As per a survey and CAGR report, packaging boxes contribute significantly to the world’s economic growth. Well, you might be thinking why these unworthy boxes contribute so much to the economy. The answer is by increasing consumer’s interest in online shopping.
Whether it is food packaging or a cosmetics packaging, packaging boxes have a crucial role to play. With different types of boxes available in the market, online sellers often get confused while choosing the most appropriate packaging solution for their product. To help you with this dilemma, we have listed down the different types of options available when it comes to packing boxes.
Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are commonly known as cardboard boxes. These are most commonly used as large shipping, storage, and shoe boxes. However, corrugated boxes come in different strengths and durability as per the requirements of the user. Nevertheless, identifying the corrugated material is easy.
The corrugated sheets are differentiated based on their fluting. They generally contain three layers of paper - an inside liner, corrugated medium (fluting), and outside liner. The medium, i.e., fluting, gives strength and rigidity to the corrugated boxes.
The primary raw material used to construct these boxes is recycled paper made on high-precision machinery called corrugators. The corrugated boxes can be reused and recycled. The different types of corrugated boxes are - single-faced, double-faced, twin wall, and triple wall.
Different corrugated boxes have different characteristics, strengths, and uses. The corrugated sheets are cut and folded into various sizes and shapes to make corrugated packaging boxes. The corrugated boxes can be used for retail packaging, shipping boxes, pizza delivery boxes, etc.
Paperboard Boxes
Paperboard boxes are made of lightweight yet strong material - paperboard. The paperboard sheet can be easily cut and shaped in any custom structure or shape. These characteristics make these boxes the best option for personalized packaging.
Paperboard sheets are made of fibrous material from bleaching pulp (recycled waste paper) or wood. As per the different packaging requirements, the paperboard boxes come in different grades.
You can use these boxes for packing medicines, cosmetics, frozen food, milk, and juice. These boxes are a good option for those online sellers who prefer environmental-friendly packaging options.
These boxes are less resistant to moisture and, therefore, the best option for frozen products and food-related products. With an appropriate design, your paperboard packaging can look attractive without spending much on them.
Plastic Boxes
Plastic is used for making a wide range of products, from paper clips and bottles to tables and chairs. Plastic has replaced many traditional materials, such as leather, wood, ceramic, glass, etc. The best features of plastic boxes are that they can be recycled and are more durable than paperboard boxes.
There are airtight packaging available as well that can help preserve the food quality and also eliminate contamination. These boxes have high strength and do not break easily. Thus, you can store things under extreme conditions in these boxes.
Another benefit of plastic packaging boxes is that you can showcase your products in plastic boxes at all angles without even opening the packaging. Plastic boxes are lightweight and flexible. Also, you can easily apply coating on these boxes and enhance their appearance.
Contrary to what many people believe, plastic boxes can be recycled. Besides, it takes less time and energy to produce plastic compared to other materials. And the best feature of plastic boxes is that they are cost-effective.
Rigid Boxes
Rigid or set-up boxes are the type of box used to package expensive and luxury products, like iPhones and Rolex watches. These boxes are very durable and have a premium appearance. The box is made of highly-condensed paperboard that is thicker than paperboard used for a standard folding carton.
It goes without saying that rigid boxes are expensive than paperboard and corrugated boxes. They don’t require massive machinery setup and are often handmade, and thus, are expensive. Also, as they are non-collapsible, they have higher volume and incur higher shipping fees.
The rigid boxes are most commonly used for jewelry, gadgets, cosmetics, and other high-end luxury items.
Chipboard Packaging
Chipboard packaging is most commonly used for electronic items, medical, cosmetic, and food and beverage. These boxes are made of reclaimed paper stock and can be easily cut and folded. These boxes are another cost-effective packaging option for your products.
Chipboard sheets come in various densities and strengths and are determined by low or high-density material. In case you want to print an image onto the chipboard, you will have to treat the sheet with bleach sulfate and Clay Coated News Back. Notably, this process makes the chipboard sheets even more durable.
Since chipboard boxes are lightweight, they are not your ideal option if you deal in heavy items. They are specially made for grocery items such as cereal, tissue boxes, and crackers. Also, if you store your products in an environment heavy with moisture, the boxes can easily weaken and result in expansion or discoloration.
Importance of Packaging Boxes
Packaging boxes have many roles to play. They protect the product, provide them safety, enhance stability, and provide an attractive look. Let’s now take a look at why packaging boxes are essential.
Protection
It is the primary purpose of boxes. The products may get damaged during transportation and handling, and storage. Boxes keep the products intact throughout the logistics chain - from the manufacturer to the end-user. They also protect the products from light, heat, humidity, and other such external factors.
Safety
Boxes have another role to play, to keep the contents inside safe. You can print important information about the product and its safety on the boxes—for example, manufacturing and expiry date, list of ingredients, and how to use instruction.
Besides, the products should remain safe from all the harmful chemicals, tastes, and smells from around the environment. These factors should not be transferred from the packaging material to the product.
Attractiveness
Packaging plays a vital role in branding and marketing. It can help increase attractiveness and, thus, entice the customers to buy the product. It helps the product stand out from the rest of the products on the shelf and, at the same time, provide relevant information to the buyer. Notably, product packaging plays a crucial role in the customer buying decision.
Usability
Consumers are looking for functional and life-saver packaging that is user-friendly as well. Your packaging boxes must be easy to open, close, fold, and sort. Besides, it can also be reused and recycled. The boxes should also have an optimal design that can enhance its usability.
Sustainability
Consumers these days are paying attention to packaging boxes - their carbon footprint, reusability, and recyclability. It has a positive impact on the sales number as well.
The kind of boxes you require depends on your business needs and products. Paperboard boxes are your best option if you sell smaller products. Similarly, you can consider all other types of boxes as per your products and business requirements.