Friction in Packaging Design: When This Matters 

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Friction is something that some companies are looking at as a potential additive for their packaging means.

Friction is used in handling and transit, especially with stubborn packages. Many of them slide off pallets, and can be a struggle on hard-to-grab surfaces.   When this happens, many companies will look at ways to reduce these packages from falling off.

Here, we will go over the importance of packaging design and friction, and how, by incorporating this in your packaging, you’ll be able to prevent spills and messes. 

Different Tools for Friction 

Friction packaging involves certain tools that can help with safe handling, ensuring it’s possible.

One, is textured tapes. Many textured tapes are good for ensuring that your packaging doesn’t slip off. Since tape is used to seal packages, putting this on the side is a good thing to do.

Another one is anti-slip films. Slide these under the package, and from there, you’ll be able to reduce the slippage of some films.

Finally, grip-enhanced cartons. These cartons have extra grip in place, and you’ll be able to ensure that carries can hold this without any problems as well. 

How They’re Designed for Load Integrity and Stackability 

The main goal of these is to make them stackable. When stackable, they’re able to be balanced, and carriers can add another load without the items getting compromised. 

Another big thing is load integrity. With friction, your load integrity changes, and you’ll be able to improve the state of things.   You should look at the correct coefficients in shipping stability, and designing to ensure that it’s possible. 

Again, friction is powerful, and when you’re able to ensure the right packaging design is in place, it really stands out.

Improving Human touchpoint 

With stackability and load integrity a big part of this, you also need to look at how human touchpoints are. 

For instance, when they’re being taken off the pallet and put into delivery trucks, you don’t want it to slip, and then fall down and shatter. In that case, you want to improve such a human touchpoint by offering tabs that are easy to open. These types of tabs are very good for the carriers to reach in and hold.   While it might involve some design changes and may not work for everything, especially those which require a heavier grip, it does work.

Secure grips are something that also is a big part of this. With secure grips, you’re able to build and craft to improve the packaging. In doing such, you’ll be able to make sure that the items don’t drop.

Why this matters 

Accidents, spills, and slips can happen every single day. They can sometimes happen right away when getting out of the truck, or when you’re trying to figure out what truck it goes on. These small slips can be a big problem for a lot of companies.

Which is why friction in packaging improves the packaging experience, and makes it really stand out. In doing so, you’ll be able to bolster your packaging capabilities, experience, and really stand out.

By building such, you’ll start to see how friction within such a design plays a role, and also what it can do to help with improving your packaging overall.

The next time you put together packaging incentives that will help people and also get the shipping quicker and easier to customers, consider the anti-slip packaging, and adding more friction. It plays a focal role, and in turn, you’ll be able to build, not only from the packaging but from the act itself, stronger packaging overall too. 

Packaging for Prevention of Counterfeit 

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Counterfeiting is a big problem in the packaging world. it not only initiates products, but the packaging too.

That’s right, yes the packaging.

This is a new type of duplication, but literal boxes, seals for this, and even holograms that are used to verify authenticity are being duplicated.   These counterfeiters get their hands on one, and then create a one for one copy of this item, sell it for the same price as the legit thing, and customers get duped by buying a fake.

Some have even duplicated the boxes completely. Dupe sunglasses, clothing, even those Lalanus are also being counterfeited, and some are looking strikingly close to the real thing.

So how can we prevent this? packaging is the answer, and we will look over how this type of packaging reduces the need for counterfeiters, and protects it too.

Built-In Security 

One big thing that a lot of packaging providers are implementing, is now built-in security features incorporated into the item.

This is seen with tamper-evident tape, which will show the customer if someone’s messed with it. It works great, and it can tell a customer right away if something is amiss.

UV elements are another one. Lots of UV elements are hard to duplicate, so companies are adding this, and customers can check under their own UV light for legitimacy.

Finally, QR codes, especially those which are serialized. If you can give it a serial number that can be authenticated, this is a common tool to deter these types of things.

Some have also started to use ledgers and the blockchain, but these can be manipulated, so if you do use them, ensure that there are authentications and security protocols in place to make this work. 

Authentication Via Packaging Technology 

A lot of packaging technology can be authenticated too, and you can actually scan this.

Adding a QR code or a bar code that you can scan with your phone to tell you the serial number and how authentic it is will be important.

Best of all, customers can double-check this as well, even before they open the package.

If they find that what they bought is fake, then they can make a complaint to a company, initiate a chargeback, and potentially get their money back, even before opening the box! 

The Supplies Designed to Prevent Replication 

A lot of boxes and packaging are also being designed to prevent replication of such items.

