Researching your niche or local area is necessary to stay in step with your competitors. You can tell how patronized a business is in your city, town, or neighborhood by counting the pairs of hands or the number of households—and trash bins—that end up having its product packaging. 

However, learning about the packaging industry’s status on a global scale can prepare you for the long haul and spark new ideas.

Packaging suppliers and their customers continue to face cost reduction and pricing challenges. Nevertheless, current statistics show a healthy demand for custom product packaging. Let’s discover what makes it a thriving business worldwide.

1. North America corners the largest share of the global custom packaging market.

The market value of custom packaging worldwide was pegged at $43.88 billion in 2023. Growing at a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.32%, the sector will be worth $63.07 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the global packaging design services market had an estimated value of $24.63 billion in 2023. 

Analysts forecast it to be worth $32.42 billion by 2030 based on a CAGR of 4%. On the other hand, packaging printing has a projected CAGR of 4.2%. By 2026, the value of food, beverage, personal care, and cosmetic sectors is predicted to rise to $433.4 billion. Let’s look at the status of packaging design services by region:

• The bulk of supply and demand for packaging design services comes from North America, with a global market share of over 35%. The high number of consumer goods suppliers, a well-established packaging industry, and strong branding practices fuel this region’s growth.
• Europe ranks second (25%+ market share), driven by its growing eCommerce and design innovation inspired by strict sustainability regulations.
• Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) rising consumer base and rapid urbanization puts the region in third place (20%+ market share). Branded packaging is as important as the product to its social media and online sales-obsessed citizenry. However, industry analysts foresee APAC’s contribution to the global market rising to 41% due to eCommerce growth in China, India, and Japan.

2. Food and beverage make up the largest end-user segment.

The global food and beverage packaging market was $385.1 billion in 2023. Bakery goods, confectionery, noodles, and pasta held the largest market share. Demand for packaged food, such as pre-cut vegetables, microwaveable snacks, and other ready-to-eat meals, has been forecast to remain high. 

Consumers expect packaging that allows on-the-go consumption (single-serve beverages and snacks) and extends the shelf life of food items so they can stock up. Food safety and hygiene are the other top priorities. However, more food manufacturers will turn to flexible packaging solutions. Drinks in plastic bottles will continue to grow popular due to convenience and recyclability.

3. Paperboard is still the most widely used packaging material.

Smithers’ “The Future of Global Packaging to 2028” report says that flexible plastics and paperboard are currently the most preferred packaging materials. However, paperboard (folding cartons, corrugated board, and liquid paperboard) takes up the larger chunk of the two, accounting for 31.8% of global packaging material value. 

eCommerce and new premium sustainable paper alternatives to plastic are the primary growth drivers. Moreover, paper will continue to be the top option for soft cheeses, flour, sugar, fast food wrapping, medical packaging, and metalized cigarette bundling.

4. The demand for sustainable packaging is anticipated to push the market’s value to $490.5 billion by 2034. 

The industry grew 4.9% between 2019 and 2023 amid the growing preference for biodegradable and compostable solutions. Younger consumers and urban dwellers are among its top users in America. Bags and sacks dominated this segment with a 25.4% share. Safety consciousness during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for “green packaging.” North America is expected to dominate the global market share in sustainable packaging (25%), followed by East Asia (18.5%) and Western Europe (16.4%).

American sustainability views vary by demographics. 

In America, 43% of respondents to a McKinsey survey gave environmental considerations high importance. However, prioritizing this issue varies based on age and location amid inflation concerns:

1. Sustainability is a “very or extremely” important factor among millennials (39%) and Gen Z (37%) consumers compared to baby boomers (18%).
2. Urban residents (40%) also consider the environmental impact of their purchases more than those in rural areas (21%). However, 2/3 of the McKinsey poll participants admitted they have little or no confidence in determining which product packaging is recyclable.
3. A survey by TIPA Compostable Packaging showed that U.S. concerns about plastic waste from packaging vary between the East and West Coast. In all, 84% of 1,500 respondents find the issue disturbing.

U.S. consumers offer to pay lower “premiums” for sustainable packaging. 

About 50% of consumers expressed willingness to pay more for eco-friendly packaging, but only by 1% to 3% more. The report emphasized that sustainability has taken a back seat to product affordability, quality, and convenience in buying decisions.

However, according to a New York University study, products tend to increase their appeal among American shoppers when brands add two sustainability claims to core attributes (such as health benefits, financial savings, and community benefits).

5. Luxury packaging’s market value may reach $17.77 billion in 2024.

Two-piece boxes were the most widely used among luxury rigid box types. Electronic consumer goods, perfumes, cosmetics, and jewelry fueled demand for this format, which accounted for over 31.4% of the market share. 

Meanwhile, boxes with magnetic closures are expected to capture 45% of the global market in 2024. Besides their premium look and feel, their appeal comes from ease of use and enhanced product protection. Asia-Pacific will reportedly be the epicenter of luxury packaging growth as the region continues to experience a surge in new fashion and cosmetic product launches.

More high-end brands are adopting sustainable materials. Brands will continue to align their packaging with their buyers’ heightened environmental consciousness by going plastic-free. For example, Apple offered its Apple Watch Series 9 in fiber packaging. The tech giant announced that it will fully replace its plastic packaging with a fiber-based alternative by 2025.

6. Pressure-sensitive labels led the label printing solutions market.

According to Smithers’ “The Future of Labels and Release Liners to 2028” report, pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive) labels bagged the largest (almost 45%) market share by volume. The majority—nearly 40%—of label suppliers used flexographic printing for production in 2023. 

Such printers are known for their exceptional quality even while operating at high speed, making them a reliable choice. Moreover, they can work on various materials, including metal, glass, and other non-porous surfaces. Digital label printing solutions will achieve a CAGR of 6.39% between 2023 and 2028 to record a USD2.32-billion incremental growth. 

The top end-user segment for these labels consisted of alcoholic drink manufacturers (almost 30%). At the same time, the chemicals sector has also contributed to its growth amid the increasing need for labels that can withstand harsh environments and prevent counterfeiting and tampering.

7. Consumers clamor for more transparency in product labels.

Authenticity is critical. In particular, the call for transparent food product information has grown stronger among grocery shoppers from 2018 to 2023 (from 69% to 76%). Consumers are pushing for “clean labels” that clearly and honestly state the product’s identity, net weight, nutritional facts, ingredient list with allergen and health claims, and manufacturer’s address.

In fashion, two-thirds of shoppers want more accountability about product sourcing, manufacturing processes, and labor practices. As a result, brands have started incorporating QR codes and digital tags into their labeling to provide such information.

Shoppers are also wary of “greenwashing” or sustainability claims. A Sustainable Brands and Ipsos survey revealed that 67% of consumers are suspicious of businesses using environmental and social messages to entice them to buy. Meanwhile, a NielsenIQ report says 77% of consumers will stop buying from “greenwashed” brands.

8. Smart packaging enhances product traceability.

As mentioned earlier, digital tags or smart packaging allow businesses to monitor food, chemical/medical products, and fragile items that need to maintain freshness and temperature requirements. Examples include QR codes, RFID, and NFC chip-enabled labels. With a projected CAGR of 4.5%, this $24.6-billion segment is estimated to reach $38.3 billion by 2033.

This segment’s growth drivers include the developing eCommerce market, the rising elderly population, and increased demand for superior logistics, especially in emerging economies experiencing rising tech modernization. These labels provide authentication and promote product safety in case of product recalls. Brands are also using smart custom labels or tags to learn more about buyers and offer interactive experiences.

9. The adoption of packaging automation accelerates.

Automation levels have increased in 91% of North American packaging companies in recent years to reduce errors, increase speed, lower labor costs, and improve product quality. Autonomous mobile robots can transport products and materials around warehouses. 

Meanwhile, larger and more stationary robots handle labeling, sealing, and palletizing. Another trend is the deployment of collaborative robots or cobots to work alongside human staff. They’re programmed to do repetitive and dangerous or strenuous tasks.

SkyQuest sees Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing hub based on International Federation of Robotics data, which shows that 63% of worldwide industrial robot sales come from this region. China and Japan are among the leading players, particularly in the fiercely competitive food packaging sector. Facts & Factors researchers valued the global packaging automation market at $68.95 billion in 2023. They foresee it growing to $124.53 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.67%.

10. Brands and suppliers embrace AI for production efficiency and to determine the “ideal package.”

Market.us predicts that AI in global packaging will rise at a CAGR of 11.26% from USD2.67 billion in 2023 to USD7.33 billion by 2033.

Machine learning (ML) and AI optimize workflows.

The ML segment took 47% of the market share with its role in enhancing operational efficiency. Companies are integrating AI into their production for quality monitoring and control. Predictive maintenance is another innovation in packaging operations, helping production heads and owners save costs by detecting anomalies or errors, thereby preventing failures. AI can also streamline inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels. At the same time, it can determine the most efficient routes to hasten the delivery process and minimize transport costs.

Marketers and designers tap AI to acquire and retain clients.

Meanwhile, the packaging design and customization segment captured a 33% share with the rise in personalization and innovative solutions. Ultimately, AI-powered tools can help businesses track and analyze shopper behavior, patterns, and preferences in real time. The results of the analysis can then help them tweak packaging to suit their buyers’ preferred design, from color and size to messaging. eCommerce experts say that applying these insights can help boost sales by over 70%.

Combine Data-Driven Decisions with Custom Packaging Expertise 

An awareness of market and consumer data on product packaging allows you to properly harness the power of these motivational triggers to purchase. 

We can’t focus on design innovation and production tools alone. If we desire business longevity, we must stay informed—not just to mitigate workflow risks. We should use data to discover opportunities for customer engagement, exploration, and growth. 

