Types Of Packaging Materials -
Pick The Best For Your E-Commerce Business

Packaging plays a crucial role in today's business world. The perfectly designed custom boxes not only protect the packed products but also build an emotional connection with esteemed customers. Moreover, they also leave an everlasting brand impact on consumers’ minds. For e-commerce entrepreneurs, selecting the right packaging materials is paramount. Whether you run a small business or a large online platform, choosing the correct materials is a key factor in achieving success. As the variety of packing supplies continues to expand, there's room for creativity in presenting and protecting your custom packaging boxes.

In this article, we'll delve into different packaging materials, helping you find the ideal fit for your e-commerce venture. Read on to learn more about which packing materials work the best.

What Is The Purpose Of Packaging?

Owners of e-commerce businesses need to understand why the best packaging is important. For those that sell through brick-and-mortar locations, customizing packaging boxes are bit more difficult for them. You need to think about the message your products will send as well as the influence they will have on the environment. The Custom Boxes has advanced machinery and a talented packaging team, which wonderfully craft boxes that protect your products, allure potential audiences, and boost your sales.

Durable product packaging boxes deliver your delicate products to your clients safely. Outstanding custom printed packaging boxes are not only designed to provide 100% protection but also enhance your brand integrity and recognition. So, opt for the materials wisely because the authenticity, reliability, and credibility highly depend on the quality of the boxes.

What Is The Most Popular Type Of Packaging?

When it comes to choosing the types of packaging materials, the possibilities are endless. The wide range of materials available makes it difficult to sort through them all and decide which to use. The six primary categories of packaging supplies are corrugated cardboard, paperboard, plastic, glass, polyethylene, and aluminum. Fortunately, The Custom Boxes is here to assist. What you should know is given below:

1. Corrugated Cardboard

For good reason, corrugated cardboard boxes are among the most often used paper packaging materials. Usually consisting of two liner layers and one "waved" layer, this material offers ample cushioning and protection for the contents of the box. Because of this, corrugated cardboard is practically puncture-proof and durable. Corrugated cardboard packing material nevertheless weighs less and folds easily, saving money on storage and transportation.

There's no shortage of corrugated cardboard packaging in various sizes and styles. The Custom Boxes, for instance, provide four distinct corrugated box designs:

• Triangle document mailers
• Shipping boxes
• Mailer boxes
• One-piece folder boxes

Each of these boxes can be made to order in terms of size and printing.

2. Paperboard

Although the size and shape of paperboard and corrugated cardboard are similar, there are a few important distinctions. The paperboard package type is made of a single layer of material as opposed to several distinct layers. Paperboard is therefore less robust than corrugated cardboard but lighter overall.

When packaging retail products that are currently on the shelf, paperboard packaging works best. These type of packaging boxes is typically not advised for products that must be delivered because it isn't sturdy enough to last the shipping procedure or provide sufficient protection for the contents. If shipping with paperboard packaging is required, you must include extra safeguards to avoid breakage and damage.

3. Glass

Glass is generally employed in niche markets, such as the food and beverage and cosmetics sectors, as a packaging material. For instance, tomato sauce is normally sold in glass jars, whereas face serums are usually marketed in glass bottles.

Glass packaging types have some significant drawbacks even though they are airtight. Glass can break easily and is difficult to ship without specific care. Secondly, glass is heavy and might increase the cost of transportation. And lastly, labels must be used for branding when using glass packing.

4. Plastic

Another excellent material for retail packaging is plastic since it is transparent, allows buyers to see the product clearly, and influences their decision to buy. Types of packaging boxes made of plastic are often flexible, lightweight, and reasonably strong. The main advantages of plastic packaging are resistance to humidity, and germs because of their airtight lid.

However, plastic packaging isn't particularly eco-friendly. Given that consumers are becoming more concerned about sustainable shipping materials and products, this drawback should be taken into account while selecting your packing. Furthermore, you must use packaging that aligns with your values if you want to be seen as a "green" company.

