Author Archives: Andrej Zivor

Tear-Free Packaging to Reduce Packaging Frustration 

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One problem that many have is they’ll get packages, only to discover they’re hard to open, complicated, and well, frustrating to deal with. Many customers want something that they can open up, without too much trouble.

Here, we’ll talk about the problem with over-complicated packaging, and how by reducing the frustration, it will improve the overall experience for everyone involved. 

Hard to Open Packages are  a problem in accessibility 

With packages that are hard to open, you’re alienating a subset of your customers  since if it’s too complicated to open, they won’t want to buy it.

Accessibility is really important these days. Obviously, you want good security when creating and shipping out packages, but you also want it to be easy enough that even the average person can open it.

Over-complicated packages might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you make it so hard that the average person can’t get it open without using scissors or a knife, that’s a problem. Not to mention, if they have to do that, it does put them at risk for injury.

Overall, it’s a big problem, but if you make the packaging easy to open, not too complicated, and reflects your brand and personality, people will love it. 

Ways to Make Packaging Easier to open 

The best way to do this, is to not overwrap your packaging in a bunch of tape. That’s a recipe for disaster. If you have to do that, consider changing the box and getting one that will accommodate the packaging so that it’s safe and secure. 

Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of your best options for easy to open packaging that really shines.

necessities for productive frustion free packaging

Another thing to consider, is guided edges that help the customer tear open packages. It might seem too simple, but if you think about it, it’s pretty easy to work with. The guided edges give customers something to follow.

For poly bags, you can add a perforated area for them to open up. 

Finally, also consider the tape that you use. Plastic tape is a bit cumbersome to work in, and it can be a huge problem for many businesses. A solution to this is water-activated tape.   It is tamper-evident, and also works well with opening. Overall, you want to make the packaging simple to open, without sacrificing the branding or the identity of such.

How to Create Intuitive Designs 

Intuitive designs for this kind of packaging require you to think outside the box, no pun intended.   Look at your current packaging and see if there are ways that you can adjust the packaging so that it’s easier to open.

If you have a certain audience, consider asking them about this. Many times, the feedback from customers is what will impact your packaging, and make it useful for you.

Overall, if you improve the packaging to make it easier for everyone, it builds a more inclusive experience. While at first making packing easier to open seems like a small thing, with time, it can grow to become something more profundo and impactful, and better for your business as well. 

So, if you’re not sure on whether or not your packaging is making an impact, consider how other people open it. if you’re giving them something that they can utilize, and something that will help with engagement of customers, then you’re doing something great. Making things accessible and inclusive should be the goal of packaging, and something to consider if you want to really heighten the overall experience for every customer that buys from your company as well. 

The Appeal of Scented Packaging 

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New ways to engage with the senses are common in packaging experiences. One way that’s simple, subtle, and works great for all that are involved, is scented packaging.

Scented packaging through the use of fragrances enhances the customer’s experience. In fact, a lot of brands use this. think of the “scratch and sniff” labels that were popular back in the day. They still are, and some brands are even adding scents in order to really complement the experience.

Here, we’ll go over scented packaging, how to use it, and considerations to think about when putting this together. 

Why Scented Packaging 

Scented packaging is something that is good because it provides the customers with the ultimate in customer experiences. 

You have five senses. With packaging, we usually appeal to one of them, the sight.. sometimes, we add tactile experiences too, in the form of textured packaging. But did you know that you can take your unboxing to the next level by using scented packaging.

The fragrance doesn’t need to be a lot, but it’s a great way to incorporate the appeal to the senses that’s so popular with your packaging. You’d be amazed at the difference a little bit of smelling makes to your package. It’s one thing that can make your branding stand out.

How to Use This 

You want to use this wisely. Smells don’t require you to douse the whole package with some perfume in order to create a good sensory experience. 

In my experience, the best way is to use this subtly.   Try to give the packaging a small bit of a scent, and then go from there. it doesn’t need to be much, like a sticker or a label that you can put on the packaging to make it stand out.   From there, customers can engage with it, and enjoy the scent. 

If you’re worried about it being too pungent, consider one of those scratch and sniff labels, giving them a taste of the scent. You can also use it as a selling point, where you encourage the customers to try the scent to see what they’re getting. Laundry and cleaning products benefit from this one, as it offers you a unique olfactory experience that so many customers know and love, and really improves the overall effect of such too. 

The Considerations 

Obviously with this kind of packaging, there are a few considerations to be had with fragrance products.