Armed with the facts we shared above, you can reflect on your current business strategy more objectively and chart a resilient future.

Refine Packaging is the top choice for 1000s of small businesses, Inc 5000, and Fortune 500 companies alike when it comes to custom packaging boxes. 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 and a dedicated packaging specialist will guide you through every step of the custom packaging process without breaking a sweat.  

The post 10 Critical Packaging and Printing Statistics You Need to Know (2025) appeared first on Refine Packaging.

In this article, we’ll unpack their flaps and folds to discover which one delivers the ultimate punch in the boxing ring of packaging solutions.

What’s in a Corrugated Box?

In 2022, International Paper reportedly sold more than 10 million short tons of corrugated packaging. That’s approximately 60% of its combined packaging sales volume for that year. The question is, what makes this material so popular for corrugated boxes?

Mordor Intelligence weighs in on this, citing sturdiness, recyclability, and sustainability among the reasons these box styles are the most commonly used materials for packaging. Corrugated boxes are made of pulp and paper, which are much more recyclable compared to plastic packaging.

Before we start the FOL vs. RSC showdown, let’s learn about the different parts of a corrugated box.

1. Panel. The outer layers, also called liners, provide structure and form.
2. Corrugated medium. The wavy layer between the liners gives the box flexibility and strength.
3. Flutes. The parallel ridges of the corrugated medium cushions items during rough handling.
4. Joint. The edges of the box where the panels are connected using staples, wire stitches, or adhesives.
5. Slots and score lines. Indentations, creases, and cuts in the cardboard facilitate ease of folding and assembly.
6. Flaps. The extended portions of the corrugated board can be folded and taped closed.

Armed with this knowledge, let the FOL vs. RSC faceoff begin.

An Overview of FOL Boxes

FOL stands for full overlap boxes. Their overlapping flaps provide a sealed lid for your cargo and add an extra layer of protection. FOL boxes are excellent for fragile goods, heavy loads, or high-value items that need additional security.

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Peeking Inside RSC Boxes

RSC stands for regular slotted carton or regular slotted container. It is the most common box style and has many applications, including storing, shipping, and moving lightweight to heavy-duty items. RSC boxes have four major panels at the top and bottom. Each panel, or flap, is the same length, and the two outer flaps meet in the middle when closed.

Tale of the Tape: FOL vs. RSC

Now that we’ve met the contenders in this showdown, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their features.

Consider the following factors to determine whether to use FOL or RSC:

1. FOL is better when goods must endure rough handling.
2. RSC is better if your packaging process needs to be fast and simple.
3. FOL is better if you’re conscious about using tape or other adhesives.
4. RSC is better if cost is a significant factor in your operations.
5. RSC is better if your storage capabilities are limited.

Specific features of FOL and RSC boxes can vary depending on the manufacturer’s industry standards. Consult custom packaging professionals like Refine Packaging for more information on various packaging choices for your brand.

Which One Reigns in the Sustainability Ring

With heightened awareness of sustainability issues, companies now prefer paper-based materials for their packaging needs. Boasting a high treatment rate of 96.5%, corrugated cardboard boxes significantly contribute to the field of recycled paper and packaging and are slowly replacing flexible bags.

In the sustainability arena, both FOL and RSC can be crafted from recyclable and reusable materials. But by using fewer materials, RSC appears to be the more eco-friendly choice. However, there’s more to sustainability than the amount of materials used. The sustainability showdown between the two most commonly used box styles unveils the following pros and cons.

RSC boxes are:

• More material-efficient and contribute to reduced material usage.
• Quick to assemble, requiring lower labor costs.
• Space-efficient when shipped flat, cutting down transportation costs.
• Not as sturdy as FOL boxes, limiting their reusability.
• Sealant-hungry, requiring more tape to close the gaps.

FOL boxes are:

• Able to reduce the need for product replacements thanks to its additional layers of protection, ultimately leading to less waste.
• Cost-efficient as they require less tape and interior protection, such as packing peanuts or foam.
• More complex to manufacture and may require more materials, labor, and energy.

Consider the following factors when determining the environmental impact of using FOL or RSC:

1. RSC is better if material efficiency is a significant factor in your sustainability goals.
2. FOL is better if you want to reduce wastage in the packaging process.
3. RSC is better if you’re looking to minimize the environmental impact in your shipping practices.
4. FOL is better if recyclability and reusability are necessary for your product packaging.
5. RSC is more sustainable in sourcing its raw materials and its disposal.

Other Corrugated Box Options

Take note of the other common carton abbreviations you might encounter in your search for the best packaging option.

• HSC – Half Slotted Carton. It’s a single-piece carton similar to an RSC box, but it’s missing one set of box flaps that leaves the top wide open.
• OSC – Overlap Slotted Carton. It’s similar to an FOL box but with a shorter side flap length. The outer flaps still overlap to cover those pesky gaps.
• CSSC – Center Special Slotted Container. The inner and outer flaps are cut to different lengths and meet at the center. It has a highly efficient design with double the corrugated board thickness on the top and bottom.
• ALB – Auto-Lock Bottom Container or 1-2-3 Bottom. The four flaps forming the flat bottom are die-cut to easily snap together. It’s not recommended for heavy loads.

Other corrugated box types include telescoping boxes, folders, die-cut boxes, and wraparound blanks.

Choosing the Right Box for Your Package

Selecting the right packaging box style requires careful thought. If your product is heavy, prone to rough handling, and gets stacked on the side during shipping, the FOL box might be your knockout choice. On the other hand, if your goods are sturdy and not vulnerable to damage, regular slotted container boxes are reliable enough to endure rough handling.

Still uncertain about the ideal match for your products? Other corrugated box styles might suit your needs. For those seeking a unique, made-to-measure solution, Refine Packaging can craft custom boxes tailored to your needs.

The post FOL vs. RSC Boxes: A Showdown Between Corrugated Boxes appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Plastic is the number one culprit. National Geographic finds that 40% of plastic is utilized for packaging, used once, and then thrown away. According to the same report, on a global scale, less than a fifth of all plastic is recycled. In fact, in the US alone, only 9% of plastic trash is recycled. And when they’re not headed for landfills, they end up in our oceans. In 2015, it was roughly estimated that between 5.3 million and 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, killing millions of marine animals in the process.

The good news is it’s not all doom and gloom for the packaging industry. There’s a growing drive toward promoting sustainability and greener packaging practices that benefit both us humans and our planet. Heightened consumer awareness of the effects of packaging waste is one of the main drivers of this change. Additionally, manufacturers are stepping up in a bid to meet consumers’ changing demands (with an emphasis on sustainability) while creating sustainable packaging that benefits the planet.  

So, what can we do—or more like, what can we use to promote sustainability in our packaging? We have one word for you: hemp.

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Why Hemp? Why Not?

Why use hemp for packaging? Because it’s an incredibly eco-friendly and recyclable material. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be turned into hemp boxes, such as cosmetic boxes and kraft boxes in custom sizes.

What is made out of hemp?

You can use hemp bioplastic to replace traditional, single-use plastics. You can turn hemp into hemp paper. There’s even a green building material called “hempcrete” that you can use for building insulation and structure. Other things that can be made using hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, beauty products, biofuel, and consumer goods like wallets and furniture. 

And yes, you can use hemp to make durable and customizable hemp boxes. Aside from a range of custom sizes, you can further personalize hemp boxes so that they stand out. There are plenty of personalization options to create custom hemp boxes, ranging from matte or gloss lamination and spot UV to die cutting and soft touch coating or lamination.

Hemp itself is a versatile and sustainable plant that requires fewer resources to cultivate compared to cotton. Every part of the hemp plant has some utility and it’s capable of absorbing more carbon dioxide (on a per-hectare basis) compared to other crops.

Here’s a rundown of why hemp is the next big thing in sustainable packaging:

1. Hemp is a by-product of the cannabis industry, which makes it a fairly accessible material in some territories. The plant itself has a fibrous structure, which helps in reinforcement. Compared to other biomaterials, hemp proves to be stronger and more malleable, according to this study.
2. Hemp packaging, whether it’s in the form of paper or bioplastic, is biodegradable. So, when it’s exposed to the environment, hemp packaging can naturally decompose.
3. Hemp packaging is incredibly versatile. As a bioplastic, it’s an eco-friendly packaging alternative that can be used not only for packaging but also for automotive components (as composites) and even consumer goods. Meanwhile, hemp paper is highly durable and doesn’t easily deteriorate compared to paper made from trees.
4. Hemp packaging is recyclable and renewable. Companies using hemp packaging will also likely gain a competitive advantage over competitors who still use traditional packaging materials, given that consumer demand for sustainability is growing.

What Is Hemp Paper?

So, with all this talk about hemp packaging, you might ask “What is hemp paper?”

Well, simply put, it’s paper made from the hemp plant. The great thing about hemp is that, when processed, hemp yields some of the strongest natural fibers. These hemp fibers can be classified into two: the longer bast fibers and the shorter hemp hurds, with the latter serving as a suitable wood pulp counterpart. Most of the material used to make hemp paper comes from hemp stalks, which contain a greater percentage of cellulose, a component that’s essential in making paper. 

Hemp plants are also sustainable because they have a much faster crop yield. They have one growing season, which means that they’re ready for harvesting in just a few months. Aside from a faster crop yield, you’re also able to yield more material for hemp paper compared to when you’re harvesting trees for paper making.

On a more serious note, hemp paper is a great alternative to traditional paper packaging because of several reasons:

• It’s recyclable and can be used for insulation.
• Hemp paper produces significantly less waste and doesn’t require manufacturers to cut trees.
• Doesn’t use a lot of chemicals compared to traditional paper. The plant contains more cellulose and less lignin than trees. This means that fewer chemicals are used to make hemp paper white or to enhance its structure.

