our design team.

The post Raster vs Vector: Essential Printing Guide to Image File Formats appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Before the subscription model, businesses offered club memberships to introduce their latest offerings without pushing for physical store visits. With subscription boxes, various items from beauty or grooming products and pet food to clothing, books, and “loot crates” for gamers conveniently arrive at one’s doorsteps monthly, quarterly, or other recurring timeframes.

But life is now returning to the “old normal.” In-store shopping is in high gear – with 61% of consumers preferring to shop in person to view or try on the items they’re purchasing – and inflationary costs are rising. Consequently, subscription boxes are no longer the obsession they used to be, but are still widely used. How can your product offerings stay relevant and attract new customers? By understanding this business model’s success drivers and packaging basics, it’s still possible to plan and launch your themed box idea.

Subscription Box Categories

The three subscription box categories explain the appeal of this shopping model.

Access

Membership subscriptions boost the idea of being special, as certain items are only exclusive or limited to subscribers. A recent survey showed that being able to “try something new” is the top reason why up to 51% of U.S. shoppers get subscription boxes. Retailers sometimes include their latest offering in their monthly boxes for members to test, which could mean pre-launch access and a chance to purchase earlier than commercial distribution.

Curation

Who wouldn’t want to receive a “mystery gift” every month for the rest of the year? The surprise factor is the idea behind curated subscriptions, which offer something new in every shipment. This option builds up the anticipation to unravel and discover something novel and personalized, making it a wonderful gift idea for friends or oneself.

Replenishment

Also known as the “subscribe and save” category, replenishment subscriptions provide consumers with a fresh supply of their chosen product once it runs out (vitamins, soap, beverages, and so on). Shoppers gain peace of mind knowing they won’t run out of stock of their favorite items. They also skip the hassle of placing a new order because subscriptions are recurring.

Moreover, buyers can also save on costs, as some—if not all—products are on discount as part of the subscription.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Subscription Box Packaging

You can tailor-fit your subscription box to match your brand’s marketing goals and keep your product intact during transit. Here are the factors you must consider when selecting your packaging:

1. Style

You can choose from various box types to ship your product:

• Folding carton boxes are for single-item, lightweight products.
• Mailer boxes are heavier and sturdier than paperboard boxes.
• Shipping boxes made of corrugated cardboard are heavier than mailer boxes. In many cases,  customized shipping boxes are your best option if you’re going for an original look and feel that suits your product protection and budget goals.
• Rigid boxes for heavy and premium or luxury products.
  

Choose a type robust enough that it won’t tear under your item’s weight.

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2. Size

You must know what items will go into your subscription box to determine the appropriate size. Take the dimension of your box’s contents: weight, length (side-to-side), width (front-to-back), and depth (top-to-bottom). Also, consider how fragile or durable they are.

A box slightly larger than your product is better than one in which your product barely fits. You can put fillers in the space around your item, particularly for breakable and easily deformed or punctured contents. However, the box shouldn’t be too big that products would jiggle inside.  Furthermore, consider that larger boxes can add to shipping costs.

3. Packaging Extras

People love unboxing. On Instagram, when you search for #unboxing, over 4 million posts will show up. To enhance your subscribers’ unboxing experience, you can choose to enhance the interior of your subscription box with the following:

Inlays 

Inserts provide perfect-fitting holders for your products, reducing the chances of items breaking or getting tossed around during shipment.

Dividers

Create compartments inside your box to improve the presentation of various products, especially to keep several small items of the same kind in separate spaces.

Padding 

Such as bubble wrap, air pillows, and crumpled kraft paper prevent dents and other damage on your item.

Custom Tissue Paper

Acts like a gift wrap that covers your product inside the box.

Custom Stickers, Labels, or Tape

Help heighten brand awareness and can prevent tampering if you use them to seal the lid onto the rest of the box. They’re also a cost-effective decor if you opt for plain packaging.

Custom Sleeves

Also known as belly band packaging, custom sleeves serve as 360-degree wrap-around labels for similar items—like a chocolate bar set or egg tray—or boxes, whether plain or printed.

4. Printing Method

The three most common printing methods that packaging service providers currently use are:

• Flexographic printing: Features printing plates containing your design—one plate for each color. They spin on rotating cylinders and “stamp” or transfer the image onto the packaging material. Most corrugated box projects with simple designs use flexographic printing due to speed and clarity, even on corrugated boxes.
• Digital printing: Involves machines that can apply the colored or monochrome design directly on the box’s surfaces. Although more highly recommended for smaller orders, some printing providers can offer this service for large-quantity jobs.
• Lithographic printing: Also known as litho-lamination or offset printing—can be compared to wallpapering. It produces high-resolution designs onto a paper sheet laminated on the packaging box using adhesive. We recommend this method for more intricate designs and photo-quality imagery. Offset printing is also suitable for printing boxes with a metallic finish and Pantone colors.
  

5. Packaging Designer and Supplier

A designer can help you determine the box structure that can best protect your product from breaking or shifting while at the same time representing your brand and delighting your subscribers. Some packaging suppliers have transit safety (ISTA) certification and offer rigorous box performance testing.

Before deciding to outsource your product box design and printing, be sure to:

• Determine your budget: This will help set the quantity you can order.
• Set your timeline: when you need to get your boxes to provide time for packing and shipping.
  

Meanwhile, examine the following when choosing a packaging supplier:

• Industry experience
• Range of services and customization (Can it design, print, and ship the boxes you require?)
• Reviews about the supplier’s output quality and customer service (If possible, ask and compare samples from your shortlisted candidates.)
• Response or delivery time
• Pricing, minimum requirement, and if they can keep up with demand
• Use of sustainable kraft and eco-friendly box materials
• Shipping service (warehousing and logistics)

A custom packaging manufacturer such as Refine Packaging can create a unique design, provide prototyping and testing, handle your printing needs, and scale high-quality production as your business grows.

6. Shipping

Handling subscription box deliveries can be time-consuming. Find out your options, including working with a fulfillment center if your orders are mounting and you don’t have enough staff to help you with shipping.

Branding Essentials You Should Know

Familiarize yourself with the following design elements to help you work better with your subscription box packaging designer:

Typography

Typography refers to the font your brand uses. It should be readable enough to catch your prospect’s and client’s eye. Besides using an attractive font, your tagline should include catchy words that reflect your brand values.

