Packaging is important not just to protect products from outside forces, but also to make them last longer. A well-designed and beautiful packaging box not only protects the product, but it also makes people want to buy it. There are so many different types of packaging that it can be hard to choose.
Besides choosing the right materials, it’s also important to know about the different levels of packaging, since each one has a different job. The type of packaging you use will have a direct impact on the success of your brand, whether it’s eco-friendly or custom-made.
In this article, we talked about some of the most common materials used in packaging all over the world.
1. Paperboard Packaging
Paper and cardboard packaging is the most common type that has been used and is still used in almost every nook and cranny. There are many uses for this packaging box material, and it has many benefits. It also gives you a lot of options to choose from. You can choose whatever you need and want.
Corrugated Cardboard
Most of the time, goods is shipped in corrugated boxes that have layers inside them. The outer layer is made up of linerboard sheets, and the inner layer is made up of fluting. It also has other types that depend on how it is being used.
Somewhere, it is doubled or tripled in terms of flutes or liners to give extra support to heavy-duty products in transit. Other times, it is as thin as the cardboard that cosmetics or food are packaged in. Because it is strong and long-lasting, it is great for shipping.
Cardboard Boxes
The other adaptable packaging material is cardboard. You can use this for a lot of different things. This product has a 92.9% recycling rate. When it is made thicker, it becomes a rigid material that can be used to package high-end and premium goods.
Cardboard boxes come in a wide range of shapes and styles, so you can easily find one that meets your needs. A standard mailer box is the most common and widely used shape. It can hold almost any item you want.
2. Plastic Packaging
Plastic is one of the most common materials used for packaging. It has been in high demand for a long time because it is environmentally friendly, and it is a major player in the packaging industry.
It can be moulded into almost any shape and still be light, which gives your products an extra layer of protection.
Not only can it be used to pack boxes, but it can also be used to pack plastic bags, bottles, jars, and other things.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is mostly used for water bottles. It is usually clear, light, and easy to recycle. This type of plastic is hard and cheap, so it can hold different kinds of liquids.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a stronger and more durable type of plastic that is made from thermoplastic polymer that doesn’t break down in most chemicals. You can keep detergents and other harmful acids in this type of plastic. It is used for things like shampoo bottles, milk jugs, pipes, bleach bottles, and more.
Shrink Wrap and Plastic Films
Shrink wrap is a type of plastic that can wrap around things closely when it is heated because it is thin and flexible. Just because it’s not thick or heavy doesn’t mean it can’t protect you.
It can be made strong by running it through the right amount of heat, which makes it shrink to the size of the product.
Plastic films are another term we often use in the packaging industry. The plastic films are used to keep things dry, and they are the most common type of packaging for frozen food.
Plastic is useful and adaptable, but it’s important to remember that it has some very bad effects on the environment. It can’t be fully recycled, which means that it needs to be turned into something that is better for the environment.
3. Glass Packaging
Glass has been the most popular packaging choice because it looks so good. Glass packaging is flexible and can be used in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, jewellery, food that needs an airtight seal, and anything else that needs a little extra glamour in its presentation. It doesn’t react with anything, so if it’s in a restaurant, it won’t change the taste or quality of the food. Lastly, glass can be recycled completely.
Bottles and Jars
Bottles, jars, and boxes made of glass are used to hold liquids like juices, sauces, oils, and sodas. Customers can see a little bit of what’s inside because glass is clear.
It also has endless possibilities for making changes that make it look better. Also, it is a very strong material that might be the best choice among many other materials used for packaging.
4. Metal Packaging
Another material that doesn’t work well for something strong and sturdy is metal, especially aluminum and tin. The material isn’t as popular as it used to be, but it’s very useful in a lot of industries where the product needs to be packaged in bulk without losing its strength.
Aluminum Cans
This packaging solution is lighter than any other metal, so it’s the best choice for packing frozen foods, sodas, and beers. It is flexible, can be recycled, and is also strong enough to keep the product safe from light, water, and air. It also makes canned goods last longer on the shelf, so they stay fresh longer.
Steel Drum
We often see steel drums where there is a need to move chemicals or oils in large amounts. These drums are strong, heavy-duty, and can take a lot of abuse. They have a tight seal that keeps them from spilling or going bad even before the stores get them.
5. Biodegradable and Sustainable Packaging
After learning about how the environment is getting worse, most companies changed how they used all kinds of packaging materials that can be reused, broken down, or made from materials that are good for the environment. Your brand will get more attention in the market if it is more eco-friendly. People are starting to worry about how much carbon their purchases leave on the planet.
Compostable Packaging
This material is made entirely from natural resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, and it doesn’t hurt the environment in any way. When it breaks down in the sun or other natural elements, it doesn’t leave any harmful chemicals in the air like other types of packaging.
Recycled Materials
These materials aren’t trash; they are used again to make a new, long-lasting way to package things. Most businesses have switched to recyclable plastic or paper to help the environment.
Kraft Paper
Kraft paperboard is best for packaging products that are eco-friendly and emphasize sustainability. It is known for its natural, woodsy look. Kraft has always been in style and never goes out of style. It comes in boxes and bags in different styles.
6. Foam Packaging
Another packing option that offers the most protection and is best for delicate, sensitive items because it protects them from almost all outside conditions.
Polystyrene Foam
Polystyrene foam is very useful because it is light and can absorb shocks. It is often used as packaging material and as a filler.
Key Considerations Before Designing Custom Product Packaging
You should start with a clear idea of what you want your product to be and how you want people to see it when you design the packaging. Now that you know what is packaging and how it affects your brand, it’s time to think about what kind of material you’ll use for your product’s packaging. The answer to it has already been given above.
Before you start designing, ask yourself these important questions:
What is your budget?
Your budget will determine everything, from the materials you choose to the level of customization and complexity of the design.
What are the Dimensions of Your Product and Packaging?
To make packaging that fits perfectly and uses as little material as possible, you need to know the exact measurements of your product.
What Style or Structure Are You Envisioning?
Would you rather have a simple, plain look or something more complicated? Your brand’s personality and the message you want to send should be reflected in the aesthetic.
Who is Your Target Audience?
Think about who your customers are and how you can use your packaging to reach them, such as by using colors, textures, or eco-friendliness.
What are Your Packaging’s Functional Requirements?
Does it need to keep fragile things safe, be easy to move, or have certain markings for safety or legal reasons?
How Green Do You Want Your Packaging to Be?
If your brand cares a lot about the environment, this will affect the materials you use and how you design things. You can also see some new shapes and designs that you can make out of eco-friendly kraft paper.
What Type of Unboxing Experience Do You Want to Create?
Customers will remember a great unboxing experience and want to tell others about it, which will help your brand get more attention.
Why the Right Packaging is Important
Choosing the right type of material for your product affects not only how long it lasts but also how much carbon it emits and how long it stays on the shelf.
You can make sure that your product gets to its destination in the best possible condition by fully understanding what it is and then choosing the right type of packaging box material.
It’s important to remember that not all materials are good for all kinds of products. You can’t just put your fragile things in a cardboard box that isn’t strong enough to handle the roughness of shipping.
Remember that the right materials for packaging are the most important part of many of the things that make your marketing campaigns successful.