Like hemp bioplastics, hemp papers are also very versatile. Aside from packaging, hemp paper can be used in industries like textiles to make clothes. Here are some creative hemp paper uses:

• Specialty paper
• Coffee filters
• Tea bags
• Producing banknotes
• Cigarette paper
• Paper for daily use, like notepad paper

Hemp Paper vs. Tree Paper

There’s a huge discussion around the hemp paper vs. tree paper debacle. Let’s take an objective look at the merits and pitfalls of each one to help us make more informed packaging decisions.

Hemp Paper

1. Hemp paper is of high quality because the fibers from hemp plants have great tensile strength, making hemp paper durable and long-lasting. Hemp paper is also less prone to yellowing with age.
2. Hemp is an environmentally friendly crop with rapid growth cycles. This makes it a renewable resource you can use to manufacture hemp paper and other hemp packaging products.
3. Hemp is easier to process and doesn’t use a ton of chemicals during the production process.
4. Producing hemp paper doesn’t entail cutting trees, which can help curb deforestation.
5. Producing hemp paper can be potentially more expensive compared to traditional paper, given that in some regions, hemp has limited availability.
6. The infrastructure required to produce hemp paper on larger scales isn’t as developed as its tree paper manufacturing counterparts.

Tree Paper

1. Tree paper is also versatile and can be used in various settings, from schools to offices.
2. The raw material is more easily available and there’s already a robust infrastructure in place for manufacturing paper made from trees.
3. Tree paper can be a renewable resource, provided that companies regrow trees after harvest. There are also certifications in place that ensure tree paper’s sustainability, such as those from organizations like the FSC and SFI.
4. The paper industry’s processes when it comes to making tree paper still require manufacturers to cut, well, trees. It takes 24 trees just to produce one ton of paper.

What Else Do We Need to Know About Hemp Paper vs. Tree Paper?

Wood fiber is the main component used for making tree paper. In the traditional paper-making process, manufacturers may incorporate additives or use more chemicals to remove the lignin from wood pulp. This is done to alter the chemical composition of the wood pulp and create white tree paper. Meanwhile, in hemp paper production, manufacturers can instead use hydrogen peroxide to whiten hemp paper. 

The paper industry’s process of making tree paper also consumes significant energy. Compared to using hemp for paper production, a paper mill will use more energy and emit more greenhouse gas emissions to produce tree paper. 

Hemp papers are also incredibly versatile. While you can use hemp fiber alone in making paper, these tend to result in thin sheets. However, you can use hemp pulp to make pulp paper, which gives you a softer yet still high-quality paper that’s ideal for everyday use. From specialty papers to stamped paper, hemp lends itself well as a material for paper production. 

Is Hemp Packaging 100% Effective All the Time?

Hemp packaging is an eco-friendly alternative to many traditional packaging materials and the paper industry is starting to see its advantages. However, while it has plenty of benefits, it does have its fair share of drawbacks.

What Can Hemp Not Do?

There’s technically no limit to what you can do with hemp. Aside from hemp paper and hemp bioplastics, there’s also hemp cardboard. The hemp plant’s high cellulose levels make it an ideal material for producing hemp boxes. To produce hemp cardboard boxes, manufacturers typically infuse hemp with other materials to create a range of packaging materials like folding boards, boxes, and even cardstock.

Hemp is also increasingly being used to create a wide range of packaging boxes, including custom boxes with gloss lamination, soft touch coating, and more. Hemp boxes are versatile, much like their paper counterpart. Use them to package hemp-based products or practically any product under the sun. This way, you’ll have standout eco-friendly packaging that’s not only visually appealing but also conveys your brand’s mission to do your bit for the planet.

Hemp boxes, much like traditional cardboard boxes, can be customized so that they come with nifty features like protective dust flaps, durable construction, and two-sided printing. 

Hemp is quickly becoming a new sustainable favorite for packaging materials. Plus, you can use them to craft winning custom packaging to not just protect your goods but also bolster your branding and showcase your sustainability efforts at the same time.  

Custom Hemp Packaging for Every Need

Quality packaging shouldn’t come at a cost to the environment.

Hemp is an excellent quality material that’s also versatile and durable.

You can use hemp packaging, such as hemp boxes and eco-friendly kraft, to protect and present your products in a way that benefits not just the planet but also you and your customers. 

Refine Packaging has years of experience in producing custom hemp packaging, ranging from custom-printed hemp boxes for a variety of products to custom hemp boxes for CBD oils. Packaging boxes don’t need to be bland. We offer embossing, as well as other customization options, such as spot UV and die cutting, to make your hemp boxes stand out. 

These options are fully customizable, allowing you to select custom sizes and printing options. So, whether you’re looking for window patching to better showcase your products or something with a velvety texture to enhance the feel of your packaging, there’s no limit to what you can do with us and with our custom hemp boxes. 

For all your eco-friendly packaging needs, look no further than Refine Packaging. From custom cardboard boxes and cosmetic boxes to hemp display boxes and specialty papers, we’ve got you covered. With us, you’ll have access to eco-friendly packaging at a cost-effective rate. We also offer an affordable price and cover quality assurance, shipping, and everything in between, so that the hemp boxes arrive at each customer’s doorstep and meet your expectations.

Make the switch to eco-friendly hemp for your product’s packaging and have a better way to display and protect your products while doing your bit for the planet and future generations. 

The post Hemp Packaging: Good For You, Better For The Planet appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Chances are, the content will jiggle if the box is much larger than the content, especially if the giver packed it themselves by hand. When the gift is heavy and quiet, we secretly wish it’s a luxury or high-end item. Why? More often than not, brands selling pricier products package them with inserts that hold them steady in the carton container.

If you’re considering packaging inserts for your fragile product line or want them for your kits and subscription business, you’re in the right place. Hang on tight as we discuss the different packaging insert options available for every product type. You’ll also discover various promotional inserts your brand can consider for added engagement and upsell opportunities.

Packaging Insert Types

Packaging inserts can be either box inserts or promotional inserts. The first type supports a product’s protection and safety, while the second type serves as multi-purpose advertisement cards.

Box Inserts

Some of the immediate benefits of box inserts include:  

• Effective blocking (preventing side-to-side movement) and bracing (preventing up-and-down motion) of one or several items in your box, reducing or eliminating the shock and resulting damage your products can acquire during impact while the box undergoes storage, transport, and hand delivery
• Compartmentalizing items, preventing them from rubbing against each other 
• Reducing labor involved in applying protective wrap or assembling loose void fills
• Improving product presentation, resulting in positive unboxing moments

Here are the most common packaging insert types you can choose from:

Corrugated carton

These corrugated carton inserts typically separate the product from the cardboard packaging‘s walls. Their fluting layer cushions and reduces shock acquired by the item in case of impact during storage, transport, or hand delivery. 

Due to their thickness, these inserts aren’t suitable for small products and items or primary packaging with complex shapes. Like paperboard inserts, the white paper variety is ideal for colored printing, while the Kraft paper type can take black-and-white printing. Learn more about the distinction with our guide comparing cardboard vs corrugated cartons.

Chipboard

Several recycled paper sheets glued and pressed together compose chipboard or particle board inserts. They’re thinner than corrugated boards and have no flutes, making them more appropriate for lightweight and non-fragile items. Like corrugated inserts, chipboards make great inlays, dividers, and pads for stacked items.

Paperboard

Paperboard may be thinner than corrugated cartons, but that’s what makes them versatile. You can easily fold and customize them into your desired shape and size. Solid bleached sulfate (SBS) for high-quality colored print and unbleached brown or Kraft paper for black-and-white printing are the most common paperboard options. They’re also the most inexpensive insert type and partner well with your paper box. Dig into more detail with our ultimate guide to custom packaging inserts. 

Molded or paper pulp

Box makers combine recycled paper and cardboard to produce paper pulp inserts, which they mold into various shapes and sizes to secure glassware, electronics, ceramics, and other delicate products. Traditional egg carton boxes and many wine packaging use this insert type.

Mushroom packaging

Another highly recommended eco-friendly insert is mushroom packaging. The material consists of mycelium—the root system of mushrooms—and hemp hurd, or the inner fibers of a hemp stalk. Its insulating properties make it advisable for edible and temperature-sensitive goods.

Foam

Foam is lightweight and custom-cut to snugly fit a product’s specific shape. As a result, it’s another cushioning and protective option for fragile items.

Foam inserts come in low (cross-linked polyethylene or XLPE), medium (expanded polyethylene or EPE), and high densities (ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA, resembling yoga mat material). Meanwhile, the soft and flexible polyurethane foam (which resembles the material used in dishwashing sponges) comes in various densities.

Molded plastic

Plastic is another customizable material available in various thicknesses and materials. The most popular are polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate (made from recycled polymer used for food products).

Blister insert is the other name of this insert type, referring to the product of thermoforming or heat application to mold the plastic.

Here’s a summary of box inserts and the products they match with the best:

Promotional Inserts

Promotional inserts or insert cards can take various forms depending on your brand, product, and target audience. Here are some ideas to inspire you: 

Thank you card

Buyers feel valued when businesses appreciate their interest and loyalty through thank-you cards. The gesture allows startups and small businesses to build relationships and spread a positive impression of their brand. 

Handwritten, personalized messages with the customer’s name make them feel extra special and can result in up to a 7% boost in conversion.

John Cronin is known for sending a handwritten appreciation for every purchase of his John’s Crazy Socks. Cronin, who has Down syndrome, co-founded the business with his father, Mark, back in 2016.

Coupon or discount offer

With inflation on the rise, 90% of consumers look for discounts and cash backs. Thus, money-saving promos can encourage repeat purchases and customer retention. Including inserts within packages also help ensure that your buyers can view and consider the offer instead of it just ending up in their email spam folder.

