E-Commerce business is possibly the most convenient way to reach consumers all over the world. It gives the ability to personalize the consumer’s experience while minimizing expenses. Running an E-Commerce business comes with challenges; for one, interaction with your consumers is all online up until the product is shipped. The packaging is the first physical interaction your business has with the consumer. With that being said, the packaging initiates the first impression of your product and your business. There are many different options to explore regarding packaging, so finding the best method is important. A good packaging company will give you the ability to access multiple materials, as well as graphic manipulation, to personalize and help your product stand apart from the rest.
Different Methods of Packaging:
Corrugated Packaging
Corrugated packaging is typically the first method that people think of; the box. What’s great about corrugated packaging is that it can be customized specifically for your product. There are multiple sizes to choose from and different board strengths, depending on what it is that you are shipping. Some other features corrugated packaging offers include the ability to add walls, coatings, and printing to customize your packaging further.
Protective Packaging
Protective packaging keeps your product from being damaged during the delivery process and ensures it arrives in one piece. Some types of protective packaging include cushioning, void fill, and blocking/bracing. Cushioning can be placed inside a corrugated box to protect your product and keep it from moving around. Void fill is used for the most fragile products, and although it uses similar materials as cushioning, like a bubble and air pillows, void fill will close off any free space to absorb shock. Finally, blocking/bracing are also methods used to keep your product in a fixed position. Typically, foam is used here to keep the product from moving horizontally or vertically.
Tape & Adhesives
Applying tape and adhesives, make sure any opening on your packaging is sealed, so nothing gets in or comes out during the shipping process. There are different kinds of tape and adhesive materials to choose from to ensure that your product is safely enclosed in its packaging. Some of these options include hot melt, natural rubber, duct tape, transfer tape, or spray glue, to name a few. Packaging companies offer these different options for businesses to choose the best method that will work for them.
Strapping
Strapping is one of the quickest and easiest ways to secure your corrugated packaging even after it has already been secured by tape or adhesives. It is an extra step one can take to be certain that their packaging is secure. The strapping itself can be made of steel, polyester, or polypropylene. Depending on the material used, it can be custom printed or even recyclable. Not only is strapping used on corrugated packaging, but it also is used to secure products such as lumber, PVC pipe, steel plates, etc. This method will guarantee the security of your product upon arrival.
Mailers
Mailers are a great alternative for when you don’t want to use a box. Like corrugated packaging, mailers can be highly customizable to fit your product’s and design needs. Different mailers include kraft bubble lined, poly unlined, poly bubble lined, printed poly and recycled poly, and insulated recycled fiber. With that being said, if your brand is environmentally conscious, mailers are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint through their recyclable options.
Flexible Packaging
If your E-Commerce business is focused on being environmentally conscious, flexible packaging may be the ideal choice for you. Flexible packaging is the “greenest” of the packaging options. It uses the least amount of materials and requires much less energy to produce, making it a perfect solution for your environmentally conscious business.
Temperature Control & Cold Chain
Temperature control and the cold chain are specific packagings used to provide a perfect environment for temperature-sensitive products. This kind of packaging is ideal for shipping perishables or other items such as pharmaceuticals. However, unless your product needs to stay at a consistently cool temperature, cold chain and temperature control may not be the preferred packaging method for your business.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging means that materials are either renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. For environmentally-conscious businesses and focused on minimizing their carbon footprint, sustainable packaging is one of the best methods. However, contrary to popular belief, choosing sustainability does not limit your options. Sustainable packaging comes in mailers, bubble, paper, cold chain, and stretch film so businesses can guarantee their product will be safe and secure upon arrival while staying green.
As you can see, there are many types of packaging options for your E-commerce business. To get the most of your packaging order, be sure to contact Morrisette for the best packaging solutions around.