Copy

Copy refers to descriptions, instructions, and other written information you will include in your packaging.

Logo and Colors

It’s logical to use your logo and brand colors to reinforce your business identity. However, you can play around with your color palette. Check if your designer can draft multiple designs featuring variations of your brand colors. Good designers consider your target audience and market trends (including the competitor’s packaging type or style) when crafting and presenting studies for your review and approval.

Other Visuals

You can include photos of the product inside your box and other details such as vector graphics (that retain their smooth look even if you enlarge them) and patterns (lines, curves, shapes) to help manage subscribers’ expectations about the contents.

Negative Space

Negative spaces are the blank or white spaces around and between images. They add sophistication to packaging and can direct people’s gaze to significant elements like your logo or tagline.

Dieline

The dieline is the flat diagram showing all the cut lines and folds of your packaging box.

Subscription Box Packaging Checklist

Here’s a summary of the packaging details to remember from concept design to shipping:

Examples of Subscription Boxes

The most sought-after subscription boxes are visually appealing and structurally sound. Although the following examples mainly received good reviews for their content, their designs are also worth studying:

Universal Yums

Universal Yums’ subscription box—a custom end-open mailer box—features a set of various snack packets from a different country each month. The exterior design features blue-colored sweet treats set on a white background, building on the same colors as the Universal Yums logo. The two-toned design provides a good balance to its multi-colored contents, which include a country map and a guidebook about the featured nation’s top destinations, culture, fun trivia, and a local recipe. The box is available in three sizes: Yum Box with five to seven snacks, Yum Yum Box with 10 to 12 snacks, and Super Yum Box with 15 to 18 snacks. Shoppers can subscribe annually or send it as gifts (once or monthly for three, six, or 12 months).

Jot Coffee

Only Jot Ultra Coffee’s rabbit logo in gold foil appears outside the box in solid black. Inlays secure the bottles and a silver spoon. Newer subscription boxes contain dividers to separate the bottles and drinking glasses, which are among the welcome gift options for first-time subscribers. 

Unlike Universal Yums, Jot uses two-sided printing, which gives the box a luxurious feel, although it doesn’t use a rigid box. Subscriptions provide 25% savings on its 200-ml bottles of concentrated liquid coffee.

Gardyn

Gardyn claims you don’t need to have a green thumb to succeed at indoor gardening when you sign up for its monthly kit of salad vegetables you can grow using its proprietary hydroponic system. 

The company uses one rigid box to deliver ABS plastic columns, which hold several “yCubes” or pods with seeds and rockwool—”a natural, rock-based growing medium”—inside (packed in their own box), a six-gallon water reservoir that serves as the base, and other accessories. 

A separate narrower rigid box contains poles that provide simulated lighting for the plants. The Gardyn app guides subscribers through their gardening journey with the help of AI assistant Kelby, which monitors the plant’s health using the cameras on the light poles. 

Subscription Box: History and Forecast

The subscription box trend began at the heels of Netflix’s 2007 launch of its streaming service when Harvard Business School fellow grads Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna launched Birchbox in 2009. Subscribers received designer beauty products—mostly in miniature size—for a $10 monthly fee. By mid-2010 onwards, more sellers adopted the concept, offering consumers more product-type subscription options. Ipsy and Dollar Shave became Birchbox’s top rivals.

The COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 boosted the industry as followers of Instagram and YouTube influencers became captive audiences for unboxing videos. Large companies such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon and niche retailers like Wayfair, which hopped on the trend before the pandemic, drew more subscribers as people turned to safe and reliable shipping of home staples and hobby items when stay-at-home orders were in force.

The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group’s latest report shows that the global subscription box market was worth $28.1 billion in 2022 and may hit $73.6 billion by 2028. The report adds that the top challenges facing current and incoming players are fierce competition amid market saturation and a lack of long-term agreements with vendors, which could threaten standardization and spike prices.

How to Sustain Your Subscription Box Business

High prices are making 60% of Americans abandon the subscription box habit. Thus, you must make your target market feel they’re getting more value for their money by signing up or staying subscribed. Here are some ways you can activate or reignite the addiction for your recurring box:

1. Reward subscribers

You can integrate a loyalty program into your subscription by providing subscribers with access to free merchandise or priority customer support besides early access to new offers and discounts.

2. Collect and analyze feedback

Focus on the first box and what recipients felt upon receiving it. The American Marketing Association advises subscription box providers to combine “concrete” and “emotion”-related questions: “What did you feel when you saw the box’s contents?” (emotional) and “What were your top three thoughts when you tried the products?” (concrete). Avoid seeking extensive comments about their second box. Instead, build up interest for the next box.

3. Offer a preview about the next box without making them lose excitement

You can inform subscribers in advance about a specific product in the upcoming box but not the entire kit. Rotate the product category or any aspect of the box that you’d like to preview every month.

4. Diversify

If you’re not a brand owner but depend on suppliers for your subscription box’s contents, you may consider diversifying your offers just like what leading providers are doing. For instance, Blue Apron has launched one-off party boxes for Thanksgiving and special occasions and an online cookware and wine shop.

5. Keep a tab on trends

Hyper-personalization, higher demand for men’s boxes, and influencer marketing will continue to prevail in the subscription box sector in the short term. Stay abreast with new developments, including smart packaging technology. Examples include QR codes to access digital content describing the product or augmented reality, active (shelf life-extension) packaging, as well as radio frequency identification, and embedded barcodes to prevent tampering and counterfeiting.

Create FOMO with Unforgettable Custom Subscription Boxes

Consumers can fear missing out on your subscription box with the help of targeted messages and customized packaging. But since the unboxing experience is the main draw of your subscription offer, getting your packaging right becomes the top priority.

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 Subscription Box Packaging Design Essentials You Need to Know appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Having been given the green light by Congress a few years ago, CBD derived from hemp has been cropping up in a wide range of products. We now see it in food, oils, capsules, skincare, cosmetics, and other consumer products. For enterprising individuals, this presents a potentially lucrative venture with a vast market.

If you’re one of those carving a niche in the CBD sector, there’s one thing you ought to know—the importance of custom CBD boxes. Having high-quality products is already a given, of course. But you’ll need more than that to win consumers. You’d need to have eye-catching packaging that provides accurate product information AND meets legal requirements in your state.