One example are die lines that are customized, made in a way where it is very hard to actually duplicate in its own way.

Another, is a foil treatment, where you use foil technology, in order to help create a system that’s hard to mimic.

Another, is hidden markers, which companies are putting in, and can direct customers to look for this. Again, this will stop a customer from actually getting duped, and will help ensure that the legit authentic products are all that they are buying.

With the rise of many high-end items becoming popularized and common, dupes will follow. It’s important to use authentication to prevent counterfeiting. 

It is also good for health sectors as well, because if you’re given an off-brand or a fake of some medication, this can cause major problems down the line. Packaging is now protecting this sort of thing, and offering you some amazing technological benefits that come with this. 

Prevention of counterfeit items is something that you will want to make sure you look at as a brand, and implement today to help prevent the spread of fakes, and ensure authenticity across the board. 

Packaging Supplies for Hazardous Materials 

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Materials that are hazardous need to be packed accordingly. They’re dangerous in a container. Whether it’s toxic paint strippers or other chemicals, or maybe it’s just something that has some legal complications to it, you need to pack this accordingly.

By definition, the materials that are hazardous to shipping are those that are hazardous for legal reasons, or hazardous due to it being a risk factor. If anything you’re shipping falls into this, you need to take it upon yourself to ship it responsibly.

To do this, you need to use the right supplies for the job.

Dangerous Jobs, Danger-Proof Materials 

A lot of dangerous supplies can be shipped with the right danger-proof materials that are designed for compliance.

UN-certified boxes are one example of this. These are boxes that are certified for the protection of hazardous materials.

Leak-proof liners must be used for chemicals. That way, it doesn’t leak out of the box, and the liners catch any of the hazardous materials.

Absorbent pads are another. Many of these need to be corrosive-proof as well, offering you protection against corrosion to protect everything that’s there. 

All of these are designed to comply with the needs of the company, regulations, and various suppliers. All of this works together to generate great success.

Color-Coded and Regulatory Markings 

Many times, color-coded labels and regulatory marking sight offer some information on the shipping safety codes and other important information.t his can be used during international safety situations, offering you various codes to delineate items. Again, with these, whether it’s shipping internationally or just shipping throughout the country, you’re able to offer the proper regulations and safety codes.

Many of these will indicate if an item or chemical is corrosive, possibly flammable, or maybe even toxic if it gets on the skin.

Training Those to Handle Dangerous Packaging 

A lot of dangerous packaging needs to be handled carefully and accordingly.

Education of staff that’s putting everything in there, and workers that are looking to protect themselves and the goods, is imperative. You need to mitigate the liability of such times and accidents.

Having proper training on the packaging of these goods, explaining the risks, and even ensuring that compliance happens, is imperative for this. Overall, packaging for hazardous materials must be done with both staff and company compliance on all fronts.

If there are accidents, be mindful of the consequences, and provide staff with ways to streamline solutions so that it doesn’t happen again. you owe it to yourself to ensure that these packaging solutions offer some next level protection.

Industries that Need This The Most 

Anything that involves dangerous chemicals need this type of responsible packaging. Laboratories that are shipping out stuff that might be toxic are going to benefit from this.

The automotive sector is another.   Many things that go into cars are dangerous to ship on their own, and can result in problems. So, when you’re able to ship this, be mindful of such factors.

The energy sector is another. Natural gas, oils, and the like, are very dangerous to ship. Being mindful and practicing proper protection and guidance is important.

Overall, packaging sectors thrive on the compliance and regulations of this. if you’re shipping out anything dangerous, then get familiar with the current protocol for such packaging, and decide for yourself what you need to make such packaging easier for people to use, and safer too.t he safety translates across many areas, so being mindful is not only good for the here and now, but future trust in such a sector as well. 

Packaging Failure that Changed Industry Standards 

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Did you know that there were moments when the packaging went wrong?   packaging suppliers that made their packaging change this did so for a reason. 

Some examples include the infamous tropicana redesign, which is a good example of the design failures that happen, and how a bad design causes this. tropicana tried to redesign the orange cartons, causing a 20% drop, which is drastic. They quickly reverted, but this taught them that if you’re going to mess with brand recognition, you will want to make sure there are still some important parts there.

Benadryl tried to do something similar with tropical gel. However, this packaging failure caused consumerism, and, since it was a gel packaging that was only supposed to be used on the skin and not ingested, it caused lasting health consequences, and a big lawsuit. This also caused companies to realize the importance of distinct product labeling, so it does not cause medication errors, and have the warning prominent. 

There was also the Walmart blister pack that caused issues with customers opening it.   This led to adherence issues and customers getting frustrated. It started a marked change in the packaging, making this easier for customers to open and encouraging brands to do the same. 

