How Packaging Affects E Commerce Returns 

Returning products can be a challenge, but it’s even worse when you ship out something, only for it to be damaged, the packaging eventually is a jumbled mess, or just plain messy. This increases returns, and while you can’t prevent people from improperly reading a size chart, you CAN get them to reduce returns through better packaging incentives. 

Here, we will go over how packaging affects this, and how first impressions, along with the correct solutions, will reduce the return rates. 

Smart Packaging Techniques 

There’s’ a few smart packaging techniques you can use. The first, being labels that are clear. That way, items don’t get lost, and you’ll be able to keep track on where they go. You also want designs that are easy for you to open.   Finally, if the item is fragile, get some protective layers in there. 

Is there any Return-Friendly Packaging 

Sometimes, you want to prepare ahead in the event of returns. This is important for items that might be messed up, or you know that it may need to be returned. Fashion and beauty brands deal with this. 

You can make the packaging easy to return by adding mailers that are resealable. These resealable mailers mean that, with just pulling off the tab, you seal it and put it back. 

There’s also reversible boxes, where the box can be reversed to a different design, used for returning the packaging. Again, including a free label in there that pays for postage in the event of a return is good, and will reduce your overall costs. 

The costs Savings 

With packaging and ecommerce, you’ll be able to reduce all of the packaging, making it easier for you to use it. 

This will reduce the instances of damaged goods, a major problem for many. Less damaged goods, means less refunds for those that are involved. Again, it all works well together, the overall cost savings are something worth noting, so yes, it’s good for you as a business and company, to take advantage of better packaging. 

You also look better as a business too. When customers see that you take returns pretty seriously, and are giving customers an incentive to return if something is amiss, it builds better customer repute, and makes things better for you as well. 

So go ahead, use those return labels and generate more buzz.   Your customers will thank you for a better, more intuitive system. The packaging does affect it, but when you give them another alternative, something that they can work with, customers are more willing to try this, and really make it work for their needs and yours too. 

The Future of This 

With packaging, you want to look at new ways to return these items, without much trouble. 

Built-in return QR codes is one of them.  These QR codes can be scanned at the post office, giving you a free return label. Amazon does this to a certain degree, and that’s why a lot of customers will buy from there, since they don’t have to eat the return costs. 

The other option is AR-assisted repackaging instructions. If you have a certain way that the item needs to be returned, then you will want to use this.   with repackaging, you’ll be able to make it so that your items are able to be easily given back, and improve the return rates. 

Returns stink, and they are something to avoid. With the right packaging in place, you can do that, and making your packaging return friendly is not only a good suggestion, but helps immensely with customer reputation. 

Is Edible Packaging a Gimmick, or a Game Changer 

Some brands are trying to make their packaging edible. What this means is that the packaging can literally be eaten, because it’s made from safe materials for consumption, such as seaweed, starches, rice, and the like. 

Though seen primarily with takeout items, other brands are using this.  is it worth it? What are the benefits of this, and what are the drawbacks? 

Well,. the benefits are for zero waste incentives. For companies looking to make sure their carbon footprint is next to nothing, this is a godsend. But, even though it is great for reducing carbon footprint, it does come with major logistical challenges, which we’ll go over here. 

The Logistical Challenges 

Some of the biggest logistical challenges involve the safety of these items. Though it does encase the item, it might not be enough to preserve it.   shelf life of the items becomes a challenge, especially when you’re trying to prevent it from getting bad or spoiling. 

Another issue is moisture resistance.   In humid atmospheres, it can get into these items, and then degrade the item. The last thing you want is for the item to be soggy when you consume it.

Finally, the FDA regulations are another challenge. Though it is allowed, there are some challenges with how long it can be on the shelf. There are certain instances as well, that the items are not FDA regulated, putting the person at risk for getting sick if the item is spoiled. 

Cases that Use This Type of Packaging 

Though there are some challenges especially when getting people to even consider this type of packaging, there’s also some use cases which are coming forth.

Food subscription services use this type of packaging. For food subscription businesses, having a constant means in which your foods are shipped, and offering a sustainable edge to them, can help with improving your business. 

Some promotional campaigns might benefit from this. offering some limited edition edible packaging is great, because when you use it to promote, people will flock because it is limited in use.  A promotional campaign that also focuses on sustainability might want to use this too. 

There are also, of course, zero-waste products. Products without a single bit of waste left behind are popular. With such products, you will be able to reduce the waste of these products, and also make it useful for them. a company that offers products with no waste is great, and it can be a major game changer. 