The first is allergies. Some scents are allergens to people, and it can cause a problem over time if you’re not careful. The best way to go about doing this is to try to give the scent only a little bit of power, and from there, have it complement the experiences of customers. 

Also, look at preferences.   Again, a little bit goes a long way with the packaging that you have, and you’ll be able to offer preferences that go along with it.   you’ll definitely want to make sure that it’s done in a manner that’s inclusive to people. 

Using natural scents bypasses a lot of the problems that packaging can have, so make sure that, if you’re going to use it, you’re able to give customers something that smells good, and is as natural as possible.

Scented packaging is a good way to improve the sensory experiences of your packaging. However, you need to use this wisely. Proper usage makes the world of a difference for customers of all kinds, and improves the overall experience, making it better for you to improve what the customers are getting at the end of the day. 

How to Be Minimalistic without compromising security 

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Minimalism is a trend that focuses on reducing the excess materials and waste. It is great for appeals, and for showing that you care about the planet. However, there is a growing concern for the security of minimalistic packaging, since in a lot of cases you have less packaging. Is the design going to be impacted? 

Here, we’ll discuss the ways in which you can be minimalistic, without compromising the overall security of the boxes that you use. 

Techniques to Minimize Material Use without compromising the Packaging 

The first, is to minimize the material use so that you’re not overusing materials, but are also not compromising the protectiveness and security of the box itself. 

The most common means is a fitted box. This is a box that fits the product. It doesn’t require void fill or other excess. The design and size is right there, so you just have to put the item inside. using fitted boxes is one of the most common ways, because for many people who use it, they are able to ship out the item without additives

The second, are secure locking mechanisms. These are mechanisms that will lock the item in a safe, secure fashion. Over time, it actually will hold the item better. It’s a good way as well to make sure that the item stays where it needs to. That way, you don’t have to worry about someone getting inside to tamper with it, or the contents spilling out. 

Choose your Materials Wisely 

Second, it comes down to materials. Choose the materials that you want wisely. This includes the interior and exterior materials.   Choose those that are easy to pack for instance.  If you have paper materials such as cardboard, get a box that fits right around there to make it work. If you’re going to use thin paper packaging, make sure that it fits the item.

In general, you want to make sure that the item is secured, with as little padding as it can be.   Once you master this, you’ll be able to, with this, craft the ultimate in packaging materials for all the items that you’re bringing out to sell. 

Why care about Minimalism and Security 

Minimalism is one of the hottest and newest trends for being sustainable. People don’t want excess packaging because of the costs or other problems. They want something that is simple, and easy to open up.   you want to make sure that you give them this.

It also saves lots of money for both the customer, and the company. Companies don’t have to put in more money for their items, while the customer does not need to upfront costs in this case.   It also keeps the item secure for them, without having to shell out a ton of money for fancy services.

Sounds great, right? Everything looks good, but there are some downsides. The biggest one, is the durability concerns, along with limitations of some of the minimalistic materials. Some of these items are a little bit limited when it comes to the durability factors. They might seem strong, until you get them on there and well, that’s not the case. In that instance, you might need to rethink your strategy, to ensure that you’re getting the strongest materials that you can. 

Overall, minimalism is here to stay and it is popular. Skip wasting time on brands, and from there, focus on getting the ideal experience for everyone that’s involved, and maximize your revenue with the optimized packaging that you know you deserve too.

Culture-Sensitive Labeling for Global Markets 

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Global markets are constantly expanding. As a brand, you need to make sure that you focus on the sensitivity of cultures, and regulatory compliance for global labeling and packaging. 

The wrong label can make or break a company. Using localized labels helps to improve consumer trust and success. You do, however, need to make sure that the labels are correct, and also are not going to offend other people. 

Here, we’ll go over the importance of localized labels, and how to harness all of this for better consumer trust and understanding that comes with this as well. 

With localized labels, cultures are able to understand this packaging better, which in turn gives them a chance to really build the right packaging that resonates with the region, especially if they’re markedly different from others. 

What you Need to Know for Global Labeling 

Global labeling isn’t just slapping Google Translate on the label and calling it a day. It’s about looking at the regulations that are there. regional regulations are quite common for a lot of brands, as these regional regulations help to make sure that the packaging is in the right place. 

Language requirements are another. The language does need to be changed and manipulated, in order to ensure that it says the right thing. There’s nothing worse than putting out an item, thinking it means one thing, but because you got a character wrong, it means something different. it’s not only an embarrassing mistake, but a costly one too, especially for the reprinting.

