Maybe you already know everything about primary packaging. Our five little tips will help you better navigate the world of packaging cardboard as well, to make an informed choice that will also prove satisfactory.
Ready? Let’s get started.
1) LOOK AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PACKAGING AS A WHOLE
Often people invest a lot in researching the best primary packaging solution for a product, underestimating the importance and the function of end-of-line packaging.
Focusing on protecting the product is quite legitimate; however, packs should have a proper protection too.
Similarly, investing in the graphics of the packaging is fine, but if the cartons used for distribution and shelf exposure are not as refined, or, even worse, clash with the primary packaging and the product itself, the risk is a counterproductive effect in terms of image.
In other words, choosing the right packaging carton can make the difference when it comes to marketing, reputation and sales!
2) STAND OUT WITH PAPER
Standard packaging or brown Kraft cardboards are definitely the most common choice if you only need to distribute products not requiring shelf exposure.
The colour and roughness of the paper limit decorative scope, only enabling black prints with simple graphics.
On the contrary, bleached boards lend themselves to endless aesthetic customisations, with colour prints and complex graphics. Packaging aesthetics can be integrated into primary packaging or “play” with colour contrasts or carton design, providing, if desired, further messages and information.
For obvious reasons, this is the most common choice for trays and packages that are going to be put on display. This type of cardboard also enables a sensory customisation, as the external layer can be enhanced with different finishes – glossy, matt, etc.
3) FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Over the last few years, environmental sustainability has become a hot topic, shared by people and companies alike. By choosing a cardboard package for your products, you are already making a statement, which customers appreciate very much.
The green aspect can also be emphasized in the secondary package, using cartons made of recycled material or opting for raw paper, without finishes and colour prints, favouring instead the reuse of raw materials.
For some time now, carton makers have also been testing special papers which reproduce the rough texture, while featuring the quality and aesthetics of white cardboard.
4) MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE!
Wrap around or American box? Open tray or box with lid? Single wall or thicker cardboard? Rough texture or refined finish?
The answer to all these questions is… it depends. Actually, in order to answer, we also need to ask ourselves:
- What type of primary packaging is it?
- What about its carrying capacity?
- Is it heavy?
- What shape is it?
- What are our marketing goals?
- What is our budget?
- How long will the packaging’s journey be?
- Will it be displayed on shelf?
- Do customers buy the single product or the whole pack? And so on…
Considering the many factors at play, the best thing to do is read tip no. 5.
5) ASK THE EXPERTS
Granted, we may not be fully unbiased here, but experience in packaging can really make the difference! In order to choose the ideal packaging carton and to consider many other aspects.
To create, for instance, a highly efficient design. When planning our die cut cartons, our goal is to guarantee the best aesthetic results and maximise the efficiency of the packaging, as well as the sealing performance of the structural panels.
To stack pallets properly. We provide recommendations on how to group packages in the box, identifying shape, dimension and specific features, ensuring maximum safety while saving costs.
To get to know the different products available on the market. As producers of automated solutions for end-of-line packaging, we constantly test packaging cartons available on the market, we check manufacture, technical qualities and printing processes. We can therefore help you choose better products.
To save time, money and hassle; and, finally, to gain a much better understanding of the choice of packaging cartons for your products.