You can grant discounts based on your clients’ minimum spend (a specific percentage or dollar amount off). Recent Statista data shows that over half of consumers prefer percentage discounts. Other options include organizing a contest or setting a period for claiming products at a reduced price. 

Boxy Charm used inserts to announce its one-day discount for its beauty subscription business clients.

You may also consider collaborating with another business with a complementary product or service for a joint or cross-promotional offer.

Social share/product review request

These inserts can effectively continue engagement with your customer beyond the arrival of their order.

Give them a reason to connect with and follow your social channels by requesting online feedback about their purchase.

Frank Body used personification in its social media share insert, with its coffee body scrub encouraging users to connect with the skincare company on social media.

To make the review process easier, list the social links and questions you’d like them to answer. Moreover, you can add a QR code that takes buyers to a landing page containing the review form. You may also include a QR code that will direct them to a newsletter sign-up form so they can get regular updates on your new products and bargains.

Referral card

Do you know that 40% of consumers trust referral marketing? You can turn your shoppers into your extended marketing team through referral cards that will reward them and their friends with discounts or freebies. Make your referral inserts look like invites or business cards to make “customer recruitment” enticing and fun.

Stickers

Who doesn’t love freebies? Make customers feel proud about being part of your brand community by inserting stickers they can apply on their laptops, on the back of their phones, and on other surfaces. Stickers can also expand public awareness of your business.

Warranty guide

Make your product warranty registration and process less boring by having your box manufacturer produce custom warranty inserts. 

Scooter brand Micro has a warranty card, which points new owners to its website for activation and further details.

Usage and care instructions

Consider including this insert type if customers must follow steps to properly and safely use, clean or wash, and store your products.

Your product’s ingredients and warnings—such as possible allergic reactions and emergency first-aid advice—are other content you can include in instruction inserts.

Naples Olive Oil’s gift set includes recipe cards for using the oil, balsamic vinegar, and dipping spice blend in the box.

Interactive elements

Your insert can feature a fun puzzle, brainteasers, DIY activities, and additional tips for using your product. Smart content—such as scannable augmented reality (AR) codes showing your company’s history, “behind-the-scenes” footage, or games—also provides memorable experiences. Nine out of 10 brands say they plan to incorporate AR in their marketing campaigns.

Custom Die-Cut Inserts: Production Process

Inserts can be as simple as paperboard and corrugated carton dividers that offer multiple partitions for objects, such as glass bottles, coffee K-cups, and others.

But for custom inserts, box makers use die-cut machines with multiple cutters and blades to create inserts based on your product’s shape. They add cut-outs, slots, and holes, so you or their team can slip and fold without needing extra tools.

Packaging companies can also add color printing or custom-printed copy on carton inserts to further professionalize your packaging’s appearance. Customizations include:

• Embossing or raising an image or design on the box surface.
• Debossing—the opposite of embossing—involves sinking the design into the box surface.
• Spot UV coating or applying a clear coating that results in a high gloss or sheen.
• Foiling or applying thin metal (gold, silver, aluminum, or copper) foil to the box surface.

How to Choose the Proper Insert for Your Packaging

Box Insert

Determining the right box insert for your product will involve the following steps:

1. Note your product’s dimensions and weight

Consider your item’s length, width, height, thickness, or diameter plus its weight when deciding what insert to use. Heavier products will naturally need tougher materials to support them.

2. Establish how much protection your item requires

Pastry and flowers need a different kind of protection compared to glass and ceramics. Your shipping and handling method will also affect your material selection. Foam and molded pulp are the most typical choices for products with primary packaging, which can break or sustain scratches and dents.

3. Review your budget

Your budget will determine the materials you can choose from. Ask your packaging designer or box supplier how they shock-proof your product if you prefer lighter, or lower-density materials, especially if you want to reduce your shipping expenses. 

However, the best practice is to follow courier suggestions for packaging to ensure your box and its contents can survive hazards like poor weather, accidental drops, and poor road conditions.

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4. Study your packaging’s environmental impact

The latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report citing 2018 data showed that 82 million tons of solid waste came from containers and packaging. In the EU, cardboard and paper contributed to 32.7 million tons of waste from 2009 to 2020, while plastic and glass came in second and third, with waste amounting to around 15 million tons each.

In light of these saddening figures, using biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials reduces pollution and can enhance your brand image. Paperboard, pulp, and mushroom inserts are the most sustainable choices. If you must choose heavier, less recyclable materials, promote your packaging’s re-use opportunities.

Promotional Insert

Discovering what promotional insert must go with your product depends on your:

1. Goals

Choose the insert type that will fulfill your business needs, which may be more customers, increased sales, introduction of a new product, or awareness of your online platforms.

2. Customer base

You can segment your clients and send personalized inserts based on where they are in the customer journey. For instance, a thank you card and an insert that tells your brand story are fitting for new customers. Meanwhile, discount coupons or loyalty program invitations can excite your regular shoppers.

3. Budget

Set your marketing budget first to see how much you can spend on materials, type of printing, special coating, or interactive tech additions.

Fragile Items That Benefit from Box Inserts

Chipboard, corrugated, and foam inserts can protect these delicate items that are at risk of damage during shipping:

• Electronics: smartphones, laptops, TV sets, computer monitors
• Glass: glassware, stemware (drinkware that stands on stems), vases, mirrors
• Ceramics: bowls, plates, figurines
• Artwork: paintings, photographs, sculptures
• Musical instruments: flutes, violins, guitars

Producing Inserts for Medication

For medication boxes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specifications for patient package inserts (PPI), which it considers a labeling method for patients and caregivers. According to its website, PPI must include information about the medicine, how to take it, common and serious side effects, and who should not take the medicine.

Except for oral contraceptives and medicine with estrogen, brands may voluntarily submit medication PPI to the FDA “on their initiative or by FDA request.”

Choose a Sustainable Custom Packaging Company for Your Customized Inserts

Read our A-Z guide to packaging definitions to help you get up to speed with industry terminology as you create your own custom boxes.

Packaging firms typically specialize in only a few materials for their custom packaging inserts so you must check if your supplier can produce the type needed for your mailer box, marketing kit, and subscription boxes.

Refine Packaging can customize box inserts for various products. Cardboard, corrugated, and foam options are available. We don’t make plastic inserts. Contact us for any questions or concerns about your planned box insert so we can help you arrive at a solution that will upgrade your packaging box’s sales potential.

The post What are Packaging Inserts? Intro to Types, Selection Tips, & Legal Compliance 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.

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.

Implementing green packaging in your brand’s operations is a necessity now more than ever. In this guide, you’ll find out why. 

What is Kraft Packaging?

About 32% of all plastic used in the packaging industry won’t end up in the trash. The problem with that is plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. In other words, aside from the ones that have ended up in the incinerator, every piece of plastic ever manufactured still exists to this day.

Kraft is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging and might be the world’s answer to the ever-growing plastic pollution. It is a common material used for packaging products in industrial and commercial operations. Kraft packaging is made from a renewable resource, which is biodegradable and recyclable. However, unlike regular paper, kraft paper can be made from any type of wood species.

During the kraft process, the natural wood is ground into a pulp and then treated with white liquor, which is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. It separates the lignin and the cellulose. Due to its reduced lignin and high sulfur content, kraft paper is very sturdy.

The kraft process is better for the environment, as it requires fewer chemicals, which can be recovered and reused without affecting the quality of the output.

Kraft has a natural brown color because of the wood pulp. Although it can be bleached, this process can weaken the fibers that make the material strong. The extra bleaching step can also drive up the manufacturing costs of the kraft packaging. 

Regular Paper vs. Kraft Paper

Kraft papers are arguably more sustainable and eco-friendly than regular paper materials. The kraft process is a self-sustaining method used to produce kraft papers and boards. Any type of wood can be used in this method, including pine and bamboo, which aren’t options for traditional paper making.

Since the kraft process results in lower lignin and higher sulfur content, kraft paper is sturdier than regular paper. It holds up well against heat, moisture, grease, and rough handling during shipping, making it a superior choice when it comes to packaging. It can be used to store food and beverage, cosmetics, appliances, and various other products.

Compared to general packaging materials such as plastic, kraft paper is more affordable. Despite its strength and thickness, it won’t add much weight to your package, allowing you to save on shipping costs.

The growing demand for kraft paper and eco-friendly packaging might further reduce their costs in the years to come.   

Benefits of Kraft Paper Packaging

Why are so many businesses willing to switch to kraft paper boxes packaging? Aside from the rise in demand for sustainable packaging, using kraft has a range of advantages.

1. They Are Versatile

From envelopes and food-grade boxes to tuck-top kraft boxes and folding cartons, kraft paper can be turned into all kinds of packaging materials. No matter what type of product you sell, you’d have the option to use some form of kraft paper packaging.

If what you need isn’t available on the market, you can have custom packaging to fit your products.

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2. They Are Durable

Kraft paper boxes packaging is very strong and robust. It can withstand rough handling and shuffling in transit, which enables brands to protect delicate products from damage.

Natural kraft paper lasts longer than its recycled alternatives because it mostly contains pure wood pulp. The raw materials are harvested from tree trunks and contain high concentrations of fiber. Recycled kraft paper will usually contain bark and other materials, which reduces its strength.

Although it’s durable, kraft tends to lose its strength when exposed to water. Thus, it’s usually treated with special resins when used to wrap wet products.

3. They Are Eco-Friendly

Kraft packaging reduces your carbon footprint because it is 100% eco-friendly. Even if it isn’t segregated in the trash, the kraft material will decompose in the landfill in a matter of weeks, leaving no negative impact on the environment.

