12 Kinds of Popular E-commerce Packaging

Product packaging has gone a long way since the early days when its sole purpose was to protect a product while the item is in transit. With the rise of online retail, e-commerce packaging is a key aspect of any business.

When we think of product packaging, we often visualize brown boxes lined up in a warehouse assembly line, with a delivery truck at the end. The ubiquitous brown box is still used today, as well as “personalized” packaging, which is quite similar to gift wrapping.

However, product packaging has gone a long way and has evolved with the emergence of e-commerce. Protection still comes first, but marketing and branding have also become very important when it comes to product packaging.

The Role of Packaging for E-commerce Products

E-commerce companies now make use of clever product packaging not only to protect the product but to create brand awareness and improve customer experience. E-commerce packaging, as far as entrepreneurship goes, has become a powerful marketing tool, and no e-commerce entrepreneur worth his (or her) salt does not recognize the value that product packaging can bring.

E-commerce simplified as the buying and selling of goods and services online, is unlike a physical store where customers can touch and feel an item before deciding to make a purchase. 

Online buying is the opposite: customers have to wait until the item arrives before he/she can touch and feel it. This gave rise to the “unboxing” phenomenon, which, if done properly, heightens the customer experience and anticipation to offset the lack of physical “touchpoints” that a retail store or a brick-and-mortar establishment can provide.

For e-commerce companies, that “touchpoint” is the time that the customer receives the much-awaited item which has functional and cleverly-branded packaging.

12 Types of E-commerce Product Packaging

In this article, we take a look at 12 e-commerce product packaging techniques or strategies and how these packaging techniques can help an e-commerce company thrive.

Boxes

The trusty box (cardboard box) remains the most widely-used e-commerce packaging type preferred by both large and small companies. Although the box primarily provides protection, putting in nifty personalization techniques such as notes, colors, and different styles, can still make the ordinary box a branding and marketing tool.

These boxes are sturdy and durable, and can often accommodate heavier items. Added with fillers (such as Styrofoam or bubble wrap), these boxes can withstand the rigors of transporting (or shipping) until they reach the destination. You may notice that the edges of these boxes (especially those coming from abroad) can also take the abuse of being handled and tossed around.

Mailers/paper board

The mailer is another ubiquitous form of e-commerce packaging designed for small, flat, and items. The slim profile of the mailer is ideal for hand-held items such as electronic gadgets, books, jewelry, etc. The mailer is also easily customized and can be reinforced with a variety of materials such as bubble wrap, pads, or other cushioning.

Mailers can also be lined with chipboard, to make them much more sturdy. Paper board is most often the common material for mailers, but plastic mailers (or poly mailers) have been gaining popularity. 

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are one of the most commonly used e-commerce packaging materials in e-commerce. These boxes are made from corrugated cardboard, which consists of three layers – an inner liner, an outer liner, and a fluted medium in between. This construction provides excellent strength and durability to protect the contents during shipping. Corrugated boxes are available in various sizes and can be customized to fit specific products. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and recyclable, making them a popular choice for e-commerce businesses looking for reliable packaging solutions.

Biodegradables

Strictly speaking, biodegradable e-commerce packaging means the materials used for a box, mailer, cardboard, paper bags, etc., are made from organic materials that can decompose on their own. Eco-friendly materials are often used for specialty products. 

Recycled paper is the most common biodegradable packaging material. Boxes with biodegradable materials can hold their own when it comes to durability and strength. The upside of biodegradables is that they can reduce waste, but the downside is that they are relatively more expensive than traditional packaging solutions.

Envelopes

Envelopes are still being used, particularly for light, but not fragile items, such as letters, documents, contracts, and other items. In most cases, the envelope is encased in a zipper-lock plastic bag for protection. Courier companies often use them for other items such as keys, small books, personal items, etc.

Bags/ Paper Bags

Paper bags are often used as gift wraps. These highly-decorative e-commerce packaging can be customized for any season or occasion. Small items, such as apparel, small stuff toys, etc. can be placed in a paper bag.

