Since its early days, when the only function of product packaging was to safeguard a product during transportation, it has come a long way. With the growth of online shopping, e-commerce packaging has become a crucial component of every company.
When we consider product packaging, we frequently picture rows of brown boxes organised in an assembly line at a warehouse, with a delivery truck at the end. Both the standard brown box and "personalised" packaging, which resembles gift wrapping, are still in use today.
However, with the rise of e-commerce, product packaging has come a long way and changed. Although protection still comes first, marketing and branding have grown to be crucial components of product packaging.
E-commerce packaging of products
Nowadays, e-commerce businesses utilise creative product packaging not only to safeguard the item but also to raise awareness of the brand and enhance consumer satisfaction. In terms of business, product packaging has developed into a potent marketing tool, and any e-commerce entrepreneur worth his (or her) salt knows the value that product packaging can add.
E-commerce, which may be defined as the purchasing and selling of goods and services online, differs from traditional retail where customers can physically touch and feel products before making a purchase.
In contrast, buyers who shop online must wait until the item arrives before they can touch and feel it. This led to the "unboxing" phenomenon, which, when done well, heightens the consumer experience and anticipation to make up for the lack of actual "touchpoints" that a brick-and-mortar company can offer.
For e-commerce businesses, this "touchpoint" occurs when the consumer receives the eagerly anticipated goods in useful packaging with creative branding.
8 types of product packaging
In this article, we examine 8 e-commerce product packaging tactics or techniques and how these packaging strategies might support the success of an e-commerce business.
Boxes
The most popular packaging choice for both big and small businesses continues to be the reliable box (cardboard box). Although the box's primary function is security, it may nevertheless be turned into a branding and marketing tool by adding clever personalization features like messages, colours, and other styles.
These boxes are strong and long-lasting, and they can frequently hold heavy objects. These boxes can withstand the rigours of carrying (or shipping) if fillers (such as Styrofoam or bubble wrap) are added before they leave. You may have noticed that these boxes' edges, particularly those from other countries, can withstand rough handling and tossing around.
Mailers/paper board
Another common type of product packaging made for small, flat products is the mailer. The mailer's thin shape makes it perfect for hand-held items like jewellery, electronic devices, books, and other small objects. Additionally, the mailer is simple to personalise and may be strengthened with a variety of materials, including bubble wrap, pads, or other insulating materials.
Chipboard can also be used to line mailers to increase their durability. Mailers are typically made of paper board, however, plastic mailers (also known as poly mailers) are becoming more and more widespread.
Biodegradables
Biodegradable packaging, in its strictest sense, refers to materials used for a box, mailers, cardboard, paper bags, etc. that can naturally degrade. Speciality items frequently use eco-friendly materials. The most popular biodegradable packaging material is recycled paper. Biodegradable boxes are strong and durable enough to compete with conventional boxes. Although biodegradables have the potential to minimise trash, they are generally more expensive than conventional packaging options.
Envelopes
Even today, envelopes are frequently used for lightweight, non-fragile goods including letters, paperwork, contracts, and other objects. The envelope is typically shielded from damage with a zipper-lock plastic bag. They are frequently used by courier services for various items like keys, small books, personal items, etc.
paper bags or bags
Frequently, paper bags are used to wrap presents. These incredibly colourful product packaging options can be altered to fit any season or event. You can put little objects like clothing, toys, and other small items in a paper bag.
Paper bags are frequently connected to recycling as well. Recycled paper bags are frequently used by e-commerce businesses as a cost- and waste-saving measure. Paper bags are a fantastic medium for promoting the brand of an online retailer through logos, taglines, etc. Bulk production of inexpensive paper bags eliminates the need for businesses to be concerned about environmental pollution.
Custom packaging
Almost all product packaging styles are customizable. However, e-commerce businesses frequently go above and above to create unique packaging, such as a box, that might convey to a customer that he or she is cherished.
To guarantee that the buyer has a special unwrapping experience, specialised boxes are frequently made. Additionally, effective instruments for branding are custom boxes.
Products made by the technological behemoth Apple are one example. Many buyers' excitement about opening an Apple product is heightened just by seeing the famous white and grey box with the company's logo on it.
E-commerce businesses are aware that options are only limited by the imagination, which is why they put a lot of thought into creating the ideal personalised box.
PVC containers
Some people, especially those who care about the environment, may not like plastic boxes or containers. These plastic containers do, nevertheless, have a use. They are flexible yet strong. They are incredibly light and available in several sizes.
The good news regarding plastic packaging is that many online retailers now use biodegradable plastic containers for minor items. Small, biodegradable plastic containers are perhaps the most frequently used for food products. Food is best stored in plastic containers since they don't leak or spill as paper-based packaging does.
Fillers
Fillers are used to adding an additional layer of padding to boxes, bags, etc. Tissue paper, Styrofoam balls, air-filled pillows, wood fibres, and bubble wrap are all examples of fillers. But e-commerce businesses frequently utilise bubble wrap, a common filler, for packing. Simple bubble wrap bags are used to wrap the objects, which are then taped and mailed. The simplicity of this kind of packaging is what draws people in. Custom bubble wrap packing does have some restrictions, though. E-commerce companies typically only paste a sticker on the bubble wrap packing.
Wrapping it Up
To summarise (pun intended), product packaging is critical to business success, especially in e-commerce. Despite the fact that brand awareness and marketing are equally crucial in the realm of online selling and buying, product protection still takes precedence.
Though making your business stand out via intelligent and appealing product packaging is crucial, the cost of packaging is also a factor that must be taken into account.
To make the consumer experience memorable, many e-commerce businesses rely on "purchase" as the only means for customers to place another order or return to the website. In order to do this, effective e-commerce product packaging would be quite helpful.
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