That’s a lot to take in. But don’t fret. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs and the do’s and don’ts of CBD packaging. It will help you find the packaging solution that screams, “I’m the coolest CBD product on the block!”

What Is CBD?

First things first. Before we delve deeper into carton packaging, let’s go over some CBD basics.

CBD is cannabidiol, a compound naturally found in cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike its psychoactive cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD won’t make you feel high or alter your brain function. Available in different forms, it can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of products, including food supplements, skin care products, edible oils, snacks, and cosmetics.

So what’s the buzz about CBD?

CBD’s popularity can be attributed to its purported benefits on health and wellness. A survey on why American adults use CBD shows that about 3 out of 5 find it helpful in reducing stress, relieving pain, and improving sleep quality. This may come as a surprise, but 1 out of 2 respondents indicated that a doctor suggested CBD as a form of medical intervention and/or treatment. Far from common belief, only 35% use CBD for fun or recreational purposes.

In the beauty industry, the most popular benefit of CBD is reducing inflammation. This is among the main reasons US shoppers buy CBD skincare products. Beyond beauty, CBD has shown promise in reducing seizure episodes in people with epilepsy. In fact, the FDA has approved the use of CBD-based Epidiolex to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy. This prescription contains a purified form of cannabidiol from hemp and has been deemed safe for use in some seizure disorders.

WHO also gives the green light on hemp-based CBD, saying that the compound shows no potential for abuse or dependence. However, there are still no conclusive findings on the benefits that CBD brings and the effects of its sustained use. More research has to be done to uncover the true effects of this compound. There have been reports of potential side effects of CBD, including liver damage, drug interactions, gastrointestinal problems, male reproductive toxicity, and mood changes. Ingestible CBD products may also increase the risk of sedation and drowsiness when used with alcohol or other drugs.

Legal Matters: Do’s and Don’ts in CBD Packaging

Let’s get one more thing out of the way—the legal complexities of selling and packaging CBD products. When the Agriculture Improvement Act was signed into law in 2018, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its derivatives and extracts were removed from the list of controlled substances. However, CBD products are to be regulated by the FDA and must still comply with regulations, including a cap of 0.3 percent THC on dry weight.

Except for Epidiolex, the FDA has not approved the marketing of CBD as a treatment for any disease or condition. CBD products are also excluded from the list of dietary supplements. However, there are some states that remove restrictions on the medical and health use of cannabis within their jurisdiction. You may want to hold off jumping in excitement though. While some states have legalized the use and sale of CBD products, some have not. There are also some states that prohibit their sale in interstate commerce. That is a bit of a buzzkill, but it’s something you should comply with as a CBD seller.

Because the laws and regulations vary from state to state, you really need to do your homework to know which ones to comply with depending on where you’re located and the areas you cater to. Now, to help you avoid legal ramifications, here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to CBD packaging.

Do’s:

• Make it crystal clear what form of CBD is in your products. Is it oil, extract, or some fancy concoction? Have this information readable on the product packaging.
• Include the amount or percentage of CBD and/or THC in your product. Follow state regulations and keep the THC under 0.3%.
• Display all essential information clearly. Don’t make your customers wonder what’s inside your products. Include a list of ingredients in your packaging.

Don’ts:

• Don’t make unverified claims or market your CBD product as a miracle cure that can treat and prevent ailments. This is a dangerous practice that can hinder proper and timely medical care.
• Don’t market or label your CBD product as a dietary supplement or food product. Go over FDA regulations and local state guidelines for CBD labeling requirements.
• Don’t mislead consumers with small print. Minimalism is not ideal when designing custom labels for CBD products. You’d want to make sure all information is displayed clearly and readable.

Phew! That was a lot to digest. Now that we’ve shed some light on legal matters, we’re ready to dive into the exciting world of CBD packaging.

Choosing the Right Packaging Type for CBD Products

With CBD sales growing from 0.5 billion to 1.8 billion in just four years, the CBD market is becoming increasingly competitive. More businesses are likely to capitalize on the increased demand, spurring a highly competitive market.

To stand out, having good-quality products isn’t always enough. You must capture consumer attention and pique interest in your products. How do you do that? Through awesome packaging. 72% of Americans state that packaging typically influences whether they buy an item.

Let’s explore some packaging types that can elevate your CBD products and make them shine on the shelves and on online platforms.

1. CBD Boxes

A CBD box offers versatility and customization options, making it suitable for a wide range of CBD products. Whether you’re packaging CBD oils, tinctures, creams, balms, or even CBD-infused edibles like chocolates or granola bars, a CBD box can be tailored to accommodate various product sizes and shapes. Look for features like protective dust flaps, a self-locking design, and durable construction to ensure your products stay secure and protected.

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2. Paper Bags

Paper bags are an economical and eco-friendly packaging option that works well for CBD products like loose-leaf teas, dried herbs, or pre-rolled CBD joints. In a survey, more than 65% consider paper packaging as more appealing than other materials. Paper bags are ideal for customers who appreciate a more natural and minimalist aesthetic. You can also incorporate your brand colors by opting for colored paper packaging with customized designs to make your products stand out. The downside to this type of packaging is that it may not always be that durable for shipping your products.

3. Fabric Wraps

Fabric wraps add a touch of elegance and sophistication to CBD beauty products. An alternative for cosmetic packaging design, they’re perfect for packaging CBD-infused skincare items like face masks, bath bombs, or body lotions. Consider using a loosely woven sack or silk fabric that not only protects the product but also enhances the overall presentation.

4. Display Boxes

Display boxes are designed to catch the eye of potential customers and create an attractive presentation on the shelves. They’re suitable for showcasing CBD products like CBD-infused beverages, vape cartridges, or CBD topicals. CBD display boxes help your products stand out among the competition and create a visual impact that drives consumer interest. These can get your CBD products off the shelves and into consumer homes.

5. Corrugated Boxes

When it comes to sturdiness and protection, corrugated packaging is ideal for CBD products that require extra durability during shipping. They’re well-suited for CBD oils, glass bottles, or any fragile items that need to be securely packaged. Corrugated boxes offer excellent cushioning and protection against impact to ensure your products arrive in perfect condition. Plus, they have a high 91.4% recycling rate in the United States, helping protect the earth as well.

6. Gift Boxes

 If you want to create a memorable unboxing experience and add a touch of luxury to your CBD products, have some custom gift boxes made just for your brand. They’re ideal for CBD gift sets, premium CBD oils, or high-end CBD skincare products. By incorporating customized designs and premium finishes, gift boxes elevate the perceived value of your products.

