Category Archives: packaging tips

Packaging supplies Inspired by the Architecture of Nature 

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There are many new ways that packaging supplies are redefining sustainability. One such way is biomimicry in packaging, where the design mimics various items found in nature, such as honeycombs, shells, and even seed pods. Many of these get naturally embedded into the packaging, in order to offer a sustainable nature focused experience for all that are involved. 

Why use this 

A lot of these packaging supplies are super strong, as they offer a unique, resourceful means to make it really reinforceable. 

There’s also the flexibility aspects, where it offers a whole bunch of flexible options, different ways to spread the seeds and make those stand out. 

It also is good for the efficiency of space, where your space is properly monitored and made easy to manage, so you’ll have proper space optimization as well. 

Void Fill and Box Engineering Examples. 

Some of these items do get naturally used to create all-natural packaging that will really shine.

Some examples include honeycomb paper wrap, where it’s a paper wrap with honeycombs inside of there. 

Another, is spiral coils, where these coils will offer a spiral on each of these, which can house sees and unique items. 

There are also nesting containers, which can nest and house birds when you’re done with it, giving nature another life, and one that offers beauty to the packaging. 

An ecofriendly and Aesthetic advantage 

When you hear about these items, you might wonder how they work for eco-friendly experiences, the short answer is that they do very well. 

Many times, the natural patterns of such items do appeal to consumers that are green-focused. So if you’re trying to be sustainable, and also have a natural, worthwhile experience, this is the way to go. Many of these natural patterns enhance the experience that one has with such eco-friendly items, making it even better for you as well. 

Again, natural is in, and many times, those who are focused on sustainability will surely enjoy the way that their packaging appeals to such endeavors as well. 

What’s Next Then? 

A lot of packaging is coming forward with these sustainable items. These days, you’re starting to see more seeds embedded into the packaging, to enhance the overall experience. 

There are also self-healing materials, which are materials that will naturally heal the items inside, or repair any problems with nature items.   It can be a good thing to use, since many people enjoy being able to use such innovations to make them even better. 

There’s also water-resistant materials. Water resistance is great because it can prevent any further problems from happening with the items, and keeps them strong and secure. These innovations are great, and adding these to the coatings takes your current setup and gives it something more,. these coatings create an expansive nature of the packaging, but is also goo as well for sneering that your packaging, and will get people to feel even more excited about the items both now, and after you’re done using them. 

So eyes use packaging that’s inspired by nature. Give your packaging that little green touch that will make you stand out, because it can help make it special not just for your business, but the packaging that’s there will also make nature’s architecture even more inspiring for all that were involved.   You owe it to yourself to enjoy this, so try to, with all of the packaging that you have, make it not just special for your current customers, but also make it something that future customers will enjoy and want to cherish too. 

Packaging Using Reverse Logistics, for the Return Trip 

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Reverse logistics are something that many companies are using.   It is the way in which product returns are managed so that people don’t have to worry about waiting in line or spending extra money on returns.   They also take care of exchanges for items that need to be exchanged out. Finally, they manage recycling, which of course, is disposal of such items in a manner that helps with improving the ecosystem and environment. 

Designing for the return trip is a process and here, we will go over how to manage your logistics through the return functions that this has. 

Make Returns Easy 

Some packaging is made in a manner that ensures safe returns.

Dual adhesive strips are an example, where you have double-sided tape that can be pulled off, and then once it’s time for the item to go back, you just peel it off. simple as that.

There’s also reusable mailers, which are mailers that get sales up again, usually with an adhesive. Again, it is made so that it can be sealed and disposed of, or returned back to the sender. 

Then, you have tear-away labels. Some of these can be torn and an adhesive is put in place, to help with disposal and recycling of such items. 

Make them Strong for Shipping 

Reinforced corners are a big part of this, where you won’t have to worry about the item being hit or marred.   There are also waterproof exteriors as well, where it is waterproof in a manner where you cannot show the water coming inside, or it will push away water so it doesn’t get into the contents, making it impervious to flood and other such damage. 