Take note that kraft paper must be free from any plastic films and special resins if you want it to be 100% compostable. Let’s say you use kraft cut-out windows for your product packaging. Adding a non-compostable material, like a gloss lamination, over that cut-out space won’t make your packaging 100% eco-friendly.

Instead, you can leave that cut-out space open. Your customers can have a closer look at your products, while you stay true to your promise to deliver their goods in eco-friendly packaging only.

It’s also a recyclable material. You can recycle old kraft boxes and turn them into new packaging.

4. They Are Cost-Effective

Natural kraft paper is more affordable than plastic packaging. Even though they are sturdier than regular paper, their strength and durability don’t add to their weight. The kraft material won’t cost a lot of money in terms of shipping.

Buying kraft boxes wholesale can deliver a great deal of relief to a small or medium-sized business. The prices are significantly lower if you buy in bulk.

5. They Are Customizable

Paper kraft packaging can be manufactured in a variety of colors, dimensions, and shapes. Also, natural kraft paper is print-friendly. Using modern printing machinery, you can personalize your packaging in a variety of ways. You can print logos, attractive designs, and other product details directly on the material.

Custom kraft boxes with personalized prints usually cost extra money. If you want to personalize your boxes without spending too much, you can decorate them with stickers, ribbons, and stamps instead.

6. They Are Print-Friendly

As mentioned, kraft paper boxes packaging supports varying printing techniques, including digital printing and lithography. You may also use embossing and foil stamping techniques to enhance the look of your brown paper kraft boxes.

Whether you want to use soy-based or water-based ink, your prints will come out clearly on the kraft material. You can grab the attention of consumers and increase the promotions of your product. 

Color Classifications of Kraft Paper Boxes

Kraft paper boxes have a natural brown hue. However, this natural hue can be turned into white and other colors through bleaching and other chemical processes.

1. Brown Kraft Paper

Natural kraft paper is dark brown with visible impurities on the surface. If you bleach kraft, you can reduce those impurities and brighten the color. However, you’ll reduce its strength in the process. Hence, for shipping boxes and outer layer packaging, which protect your products from dust and moisture, natural brown kraft paper is more ideal.

2. Black Kraft Paper

Black kraft paper has a smooth surface with a slight glossy sheen. It is used mostly as backdrop for picture frames because of its sleek and professional appearance. Sometimes, it’s used for bulletin boards, banners, and wrapping.

3. Bleached Kraft Paper

Naturally brown kraft paper can be bleached to produce a lighter color. This type of kraft paper is often used in the restaurant industry as a cost-friendly alternative to linen tablecloths. It can also be used as wrapping paper for packages.

Although the bleaching process may weaken the fibers that make kraft paper durable, there are other ways to lighten the material without affecting its strength.

4. Single-Sided Smooth Kraft Paper

This type of kraft paper has a smooth and bright side, which has minimal impurities. The other side has that brown hue that kraft paper is known for. It also has the impurities of natural kraft paper. 

Types of Kraft Paper Packaging

There are different types of kraft paper packaging on the market. In general, these packaging materials are very sturdy. However, their strength and application may depend on the source of the wood as well as the manufacturing processes used.

1. Virgin Kraft Paper

Virgin kraft packing is made from raw wood pulp. This natural wood is harvested straight from the tree before it is manufactured into brown paper.

Even though virgin kraft paper isn’t very thick or heavy, it has high tear resistance and stiffness. It is an ideal packaging material for heavy-duty applications and is used to make packaging tapes, corrugated mailer boxes, and more.

The naturally brown hue of the kraft paper adds to its uniqueness, making it look rustic and homemade. Plus, unlike whiter packaging alternatives, the rough handling process isn’t as obvious on kraft paper boxes.

2. Recycled Kraft Paper

Coated recycled board is made of recycled content, such as cardboard boxes, books, and kraft materials. They are reduced into pulps before they are turned into recycled paper.

Once kraft paper is recycled, it won’t be as sturdy and tear-resistant as virgin kraft paper. It is great for products that don’t require high tear resistance like cereal boxes, paper bags, and paper cans.  

3. Mixed Kraft Paper

Mixed kraft papers are used for postage boxes and cardboard envelopes. As its name suggests, mixed kraft paper is a blend of sorts. It contains recycled and virgin pulp, which makes it as sturdy as natural pulp. It’s cheaper and more eco-friendly because it contains recycled materials. 

Kraft Paper Packaging Designs

What is kraft paper used for in packaging? Kraft paper boxes packaging is incredibly diverse. From bags to boxes, here are some unique packaging and gift box ideas that you can use with kraft materials.

1. Countertop Display

Businesses with brick-and-mortar shop locations use countertop displays to entice customers to buy more. At supermarkets, makeup stores, and confectionery shops, these are the little containers you’ll see at the counter. These kraft display boxes don’t take up a lot of space. They can hold several small-sized products, which are often very enticing.

With their eye-catching designs and styles, countertop boxes are meant to grab the attention of consumers while they’re checking out. They can also feature product-related information that may influence the purchasing decision of prospects.

2. Food-Grade Boxes

Kraft paper food packaging comes in a wide array of designs to fit a variety of food products. Salad containers, for instance, have at least one big clear window and side buckles to prevent your greens from spilling out.

Takeaway containers, like gable boxes and food bags, may have protective films like oil-proof lamination and heat-retaining coatings to keep the food fresh inside and prevent the grease from seeping into the paper. They may come with flaps that can be ripped out.

By using food-grade kraft boxes, restaurants and fast-food chains can reduce their plastic waste. They can reduce costs as well. 

3. Paper Bags

A kraft paper gift bag may have greaseproof and waterproof finishes to accommodate homemade products such as greasy food and baked goods. Apart from the natural brown color, a paper bag of this type is available in a wide array of colors.

4. Magnetic Boxes

Built with magnetic flap closures, these kraft paper boxes look very sleek and luxurious. You can add custom foam or silk inserts to protect fragile products like porcelain figurines, silverware, and more. This extra step you take to include add-ons can elevate the appeal of your product and improve the brand experience.

5. Jewelry Packaging

For businesses selling handmade jewelry and accessories, kraft jewelry boxes are an affordable and creative way to ship your goods to customers. Adding a foam insert to your kraft box can help protect the delicate trinket inside.

You can have the traditional styles of jewelry boxes, which come with a solid lid that covers part of the base. If you’re willing to spend extra, you can have custom kraft boxes with clear lids. You can also use black kraft boxes. They have a sleek and simple natural look that seems timeless and premium.

6. Pop-Up Tubes

Unique product packaging can give you a distinct advantage in the market. It can get people talking. Pop-up tubes usually have two thermoformed lids that go on each side. Apart from giving the tube structure, the lids also help preserve the flavors of your candies, cookies, spices, and other treats.

7. Tube Packaging

Rigid kraft cardboard can be turned into tube packaging, which can be used to store t-shirts, jeans, and accessories. Its sturdy walls are great for protecting glass bottles like essential oils, cosmetics, and other products. For fragile goods, you can opt to add a foam insert to ensure that your glass bottles stay secure at all times.

Unlike your average folding box carton packaging, this rigid kraft cardboard tube will retain its shape no matter how rough it’s handled during shipment. They are long-lasting and reusable.

8. Cut-Out Window Boxes

Clear plastic windows won’t make your packaging 100% eco-friendly. Instead of adding a see-through plastic over your cut-out packaging, leave the window open. It gives your customers a glimpse of the product inside. It can be used to wrap lightweight products such as hair clips, phone accessories, and other tiny trinkets. It can also be used to secure more delicate products like scented candles, mugs, and wine glasses.

9. Resealable Pouches

Resealable pouches can be made with kraft paper, too. They are great for storing lightweight goods like loose teas, herbs, spices, and dried fruit.  Like the food-grade boxes, they may have an optional clear window. Some may have aluminum foil included, which prevents moisture from seeping into the package.

10. Gift Boxes

Kraft gift boxes come in many shapes, sizes, and designs, such as kraft pillow boxes. These little containers form a curved pillow shape once you stash small gifts inside. A two-piece kraft gift box, on the other hand, has a lid that goes over and fits the tray tightly.

Bigger kraft gift boxes may contain inserts to divide and secure the products inside. Like other kraft packaging options, you’re free to customize them using creative prints to enhance the unboxing experience for customers.

11. Sliding Boxes

Sliding boxes can be used to hold a variety of products, including silverware, clothes, and accessories.

Retailers use kraft sliding boxes to give the customer a unique unboxing experience. If your box is designed to slide open from one side, you can attach a ribbon or a rope pull to the drawer so it’s easier for customers to open the box. An alternative would be a finger notch cut. You can add this to the side of the drawer that opens to ensure a fun and hassle-free unboxing experience.

12. Corrugated Shipping Boards

Kraft corrugated boxes are made of multiple layers of kraft paper. A corrugated board has two thicker outer layers called liner boards. Sandwiched between them is a thinner fluted corrugated sheet, which makes the board highly impact-resistant.

When it comes to wholesale packaging, a kraft shipping box is more ideal than a regular cardboard box. Its tough structure enables you to ship out products safely to consumers. Corrugated boards are used for packaging household appliances, auto parts, and more.

13. Wine Boxes

Custom kraft boxes designed to fit standard wine bottles can give your products a rustic and charming appeal. They may have clear or cut-out windows that show the wine labels. They also have sturdy handles for easy transport.

These wine boxes are great for holidays and special occasions. You can use them to gift your friends and loved ones with their favorite bottles of wine.

14. Mailer Kraft Boxes

Kraft boards can be turned into all kinds of mailer packaging. These boxes are designed to hold and secure a variety of products inside. Unlike your regular shipping boxes or gift boxes, mailer kraft boxes have extra flaps that prevent the products from spilling out during transport.

