What is product packaging?
What is product packaging?
What is product packaging?
Product packaging: The role of product packaging, therefore, seems obvious. It facilitates all stages of the logistics process. It is mainly used to protect the product against any degradation or external attack.
Therefore, whatever its form or the material of manufacture, your packaging must make it possible to secure the product during loading or unloading.
Specifically adapted to what it contains, it must also contribute to the reduction of load breaks during shipments, as well as the risk of damage or damage during transport.
On the other hand, the definition of packaging and packaging should not be confused. It is true that depending on its nature, product packaging can also be referred to as packaging or packaging.
However, there is a slight difference. Packaging is primary packaging. In other words, it is the packaging that is directly in contact with the product. The latter aims less to protect the product against possible external agents. It is rather oriented towards the protection of the content so that it retains all its quality and less exposes the consumer to possible chemical risks.
What are the different types of packaging that exist?
Now that we are done with the definition of product packaging, let’s see the different types that exist. When it comes to logistics and distribution, there are three different types of packaging.
Primary packaging
Primary packaging is the form in which the product is presented at a point of sale. It is manufactured in such a way as to constitute a storage unit for the consumer. This is the packaging that is directly in contact with the product. Very often, an overpack is added, the interest and ecological nature of which are controversial. In short, it is the final packaging of the product as it is found on the shelves. Generally, secondary and tertiary packaging are associated with primary packaging.
Secondary packaging
This is the product packaging that is placed in front of the consumer. It is the one that groups the consumption units used in the delivery of products. Its function is essentially logistical. Generally, it is made of cardboard and allows the product to be easily transported from the distributor to the consumer. For this reason, its dimensions are optimized.
Tertiary packaging
Tertiary packaging corresponds to packaging that groups secondary packaging into delivery units. These are often film-wrapped pallets, crates, the assembly of several boxes, plastic hoods, etc.
The different types of product packaging complement each other during the transport of a product.
The different types of packaging for e-commerce
Before conveying your products, you must make quality packaging in order to transport them without risk. Whether simple or complex, product packaging must match the purpose of the product.
Corrugated packaging
This is the type of packaging most used by online merchants. These packages are strong, stack optimally on pallets, are environmentally friendly, and are fully recyclable. It is also possible to use corrugated cardboard boxes that have a double flute in order to strengthen the solidity and durability of goods that weigh more.
Bags and pouches
For products that are rather light, but not fragile, you have the option of using polyethylene packaging, a plastic material often used in the food packaging industry. It is also possible to use Tyvek envelopes that are tear-resistant. There are also plastic shipping bags to secure the shipment of your products. These are light, resistant packaging that can be easily stored. This makes it easier to send small parcels. You also have the option to easily customize them to create your brand.
Padded envelopes
These packages are ideal for shipping small or fragile items such as jewelry, crafts, books, etc. For more protection, it is possible to add the paper that can be recycled or bubble wrap, although the latter is a not so ecological alternative.
Custom packaging for e-commerce
Custom product packaging is an ideal way to deliver a unique and successful unboxing experience to your customers. In terms of printing and personalization, you have several options. Plus, you have the flexibility to customize your entire box to showcase your brand exceptionally and deliver an experience that satisfies your customers.
6 points to consider when creating your brand by doing product packaging
Many online businesses fail to realize that there is a connection between product packaging design and branding. When you want to design packaging for your products, think about the type of brand you want to create for your business. Here are 6 points to help you create a link between your packaging and your brand.
Write your story
Build your brand story. Keep in mind that a company is invisible without its history, values, mission, vision, and personality. Your product packaging should specifically tell your brand story. State your goals and beliefs. Write the specifications for your future packaging.
Define your brand personality and vision
Don’t think of packaging design as just a way to deliver your products. Here are some questions that may help you:
What is your marketing position? (express your competitive advantage in one sentence)
With which concepts and metaphors could you describe your brand?
Create your logo design
All of these steps assume that you have already found your brand name. Now we have to think about the logo. This is the first element that comes to mind when thinking about creating a brand. Preferably, your logo should be unique and recognizable, regardless of its dimensions.
Observe the packaging on the market and draw inspiration from what is already being done
Carefully analyze the achievements of the competition, carefully observe what is already being done. This will allow you to have ideas, but to use a totally different graphic design.