7. Drawstring Bags

Drawstring bags provide a unique and reusable packaging option for various CBD products. They’re well-suited for CBD-infused bath salts, loose-leaf teas, or small CBD accessories like vape pens or CBD-infused lip balms. The eco-friendly nature of drawstring bags aligns with sustainability-conscious consumers.

8. Kraft Paper Tubes

If you’re packaging edible CBD products, such as CBD gummies, chocolate truffles, or protein bars, a kraft paper tube is an excellent choice. Kraft paper tubes often have a food-safe lining to keep your products fresh and maintain their quality. They can also be used to prevent oil vials or delicate CBD-infused products from being damaged during shipping.

9. Tincture Boxes

Tinctures require sensitive packaging due to temperature and weather considerations. CBD tincture boxes are specifically designed to provide better protection for these delicate products. They’re ideal for packaging CBD tincture bottles, as they ensure that the integrity and potency of the product are maintained.

10. Stand-Up Pouches

Stand-up pouches come with flat bottoms and tear notches for easy opening. They’re usually composed of multiple layers of different materials such as polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), aluminum foil, or metalized films. The food-grade inner layer keeps food products safe, while the foil seal keeps moisture out to maintain freshness. This type of packaging is great not only for snacks, candies, and cookies but also for non-edible products like bath salts.

These packaging types are just a few suggestions. The suitability of each option varies depending on your specific CBD products and target audience. Consider these recommendations as a starting point, and explore customization options to create packaging that aligns with your brand identity and captivates consumers.

Enhancing Your CBD Packaging with Bespoke Accessories

Bedazzle your packaging to dazzle your customers. Enhance your product’s appeal and boost its value with packaging accessories that elevate its overall presentation and appeal. Here are some packaging add-ons you’d want to have:

1. Custom Coated Labels

Add a personal touch to your CBD packaging with custom coated labels. Design your labels with your logo, brand colors, and unique design elements that match your brand identity. These not only enhance the visual appeal of your packaging but also help improve brand recall and loyalty.

2. Custom Stickers

Just starting out and only have a limited budget for customized CBD boxes? Custom stickers are the way to go! Designing and printing your own custom stickers is a cost-effective way to add branding elements and important details without the need for extensive printing or packaging customization. If you can, invest a bit in professional design and printing services. Use the custom stickers on stock packaging boxes and jars or on the products themselves.

3. Custom Roll Labels

If you have multiple CBD product variations or sizes, custom roll labels offer convenience and flexibility. They come in the form of continuous rolls that allow for easy application using label dispensers or applicators. Custom roll labels can be printed with vibrant colors, high-resolution graphics, and precise product information. They’re a cost-effective option for labeling different CBD products within your product line.

4. Tissue Paper

Tissue paper and custom packaging inserts add more oomph to your CBD packaging and make the unboxing experience more exciting. They can be used to wrap individual products or line the inside of boxes to provide an extra layer of protection. Tissue paper comes in various colors, patterns, and textures so you can choose which ones align with your brand identity.

5. Branded Ribbons or Twine

Adding a branded ribbon or twine to your CBD packaging can instantly elevate its visual appeal. These accessories can be used to tie boxes, secure tissue paper, or create decorative accents. Branded ribbons or twine can also feature your logo, brand name, or tagline. These create a cohesive and polished look for your packaging.

The Benefits of Custom CBD Packaging Boxes

Customized CBD boxes come with additional costs, but they’re well worth the investment. Custom CBD boxes offer numerous benefits beyond basic packaging functionality. They play a vital role in conveying your brand’s values, creating a memorable customer experience, and positioning your CBD products as trustworthy and desirable choices in a competitive market.

1. The PRO Vibe. Custom CBD boxes and mailer boxes instantly give your products a professional makeover. They scream, “Hey, we mean business!” With their sleek and polished appearance, these boxes elevate your brand’s credibility and build trust with customers.
2. The Wow Factor. Custom packaging turns your CBD products into showstoppers. Captivating designs and attention-grabbing aesthetics create a wow factor that turns heads and sparks curiosity. These make your products stand out on store shelves and in online marketplaces.
3. Brand Magic. Custom CBD boxes provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand’s logo, colors, and other elements. It’s like having a mini billboard for your brand anywhere your products are. This reinforces brand awareness and recognition.
4. Information Galore. Information is crucial today. Customers want to know what they’re getting, and custom CBD boxes have got you covered. You can include all the important details like ingredients, usage instructions, and any necessary warnings. No more guessing games for your customers—they’ll be well-informed and ready to enjoy your CBD creations.
5. Versatile Branding Opportunities. Customizable CBD boxes provide versatile branding opportunities that can extend beyond the packaging itself. You can create a cohesive brand experience by incorporating additional branding elements, such as branded inserts, stickers, or promotional materials inside the box.
6. Fort Knox for Your Products. Your precious CBD products deserve top-notch protection, and custom packaging delivers just that. One consumer survey shows that 65% of product returns are due to damaged items. Well, you wouldn’t want to be part of that statistic, do you? These boxes are tailor-made to keep your items safe and sound during their journey from production to the customer’s hands. It’s like a cozy home for your CBD wonders!
7. Crush Shipping Costs, Not Your Products. Custom shipping boxes can be tailored to fit your products perfectly to minimize wasted space. This means lighter shipments and lower shipping costs. It’s a win-win for your bottom line and the environment.
8. Fast Fame. Want to get noticed in the blink of an eye? Custom CBD boxes are your ticket to quick recognition. With their alluring designs and unmistakable branding, you’ll become the talk of the town. Watch your brand soar to new heights as customers eagerly seek out your products.
9. Sustainability Champion. Custom CBD boxes can be designed with eco-friendly materials and practices in mind. By opting for sustainable packaging options, such as recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives, you demonstrate your commitment to the environment. This appeals to the increasing number of environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainable choices. By choosing custom CBD boxes, you can be a sustainability champion and contribute to a greener future.

Designing Your Custom CBD Packaging

Designing your custom CBD packaging is a crucial step in creating a captivating and functional packaging solution for your CBD products. By carefully considering various factors, you can design product packaging that not only protects your delicate CBD items but also attracts attention and communicates essential information to your customers.