Customers Who Enjoy It 

Most of the time, customers do like this type of packaging. It comes with the surprise and delight factors of this. Many customers feel excited when they have an edible piece of food that they can eat, package and all. 

There is also less guilt that comes with this. Most of the time, people don’t want to throw out wrappers. They feel bad, and it can be a challenge. However, if you’re able to reduce waste, you will also in turn, reduce disposal guilt, a huge thing for companies of all kinds. 

Again, it has its perks. 

Will It Replace Styrofoam 

Some may wonder if edible cushioning will replace Styrofoam. 

Though it will not happen right away, it is always possible. Many companies are changing their tune with Styrofoam, and want to get past that. edible packaging may be the evolution that these companies have been waiting for, as a game-changer that will improve and drastically monitor the different nature in which your packaging works, and will in turn, reduce guilt associated with disposal. 

Therapeutic Packaging for Soothing and Delighting 

Did you know that packaging can be therapeutic? Yes, it can be with the right additions to it.

Some packaging creates a calming energy full of fun tactile elements, along with sensory experience that will really shine.   With such supplies implemented, you will be able to make your packaging really stand out, and improve the experiences that you have. 

Different Ways to Do This 

Now, you’re not going to sit in there and deliver a therapy session to your customers through packaging.

But, soft-touch coatings that are soft and plush, eliciting feelings of happiness with each touch are a good example of this. it can be pleasant to just open up the item and enjoy the soft feel to this.

Lavender paper is another one. Lavender is known as a calming scent, and it can be something that you will enjoy.   With such a paper, it can be quite pleasant to enjoy, and it can be a good way to get customers interested. 

There’s also lids with various clicks and sounds that play when you open and close. Such sounds are great for therapeutic packaging because with a click, it can provide you with a soft comfort that comes with this. 

The Ideal Markets 

A lot of wellness products, especially those with a health focus, will benefit from this sort of thing.  

Another one is mental health kits. With such a kit, it can offer a better mental health experience, and make you feel better too. Again, it all comes together and feels great at the end of the day.

Finally, baby care products. Again, for many parents, it can be hard to calm down a child. But, with these unique packaging experiences influence into it, you can make the baby calmer, and happier as a result. 

Is there Science Behind this? 

Yes, there sure is. 

With a lot of scientific evidence behind it, many find that touching items is good. with touch, it activates certain receptors, offering a pleasant experience for all that are involved. Tactile of certain items, such as fur, can be calming. Think about the calming nature that a cat can bring when it’s purring and you touch it.

The same goes for scents. There’s a reason why aromatherapy is good for many of those that are involved. It can be a good way to reduce stress because you inhale these pleasant scents through the olfactory. 

All of this comes together to offer some great satisfaction, improving your ability to partake in certain items, and makes it better too.

Emotional Branding with Therapeutic Elements 

Did you know that you can even brand such items as emotionally therapeutic. 

Making this type of packaging possible is an integral part of your self-care journey. By adding this packaging in there, you will be able to give customers something fun, something remarkable, and something that, with all of these elements in place, will delight and soothe all that are involved. 

For many, packaging is a form of therapy, one that can offer some remarkable elements to this. by getting together packaging which will delight and soothe, it is possible to offer some unique satisfaction that aligns with this.

Your branding grows, and it can be something of great value as a result. Therapeutic elements are great for all sorts of packaging providers. Through such means, you will feel much happier, and better off with these decisions, making it better for you not only with just calming down the average customer, but also to provide you with a different kind of satisfaction. 

Crisis-Proof Packaging for Extreme Scenarios 

Lots of packaging is being built for more extreme environments. These types of items withstand flooding, fire, various pressures, even chemicals. Though it might not seem like it’s needed, when a crisis comes up, it could be what makes or breaks your packaging overall. 

Here, we will go over packaging, and how by preparing for such, it can create a better, more intuitive experience. 

Types of Uses 

A lot of these extreme packaging types are not used except in emergency situations. Adding some emergency protection to various kits will keep them safe from exposure.

Military rations and military packaging as well needs to have this, specially since you never know where it might end up next. 

Then of course, deep space and keep cargo will also benefit from this type of crisis -proof packaging. It can withstand the extreme pressure that happens in the ocean or in space, making it stronger. 

The Materials that are Used 

You don’t use regular cardboard with this. In fact, you need to make sure that it can withstand anything.