Paper bags are also often associated with recycling. E-commerce companies often use recycled paper bags as a way to reduce waste and cut costs. Paper bags are also a great way to market an e-commerce company’s brand, through logos, tag lines, etc. Inexpensive paper bags can be produced in bulk, and companies need not worry about polluting the environment

Custom packaging

Almost all types of e-commerce packaging can be customized. However, e-commerce companies often take the extra step of producing one-of-a-kind packaging, say customized boxes, that can show a customer that they are valued.

Often, a custom box is created to make sure the customer has a unique unboxing experience. Custom packaging is also a very powerful branding tool.

An example would be products from the technology giant Apple. Just seeing that white and gray box with that iconic logo heightens the anticipation for many customers about unboxing an Apple product.

Options are only limited by the imagination, and e-commerce companies know this, which is why they spend a lot of thought on designing that perfect customized box. 

Plastic boxes 

Plastic boxes or containers may not be popular with everyone, particularly those who are conscious about the environment. However, these plastic containers still serve a purpose. They are sturdy, yet flexible. They come in multiple sizes and are very light.

The good news about plastic e-commerce packaging is that many e-commerce companies now use biodegradable plastic containers for small items. Perhaps the most popular use of small, biodegradable plastic containers is for food products. The plastic container is ideal for food, and unlike paper-based packaging, customers need not worry about spilled food or leaks.  

Bottle & Cap

Bottle and cap packaging is commonly used for liquid products such as beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies. The bottles are typically made from materials like plastic, glass, or metal, depending on the product’s requirements. 

These e-commerce packaging materials provide a secure and leak-proof solution, ensuring that the contents remain intact during transportation. Caps play a crucial role in sealing the bottles tightly and preventing any spills or leaks. The combination of sturdy bottles and well-designed caps ensures product safety and convenience for both businesses and customers in the e-commerce industry.

Fillers

Fillers are meant to give another layer of cushion in boxes, bags, etc. Fillers can be tissue paper, styrofoam balls, air-filled pillows, wood fibers, and bubble wraps. However, e-commerce companies often use bubble wrap, a widely-used filler, for e-commerce packaging. The items are simply wrapped in a bubble wrap bag, taped, and then shipped. The lure of this type of packaging is its simplicity. However, customizing bubble wrap packaging has limitations. Most often e-commerce firms simply place a sticker on the bubble wrap packaging. 

Foil-Sealed Bags

Foil-sealed bags are a popular choice for packaging perishable and sensitive products in the e-commerce sector. These bags are made from materials like aluminum foil or metalized film, which offer excellent barrier properties against moisture, light, and oxygen. 

The foil-sealed design provides an airtight and tamper-evident seal, preserving the freshness and quality of the contents. The bags can be customized with features like tear notches and resealable zippers for easy opening and reclosing. With their protective properties and user-friendly design, foil-sealed bags are ideal as e-commerce packaging for businesses dealing with items like food, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive electronics.

Dunnage

Dunnage refers to the materials used to secure and cushion products within e-commerce packaging during transit. It plays a crucial role in preventing damage and ensuring that items arrive at their destination in optimal condition. Common dunnage materials include foam inserts, bubble wraps, air pillows, packing peanuts, and paper-based void fillers. 

These materials provide shock absorption, cushioning, and stability to protect products from impacts and vibrations. E-commerce businesses must choose appropriate dunnage materials based on the nature of their products and the level of protection required. Effective dunnage solutions contribute to a positive customer experience by reducing the risk of damaged goods during shipping.

Product Package Design and Its Importance

In the world of e-commerce, product package design plays a vital role in attracting customers, differentiating brands, and ensuring the safe delivery of goods. This article explores the importance of e-commerce packaging design and its impact on various aspects of e-commerce.

1. Brand Identity and Recognition

Effective package design serves as a visual representation of a brand, helping to establish a unique identity and build recognition. By incorporating brand elements such as logos, colors, and typography, packaging creates a consistent and memorable brand experience for customers.