Are you ready to design your own CBD packaging? Here are some tips to help you craft CBD boxes that are perfect for your brand.

• Choose high-quality materials that are most appropriate for your product types.  Selecting high-quality retail packaging materials is important for both the durability and visual appeal of your custom CBD boxes. Opt for materials such as sturdy cardstock, eco-friendly kraft paper, or cushioning corrugated board depending on the weight and nature of your products. The right material will ensure your packaging stands up to the demands of shipping and handling.

• Make your CBD packaging visually appealing and eye-catching to grab customers’ attention. Incorporate exciting colors, state-of-the-art designs, and printing techniques that align with your brand identity. Use product-related and conceptual art to help customers understand the purpose and uniqueness of your CBD products. Aesthetically pleasing boxes will attract new customers and encourage them to explore your offerings.
• Choose CBD boxes that are easy to open and close. Convenience is key when it comes to packaging design. Keep your customers happy by making sure that your CBD boxes are easy to open and close without any hassle. Customers appreciate packaging that’s user-friendly and doesn’t require excessive effort or tools to access the products they’ve purchased.
• Make your CBD packaging functional beyond its primary role. Design boxes that can serve as storage containers for your customers even after they’ve opened the package. By offering convenient storage options, you provide added value to your customers and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.
• Let your custom CBD packaging showcase your drive for sustainability. A McKinsey survey reveals that while 75% of businesses have committed to the use of sustainable packaging, fewer than 30% actually do so or meet requirements. Stand out from them by making it clear in your custom packaging that you’re holding true to your commitment to sustainability.

When it comes to printing information on your CBD packaging boxes, consider the following details:

• Brand Name. Print your brand name prominently on the packaging to enhance brand awareness and recognition.
• Product Details. Clearly indicate the purpose of your CBD products on the packaging to help customers understand their usage and benefits. Include important details, such as manufacturing date, expiration date, batch codes, or any other relevant details that inform customers about the product. Be mindful of federal and state regulations on CBD product information.
• Product Ingredients. Display the list of product ingredients to assure customers of the authenticity and quality of your CBD items. We reiterate the need to clearly state the form and percentage or amount of CBD and THC in your products.
• Product Weight. Specify the weight or volume of the CBD product excluding the container weight. Make sure the measurements are accurate to ensure customer satisfaction and earn trust.
• Cautions on Product Use. Provide necessary cautionary statements and warnings to ensure product safety and inform customers about potential risks or contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions for CBD Boxes

What are CBD packaging boxes?

CBD packaging boxes are specially designed containers used to package and protect CBD products. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to ensure the safe storage and transportation of CBD items. They can also be customized to align with your brand’s identity and product requirements.

Why is packaging important for CBD products?

Packaging plays a crucial role in the CBD industry. It protects the products from damage, ensures product freshness, provides essential product information to customers, enhances brand recognition, and helps products stand out in a competitive market.

What materials are commonly used for CBD packaging boxes?

Common materials used for CBD packaging boxes include cardstock, kraft paper, corrugated board, and bux board. Each material offers different levels of durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Brands can choose the most suitable option for their specific products and needs.

Are there any regulations or guidelines for CBD packaging?

Yes, there are federal and state regulations on the use of CBD packaging. However, these vary depending on the state or region. Most states have specific guidelines on labeling, product information, and packaging material. To make sure that your CBD packaging is compliant, stay informed about local and national regulations relevant to the use and sale of CBD products.

How can I make my CBD packaging sustainable?

Use recyclable, biodegradable, and other eco-friendly materials that are ethically and sustainably sourced. You can also use water-based inks for printing and opt for minimalistic designs that use as few materials as possible. Strive to make your carbon footprint as small as possible for CBD packaging that’s truly sustainable. To inspire individuals and other brands to be more environmentally conscious, you can also incorporate a sustainability message. Taking these steps can help you win the hearts of the estimated 69% of consumers who prefer businesses that use eco-friendly packaging.

Ready, Set, Package! Discover Where to Find the Best Source for CBD Packaging Boxes

So you’re ready to take your CBD packaging game to the next level? Great choice! Now, let’s talk about how and where to get the best CBD packaging that will make your brand shine like a supernova.

The first step is to find a packaging company that knows its stuff when it comes to customization. Look for a company that specializes in custom packaging, but also offers stock packaging options. Why? Because you want the freedom to unleash your creativity with custom designs, but also have some pre-designed options readily available for those times when you need packaging in a pinch.

That’s where Refine Packaging comes into the picture. We’ve got your back when it comes to customizable CBD packaging boxes that meet your needs. Lightweight? Check. High-quality? Double check. The best part? We offer free design services that’ll give you professional-looking CBD packaging boxes and accessories. With our fast turnaround time, you’d have your custom CBD boxes right when you need them.

The post Designing Custom CBD Packaging Boxes: The Complete Guide appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Rigid packaging boxes are also referred to as set-up boxes as they’re usually displayed in stores along with the products they contain. They often hold high-end items such as electronics, jewelry, and cosmetics, so some people also call them luxury packaging.

Rigid packaging boxes normally consist of two parts: thick chipboard with a 36- to 120-point thickness (about 2-3 millimeters), which is 4x to 5x thicker than folding carton boxes, and the thinner and more flexible paper wrap that’s pasted over the chipboard to cover it. It’s the wrap that gets customized for branding and can feature foil stamping, varnish, coatings, and other premium printing techniques and textures.

Some custom rigid boxes also have lining interiors that add an elegant touch besides shielding products from scratches and dust. 

Comparing Rigid Boxes vs Folding Cartons vs Corrugated Boxes

Rigid set-up boxes are always in 3D form and generally don’t require assembly before they’re filled. Unlike carton boxes, rigid boxes typically can’t be folded to lay flat and reassembled into their box form, although some brands are now developing collapsible ones.

Due to their thickness, customized rigid boxes can withstand the stress of shipping without damage, protecting the usually fragile products they contain. However, rigid gift boxes may not be as tough as corrugated boxes, which are made of several dense paper layers. Corrugated boards are more versatile in that they’re lightweight and can be folded flat like carton boxes. They can also be customized, being the box of choice for stand-up, point-of-purchase, or point-of-service displays. 

Benefits of Using Rigid Boxes

What makes rigid gift boxes a great option for your business?