Kevlar is one type of material. This type of fiber will protect the items, and when layered, it can provide extra levels of protection to the outside from fires and flooding.

Fire-retardant polymers, which are used in firemen’s jackets, also will benefit from this.   you want to consider polymers that are strong, and will provide you with a stronger, more useful means to make your packaging be able to withstand such extreme temperatures. 

Then of course, there are vacuum chambers. When going to high-pressure locations, using this type of packaging protection is a way to keep it from exploding on itself, so it’s worth looking at, and worth considering as well. 

The New Innovations 

While this type of packaging material is being used in as many emergency items as they can, there are also new innovations that come with this type of packaging. 

One example is biohazard-proof containers. Such contains will offer protection against toxins and hazards, especially chemicals. 

On a more common level, and not for extreme emergency situations, they are now waterproof mailers that can be used for multiple days. Great for if you’re shipping towards flooded areas, or if you’re looking to ship in places that are going to be wet for a while, such as days with multiple rain or the route has such factors to consider. 

Again, with them, they might not be used often, but there are a lot of fun ways for you to use them to protect your items. 

Real World Applications 

We see this all the time when shipping out items to disaster zones. During Hurricane Heleena in 2024, there were waterproof shipping containers used to travel to North Carolina, in order to get the items to those who need it. emergency supplies were placed in such waterproof containers in order to facilitate transit. 

There is also the use of various items that are fireproof to get to areas where firs are, as in the case of California.   When you wrap the items in fire retardant protection, then people can use it.

There’s also various items in containers that protect them from chemicals and toxins, specially specimen samples. When you go to space, there is also vacuum-sealed packaging for astronaut food, in order to keep the food as fresh as you can while up there.

Again, all of these are for more extreme situations, but we see from all of this just what you can do to  make the packaging stronger, not just for those who are suffering, but also to take it on adventures. 

How Color Psychology in Packaging Supplies Influences the Customer Perceptions 

The colors that you bring into your items do impact the brand, along with their recognition and understanding of such items.   For some customers, three colors that are in place mean a lot, and it can make or break many sales.

Some customers like the packaging more when colors are involved, for they show the person who is buying it just what types of energy the packaging might have. 

Here, we’ll go over what it is, and how companies are using color psychology within packaging to influence, from the warehouse to the consumer overall. 

The Use in Retail Packaging 

Color manipulation is used in a lot of different ways.

When choosing boxes for example, you might choose one that’s got a certain color to it.   That’s because it might excite the customers. For example, green for something that’s sustainable, or purple for luxury.

Tape is the same way. boring old scotch tape might work for a generic shipment, but companies looking to take this to the next level will use a color that best fits them.

The same goes for the filler. You want to choose a filler, such as tissue paper, that complements the box. Otherwise, it might look jarring.

Again, all of these are used strategically, even labels, which in turn will come together to offer a better, more intuitive form of packaging for you, and for the customers. 

Popular color trends 

These days, trends are all that matter. Eeco tones are good for those packaging incentives that offer sustainability.

Another one is metallics, because they show off the luxury, or high-end aspects of things. 

Finally, there is also neon, or brighter colors, which can signify urgency, and get customers to make decisions regarding their packaging.

The benefits of Such Packaging 

Color psychology is wonderful for improving branding and other opportunities. By enhancing your branding, you build a better, stronger name for yourself that really stands out.

It also supports the marketing goals that are there. Sometimes, you have to offer a unique incentive and perspective for such marketing efforts, which is why color psychology is the way to go, since it gives these customers something unique. 

Finally, it improves the unboxing that’s done.   You want to consider this, because a lot of brands thrive on unboxing, so when you do this, it will get them to show it off, and share with others. 

Again, all of these come together, in order to support and build an even better, more exciting packaging experience. 

Design Insights 

The best thing for you to do if you are looking to offer this, is to align your packaging color with the product category and target audience. Again, if your audience is high-end customers, then you will want to try to use blues, purples, or more sleek, neutral colors. If your audience is more eco friendly types, greens and browns, along with earth tones might be good, for it showcases sustainability. If the audience is children, you might want to use bright, whimsical colors that complement each other. all of these can be used interchangeably.   Adding some more neutral accents might also be good so that it’s not super overwhelming for everyone that’s there. 

Color matters so much to you as a brand, and to your customers. Doing this can influence a lot, and there’s a lot of fun ways not only for your packaging to stand out and really shine, but to also wow the customers you’re looking to really showcase to, and enhance in their own ways a focus that might be useful.