To be coherent
Don’t get carried away with making your packaging immaculate. It is important to design product packaging that is consistent with your brand identity and values. That doesn’t mean you have to put your logo on everything. But you need to craft concepts that reflect your brand; simple and better thought out concepts that could be supported by the logo, typography, color, etc.
Invest in packaging
Don’t underestimate the power that product packaging design can have on your brand. In fact, your packaging is often the first point of contact between your customers and your product. This is usually the first experience customers will have with your brand. So, you should give enough care to your product packaging design. Make packaging that evokes an emotion in the customer. Once you’ve created packaging that instantly speaks to your customers, your brand awareness will benefit.
Create product packaging for your brand
Here are some steps to make product packaging by creating your brand.
In e-commerce, it is generally a question of delivering the products sold to the customers. For this, you need sufficiently strong product packaging. You can use shipping boxes made from high-quality recycled cardboard to send several types of items. If you plan to ship a subscription box to your customers, you can use larger boxes. Those of medium sizes will be ideal for clothing. You can use the boxes of small sizes to deliver items such as jewelry, cosmetics and other accessories. For heavy items, you can use cardboard boxes; they are stronger.
However, to attract consumers and distinguish yourself from your competitors, forget the classic boxes. Bet on your originality by choosing innovative materials and cardboard boxes with surprising shapes. Work on a unique shape while remaining consistent with the product.
Take into account the characteristics of the product for the packaging
To create product packaging, you need to think about the features of your product. Several points should therefore be considered:
The size of the product: it is important to know the size of your product in order to imagine how it will be positioned inside the box.
The fragility of the product: is the product to be shipped fragile? If you are shipping items made with fragile materials (ceramic, glass, etc.), you will need filler materials to protect them inside the shipping carton. This is valid for less fragile items, but still sensitive to shocks (example: electronic products). You can order shipping boxes with packing paper to protect fragile products. Better, you can use thick corrugated cardboard to cushion the shock during shipping.
The weight of the product: this point is also important for the shipping of the products.
It will determine the cost of delivery, but also the strength of the box. Despite the fact that classic boxes protect your products and enhance them, they are not recommended for shipping heavy products. Instead, you can use them for primary packaging. If your products are heavy, it is better to opt for stronger shipping boxes.
Choose colors and fonts
You need to focus on your brand design, especially colors and typography.
Choice of colors
Colors don’t just define the look of your brand. They also convey the emotions you want to convey. You should opt for colors that differentiate you from your direct competitors to avoid confusing consumers. Choose the right color for your packaging customization.
Choice of fonts
At this point, you need to think about the typefaces you will use on your product packaging. Aside from the typeface, you plan to use for your logo, select other fonts so that the writing on the packaging is legible.
Choose packaging in accordance with the product
Product packaging reflects your brand values. It must give indications on the product. To do this, do not lose sight of the target you are addressing and ensure that there is consistency between the product and its packaging. For example, organic products are often packaged in recycled cardboard with not very shiny product packaging. Do not forget to harmonize the packaging with the product.
Customize product packaging to create your brand
To create your brand, you need to customize your product packaging. This allows you to build customer loyalty by offering them a unique unboxing experience.
Contact suppliers and printers
Get in touch with manufacturers and printers who can make you proposals. Ask them for copies of their previous work. Choose the shape, material, or thickness of the paper. Note that prices may vary greatly depending on the quantities ordered.
Design product packaging
It’s all about customizing the design of your packaging. How your box will look will depend on the type of box you have chosen. After that, you’re going to get creative with creating or finding a unique catchphrase to print on the box. You have the option to print it on all sides. Remember to take into account the printing method of the packaging, which varies according to the type of material used. You can contact a professional for the design of your packaging.
In the early stages of packaging design, remember to leave enough space to put legal and general elements inside.
. Most packaging should have a logo and brand, artwork, in-box literature, a barcode, and an address for returns.
Go to production
Before starting production, test your packaging first. Subject it to several conditions to see its resistance, its performance during a means of long transport. Attend the printing if possible to ensure that the colors and rendering are consistent with what you want.
In conclusion
You have understood the importance of product packaging. To summarize, define your target audience; determine your needs;
select packaging suppliers and move on to negotiation. Then, establish a budget and your graphic charter.