1. They’re Customizable

You can look into several possibilities when it comes to using a custom rigid box as part of your marketing strategy for luxury retail packaging or e-commerce packaging. Depending on your target buyers, you can choose a unique shape with a bright and fun design or a more conservative layout with little to no embellishments.

Chipboards come in different values of thickness, while you can play around with your logo and brand name on the wrap using specialty paper, printing techniques, coatings, and finishes.

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2. They Don’t Require Setup

Unless you opt for collapsible models, a customized rigid box doesn’t need assembly, so they reduce the labor involved once they’re delivered to your company.

3. They Raise Brand Awareness

Rigid boxes can help increase sales if you can pick a box style or design that stands out from your competitors. Boxes can feature a clear window, sticker labels, or a specific structure that delivers a pleasurable handling and unboxing experience.

4. They Improve User Experience

Quality packaging is important as it’s the next thing that consumers lay their eyes on after seeing or touching your merchandise. Custom packaging boxes can enhance the visual and tactile appeal of a product. This makes the item look elegant, increasing the worth of your brand.

Thus, rigid packaging boxes give prospective and current customers a well-rounded experience from the time they examine it (whether online or in a physical store) until they receive it via delivery or take it home after their in-store purchase.

5. They Can Boost Your Credibility

When the printing of your logo, brand name, artwork, and product details, plus the box’s finish, appear high quality, your brand appears more professional and trustworthy.

6. They Protect Against Damage

As their name suggests, rigid boxes are supposed to be sturdy enough to protect their contents from the effects of storage, handling, and long-distance travel. Their lids are meant to be secure, and the inserts can securely hug the items, including bottles of oil and tincture, so that they don’t arrive broken. Inside panels for sweets can also prolong shelf life.

7. They Can Be Repurposed

Due to their sturdy construction, many pieces of luxury packaging become keepsakes and are reused as drawer separators or storage containers, especially if they have quality magnetic closures or similar resealable lids. From mementos and jewelry to important documents and printed photos, well-designed, high-quality packaging boxes can become a part of one’s work desk or closet for a long time.

8. They Support Brand Loyalty

You can make your rigid packaging boxes reusable for other purposes: to build a following. Using eco-friendly materials is highly popular and can attract environmental advocates who are very particular about how packaging boxes are made. 

When Not to Use Rigid Packaging

Rigid boxes may not be the best option if:

1. You Have a Large Product

Although the structure of rigid setup boxes can offer superior product safety for small to medium items, its design may not be suitable for large home appliances as their heavy weight may put pressure on the edges. High-end corrugated packaging may be a more viable alternative.

2. You’re Not Yet Ready for a Large Expense

As you read on, you’ll discover that you have to pay more for rigid boxes due to more expensive and thicker materials, the more specialized process involved, and higher shipment fees.

If you’re not ready to invest in rigid packaging, you can ask your manufacturer how it can work with your design using a quality folding carton or high-end corrugated box.

3. You Have Limited Time

Rigid boxes take longer to produce than carton boxes, so you may have to go for carton boxes if you have a tight schedule. 

Different Types of Rigid Boxes

Rigid box packaging styles are either two-piece or hinged: 

1. Telescope or Top-Load Boxes

With Corners

The telescope box features a lid that covers the base midway (partial telescope) or nearly all the way to the bottom edge (full telescope). Some full telescope lids have thumb cuts or semi-circular cutouts, which make them easier to lift from the base.

The classic shoebox, which has a lip that is typically one inch deep, is an example of a partial telescope box. Many commercially available high-end gift boxes as well as our own windowless shirt boxes and luxury cosmetic packaging are structured this way. They can come in various shapes, too.

The neck or shoulder (others call it shouldered) box is another example of a partial telescope box. This type of box has a dual base, with the inner one (also called the tray or neck insert) higher than the other. The protruding part of the tray is called the neck while the top edge of the outer base is referred to as the shoulder. The lid rests on the shoulder. There are shoulder boxes with an extra-long neck, creating a gap between the lid and the base of the box.

Meanwhile, the drawer-style box is a variation of the full telescope box. Also referred to as a tray with a sleeve or the shell and slide. This type of box is like your traditional matchbox. It has a slipcase going over the base or “tray” of matches instead of a lid on top. They’re suitable for items that need to be laid down instead of upright to prevent damage or to preserve their contents. Such products include smartphones, jewelry, and some cosmetics.

Without Corners

Cylindrical rigid box styles, also referred to as rolled-edge tube packaging (or just tube packaging), feature either telescopic or shoulder-neck openings. They make a great packaging option for bottles, markers, other circular-shaped items, as well as powdered goods and irregular-shaped objects. Brands can also consider them alternatives to metal packaging.

Some rigid tube boxes have plastic or metal lids. Their interiors can feature plastic inserts (as in the case of beauty products) or foils.

2. Hinged Lid Boxes

With Cover on the Hinge

Hinged lid boxes have covers that are permanently attached to the base. They close due to their weight, via magnetic strip, or other securing material. The lids of some of these boxes, such as the flip-top or cigar box, don’t have a lip that covers the base of the box. The covers of the book-style box are the same as that of a cigar box—the covering flap extends slightly beyond the base so that when you close it, the box looks like a hardcover book.

Meanwhile, the clamshell design has a lip that goes down partially or down to the bottom edge of the base. In some hinged lid boxes, there’s a cloth or other lining that covers the hinge joint. 

No Cover on the Hinge

Custom Rigid Boxes: Different Types of Finish

Besides having versatile structures, rigid boxes can also offer you plenty of finishing types, from the way the wrap encompasses the box to the look and feel of the wrapping material.

Partial vs. Full Finish

When the wrap only covers the entire outer surface of the lid and tray, it’s called a partial finish rigid box. You can see the lips of the wrapping paper folded and glued to the chipboard’s interior, but most of the board is bare and visible.

Meanwhile, the chipboard is wrapped to its entirety in a full finish rigid box. The inner wrap may be colored white or another color.

Exterior Add-Ons

Brands can select from a variety of options when they want to go for fancy packaging.

