Packaging does more than just hold a product. It’s a way to communicate the differential and position of your product and brand. The outside packaging of a product could be the difference in whether or not your product gets picked up and purchased. In fact, eye-tracking studies show consumers read on average only seven words in an entire shopping trip, buying instinctively by color, shape and familiarity of location. That means packaging has a big job to do – it must tell a story and sell a product without saying a word. At Tap, we not only strive to create packaging our clients love but also packaging that protects the product, extends the brand, and increases sales.
Determining the Structure
Before we develop a box, we must decide on the structure and substrate (materials used such as paperboard). What type of folding carton or rigid set-up is best for your product? In order to make this determination, we ask a lot of questions. Here are some things to consider when thinking about the best structure and substrate for your package:
- What is going in the box? How much does it weigh? What are the dimensions of the product? How many pieces are going inside the box? Do they need protected?
- Are there any quality or performance specifications? Water resistance, grease barrier, outdoor use, child safety, FDA compliance, etc.
- Is a window needed to show off your product?
- What is your budget?
- How will the product be fulfilled? If it is being fulfilled by hand, has this been calculated into the budget?
- What is the function of the package? Is it a gift package? Does it need to dispense the product? Can the packaging be repurposed after purchase?
- How is it going to be shipped?
- What are the retail shelf requirements where your product will be placed? Do the boxes need to be able to be stacked on top of eachother?
The next step is to decide what kind of box is right for your product and your brand.
Folding Cartons
Folding cartons are boxes generally made out of SBS or Kraft paperboard, which typically range from 10 pt to 24 pt board. The artwork is printed directly onto the folding carton substrate itself. Folding cartons are generally shipped flat for easy transportation and storing. Once they are ready to be filled, the pre-glued flat cartons can be popped into shaped by the end-user. There are many types of folding cartons. Stay tuned for a discussion on folding carton types.
Benefits
- Fast and easy to produce
- Endless possibilities with sizes, shapes and carton styles
- Can be digitally printed (read more about the benefits of digital printing)
- Easy to store
Rigid Set-Up
Rigid set-up boxes are made of heavier, thicker chipboard, ranging from 35 pt to 90 pt board. After the board is cut to size, it is formed and wrapped with a thinner material that showcases the artwork or graphics. Rigid boxes are shipped fully formed, which means while the weight and volume of the master carton may be light, the shipping containers can be large and contain a lot of “air.”
Benefits
- Higher perceived product value by the customer
- Strong and durable, better product protection
- No assembly needed
To learn more about what type of packaging is right for your product and brand contact Tap today!
Sources:
http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2014/5/21/how-to-design-boxes-from-a-manufacturers-perspective
http://99designs.com/designer-blog/2012/07/25/6-rules-of-great-packaging-design/
Tags: Folding cartons, Rigid Set-up, Types of Packaging
Posted in Beverage, Branding & Marketing, Confection, Consumer Brand Packaging, Cosmetics, Entertainment, Food, Healthcare, Photography
20 comments
Consult a local contract packaging professional to gain some insight into the most cost effective and popular packaging materials in the space you are competing.
Thanks for pointing out that you need to find out what type of folding carton or set-up is best for your product. You also mention determining if a window is needed in your packaging to show off your product–thanks for the tip! I think it’s important to choose a material that is also slightly waterproof so that when it does get shipped, it can withstand it and still arrive in good shape.
I have always been curious about how a company would choose the packaging for their boxes, and wanted to learn a little bit more. It’s interesting that you actually have to consider the weight of the product when making the box. It would be nice to know that you won’t have to worry about the box breaking in the end.
Very helpful article! I’m selling beauty and wellness products online and I’m looking for a good company that could provide me with packaging supplies for presentation and shipping. But before I proceed to order the goods, I would like to know what would be the best type of packaging material that should be used.
Hi Dan, Thanks for considering Tap for your packaging supplier. I would recommend giving customer service a call. They will help to get you the answer to your question. We have Design and Engineering departments that can help with questions about packaging materials. Call 800-827-5679. Weekdays 8-5pm EST. Explain your situation and ask to be put in touch with someone who can help you.
It’s great that this article talks about how it’s important to consider what packaging requirements are needed, such as if the materials need to be water resistant or the size of the product. When considering the size, you’d also want to think about what is all included, such as the product as well as bubble wrap or anything else needed for protection.
You have to follow some phases for choosing product folding carton or you can make your own designed packaging or product with Line n curves.
Thanks for sharing it
I’m sure the structure of your product will determine what kind of packaging you use. You should consider if there are any specifications from the FDA compliance too, like you said. You might need to meet certain regulations with packaging.
Thanks for pointing out that rigid set-up boxes are strong, durable, and will help the product be perceived better. I’ve been trying to decide on what packaging to use to send some homemade candies to my family. I want them to be presented nicely and arrive safely, so I think rigid set-up boxes will be a good choice!
I love what you said about rigid set-ups and how they keep things uniform. Packaging supplies are imperative when it comes to moving or shipping something. If I needed such supplies, I would be sure to contact a solid company.
My sister has a business and she wants to make sure that she’ll be able to have a special box for her products. It was discussed here that folding cartons boxes are fast and easy to produce. Furthermore, it’s recommended to go to trusted manufacturers for quality folding carton designs.
Thanks for pointing out that when you are considering what kind of packaging your box should have you should take into account things like what the function of the package needs to be, if it’s a gift, or if it needs to dispense the product. I think that it would be important to have the right box packaging because in a lot of situations that’s probably the first thing people would see of your product. I think that fun boxes could also help with your advertising since it would catch people’s eye.
Thanks for explaining that folding cartons are easy to ship and store because they can stay flat until they need to be used. My husband and I want to sell some of our candy at a local market that’s coming up next month, but we need to decide on how to package the candy. I’m glad I read your article because now I understand the benefits of folding cartons!
You explained so well and I really like your amazing post. Thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.
I’m glad you mentioned quality or performance specifications. Packaging for children would need to be different than packaging for adults for many reasons like durability and safety. I’ll keep this in mind when choosing the kind of packaging my company will use.
Very helpful post! Thanks for sharing and keep up the wonderful work.
Thanks for the advice for picking the right packaging for a product. I like that yous aid to think of what the function of the package will be like. This seems helpful if the packaging could potentially be used whenever the product itself is being used.
Packaging plays a very important role in the sale and marketing of your products. Perfect Packaging always attract customers and choosing the right packaging company for this is so important and you explained the facts very well.
It’s piqued my interest as to why many candy companies are opting for simple box designs, and it makes me wonder where they can get unique boxes for their products. I never knew that the material of the box has to be taken into account in order to make an effective packaging for candies. If I had a candy company, I think I’ll hire a good company to make the boxes for me so that I can be sure that they’re sturdy.