5. Aluminum

Another outstanding packaging option for retail is aluminum packaging. A brand can differentiate itself from the competition by utilizing aluminum packaging instead of more conventional materials like plastic.

Using highly recyclable aluminum packaging demonstrates your brand's environmental consciousness. Packaging made of aluminum doesn't have to give up protection in the name of sustainability because it still offers excellent protection. The fact that aluminum packing can be more costly and heavier than other materials is possibly its only drawback.

6. Polyethylene Bags

Plastic packaging composed of polyethylene is becoming more and more common. However, poly bags are incredibly flexible, in contrast to ordinary plastic, which is mostly hard and only somewhat flexible. Poly bags also provide moisture protection and are quite durable.

Poly bags aren't particularly protective and shouldn't be used for delicate items because of their excessive flexibility. Instead, lightweight, unbreakable items—especially textiles and apparel—are frequently packaged in poly bags.

How Can I Choose The Best Packaging Material?

After you have a clear understanding of how crucial your good packaging and durable material are to protecting your goods, reducing costs, and building your brand, it's time to choose a material by following these six guidelines:

1. Focus On The Product’s Fragility

You must first think about your products. For instance, various packaging materials are needed for fragile articles like glassware and clothes. A sealable packing material could also be needed for food goods. Materials such as poly or plastic bags work well for non-fragile things, corrugated cardboard works well for fragile items and glass or aluminum works well for numerous food items.

2. Focus On Your Brand

You must then think about your brand. Your brand, identity, and values are all must be conveyed through your custom packaging. Consider your brand's personality and ideals if you're unsure of what you want to convey with your packaging. For example, utilize top-notch custom paperboard packaging material and bring innovation to your brand. They are flexible and are highly suitable for printing and designing. If your company is environmentally conscious and green, you should use sustainable packaging materials which include cardboard, corrugated, Kraft, and paperboard.

3. Focus On Your Target Audience

Of course, when picking out your packaging, it's crucial to keep your customers in mind—they're the ones who'll benefit from it the most! First of all, go for packaging that's easy to open. As wrestling with the tough opening of boxes puts a damper on the excitement of unboxing for your customers. Plus, think about what matters to your customers. If they're all about being eco-friendly and are happy to pay a bit extra for sustainable custom printed packaging boxes, it's worth listening to them. Opt for materials that align with their values. For instance, use paper or cardboard packaging fillers instead of plastic packing peanuts or bubble wrap to fill up empty spaces in your packaging.

4. Focus On Your Logistics

One thing often overlooked when choosing durable and exceptional packaging materials is how they'll hold up during shipping. The packaging for products shipped across the country needs to be sturdy, unlike those just taken home from the store. For brands shipping nationwide or worldwide, custom corrugated cardboard is a safe bet—it's tough, light, and doesn't break the bank. But if you're a retail brand, you've got more room to play around with materials like glass, plastic, or paperboard to get creative with your packaging.

5. Focus On Your Funding

You might think you've nailed down the ideal packaging and supplies for your products, only to realize they're way out of your budget. That's why it's smart to set your budget from the get-go, so you don't waste time drooling over materials you can't afford. If you're all about getting the most value for your money, stick to materials like corrugated cardboard, paperboard, or poly bags—they won't break the bank. On the flip side, fancier stuff like glass, aluminum, and plastic will cost you more.

6. Focus On Unlimited Customization Options

No matter what kind of packaging material you go for, think about giving it a personal touch to step up your packaging game. This applies whether you're selling in stores or online. For instance, if you're in retail, think about jazzing up your products with a custom paperboard box. If you're online, maybe a custom mailer box is more your style. Customizing your boxes does wonders for your brand and product safety. Having your logo, colors, and fonts on your packaging is like free advertising. Plus, tailor-made packaging ensures your products fit snugly and stay safe during shipping.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you are familiar with all the amazing materials and categories of packaging, you are ready to pick the best one for your online business. Follow all the given instructions before settling on the right packaging for your e-commerce business. Don't miss out on The Custom Boxes’ lineup of eco-friendly and customizable packaging solutions designed just for online businesses like yours!