Category Archives: packaging tips

Floating Packaging for Flood-Prone Areas 

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Some areas are prone to flooding. Some are still attempting to recover after natural disasters, such as North Carolina and other locations.

This is a challenge for a lot of shipping companies, because waterlogged and flood-prone regions require specific packaging that will keep the items safe and protected from all sorts of damage, including water damage.

Here, we’ll go over the way to make packaging float, through the use of floating or packaging. 

The Designs for Floating Packaging 

Floating packaging needs to be  buoyant, and easy to float.  This isn’t just something lightweight though. it’s something that’s protective of your favorite items, especially if they go to certain areas. 

You want to make sure that the packaging is waterproof, so that when the item does get to these areas, it doesn’t break down.   make sure as well that there is packaging to encase the item inside.   Using waterproof outside packaging and varnishes that reduce the presence of water is good, but adding the protection inside is also good for protection of all the items that are inside.

What you want to do is make it so that it’s waterproof, but also something that you will as well make exciting for all customers, and really enhances the experience. 

The applications 

The best way to incorporate floating packaging into your packaging designs is through looking at how it fits the product. Not every type of item will need this.

If you’re shipping out emergency supplies, you need waterproof packaging and floating packaging that will be able to withstand the flooding or other damage of the area.   

Electronics is another. Shipping out to sensitive areas where it’s prone to flooding can impact the integrity of these electronics.   Making sure that you keep this in mind prevents more issues down the line, and overall protects the items.

Finally, there’s perishables. Floodwaters contain some nasty microorganisms, resulting in sickness and other problems. If you’re not careful, it can get in the food, and spoil the items inside.   Adding in floating packaging for perishables is important, because you’ll be able to protect the item, and keep it nice and fresh.

The Challenges of Floating Packaging 

Floating packaging is great, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the easiest to put together. Your biggest challenge is to make it durable.   They’re going to withstand floodwaters and other damage. You need to make it strong enough that the water won’t seep inside, and further damage this.

The second challenge is the cost factors.   The costs of these do, over time, increase. It might be too much, especially for small businesses. Making sure that you can shoulder said costs is important for packaging success.

Finally, the eco friendliness of the item. A lot of times this type of packaging uses plastic, which isn’t sustainable. Making sure that it’s eco friendly and safe for customers to use is so important. Designing it with materials that aren’t too hard on the planet is a big part. 

New Improvements 

There are improvements to this packaging happening over time. 

Some companies are making this type of packaging that doubles as a temporary raft, or a floatation aid. This is good for natural disaster locations, as it might not be possible to get to safety. Again, with all of these new updates, there’s a lot of possibilities, and other unique aspects.

Floating packaging is good for shipping to sensitive locations and areas. This solution makes it possible for flood-prone areas to make it possible, and also to develop new ways to help people displaced by these disasters get the help they need. 

Seasonal Packaging and Shipping 

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The winter and summer seasons are times of great change, both temperatures and weather patterns. Storms, both snow and rain, can be quite a problem to deal with, especially with packaging.

Seasonal changes do impact packaging. It can make seals far less, impacting the overall durability and functionality of this packaging. Yes, it could change your packaging from the strongest out there, to flimsy and weak. We don’t want that, so taking the time to craft seasonal packaging that stands out, and really creates an impact is important.

Here, we’ll go over seasonal packaging and shipping solutions for you to consider. 

The Weather-Specific Innovations 

With all of these new packaging experiences, there are also new innovations that will change the way things are, especially the stability of your packaging.

Heat-resistant packaging nis especially useful for the summer seasons, as they keep the heat away from delicate items, and so that the packaging doesn’t sweat. 

For those stormy and wet locales, moisture-proof films and solutions are common. Putting it over the box or packaging receptor prevents it from getting affected by the water, especially if you’re in a particularly wet area. 

For those chilly and cold climates, or during the winter, insulated boxes are a solution. It can be used to protect the item that’s inside, and also keep it nice and warm. Perfect for those moments where you need to keep your packaging nice and cozied up. 

Yes, all of these packaging initiatives are great. More and more industries are adapting this. in the world of perishable goods such as Hello Fresh, ice packs and other cooling packaging is used to help keep the items fresh for consumption.   Computer and electronic companies have made boxes that keep the technologies cool, so that the items don’t get burnt.

There are also pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medicines. They’ve integrated packaging that keeps the items cool and at the correct temperature until it gets to the customers. 

The Challenges of Implementation 

This is a great thing to add to packaging experiences, but it does come with the downside of it being costly to implement.   It does cost a lot to add these boxes and sensors. Being able to implement them in a manner that’s smart, safe, and friendly for everyone is very important.

The second issue is supply chain disruptions due to material changes.   The materials used for this packaging do require specific materials, and sometimes if there is a shortage, it can be a problem.   If you’re going for eco-friendly initiatives, this is especially an issue. In this case, you need to be mindful of what you need, and also try to make sure that if there are changes, that you’re prepared. Overall though, this type of packaging does a lot, and as a business, you’ll be glad that you have it. 

Future Insights 

There’s a lot of future insights to be had with this packaging.

The first is AI-driven packaging that adjusts in a dynamic manner to the weather conditions which are there. This is especially important for very sensitive items, such as medical and food packaging.   Getting foods and items that can be adjusted is important. With AI technology, it can change on a whim, and really make this work.

With more and more packaging ins=centimes to be had, and more possibilities that rise, you’ll be grateful for the changes in your packaging. It will keep everything safe and fresh, and through these changes, customers will be happier than ever before with the items that they get from you, resulting in a repeated buyer experience too. 

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.