An In-Depth Guide to Product Packaging

  Many companies have a product they want to sell, but they have no idea how to get the word out. To create an attractive package for their product, one must consider many different factors such as size and shape. This article will explore some of the main components in designing a successful package for your product. This guide will encompass various aspects of packaging, including the following:

• • Defining Your Product Packaging Needs
  • Finalizing The Size and Shape Of The Boxes
  • Choosing A Packaging Material
  • Adding Inserts
  • Selecting A Printing Technique
  • Selecting A Color Model
  • Customizing Using Add-Ons
  • Finishing With Coatings
  • Viewing The Results with Prototypes

Before we begin, you should know about the various benefits of customized packaging and why it has become the retail and wholesale market norm.

“Recycling, packaging, and businesses are changing all of those things because that’s what consumers want.”

– Jerry Greenfield

Benefits Of Custom Packaging

Whether you want candle or mailer boxes, customized options can always be better. This section will discuss some benefits of creating custom packaging compared to standard packaging options.

Increased Brand Awareness

One of the best things about custom packaging is that it can help increase brand awareness for your product. When customers see a unique and attractive package, they will remember the product long after leaving the store. Customized packaging also makes it easier for customers to distinguish your product from similar products on the shelf. This can help you to capture more market share and increase sales.

Increased Customer Loyalty

Custom packaging can also help to increase customer loyalty for your product. When customers are given a unique and attractive package, they feel like they are getting something special. That can encourage them to come back to your product time and time again, rather than switching to a competitor’s product.

Enhanced Product Perception

Custom packaging can also help enhance your product’s perception among consumers. It can make your product look more high-end and luxurious, encouraging customers to spend more money on it.

Improved Protection

Customized packaging can also provide improved protection for your product during transportation and storage. This is especially critical if your product is fragile, breakable, or heavy.

Increased Product Resale Value

Another benefit of customized packaging is that it will help increase the resale value of your product after consumers have purchased it. Customers are willing to pay more for products in unique and attractive packaging. Now that you know some of the benefits of custom packaging, it’s time to start designing your package. But where do you start?

Think outside the box, design something that can entice the customers, compel them to give your products a shot!

Defining Your Product Packaging Needs

The first step in designing a custom package is to define your product packaging needs. What are your goals for the packaging? What do you want it to accomplish? Some factors to consider include the following:

• The type of product you are selling
• The target audience for your product
• How much space is available on the package?
• What kind of information needs to be included in the package
• What type of design are you looking for?

Let’s discuss points in a bit more detail.

Type Of Product

The first thing you need to consider is what kind of product you are selling. If it is a food product, you want to make it look flavorful and delicious. For example, if you were selling cookies with custom packaging, the package would most likely be made out of cardboard or paperboard. If you were selling a tech product, the package should be clean and straightforward, with lots of open space for branding.

Target Audience

The second thing to consider is your target audience for your product. Customized packaging can help to make it easier for customers to spot what you are selling on the shelf. For example, a food company might want to use bright colors and fun designs for their packaging to appeal to children. On the other hand, a company that sells luxury products might want to use more understated and elegant designs for its packaging.

Space Available on The Package

The third thing to consider is how much space you have available for branding and design. If you are using a standard corrugated box, you will be restricted to a certain amount of space on the front, back, and sides of the package. If you use a custom package, you will have more flexibility in design and layout. However, it is essential to remember that too much customization can be expensive.

Information Needs to Be Included

The fourth thing to consider is what information needs to be included in the package. For example, suppose you are designing custom shoeboxes for a retail store. In that case, you will need to have information about the color and style of the shoes. That way, customers know exactly what they are purchasing before it gets to the checkout counter. On the other hand, if you are designing a package for a product that does not have any specific information needs, you can focus on branding and design.

Design

The fifth and final thing to consider is the design of your package. That includes the overall look and feel of the box and the typography and graphics. It is essential to choose a design that goes along with the look and feel of your product. For example, an electronic company that sells high-end tech products will choose a simple design that allows for lots of open space for branding. And a food company selling lemonade mixes might want to use bright, fun colors so it is more easily identifiable on the shelf. Once you have answered these questions, you will be ready to start designing your custom packaging.

Finalizing The Size and Shape of Your Retail Boxes

One of the most critical factors for designing your custom candle or mailer boxes is the packaging size. The size and shape of your parcels are determined by the product to be packaged. You’ll want to finalize the size and shape of your candle boxes or custom mailer boxes before you begin designing the graphics and layout. The following are some tips on how to determine the size and shape of your retail boxes:

• Suppose you are designing a package for a product already in existence. In that case, you’ll want to measure the development and use those measurements to create your retail boxes.
• Suppose you are creating a package for a new product. In that case, you’ll need to do some preliminary research to find out the product’s dimensions.
• When designing your candle boxes or custom mailer boxes, you should remember that the product needs to fit inside the box when it is closed.
• Even if your retail boxes are not rectangular, they will need to be tall and wide enough to accommodate the product inside.
• If you feel like your package design is too crowded, you may want to consider reducing the dimensions of your retail boxes.