Printing Techniques for Kraft Packaging

Kraft paper boxes packaging is compatible with most modern printing machinery and techniques. Due to the thickness of kraft material, your inkjet and laser printers might not be the most suitable choice.

Just remember that the results will depend mostly on the printing material you use. Hence, take a close look at the quality of the paper. Make sure to assess its surface and determine whether it creases, cracks, or stains easily. Additionally, try to ask about its physical properties, such as its printing performance, absorption, and optical properties.

Many printing companies would use different printing techniques to achieve the desired colors and designs on the kraft paper boxes material.

Here are the most widely used printing techniques for kraft paper boxes packaging:

1. Flexography

Flexography is a common printing method used on kraft boxes, particularly stand-up pouches. However, it can be used to print on corrugated boards as well. It uses light-sensitive polymer instead of plates to print on kraft cardboard.

Modern flexography machines have built-in die-cut and lamination. This makes it easier to laminate or cut kraft boards. Just remember that die-cutting and laminating kraft boards might cost you extra because of their thickness.

2. Offset Printing

Another widely used printing method that works well on kraft boxes and other forms of kraft packaging is offset printing. Also called offset lithography, this method uses printing plates to transfer an inked image to a rubber blanket before printing it on a kraft material. The printing plates are made of zinc or aluminum.

This type of printing technique utilizes oil-based inks, which are suitable for highly absorbent kraft materials. Using oil-based colors, you can have full-colored designs on your packaging. 

Inks for Printing on Kraft Paper

What colors can you print on custom kraft boxes? The quality and type of kraft board you use will affect the colors of the ink. As a textured and absorbent material, it tends to soak up the ink and reduce its colors.

Since kraft is inherently darker in color than regular paper, some inks might appear more muted on the brown paper.

In general, you should avoid light colors like yellow, cream, and light pink. These colors won’t show up well on the brown paper kraft material. Once you print lighter tones on the board, the absorbent material will soak up the ink. The colors will lose their saturation or intensity. In some cases, the colors might appear differently on the kraft paper or board.

Here are the best colors for kraft material: 

1. Black

All colors will appear slightly muted on kraft paper—except for black. It is less likely to be affected by the natural color of kraft. It is your best choice if you’re printing on kraft material.

2. Darker Tones

Aside from black, darker tones like blues, purples, and greens will look exceptional on kraft materials. Their high saturation and deep colors will appear crisp against the dark brown color of your packaging.

3. Neon Inks

Neon and fluorescent inks, on the other hand, are viscous, which means they sit on the thick kraft board instead of seeping into it. Simply put, neon colors can retain much of their vibrancy when they are printed on kraft boards.

4. White Ink

If you’re printing on kraft paper, white ink is a good option. It looks bright and vivid on your brown packaging, which should draw the attention of your target customer. It gives your packaging a clean and modern look, adding to the rustic appearance of your kraft gift boxes.

This is a relatively new packaging trend. While it is new, you might as well join in and gain a competitive edge.

As with other colors, the quality and opacity of your ink, as well as the material of your kraft box, will determine the final look. 

What Makes Kraft Paper Packaging Eco-Friendly?

Sustainability in packaging isn’t just about having all-natural raw materials. The environmental impact of the production process, as well as the reusability and recyclability of the material, determines the sustainability of the packaging.

1. Materials

Kraft packaging is manufactured using all-natural wood fibers. Although trees are renewable resources, the sustainability of kraft paper also depends on the source of the materials. Ideally, wood fibers should be sourced from a responsibly managed forest.

By looking for the Forest Stewardship Council certification, customers can make sure their kraft gift box packaging is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

2. Production Process

The manufacturing process itself should be another important consideration when it comes to choosing sustainable packaging. How much energy is needed to produce it? How much pollution is created as a result?

To create paper kraft packaging, natural wood fibers have to undergo the kraft process. Compared to other paper manufacturing processes, it requires fewer chemicals. As mentioned, the chemicals used in the production of paper kraft packaging can be recovered and reused, making this process a self-sustaining one.

As for the excess byproducts of the process, tall oil and turpentine, they can be used to manufacture other items.

3. Reusability and Recyclability

The final output of the kraft process, which is the kraft paper itself, is reusable and recyclable. For instance, at home, consumers can reuse their kraft cardboard boxes for storage or transport of household items. They can also be recycled and turned into new packaging materials. 

What is FSC-Certified Kraft Paper?

The Forest Stewardship Council sets standards for sustainable forest management. In North America alone, around 168 million acres of forestland are FSC-certified.

FSC ensures that landowners and wood product manufacturers adhere to responsible forestry practices that include:

1. Protecting the water quality
2. Avoiding hazardous chemicals
3. Protecting the woodlands and natural forest covers
4. Safeguarding the rights of local communities and indigenous people
5. Reducing clear cutting
6. Saving wildlife habitats
7. Promoting transparent governance

Any product that bears the FSC label, including kraft paper packaging, certifies that it is sourced from responsibly managed forests. That means consumers will be able to trace the raw materials that were used to create the kraft gift boxes, as well as the forest where they were harvested from.

In a survey, 76% of retailers and non-manufacturers claimed that the FSC certification adds value to their products. About 88% of them agree that the label helps them convey their corporate social responsibility initiatives to their target audience. Also, 88% of them say that the certification helps them build a positive corporate image. 

What Do Consumers Think of Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging is important for a modern business because it helps the environment. The world is producing so much plastic, which only ends up in landfills or in our oceans.

Here are some figures from Ocean Conservancy that should concern you:

• 2.5 billion metric tons of solid waste is manufactured globally
• 275 million metric tons consists of plastic
• 150 million tons of plastic is stuck in marine environments around the world
• 8 million tons of plastic enters the oceans every year 

Now more than ever, customers are knowledgeable and aware of the impact of businesses on the planet. To gain the trust of an increasingly eco-conscious market, setting up green initiatives should be a priority in business.

In a study, Trivium Packaging found that 74% of customers are willing to pay extra for products that have green packaging. Of that number, about 25% said that they are willing to pay more than 10% for sustainable packaging.

Nearly 50% of consumers avoid harmful packaging like plastics. Of that number, 68% associate plastic with ocean pollution, which isn’t wrong.

Shifting to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in industrial and commercial operations can drastically change the amount of plastic entering the oceans. You can be part of that solution by using kraft paper boxes for your packaging needs. Eco-friendly packaging shows consumers that you care about the planet. 

Kraft Paper Market Updates and Trends

Due to changing customer habits and sentiments, there is an increase in support for the recycling process and demand for sustainable packaging. That includes kraft boxes.

The global market for kraft paper boxes packaging will be worth $22.38 billion in 2028, analysts say. This reflects a 3.8% compound annual growth rate from 2020. Its growth will be driven mostly by this demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.

Little by little, kraft paper is becoming a primary packaging solution for end-use industries, such as food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

North America is expected to have the largest revenue share in the global market. Its thriving food industry will fuel this growth, along with increasing paper recycling practices in the region.

Build a More Sustainable Future with Kraft Paper Packaging

The commitment to sustainable business packaging is greater than ever. Although the world can’t completely eliminate plastic waste and plastic pollution any time soon, using kraft paper boxes packaging as much as you can and implementing greener alternatives into your operations is a step in the right direction. You might as well do your part to save the environment and the communities you serve.

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 kraft 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 Everything You Need to Know About Kraft Paper Boxes appeared first on Refine Packaging.

Custom box inserts may be just what you’re looking for. 

Custom packaging inserts can be made from a variety of materials like cardboard, foam, and fungi. These stylish and practical inserts can be custom-sized to fit your unique products.  

You can use packaging inserts to ship all kinds of products. Want to give that bottle of wine a little added padding? Have a plant you need to send? A custom insert will hold them securely, so they arrive at the recipient safe and sound. Even large and heavy items can get added protection when nestled in a custom insert.

Custom inserts not only cradle your precious cargo, so they get to their destination in one piece. They can also give your packaging that wow factor. Custom inserts can take your customers’ unboxing experience from ho-hum to something they’re eager to share with friends word-of-mouth and the world through social media. 

So, let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know about custom boxes and inserts. 

Types of Custom Inserts

There are items you can place in a box and send off without putting any thought into it.  However, you give your customers a lackluster experience when they open that box. 

Also, most products need some sort of added protection to ensure their safe arrival. This is where void fill options come in handy. Examples like packing peanuts, crinkle paper, PE foam, and air pillows protect your products and help boost their presentation. 

These are all great options for certain products and in certain situations. But sometimes, you want to add something a little extra to make your customers’ experience much more special.  

Enter custom packaging inserts. 

Custom inserts keep the cargo safe from damage during shipping as they fit the exact specifications of your products. More importantly, they add style to the packaging and help you achieve your branding goals. They’re also not limited to securing the actual products. You can use inserts as trays or dividers.

But what type of packaging insert is right for you? 

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First, you must choose what sort of material you must use for your custom inserts. Each material has its characteristics that add to the presentation of the product packaging. 

Also, coming up with the best custom packaging depends on the product you’re putting in the box. Each product requires different ways to keep it safe during delivery. You can’t just use any material for your packaging inset and expect the product to arrive at the destination without any damages.

According to studies, product damage is the cause of 34% of customer returns related to packaging. So, you can’t afford to lose more than a quarter of your sales due to negligence.

It’s also important to keep in mind the company vibe you want to reflect. If your company mission statement centers around sustainability and environmental causes, use eco-friendly materials for your packaging inserts. 

Last, your budget will also play a part in what type of insert you choose.