Cultural nuances are another. Some cultures prefer various styles and colors. For instance, black is not commonly used in Chinese labeling, because it symbolizes death. Red is more commonly used there, as it means empowerment.   Be mindful of what your packaging looks like in one area, then in other areas. It can really help to make the labels stand out, and look good. 

Translations are another. Make sure that if you’re going to be putting this out, you’re able to give an accurate, easy to read translation.

Make sure that if there are symbols that need to be changed, do this. Some symbols mean hateful things in one culture, whereas in others, it doesn’t mean that.   be mindful, and make sure that if you have questions, ask someone from that area to make sure this is culturally sensitive.

There are a lot of diverse global audiences, so getting the translations and symbols, along with the colors are properly maintained, a lot of audiences will benefit from this, and make it really shine.

The Benefits and Drawbacks 

The main benefit of this type of packaging is that it does build better brand reach. If you make a label that’s appealing to the consumer bases, you’ll be able to expand the brand’s global reach in many ways. 

You also want to make it so that it’s appealing. When appealing, it draws the attention of others, and really makes it shine.

However, keep in mind that there are different consumer bases. Making sure that the logistics and regulations are there, especially with multi-market labeling. Ensuring that the regulations are in place will make it easier for you to have the right sorts of mindsets and understanding.

If you’re not sure whether something you’re doing is culturally sensitive or not, talk to someone who knows the markets to make sure everything is compliant, and also inclusive to cultures, and make it so that the labeling and preferences are going to really improve the way your packaging is, and so that they’re appropriate for all markets there. 

The Art of Minimalism in Packaging 

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Minimalism is a powerful packaging trend that showcases the importance of simplicity. With minimalism, you not only have packaging that’s simple, without any additives or other issues, but you also have a branding tool that’s different from the rest.

It also intersects with sustainability and the customer demand for eco-friendly choices.   Adding simplicity to your items can appeal to the right crowd of people that you’re looking for, which can enhance the types of customers that you bring in.

Here, we’ll go over what minimalist packaging is, and why consider this type of packaging for your own needs. 

What minimalism is in Packaging 

Minimalism is all about being simple, without too much excess in the items that you’re selling.

Designs are simple, and not overly intricate, to the point where it distracts the user.   It doesn’t involve complex patterns that can look jarring when brought together.

The lines are clean too. there’s no fancy cursive or any sort of awkward lines that can really stand out. all the lines are put together in a manner that’s clean, effective, and also looks good.

Finally, you and to make sure that there’s no excess used in the materials.   If you’re the type of company that likes to just shove a bunch of excess void fill into the packaging container, then you’re not practicing minimalism. Only add what you need, and do away with what you don’t need.

The goal of minimalism is to just use the bare minimum, without adding too much. 

Other Components of Minimalism 

With minimalism, you also need to gear your packaging towards this type of minimalism.

With colors, you’re not out there just trying to make a statement with some bold colors. That neon blue or green you wanted to use before? not used in minimalism.   You just use neutral colors that aren’t too eye-popping, but also convey the exact effect that you’re going for.

The same goes for branding.   A lot of companies tend to throw their branding on everything, to the point where it becomes too much.   With minimalism, you might have a logo and a name, but nothing too much.

Finally, with minimalism, all of the design is made to serve a function.   There’s nothing excessively added, but instead all of the components contribute to the effect.   While simple, it serves different purposes, and makes it really worthwhile as well.

Why Go Minimal 

With minimalism in packaging, you’re changing the world for yourself, and for your customers.

It reduces the waste for starters. With more customers worrying about the environment, this is something you need to be mindful of, even just a little bit. 

The same goes for how people perceive the package. People want different items that are simple and functional, and also are easy to use.   Making it easy also makes it accessible to many, and enhances branding perception.

Then, from a logistics standpoint, it also helps with reducing costs. You’re not wasting money on packaging that’s only going to be tossed, which is great.

Now minimalism is a wonderful tool that will help a lot of customers really expand their horizons, and interact with you as a brand. Bear in mind however, one thing you need to be mindful of is making sure that the packaging isn’t too plain, or unappealing to your customers. This is the biggest drawback and challenge, but if you manage to create the ultimate in packaging that really makes it interesting, you will definitely enhance the appeal to your customers, and to many of those that are looking for a sustainable brand.