Finally, you have reusable boxes. These are boxes that you can use again and again, which will in turn, make the packaging stand out all the more. 

All of these come and work together, in order to ensure that your packaging is disposed of and returned to its rightful place, in a manner that’s best fit for these items as well. 

Consumer expectations 

Lots of consumers expect a lot from this. Most of the important ones include hassle-free returns, which makes it so that your items are returned in a way that’s easy to use, and without much trouble. 

This can influence buying decisions. Many companies and people will use this type of shipping in order to influence such buying decisions. So, if you want to have more people buying from you, you  need to make sure that your reverse logistics are in place, designed for your customer needs. 

Brands that do this Well 

A lot of brands that are in the ecommerce world do the returns process very well.

Most notably, is amazon. We’ve gotten packages from amazon before where the item might not be ideal, or you want to exchange it.   They make it so that you can return it to a hub, and the return packaging can be the box that it came in. A lot of other ecommerce brands are taking this on as well. Some have built in bags that can be closed up later on, making it so that they ship out these items without much trouble. 

Overall, you need to look at various companies, such as rentals, electronics, and other companies, and follow their lead on this. The return trip is just as important as the trip forward, so make sure that you take time and effort to ensure that your packaging fits the needs of the company, in order to achieve resounding success for your brand. n

Packaging for Fulfillment of Crowdfunding Products 

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Crowdfunded items are great, because they let items that people want to see get funded and shared to others. But, crowdfunding does come with its own frustrations as well. 

Budgets that are limited for instance, are a major problem.   with a limited budget, you cannot use some fancy shipping or packaging usually, so you need to optimize as needed. 

Another problem is first-time logistics. Logistics for packaging that’s being shipped out for the first time is a little bit dicey, hence why certain people are always hesitant on using this. 

Finally, consumer expectations. When they’re high, it creates a whole other problem. you need to fulfill these orders, make them great. But, you also need to be mindful of not breaking the bank too. 

Scaling Your Shipments 

When doing this, you need to be mindful of scaling. This is where you transition the method of packaging as the orders grow. When you have a few, you might be able to use a bit more money for it, but when too many orders come in, you need to think of ways to make this scale, even when you’re shipping to tons of customers. You want to give them something worthwhile, while also making you look good, especially with limited funding. 

What Impress them 

When it comes to fulfilling crowdfunding, you need to look at things that impress the backers. 

Creative unboxing is one of them.   you want to make sure that the unboxing is good, and will show off the item in a unique, exciting way. 

Another, is personalized insets. These are inserts that you put in there that are delivered and catered to them. If nothing else, adding a little bit of a personalization method will make your crowdfunded packaging so much better. 

Finally, branded thank-you notes.   A thank-you note that’s branded with the name and words of thanks is great, because it will make the customer feel nice and special. Give them something that they will remember, and try to keep the branding positive, and also catered to those that buy from you. 

Prevent Returns and Breakage too 

Now, with crowdfunded packaging, the last thing that you want is for those small orders to be shipped out, and then customers complain about breakage. Not something you want, that’s for sure. so, you need to be a little more protective with your items. 

Wrap them in some extra void fill. Give them a little more cushion. Anything that they can use to protect their items early on, making it easier for you to package and share such items is so important. In doing so, you’re getting early credibility, and will in turn, make it better for you to sell such items to others. 

Any Brands that do This? 

Yes, there are some brands that have been successful with the packaging for crowdfunding delivering exactly what you need. 

Tech gadgets are one of them. These gadgets, with unique features and other little additives, are something that people want to try out, and it can be a good way for you to make it stand out.

Board games are another. Board games that have a unique form of packaging really impress the people who buy from you, in turn making things better. 

Finally, wearables and other unique items.   When you give these items an extra bit of flavor, it will Take the mass delivery of these items to the next level. 

Consider those buying crowdfunded items from you, and see for yourself the difference it makes in your overall packaging experience, and results of your actions. 

How Packaging Affects E Commerce Returns 

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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 

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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.