Finalizing the size and shape of your candle boxes or custom mailer boxes will make it easier for you to determine what graphic elements and copies go on each side.

Choosing A Packaging Material

The packaging material is the heart and soul of the boxes. The material of your custom CBD boxes or custom perfume boxes will determine how your product is handled throughout the shipping process. You’ll want to consider different factors when choosing a packaging material.

1. One factor is cost. Depending on the type of product you are creating the package for, the price may vary.
2. Another factor is the weight of the product. If your product is heavy, you’ll need a more robust material that can hold up to the weight.
3. The shipping process is also a consideration. If you are shipping your product internationally, you’ll need a material that can withstand different climates and conditions.
4. Does the product need to be refrigerated? If so, you’ll want to use a material that can keep the temperature of the product consistent.
5. Lastly, you’ll also want to consider other factors, including branding and design.

The following are some packaging materials that offer unique properties that can handle the considerations mentioned above:

• Corrugated Cardboard
• Rigid Paperboard
• Eco-Friendly Kraft
• Cardstock

Let’s dive into brief details about these options.

Corrugated Cardboard

The corrugated cardboard packaging material is one of the most commonly used materials for custom candle boxes or mailer boxes. This packaging material is ideal because it can be recycled and reused, making it an eco-friendly option. It also has a natural brown color, which enhances the branding of products. It comprises the middle fluted corrugated layer, a kraft liner, and an outside wove liner. Thus, it has incredible strength. Corrugated boxes can help protect products through shipping and retail handling.

Rigid Paperboard

This packaging material is also commonly used for luxurious CBD boxes or premium perfume boxes, among other things. The rigid paperboard material is often called chipboard, which can be recycled or reused after use. A rigid paperboard is an excellent option because of the look and feel of luxury marketing campaigns.

Eco-Friendly Kraft

The Kraft material is made from post-consumer recycled fibres. That makes it an eco-friendly packaging material used for various products, including food and cosmetics. This material offers a rustic and earthy look, appealing to some brands.

Cardstock

The cardstock packaging material is an excellent choice for small and lightweight products. This material is thin but still has incredible strength. You’ll often see this packaging material used for products that are light in weight, including jewellery boxes or makeup pencil cases. As you can see, many different types of retail boxes can be used to package your product. It’s essential to consider the different factors that will affect the packaging, such as the weight and dimensions of the product, the shipping process, and the environmental impact. By taking all of these into account, you can choose the perfect packaging material for your needs.

Custom Inserts

Custom inserts help to reinforce your packaging and protect your product. An insert is anything placed inside your packaging to help protect the product and give it more stability. That can be a cardboard insert, foam insert, or even a plastic insert.

Cardboard Inserts

Cardboard inserts help to protect products during shipping and handling. They are inserted into the product packaging and provide an extra layer of protection for the product.

Foam Inserts

Foam inserts are used to help protect fragile products. The foam helps to absorb any shock that may occur during shipping, which can help keep the product safe.

Plastic Inserts

Plastic inserts are often used to secure trim and lightweight products. The plastic insert helps to keep the product in place during shipping. It prevents it from moving around inside of the packaging. If you’re looking for a way to reinforce your packaging and protect your product, consider using a custom insert. It can be the difference between a product arriving safely or being damaged during shipping.

Printing Techniques for Attractive Packaging

Custom prints can add an extra level of appeal to your packaging. To let your creativity run wild, you can decorate the outside and inside of your custom packaging with different custom prints, as shown below. There are a variety of printing techniques that can be used to create attractive packaging. Here are a few of the most common printing techniques:

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a traditional technique that uses plates to create an image. The image is then transferred to a rubber blanket, which is inked. The mantle then moves the image to the package. Offset printing is often used for high-volume orders. This technique produces sharp and clear images that provide a professional look. Opt for offset printing to create high-quality custom prints for pre-roll packaging.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is one of the most common types of printing for custom packaging. The image is transferred to a machine that uses lasers or inkjets to print it onto the package. Digital printing has emerged as an attractive option because it can be used for high-quality images (not as good as offset printing). It’s also more affordable than other types of printing. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option for custom printed pillow boxes, digital printing is a great choice.