1. Coatings 

Coating can come in different types:

• Varnish: Varnish is made of clear ink and creates a thin satin, matte, or glossy layer on the wrap. It can be applied to a specific area (spot varnish) or the entire sheet (flood varnish).
• Aqueous coating: A water-based coating gives your boxes a glossy or matte surface, making it easier to clean dirt and fingerprint marks off of them. They’re also scratch- or scuff-resistant and more eco friendly than varnish or ultraviolet (UV) coatings. Because this type of coating is food-safe, it’s usually preferred for boxes that house food and beverage.
• Ultraviolet coating: UV coatings need UV light or sun exposure to quickly harden coating. They offer the highest gloss finish, but foil stamping can’t be applied to them. UV-coated sheets can be embossed, but they should completely harden first.

2. Lamination

Lamination involves spreading polypropylene or a very thin, plastic film on the wrap, making it water-resistant and moisture-free. It reduces creases and small cracks. The higher level of protection it offers makes it pricier than varnish, which is why it’s mostly used for high-end luxury packaging. Most custom luxury boxes feature matte—as opposed to glossy—lamination. It’s the best coating to use when planning to add foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV on your outer design.

3. Hot Foil Stamping

Heat and pressure are used to apply foil designs of gold, silver, or other colors. The bright metallic foil can highlight your brand and logo.

4. Embossing and Debossing

Creating raised areas (embossing) and indentations (debossing) can enhance the texture of your high-end gift boxes and fancy packaging, making it more eye-catching and attractive to consumers. Embossing and debossing create depth when applied to foil-stamped material.

5. Flocking

Flocking is the method used in rigid boxes where there are velvet or suede-like textures on certain parts of or the whole wrap. The short fibers can be made of cotton, wool, rayon, or other synthetic materials. They can be dyed according to your color preference. This process may also be applied on the surface of some inserts.

Special equipment, as seen in the following video, electrically charges the flocking fibers—causing them to stand up—before spreading them over an adhesive-coated material. 

How Are Custom Rigid Boxes Made?

Brands and sellers tap rigid box manufacturers for luxury brand packaging or high-end retail packaging solutions. The creation process normally involves three stages:

1. Conceptualization

Contracting companies can tap the expertise of a rigid box packaging consultant to come up with the right design that will meet their goals. Some manufacturers also have an in-house design and engineering team that can handle conceptualization and prototyping.

At this stage, designers need to know the following points:

• If the item to be packaged is part of a broader product line, which has an existing design that should be followed or patterned after
• If the box will have to hold many items in a specific way
• If a certain artwork should appear in front of the box that may affect sizing specs
• If you want to incorporate advice from your retailer, who’ll ultimately decide which of your products will be put on sale at its store

Once the concept and budget estimates are presented, reviewed, and approved, the box maker can create the template. The contracting company needs to provide the artwork that will go on the wrap of the rigid box.

2. Production

Production is done by machine, hand, or a combination of the two. The wrap is printed beforehand, undergoing lamination or other treatments required by the client. On the other hand, chipboards are scored and cut to the correct size and shape. Machines (quad stayer) or staff—or a combination of both—then fold the tray or base of the rigid boxes and apply adhesives on the corners so that the sides stay up.

In packaging companies with fully automated systems, pre-trimmed wraps are trimmed and lined up in a conveyor belt. An arm places the tray on the glued surface of each wrap. Then the tray with the wrap beneath it passes through a plunger, which glues the wrap evenly on the tray’s outer surface.

3. Delivery

The packaging material itself also needs protection during shipment. This aspect should be considered and included during the design stage. 

Testing

About 11% of shipped goods arrive with damages. This results in the brand replacing the unit, offering a discount, spending on return freight, and missing profit. More importantly, customer trust is adversely affected when boxes—or worse, their contents—come with dents, scratches, or torn parts.

Thus, production of your custom rigid box packages and other high-end packaging will only be complete when testing is conducted.  

Dimension Testing

Even before your chipboard gets wrapped, it has to be tested for accurate dimensions. In an automated assembly line, the folded chipboard should have the precise length, height, and width or diameter to ensure that the wrap will cover it partially or fully, depending on the company’s design specifications. Meeting the prescribed measurements is also necessary to ensure that the product, inserts, and fillings will fit inside.

Label and sticker application is also set automatically in mechanized production. Thus, custom rigid boxes should all have the exact and accurate dimensions so that seals and any other adhesive-based matter will be placed on the right spot.

Drop Test

This allows contracting companies to determine how the box will stand up to accidental falls. The most popular drop test procedures come from the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).

During the test, the product is placed inside the box and a machine drops the box on a hard surface from varying heights. The test can be performed on the corners, edges, or sides of the box. The manufacturer or supplier should analyze any resulting damage and work out a solution. When the improved box is available, the test is repeated.

Drop test machines for various package sizes and weights are available in the market. 

Common Custom Rigid Box Mistakes to Avoid

Using custom rigid boxes may turn to your disadvantage due to the following:

1. Use of Oversized Packaging

No matter how fancy the packaging is, buyers will be turned off if they discover a small product inside a big box. Disappointment over the false impression can lead to negative online reviews or even a lawsuit.

2. Lack of Differentiation

Your custom rigid boxes shouldn’t only be eye-catching but also distinct from those of your competitors. Be sure to research your segment thoroughly and get your design team’s opinion about how your product can stand out.

3. Insufficient Protection

Boxes for bottles containing liquids may need a grease barrier. Waterproof-coating should be considered for custom rigid boxes that will go on outdoor display.

4. Not Child-Friendly or Pet-Friendly

When you’re targeting adult clients of various ages, packaging should include instructions for human and pet parents. It should clearly state whether contents include choke hazards or hazardous substances. 

Factors That Contribute to High Prices

A custom rigid box can cost an average of $4 to $5 per piece, more expensive than a fully printed and labeled corrugated box (under $2 to $3) or a folding carton box (under $1). As the previous sections mentioned and indicate, the higher cost can result from:

Materials

More expensive chipboard, which is thicker than regular, foldable carton packaging, is used for custom rigid boxes. They come in a variety of colors—including white and black—with natural chipboard being the cheapest.

Your choice of paper and finish for the wrap also affects the final price. Full finish boxes cost more as they require more paper to cover the chipboard.

When it comes to finishes, metallic, neon, and other specialty inks are more expensive than regular ink. And naturally, larger surfaces will entail more materials. Any labels, magnetic strips, or ribbon pulls needed also add to the total expense.

