Choose the right packaging material to set a distinctive brand identity
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No matter what you sell, if it’s a physical product, it needs packaging. Although hundreds of products come in so-called “best packaging”, only a few of them stand out, and more importantly, a minor chunk of them align with the brand’s theme. It’s not guesswork but a research-based activity that demands an active try & test process.
If you’re unsure about the ideal packaging that reflects your brand, as soon as someone grabs your product from the shelf, it starts with the right material. Here in this guide, we’ll thoroughly explore them and get an insightful impact of packaging on the development of a brand’s persona. So, let’s read on.
Packaging past & its importance in the current era
The invention of the printer by Charles Babbage set the foundation of printing, directly impacting the packaging industry. Not so far, earlier World War II packaging was all about storing and moving products from one place to another. That’s it. No aesthetics, no custom features, and even no catchy printing. But as soon as this phase passed, the whole scenario changed.
However, the rise of the industrial and technological era brought something creative that changed the dynamics of packaging on all levels of the economy. Local or foreign brands all want to present their products in a unique package that the consumers have never seen or tried. As time passes, this contest continues and is still growing by today’s date.
Types of packaging material to consider for your business
Buyers care about the product quality and the attention to detail you’ve put into it. Unfortunately, if the box is not pleasing, no one will risk buying the item because of a psychological barrier. That’s where the appearance of the box or bag settles these concerns and encourages strangers to purchase without getting into the deep evaluation zone.
Below are some of the top materials to try on to uplift and enhance your packaging game from the start.
Rigid material
First of all, we have rigid material — as its name suggests, this is the benchmark of luxury packaging. From precious jewelry to high-end lifestyle items. It’s the only material that stands out thanks to distinctive properties that feature sturdiness and exquisite appeal. So, you can opt for rigid boxes for branding and protection purposes.
Corrugated cardboard
Secondly, corrugated cardboard is a top material for small to bulk packaging needs and beyond. The material in itself is robust enough to protect the items inside from the bumps and shocks during logistics. Its multi-layered cardboard with a zig-zag structure acts as a shock absorber and minimizes the outside impact to pass on to the added items.
Other than product packaging needs, this material is a top choice for shipping boxes that demand a large-sized carton to pack the products at once, rather than individually carrying them.
Mylar packaging
For the items that can be stored in paper-based materials, mylar bags stand out as a distinctive choice in this category. The air, moisture, and light-resistant properties of the pouch keep the inside content in its best taste and flavour. If your product has by default shelf life or it’s a long-term usable item, mylar packaging is just made for you.
Likewise, its perks don’t end with the lifespan of storage, but it can be customized with die cut windows or even comes in a transparent material, which means anyone can see through the product from the inside out. That’s how it builds trust with buyers who demand to first see the item and then make their buying decision.
Sustainable materials
Last but not least, eco-friendly material is the new norm in the packaging industry. These are the materials that are either made from recycled materials or sourced organically. Among other multiple material options are versatile in nature and stand out, making them the best eco-friendly boxes for small businesses to giant corporations.
For instance, a kraft paper degrades totally within 6-8 weeks. That’s a shocking timeframe when compared with the non-kraft materials, taking months or even years to decompose.
Which materials, not to pick?
Selection of the best material is important, but if you pick the wrong one, this can ruin your branding efforts and may even disturb the supply chain. A delicate or too lightweight material can cause the packaging to tear down too early, so that by the time it reaches the hand of the user, they’ll get it in a fragile condition. Also, go for sustainable materials that have a minimum carbon footprint from their production to decomposition.
The bottom line
All in all, picking the well-suited packaging material for your brand’s product isn’t rocket science. You only have to determine the product features and how they can align with the material accordingly. If you’re still stuck, then it’s better to consult with an expert for a tailored recommendation. They’ll understand your packaging needs and offer an end-to-end solution exclusively for your product.