To give you a summary of the different kinds of custom boxes, below is a handy table for your reference:

Now, let’s take a look at common materials used for custom inserts: 

Paperboard Inserts

Not all inserts need to be heavy-duty. Sometimes products don’t need much protection, but you’d still like to have an appealing presentation.

Paperboard inserts won’t give you maximum protection, but they’re a great choice for carton boxes and invitation boxes. They’ll keep your products in place and add to an overall pleasing presentation.

Paper stock is also good for small, lightweight items, such as beauty products or stationery. These inserts usually come in natural kraft color or white. Finally, there’s plenty of opportunities to add your branding, such as colors, logo, and message, suitable as paperboards are easy to print on.

Corrugated Inserts

Another affordable option is corrugated cardboard inserts and boxes. They’re heavier duty than the paperboard inserts and offer more protection. You might see these used in a box to separate fragile items like bottles.  

As you can see in the below image, Fuego Box uses custom inserts to display their hot sauce bottles beautifully and to prevent the bottles from spilling into each other. No one wants to open a box to find glass shards and sauce strewn around.

As with the kraft paper inserts, you can also easily print on corrugated cardboard. So feel free to add a message or use a brand color.

Rigid Chipboard Inserts

Rigid chipboard inserts are made from reinforced cardboard, making them good for shipping and protecting fragile items like ornaments or perfume bottles.

They’re also great for keeping products separated, so they don’t rattle into each other.  And since the design is pretty solid, this type of divider might be reused by customers to store other items down the road. 

Foam Inserts

Foam inserts are best for protecting fragile items like glass, camera lenses, and jewelry from scratches and scuffs. 

This foam padding type is made up of pre-scored squares that you can simply take out to fit your product. Since it eliminates the need for die-cutting, it’s a more affordable option. At the same time, these inserts are also super-lightweight and help decrease your shipping costs.

If you have different size products or have a smaller budget, “pick and pluck foam,” is an alternative to the die-cut foam inserts.  

Pulp Packaging Inserts

Pulp packaging inserts can be used for fragile items because they offer a lot of protection. Molded pulp inserts are made from recyclable and biodegradable materials like cardboard, sugarcane, bamboo, and other natural fibers. A perfect example of this packaging insert type is an egg carton.

Pulp packaging is highly versatile and comes in different shapes or sizes. They can even support heavy items like wine bottles. When empty, you can stack these inserts on top of each other to help you save storage space.

Mushroom Packaging

If you want to go further on the sustainability front, packaging made with mushrooms is the way. This packaging can be molded to fit just about any product, from cosmetic to CBD.  

For example, Ecovative Design’s Mushroom Packaging can be grown in only seven days and made from hemp hurds and mycelium.

Their packaging is 100% biodegradable so that you won’t be adding to the overfilling landfills. And you can even add it to your home’s compost pile.  

Molded Plastic

This packaging type is made from natural or synthetic materials with a polymeric structure, making it easy to mold when softened. Common examples of molded plastic include soda bottles, lids of takeout coffee cups, and water bottles.

Molded plastics were popular back in the day due its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, its non-biodegradable nature makes it harmful to the environment. 

Out of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic created between 1950 and 2015, only 9% has been recycled. Its effect on marine life has been devastating. This is a large reason why people are more conscious about using less plastic as much as possible. 

Coming Up with the Structural Design

Custom packaging inserts mean they’re specially made to fit your products and beautifully reflect your company vibe.  However, ensuring you get the right fit and look will take a little work on your end.  

First, it’s essential to determine the exact dimensions of the products you want to place in the insert. If you have a somewhat regular-shaped item, like a candle, or something cube-shaped, simply measure and share its dimensions with the manufacturer.  

But how about for odd-shaped items like drills, cameras, or game controllers? They have all kinds of nooks and crannies that make it challenging to get precise measurements. If the opening is too big, the item will fall out. Too small and it won’t fit. The insert is supposed to cradle your item just right to keep it safe and attractively displayed.  

In some cases, you may need to send the physical product to the manufacturer to get the measurements right. From there, they can build the insert around the product.

Also, avoid over-engineering your custom insert. You want it to offer the protection your items need, but you don’t want to add unnecessary weight or bulk to your packaging.

On top of ensuring the right fit for your products, you must also consider the fulfillment side of things. Cardboard inserts are usually made and stored flat, then folded into shape, and placed in the box.  Someone or something (if you’re using automated machinery) must put the inserts in all of those custom boxes.

While fulfillment should be easy, common issues you may encounter include receiving the wrong package due to poor shipping management. Getting your inserts printed and shipped by a reliable fulfillment center is key to a hassle-free delivery.

Also, you don’t want to frustrate customers with their unboxing experience. Make sure that taking the items out of the insert is as easy as possible for customers. 

Also, consider how your customers will dispose of this packaging. Is it easy to break down? Easy to recycle? Most people don’t want to fill their trash cans with excess packaging. 

Custom Printing and other Design Elements

Inserts don’t have to be a drab brown color unless that’s the look you’re going for. In fact, your insert doesn’t have to match the outside of the mailer box. Feel free to give your customers a little surprise inside. 

You can pick a bold color, print your logo or catchphrase, or write a message to your customers like a simple “thank you.”

Here are three of the leading printing techniques for paperboard or corrugated material:

1. Flexographic printing (or Flexo): This process stamps a non-photo quality design onto the cardboard material.  Since it works well on smooth and rougher surfaces, it’s a good choice for printing on corrugated material. And it’s a good option for large quantities.
2. Digital Printing: This newer printing technology uses the CMYK ink spectrum, giving you a wide choice of colors. Digital printing prints the design line-by-line so you can get photo quality. This process is more cost-effective for small batches, and it has a quick turnaround.
3. Lithographic printing (or Litho): The design is printed onto a label, and then that layer is stuck onto the cardboard.  Litho printing can give a premium look to your packaging.  You can add things like foil details and emboss with this method.  Litho is a good choice for large quantities of premium packaging. 

You can also choose what kind of coating and lamination you’d like for your inserts. Do you want to go for a glossy look? Or maybe a matte finish is more in tune with your brand. 

Get as fancy or simple as you want. Just make sure it ties in with your overall branding goals to delight your customers. 

Benefits of Custom Inserts

As seen above, there are tons of options for custom inserts. It’s now a matter of planning for the right materials and design elements for your custom insert design.

The extra time and effort you may need to invest in coming up with a custom insert design can have big-time benefits.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages of going with custom box inserts: 

Robust Product Protection

The most important job of your packaging is to ensure your goods arrive in one piece.  

The last thing you want is for your customer to open a box and find out that the special wine glass or new camera lens is shattered into pieces.

It doesn’t matter how great your products are or how pretty your packaging presentation is. If your products arrive broken, your customers will not be happy. And this incident could create a bad lasting impression about your brand that could lead to lost revenue.

Custom inserts are designed to secure and protect your products inside the box that they’re shipped in. They’ll effectively secure your unique products, no matter their shape or size or how many they are.

Presentation

Custom inserts can give your packaging a polished look that customers will take notice of. They can present your items in a way that makes your products the focal point. 

A beautiful presentation can lead to immense marketing benefits. For example, unboxing videos are pretty popular nowadays. In fact, the time people have spent watching unboxing videos from their phones is equivalent to watching “Love Actually” more than 20 million times. And most of the time spent on these videos is about the packaging of the product.

Also, many influencers, and even your everyday customers, have taken to sharing pretty packages on social media channels, such as Instagram and Pinterest.

Finally, according to surveys, 72% of Americans agree that packaging can influence their purchasing decision. In the case of e-commerce and retail, looks matter.

Amplify Your Brand Recognition

Custom package inserts can help customers take notice of your brand. You can add your logo to the insert or use your brand colors. You can even keep branding to a minimum to achieve a raw and bare look.

No matter what style you choose, giving your customers a thoughtful, high-end experience through your packaging will make your brand more memorable and excite your customers.  

And why is building brand loyalty so important? Consider this:

• 43% of customers spend more money on brands they are loyal to. (Fundera)
• 94% of people said they’d be highly likely to recommend a brand they were emotionally engaged with. (Genler)
• 48% of consumers report that they are more likely to become loyal to a brand during the first purchase or experience. (G2)
• 50% of shoppers say they’re more likely to recommend a product with branded packaging. (BusinessLoad)

Custom packaging inserts are a great way to pump up customer loyalty. Not leveraging your packaging to get your brand noticed potentially leaves a lot of money on the table. 

The Environmental Angle

Environmental concerns are on top of the consumers’ minds, and this includes packaging.  No one wants to contribute to landfills or have a giant carbon footprint.

Recent research conducted about sustainability concludes the following:

• 74% of those surveyed would pay more for sustainable packaging, and nearly one-fourth are willing to pay for an increased cost of 10 percent or more.

• 60% of consumers say they are less likely to buy a product in harmful packaging.

The bottom line is that the friendlier your packaging is to the environment, the better.

Inserts made from paper or cardboard are not only easy to recycle but also sustainable. Look for manufacturers who use responsible forestry.

Want to go a step further? Try inserts made from organic material like fungi.  Not only are they super sustainable, but they’re even home compostable.  Who would have thought discarded packaging could help grow a garden?

A Few Potential Drawbacks

As with everything, there are some potential drawbacks to going with custom box inserts. Ironically, many of their cons are what make custom inserts so special. There are three main disadvantages:

• It’s a custom design: On one hand, custom design will make your brand stand out. On the other hand, unlike stock packaging, they’re going to take longer to complete. You can’t grab these inserts off the shelf or put your order in and expect the product the next day. 
• These inserts are product-specific: Sure, this means they’ll offer optimum protection and fit your products like a glove.  But, if you sell a bunch of different products, this may be problematic. Coming up with custom inserts for hundreds of unique products could prove to be a logistical nightmare.
• They’re more expensive than many other void-fill alternatives: As with all of your packaging needs, you need to keep your budget in mind.  Custom inserts might not fit your bottom line today, but they may be something to consider in the future. 