Construction

The tooling cost in your final bill covers the use of custom-made tools needed to produce each custom rigid box, including dies for cutting its shape, foil stamping, and embossing or debossing, as well as print cylinders, print plates, and molds. The fee goes up if your packaging box has a unique shape or various parts and involves many colors and other printing techniques. Inserts require separate cutting dies and molds.

Reputable manufacturing companies use special machines to fold parts of your custom rigid boxes, paste their sides, and cover them with wrap. But manual labor may be required for intricate packaging or inclusion of inserts, which can be made of tissue, cardboard, foam, or plastic.

Volume

The packaging industry also follows economies of scale, so small-run custom packaging projects will cost more than large ones.

Transport

A majority of custom rigid boxes aren’t collapsible so they don’t ship flat, thus requiring higher shipment fees. Moreover, the rising cost of fuel will ultimately impact how much you have to pay couriers or third-party delivery firms.

Storage Space

As custom rigid boxes arrive pre-assembled in their final form, they need plenty of storage space. Ask your packaging company if it offers managed inventory service. This refers to keeping an agreed level of stock for you and shipping on a just-in-time basis or when you need them. You can also survey your business warehouse for any unused space.

Ways to Cut Rigid Box Production Costs

Here are some workarounds to consider when you need to deliver rigid boxes on a budget:

1. Opt for Standard Sizes and Thickness

A complicated structure will inevitably command a higher price. If this is beyond your budget at this time, use a standard size and thickness that will demand less customization from your manufacturing partner. Standard chipboards are easier for them to buy in bulk or may be available in their stock at a volume that can cover your custom rigid box order. This will result in lower costs for you, an early production start for them, and a faster turnaround time. 

2. Go for a Smaller Design

Want to stick with your original concept? Maybe you can reduce the graphics and shorten the text to make them fit in smaller cardboard packaging. You can also try repositioning the product in a different way or even disassembling it to see if a smaller box will work for you. One advantage of using smaller rigid boxes is that more of your products can fit on a store’s shelf at one time.

3. Pick Lighter Materials

Know your options when it comes to chipboard thickness. Then discuss with the design or manufacturing team how a thinner version can support your advertising and functional needs.

4. Choose Digital Printing for Low-Volume Runs

Although not as high-quality as offset printing, digital printing is more cost-effective, especially if you have a simple and minimalist design.

5. Tone Down Embellishments

• Consider adding a viewing window. A cut-out area that will show the product inside the box might be a cheaper alternative to embossing or foil stamping, especially if there’s artwork in the primary package—that is, the label on your product’s bottle, plastic casing, and so on.

• Reduce the area(s) where foil-stamping or embossing will be applied. The cost goes higher for every square inch where these treatments are used. Choose only the essential parts of your box for these finishes.

• Select water-based coatings and low-gloss finish. UV and glitter coatings are more expensive. A low- or semi-gloss finish can be a good alternative to lamination, which is known for high moisture protection.

6. Use Paper and Tissue Paper Inserts

These materials are more affordable than foam padding. Paperboard inserts with slits can provide the support your rigid setup boxes need for gadgets, cosmetics, luxury candles, and more.

7. Contact and Get Quotes from Different Suppliers

Ask three or four reputable packaging solutions companies to give you a quote, specifying your materials and size. Then determine which one can do the job at a more affordable price without sacrificing quality. 

What to Look for When Choosing a Rigid Box Maker

An ideal custom rigid box supplier should have the following characteristics:

1. Specializes in Rigid Box-Making

Folding carton manufacturers currently outnumber rigid packaging makers. Custom carton box makers may offer to do the job for you by outsourcing the work and just bill you for added costs. It’s better to choose a company whose specialty is rigid packaging. Ask for actual samples, not just prototypes.

2. Employs In-House Designers

It’s best to find a producer with a team that can help you come up with custom quality packaging that will best suit your product. This can help minimize delays and improve coordination as you only have to deal with one company from conceptualization to production.

3. Communicates Effectively

Check client reviews. Companies manufacturing rigid setup and luxury boxes with good reviews most likely listen well to what their clients need and want, resulting in a low error rate. They should be able to promptly answer your questions regarding how boxes are made, the minimum order size, and turnaround time, for example. They should also be able to provide practical solutions.

4. Respects Environmental Sustainability

Today’s consumers are drawn to brands that are conscious about environmental protection. A rigid setup boxes producer that’s Forest Stewardship Council-certified means that it uses paper products from responsibly managed forests. You can also choose custom product packaging manufacturers that use recycled fibers, practice water stewardship, and operate with renewable energy. 

Market Updates and Trends

The rise of work-from-home opportunities has recently paved the way for more people to shop online for various goods, including luxury and gift items. The demand for rigid paper packaging remains high despite the growing popularity of bioplastic, which may affect the quality of food and flavor of liquids and releases polluting methane gas.

The personal use and gifting of video games and equipment, confectionery, wine and other beverages, personal care items, bags, clothes, shoes, watches, and jewelry packaged in luxury rigid boxes, especially among millennial customers and Gen Zers, is expected to drive e-commerce growth in the coming years. The market for this box type will be worth more than $5.4 billion by 2030, according to forecasts. Custom two-piece rigid setup boxes will be at the forefront, with its value expected to reach $268 million until 2025.

Collapsible Rigid Boxes

As mentioned earlier, several manufacturers can now design and produce foldable rigid setup boxes. They can offer the versatility and convenience that custom carton boxes can offer, with the top selling point being their ability to store flat, which lowers shipping cost.

Smart Packaging

More and more brands will continue to integrate digital technology into their custom rigid boxes for better quality and customer engagement. Here are some examples:

Printed Electronics

Boxes with near-field communication (NFC) chips can provide more product information, prove authenticity, enable tamper detection, and even detect temperature when consumers bring their smartphone close to the NFC tag. Brands may also use NFC and radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers to track orders.

Quality custom packaging may also feature LED and OLED lighting devices. These flat, nanometer-thin types of lighting can make your business logo, product name, or parts of the packaging glow or cause a holographic image to appear using hand pressure or with the aid of a smartphone, without the need of a battery.

Augmented Reality

Brands can include a QR code in the packaging that will allow buyers to view the product with animation and sound effects or play a mini-game, with virtual objects seemingly emerging from thin air. The visual appeal of AR-enabled packaging is reportedly two times stronger than regular ones.

Impress Your Customers with Luxurious Rigid Packaging Boxes

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 Rigid Boxes: A Complete Guide to Luxury Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.