2. Enhancing Customer Experience

In particular, this alludes to two things: 

1. Visual Appeal: Well-designed packaging catches the attention of customers and piques their curiosity. Eye-catching graphics, attractive colors, and engaging visuals can create a positive first impression and increase the likelihood of a purchase.
2. Unboxing Experience: Package design can be optimized to enhance the unboxing experience. Introducing elements like inserts, personalized messages, or creative opening mechanisms can surprise and delight customers, fostering a sense of excitement and brand loyalty.

3. Differentiation and Competitive Advantage

In a crowded e-commerce landscape, product package design can be a powerful tool for differentiation. Unique and innovative packaging sets brands apart from competitors, making products more memorable and enticing to customers. It helps create a distinct brand personality and communicates the value proposition effectively.

4. Product Protection and Safety

Package design is not solely about aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in ensuring that products reach customers in optimal condition. Protective packaging solutions such as bubble wrap, air pillows, or foam inserts can safeguard products from damage during transit, reducing the risk of returns or customer dissatisfaction.

5. Information and Communication

E-commerce Package design serves as a communication medium, conveying essential information about the product to customers. It includes details such as product features, usage instructions, warnings, and legal requirements. Clear and concise information on the package can enhance customer understanding and satisfaction.

6. Logistics and Supply Chain Efficiency

Efficient e-commerce packaging design contributes to streamlined logistics and supply chain operations. By optimizing package size and weight, businesses can reduce shipping costs, improve storage efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. Properly designed packages can also facilitate easy stacking, handling, and transportation.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability in E-commerce Packaging

The rapid growth of e-commerce has brought convenience and accessibility to consumers worldwide. However, it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of e-commerce product packaging. According to a report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, the e-commerce market in Southeast Asia is projected to reach a staggering $234 billion by 2025. 

This significant growth implies a corresponding increase in packaging waste and environmental impact, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate the negative consequences on the region’s ecosystems. Some of the other negative impacts of e-commerce packaging have been discussed below.

1. Packaging Waste and Landfill Accumulation

E-commerce generates a substantial amount of packaging waste due to individual product shipments. Traditional e-commerce packaging materials, such as plastics and non-recyclable materials, contribute to landfill accumulation and pose long-term environmental risks. The improper disposal of packaging materials further exacerbates the problem.

2. Carbon Emissions and Climate Change

The production and transportation of e-commerce packaging materials contribute to carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. The energy-intensive manufacturing processes and long-distance shipping involved in the e-commerce supply chain result in a significant carbon footprint. This impact is further amplified by the growing volume of online purchases globally.

3. Resource Depletion and Environmental Pressure

The production of e-commerce packaging materials requires natural resources such as wood, water, and fossil fuels. Excessive resource consumption puts pressure on the environment and contributes to habitat destruction, deforestation, and water scarcity. The demand for packaging materials driven by e-commerce exacerbates these issues.

4. Plastic Pollution and Marine Ecosystems

Plastic e-commerce packaging is a major concern due to its non-biodegradable nature. Improperly disposed of or unrecycled plastic packaging ends up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, posing a severe threat to marine ecosystems. Microplastics, which result from the breakdown of plastic packaging, further contaminate water bodies and harm marine life.

The environmental impact of e-commerce product packaging in e-commerce is a pressing concern in today’s world. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses, consumers, and policymakers to prioritize sustainable packaging solutions, such as recyclable materials, minimal packaging, and eco-friendly practices. By adopting these measures, we can minimize the environmental footprint of e-commerce and strive for a more sustainable future.

Wrapping it Up

To wrap this up (pun intended), e-commerce packaging is very important in entrepreneurship, particularly e-commerce. The protection of products is still the priority, but in the world of online selling and buying, brand awareness and marketing are equally important.

The cost of e-commerce packaging is also an important consideration, but making your brand stand out, through thoughtful and eye-catching product packaging will surely pay off in the long run. Moreover, pay extra attention to sustainability and enforce practices that contribute to the cause

And if it is the step after the packaging, i.e., e-commerce logistics, that is of worry, sign up with Locad. Not only will you be able to take advantage of the extra time on your hands and strengthen your brand presence, but you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the best in the logistics industry!

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