A Little Inspiration

The eCommerce industry generated an estimated $839 billion in sales last year, which increased over 40% from the year before. But there’s a lot of competition out there.  Everyone is trying to claw their way to the top.

So, what can you do to get your products noticed?

It’s going to take a little effort on your part to keep your current customers and attract new ones. Beautiful packaging, including custom inserts, is one way to do that.  

Let’s take a closer look at how some companies are using custom box inserts to enhance their customers’ experiences:

Warby Parker

Finding that perfect pair of eyeglasses that look just right on your face can be a real chore.  That’s why online prescription eyeglass retailer Warby Parker introduced a program where they’ll send out five free pairs of glasses. Decide which one (or ones) you’d like to keep and send the rest back.

Since glasses are fragile, they require extra care when mailing them out. Warby Parker uses a corrugated box with insert dividers to keep the glasses separated and ding-free.

Ritual Vitamins

Ritual is an online multivitamin retailer that developed itself into an Instagram darling.  So you know presentation is important to them including with their packaging.

In the above example, Ritual uses its signature bright yellow color for an eye-catching insert. This color is found splashed across their website, so including it in their packaging reinforces their brand identity. 

Cupcakes

Cupcakes aren’t just for little kids’ birthday parties anymore. In recent years, all kinds of boutique cupcake shops have sprung up across the country, lending these once humble little cakes an air of sophistication.

But nothing less unflattering than a smooshed cupcake. These delicate little cakes need protection. Custom inserts can ensure these tasty morsels make it home looking as good as they did on the bakery shelf. 

Winestyr 

More people are enjoying the ease of ordering their wine, especially since the pandemic. But can you imagine the mess a shattered wine bottle would unleash upon delivery? Talk about a way to lose customers fast! 

Winestyr is fully aware of this. As an online purveyor of artisanal wines, you can join their wine club or order premium gifts. Since their whole business is about shipping out their product to customers, they have their packaging dialed in.

In the above example, they have three wine bottles nestled in a cardboard insert. The insert both protects the bottles and nicely presents them.

Esquire Beast Box

Esquire needs no introduction, but its new subscription gift box does. Named “Beast Box,” it contains various men’s grooming products, in line with Esquire’s branding.

The box insert has different-sized sections for each of the products included. Also, the understated color scheme exudes masculinity, which is just what you’d expect from the brand.  

Pirells Innovative

Here’s a concept design from Pirells Innovative for a premium watch box. The monochrome color complements the simple yet elegant design. The pattern made on the mailer box and the inside insert are made by cutting the black paper, which gives it a unique, memorable look.

When you pop open this box and find a watch lying on the insert, the overall presentation oozes luxury and sophistication. 

Tait Design

You wouldn’t expect a design studio to skimp on presentation, and Tait Design does not disappoint. 

The hot pink cardboard box for their yo-yo matches the printing color on the outside of the box. It pulls the whole look together and makes a “child’s” toy feel unique and fancy.

Get People Talking with Memorable Custom Packaging Box Inserts

Custom box inserts can take your packaging from unremarkable to something that gets people talking. Packaging inserts are only one component of your overall marketing arsenal, but they can build trust, increase brand recognition, and enhance your customers’ overall experience. 

Custom box inserts will protect your goods and make them look good. They’re made from various materials, so you can find one that reflects your company’s values. What’s not to love?

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 Ultimate Guide to Custom Packaging Inserts appeared first on Refine Packaging.

But did you know that product packaging has different levels? 

Known as primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, each package has its place and its purpose. 

In this article, we’re going to reveal the differences between each type of packaging, when each one is used, why they matter and how to find a professional packaging company to help ensure your product packaging is designed right every step of the way. Let’s take a closer look. 

Primary Packaging 

Primary packaging is the packaging that comes in direct contact with the product itself.

A cereal box wouldn’t be considered primary packaging, but the bag inside the box would, since it’s the part that actually holds the contents of the box. If all cereals were contained in the box alone (without the bag), they’d be much more susceptible to going stale or being affected by moisture or light, which could degrade their taste, texture and consistency. 

The main job of primary packaging is to protect and preserve the product inside. In this example, bags are rather clunky and liable to slip out of your hands. Plus, they don’t exactly fit neatly in a cupboard. It’s harder to print information about the product on them, and thus we have the bag inside the box — to keep the product fresh and outside of light, moisture and other elements that could affect it. 

Primary packaging is often referred to as retail packaging, although this term is sometimes used to describe secondary packaging as well. Using our cereal example above, primary packaging doesn’t just reference the bag that the cereal comes in, but the box that the bag is stored in, as well. As you’ll know if you’ve ever been down the cereal aisle in the grocery store, the brightly-colored boxes with deeply-textured images of cereal are designed to attract your eye and your attention. 

In terms of what’s considered primary packaging, you can think of it as the answer to a simple question — is this the packaging that the product is normally bought in? If so, then that would be considered its primary packaging. As another example, carbonated drinks are kept in a can — the can would be considered the primary packaging because it’s how the product is delivered to the consumer. 

Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging is generally used to group a certain amount of products together into a cohesive unit that’s easy to identify. The SKU, or Stock Keeping Unit, makes it easy for vendors to identify the movement of stock as well as inventory. Secondary packaging makes it possible to group products so that they can be more easily tracked. Smaller shipments of products are often shipped using secondary packaging. 

The packaging itself can be made up of several individual pieces including:

• The box itself
• Interior padding
• Product separators
• Reinforcement to prevent crushing or denting the box
• And so on

For most people, secondary packaging is what comes to mind when they think about packaging. Everything from the branded ecommerce packaging that you receive in the mail to the customized boxes that line the shelves at your local retail store are part of the secondary packaging level.

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The individual pieces of secondary packaging can be further customized, in order to make the product more visible and easily found in a warehouse or retail store. Referring back to our cereal example, the secondary packaging would be the box that contains multiple custom boxes of cereal for storage in a warehouse before it goes onto retail shelves. Another example would be a “fridge pack” for the carbonated drinks, which is what is used to store several of the cans together and offer another layer of protection. 

Sometimes, primary and secondary packaging can overlap. For example, retail stores often receive shipments of a newly-released movie in a box that doubles as a display stand. The box serves as secondary packaging to protect the item, but it also serves as retail packaging to catch the consumer’s eye, even though the DVD case itself is how the movie is delivered to the consumer. 

Consumers will often see and interact with secondary packaging, particularly if it follows the two-in-one shipping and marketing option like the aforementioned DVDs or carbonated drinks. If you plan on using your product packaging similarly, it makes sense to consider how your product packaging design can leave a memorable impression on your customers.

Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packaging is often known as bulk packaging or transit packaging. It’s used to transport larger numbers of goods safely and securely to their destination. Imagine several boxes full of cereal boxes arriving on pallets to distribution centers.

This kind of packaging makes it easy to handle, store and ship goods as single, self-contained units. Oftentimes, tertiary packaging consists of several cardboard boxes huddled together with stretch-wrap to prevent the packaging from being jostled and bumped around in transit. 

Consumers generally don’t see tertiary packaging, since it’s often used just to add another layer of protection to the secondary packaging and also to group larger shipments together for storage and easy retrieval of SKUs. 

Why Do Packaging Levels Matter?

Whether items are being shipped in a large group or you’re grouping together similar products for retail display, or individual items for customer consumption or use — custom packaging at every stage is important. 

On the tertiary packaging level, consumers may not see it, but that doesn’t mean you should pay any less attention to it. At every level of your packaging, whether consumer-facing or not, there’s strategy involved. Keeping your product (especially if there’s a large number of them) safe during shipping and fulfillment is just as important as catching the consumer’s eye on a retail shelf. 

Of course, it’s also understandable that you want to save money while protecting your product. The good news is that working with a knowledgeable, experienced packaging company is what often makes the difference between your goods arriving safe and sound and presenting itself as the customer’s best option, versus arriving broken, dented, crushed, torn or worse. 

Help is Here for Every Level of Your Custom Packaging Journey

Fortunately, Refine Packaging is here to help. With our extensive knowledge and expertise in all things product packaging and printing, we’re able to help you stay on budget while exploring amazing options that will highlight and position your product as the consumer’s very best option from among all of your competitors. 

From secure tertiary packaging that keeps your items secure from the warehouse or distribution center to store shelves, to secondary packaging that highlights your brand while making it easy for consumers to access the product itself, to primary packaging that puts the spotlight squarely on your product, putting it head and shoulders above the rest — you can count on Refine Packaging to provide you with consulting and fulfillment services at every step of the process. 

Even if you don’t yet have a vision for your brand and you need input on how to properly communicate it to consumers, our staff of talented graphic artists can help guide you every step of the way. Spanning many different disciplines and backgrounds, we have the skills to take your vision and transform it into a beautiful product design.

Effortlessly communicate your brand and promote your product’s unique style. It’s possible not only with the graphics and packaging design themselves, but also with the materials used in your packaging.

Eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious, rustic and primitive, elegant and modern, sophisticated and luxurious. No matter what type of impression you want to convey, Refine Packaging is able to bring it to life.

You’ve worked hard to create an incredible product. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote on your product packaging and let our exceptional team of packaging and printing professionals help design packaging that reinforces everything you want users to know about your product and its superb performance and style. 

The post The 3 Levels of Packaging: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Packaging appeared first on Refine Packaging.

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

Should you choose stock packaging or custom packaging? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You should use stock packaging when: 

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

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

You should use custom packaging when: 

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

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

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

The Bottom Line on Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging

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

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

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

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

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

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

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