Some of the other ones include the various companies that have caused products to leak, various freights getting destroyed and product leaking out, so much more. there are a lot.

So what Caused these Failures? 

A lot of things. Most of the time, these were caused by not listening to customers.   Some were because of material flaws, such as in the case of the designed blister pack that was hard to open. 

Poor sealing accounts for leaks of materials, and when you hear about it on the news, chances are that’s why.   Same with weight miscalculations.

The Regulatory Results 

We see these blunders causing real-life changes. Safety standards, such as warnings on labels for the Benadryl fiasco, are starting to also tell customers about what they’re buying.

The same goes for labeling requirements. More and more companies have to tell what’s in there, being transparent about any possible risks that come with this.

Then, there’s redesigns. The Tropicana blunder was but one example. Many brands have had to redesign or go back to their old packaging, adding a redesign that fits the current mockup and brand energy. 

While not a regulation, it is kind of a social regulation that does need to be in place. 

How can you Bounce Back from This? 

So, when you have a packaging that costs thousands in returns, refunds, and maybe even a slap on the wrist from the FDA, one might wonder how you bounce back and regain trust after failures.

The first thing they do is acknowledge the public response. Again, this is where it begins, recognizing the problem. you hear about it with cars, food products that go bad, the like.

From there, the item is recalled, sometimes with some financial incentive or recompense for the trouble.

Finally, there’s a redesign, where the product is properly changed to fit the needs, and also to ensure that something like that doesn’t happen again.

The process follows these steps, which in turn, helps ensure that the product is rightfully in place.

We can look back at all of these and realize that there are some standards which have caused trouble. But, with this as well, we can learn from our mistakes, and take the failures of a brand, and make sure not to follow in a similar path, ensuring grand success all around! 

Packaging for Urban Couriers 

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When we are looking at packaging that will help various types of deliveries, one overlooked area is urban couriers. Bikes, scooters, drones, and the like use specific types of packaging that will help make it stand out. 

We need to look at urban delivery as a new packaging strategy because it does get the items to the customers faster. But, you do need to factor in a few of these changes. 

For instance, smaller loads. The loads will not be anywhere near as big as they would be on a delivery truck. 

The other is that the spaces are tighter. They’re far tighter and are unable to be done with wide, cumbersome loads, so you need to make sure that it’s compact enough.

You also need to account for non-traditional vehicles.    Scooters are far from traditional, and while there might be a place to put the items, it’s not always the case. Some carry them on their backs, helping to get the item to where it needs to go.

Supplies of Optimizing Mobility 

A lot of slimline satchels are used, because they’re slim, hold a lot, and are pretty easy for someone to carry on themselves. 

A few companies have started to develop flexible containers, which are containers that offer a unique bit of flexibility, helping to improve the customer’s experience. 

There’s also materials that are drop-resistant, being compactly designed in a way that won’t negatively impact these materials. They all work together to make the ideal packaging that they can, flexibility that will really shine out and stand out, especially when putting this together. 

Drone-Friendly Packaging 

Putting together packaging that’s drone-friendly is another major consideration. 

Making sure that your packaging fits the usage of drones is important. Have it be lightweight, so it can be carried by a drone with no issues. Make sure it is also wind-stable, so that the wind won’t knock it away. When a drone flies through the air, it may go against the wind, and you don’t want the interior to suffer. 

Finally, secure latch designs. These are latches that are secured, offering you a chance to keep everything all in one place, and in a manner that’s easy for you to use. 

Other Considerations 

While designing the packaging is important, there’s other considerations to look at too.

Waterproofing is a big one. Many of these items will not be in a packaging method that will remain covered. Bags get wet, and scooters get wetter. Adding waterproofing will protect the contents on all levels. 

Heat resistance is another. Again, just like with rain, there may be a lot of heat, especially if the courier is out all day delivering. Offering some kind of heat resistance is important for success. 

Finally, pedestrian safety. Having pedestrians that are safe and able to effectively improve their experiences is important. Ensuring that everyone is protected is a good way to make the packaging receptive to these new types of couriers. 

The Future of these City-Centric Supplies 

Right now, the future’s looking bright.

Many of these designs are being overhauled to meet the exact packaging demands. Having more space optimization and less water is another.

Another big trend is sustainability. Adding a sustainable angle to all of this means that your package is going to be eco friendly and gets to customers fast. Making sure that your shipping supplies reflect this is not only a good idea, but also a necessity too.

Using city based packaging is a unique way of delivering, but it can make the life of an urban courier better for everyone who is involved.