Flexography Printing

Flexography is an exciting option. It’s a technique that uses rubber stamps to print onto paper or plastic. This technique is unique because it can be used for large-volume orders that require a limited number of colors. It’s also relatively affordable and produces high-quality prints. If you need a large order of custom printing for your cigarette boxes, flexography is an excellent option. There are a variety of printing techniques that can be used to create attractive packaging. By choosing the correct printing technique, you can create a beautiful package that stands out from the rest.

Pro Tip: When selecting a printing technique, ensure that you keep the print quality, cost per unit, ability to change the design, and turnaround time in mind. 

Color Models for Vibrant Shades

Color models are a way to choose the perfect colors for your packaging. There are a variety of color models that can be used when designing custom packaging. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

RGB Colors

RGB stands for red-green-blue. The RGB model creates colors by combining different red, green, and blue shades. It’s one of the most common color models used for printing.

CMYK Colors

CMYK stands for cyan-magenta-yellow-black. Like RGB, CMYK creates colors by combining different shades of primary colors. This model is popular because it accounts for various tones and shades in one package. For example, CMYK is the way to go if you want to make vibrant custom prints for soapboxes.

Pantone Colors

Pantone is a company that has created a standardized system of colors for printers to use when designing custom prints. Just about every printer on the market uses this system—which means you can send your image to any printer and be confident you’ll get the same result each time. Pantone colors are the best option when it comes to making spot colors. If you want to use a specific Pantone color for your packaging, make sure the printer you choose has access to the Pantone library. Thus, if you want to transform your cardboard boxes into branding tools, Pantone colors are your best bet. By understanding different color models, you can create vibrant and eye-catching packaging that will stand out from the competition.

Customizing Using Add-Ons

Add-ons are beautiful tools to add a touch of personality to your packaging. There are a variety of add-ons that can be used to customize your packaging. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• Die Cuts
• Window Patching
• Embossing
• Debossing
• Hot Stamping
• Spot UV

Let’s study these add-ons and see how they can be combined to create genuinely unique retail boxes.

Die-Cuts

Die-cuts are used for creating shapes in the product packaging boxes. They are often used to make windows or flaps that can be opened and closed. Die-cuts are popular because they provide the perfect way to show off products without risking damage. Die-cuts are a great choice to make your product packaging easier to open.

Window Patching

If you are looking for a creative alternative to die-cuts, window patching is the way to go. Window patching involves cutting out windows in your packaging and filling them with additional materials like paper or plastic films. That creates a unique package with an added layer of protection and information sealed inside the box. Cardboard boxes with window patching allow customers to look inside the packaging and judge the state of the products before they purchase them. The result is increased trust between the customers and the brand.

Embossing/Debossing

Embossing and debossing are two ways of adding depth and texture to your product packaging. Embossing is the process of raising a design from the surface of a material. This creates a beautiful three-dimensional effect that can make your packaging stand out on shelves. The result is a two-in-one package: your image is printed flat, and embossing is used to create a unique texture inside the box. Debossing is the opposite process—it involves taking a design and cutting it into the surface of a material to create a shallow recess. Debossing is often combined with embossing, adding depth to the print. Embossing is popular because it can be used with nearly any color palette or image. Thus, opt for embossing and debossing if you want to make special vape cartridge boxes that showcase your brand prowess.

Hot Stamping

Hot stamping is an excellent way to add a personalized touch to your packaging. Essentially, hot stamping is the process of printing designs on materials using heated plates. That creates beautiful effects perfect for customizing vape cartridge boxes or any other product packaging box you may have in mind. Hot stamping is popular because it can be used with various materials and produces high-quality results. When used with other add-ons, hot stamping can create genuinely unique packaging that perfectly represents your brand. If you want to create custom boxes with highlighted logos, hot stamping is the way to go.

Spot UV

Spot UV is a printing technique that uses ultraviolet light to create a glossy effect on specific areas of your print. That creates a beautiful shine and makes your print stand out from the competition. Spot UV is often used to add an extra layer of sophistication to product packaging. When used in combination with embossing or debossing, spot UV can create a truly unique effect that will make your product packaging, like bath bomb boxes, stand out on store shelves. As you can see, there are many ways to make your custom vape cartridge boxes stand out from the rest. Add-ons are excellent tools that can be used to take your packaging beyond the ordinary. By providing customers with more information and protection, they will trust your brand even more.    

Pro Tip: When selecting add-ons, it is helpful to note that you can use as many add-ons as you want. However, it’s best not to overcrowd the design.

Finishing The Packaging Design with Coatings

Finishing coats help protect your package design and extend the life of your product. They are also a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your product. There are a variety of different coatings that you can use, but the most common are:

• Matte Coating
• Gloss Coating
• Varnish Coating
• Soft-Touch Coating
• Aqueous Coating
• Warmish Coating