Common Types of Packaging

There are many different options when it comes to packaging; it can become confusing if you’re not familiar with the types of packaging and the terminology. In this article, we look at common packaging types and their benefits so you can choose the right packaging for your business.

Corrugated cardboard

You’ll be familiar with corrugated cardboard packaging from pizza boxes, and when you’re moving home, often these boxes are just referred to as cardboard boxes. Corrugated cardboard can also be used for packaging. There are several thicknesses of cardboard packaging. Single-walled cardboard boxes are the standard; you can choose double or triple-corrugated cardboard boxes for more protection. The benefits of using this type of packaging are multiple; they’re relatively inexpensive to purchase, durable and easy to recycle. In addition, corrugated cardboard boxes can be used for a variety of different items; they can be cut into a range of sizes. Businesses that want to differentiate their packaging can choose to print onto corrugated cardboard in a range of finishes and colours.

Cotton bags

Cotton bags can be used as a packaging material for smaller delicate items. Jewellery is commonly placed in cotton bags before being sent out to consumers. This type of packaging has a more luxurious feel compared to the use of small plastic bags. Some companies also choose to place clothing in larger cotton bags before sending them out to customers; this provides a luxurious packaging experience when the customer receives the item. Cotton bags have some great benefits; they're fairly inexpensive, and you can print on them to add your branding. However, there are certain drawbacks when using cotton bags; they don’t protect against crushing or breakages. Instead, they only protect against dirt. If non-organic cotton has been used to make the bags, they’re not considered environmentally friendly. Non-organic cotton uses a large amount of pesticides and high volumes of water to grow successfully; there are better, more environmentally friendly alternatives available for businesses with sustainable values.

Rigid boxes

Rigid boxes are commonly used for packaging small, premium items such as phones and other electronic devices. You might also see them being used for watches and premium cosmetics. These boxes are made from highly condensed paperboard, a thicker and more rigid type of paper. These boxes can be customised to suit your products and design preferences, or there are standard shapes you can purchase, such as lid gift boxes. Choosing a standard shape and design will save money compared to a rigid box that's been specifically designed for your product. Rigid boxes do have some drawbacks; they’re more expensive to produce and need to be stored and delivered in their made-box format. Storing this type of box can take up a large amount of space compared to boxes that can be stored flat until they’re needed.

Envelopes

Envelopes can be used to package many different items as long as they are small enough and flat enough to fit in the envelope. Some envelopes have bubble wrap on the inside to help protect items and prevent damage. Other envelopes are reinforced with cardboard; this helps to keep items flat and prevents bending during transit. Envelopes have limited usage in packaging as they're only available in certain sizes. Another disadvantage of envelopes is they commonly use plastic packaging on the inside to protect the item; plastic is not environmentally friendly and requires intensive processing to reuse and recycle it in the future. However, they are a relatively cheap form of packaging that’s easy to store and buy in bulk.

Your choice of packaging will depend on the items you’re shipping, your budget and your environmental standpoint as a business. If your products are sustainable and environmentally friendly, make sure you follow this through with your packaging. Customers will expect to be able to recycle your packaging at home easily. They might be unwilling to purchase your products again if your packaging doesn’t match the values of your products and company. In addition, using packaging that matches the product price, cheap packaging for expensive items will give the consumer the impression they’ve paid too much; the experience needs to be cohesive throughout the entire customer journey.