Don’t judge a book by the cover doesn’t count much when it comes to e-commerce packaging because customers, more often than not, judge a product by the cover – the first impression the products leave on them – and as always, first impression matters in E-commerce packaging.
Compared to physical retail shopping, e-commerce has to a greater extent, changed the way products are packaged and delivered to customers. The packaging you ship your E-commerce products in influences the measure of value your customers place on them and, if impressive, builds a reliable customer-product connection.
E-commerce packaging involves evaluating, designing, and making suitable containers for your online products.
With the rise of Amazon, e-commerce has exploded in popularity over the past few years. With this increase in business, there is a need to package E-commerce goods securely and economically. There are many different types of packaging available for your E-commerce products, but which type is best for your specific business needs?
The answer is to give your customers an exhilarating, unboxing experience by considering one or more of the different types of e-commerce packaging we have put together.
This article will discuss some of the best types of E-commerce packaging in 2022.
Let’s get started!
1. Corrugated Boxes
The first type of packaging for E-commerce businesses on our list is the Corrugated Boxes. Corrugated boxes are made out of cardboard, and they are commonly used for shipping e-commerce products due to their notable lightweight and sturdy features. Corrugated boxes give cushioning effect and are compression-proof for keeping your product safe and intact. Corrugated boxes have a variety of styles and sizes, and their different sizes significantly impact their strength and durability. Here are types of corrugated boxes to choose from for packaging your e-commerce product:
- Regular slotted container (R.S.C.): R.S.C. or regular slotted boxes are identified by their four flaps of the same length with at least two of the parallel sides touching in the middle. Shipping e-commerce products are made more accessible and economically feasible with R.S.C.
If you do not need customizing, R.S.C. is a good option. It is an industry-standard for stock boxes, obtainable in varying sizes. They come in handy for shipping products that are not particularly heavy.
- Full overlap boxes: full overlap boxes are sturdier than the standard stock boxes, although a modification of the regular slotted container. The critical distinction is that two parallel flaps cover the box’s opening entirely.
The doubly reinforced sides ensure that the box does not collapse or disfigure while being shipped. Full overlap boxes give the most secure opening; however, the boxes do necessitate the use of additional fasteners (such as tape). They are the best fit for arduous shipping trips.
- Auto-locking boxes: auto-locking boxes have a folding mechanism that allows the cardboard flaps to interlock simply by pushing down on them as you open the box to give you a quickly linked bottom.
Auto-locking boxes are suitable when you want to do quick and effective packaging for shipping. The setup time is relatively low, and it does not require extra fasteners like tape, thereby reducing expenses.
- Roll end corrugated boxes: corrugated cardboard can be used to create roll end boxes. Roll-end corrugated boxes are made of a minimal overlap – a hinged piece of cardboard flap over the opening of the box that is securely fixed on the top or side part of the box.
This type of box is a good option for the minimalist and the environmentally-conscious because it makes efficient use of cardboard material.
- Roll end lock front boxes: the shape of the roll end lock front corrugated boxes make for a super-duper unboxing experience. Their locking mechanism provides the lid with small flaps that slide into the front to secure the box.
Roll end lock front boxes offer secure closure and thus, do not require additional closure such as tape or sticker; with roll end lock front boxes, you don’t risk the exposure of your product while shipping.
- Roll end tuck front boxes: roll end tuck front boxes are corrugated boxes with a lid that tucks into the front. The cover features front flaps, also known as cherry locks, that fold into both sides of the front of the box. It can also have additional flaps known as dust flaps that add padding along the sides of the box.
The dust flaps likewise keep dust from entering the box. Although the lock system is less secure than the roll end lock front model, the sides of the box are made with an extra layer of material that gives strength and protection to the box.
2. Paper Bags
Paper bags are one of the best environmental types of E-commerce packaging in 2022. Paper bags are obtained from paper; the paper used can be thick, e.g. calendar paper, rainbow paper, manila paper, or other kinds of paper. Paper bags are quite a versatile replacement for plastic bags.
For one, paper bags are eco-friendly, and two, they reduce the reckless use of plastic bags, which constitutes environmental pollution. Using paper bags for packaging highlights a business ecological concern.
Paper bags are custom-made, cheap, and fashionable. They come in various sizes and are suitable for shipping items such as books, cloth, food, and other products of moderate weight.
3. Bottle & Cap
Bottle and cap is a type of e-commerce packaging that provides packing solutions for personal care products such as lotions, deodorants, cosmetics, lipsticks, bath soaps, dental care products, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Beautiful designs are available in various sizes, ranges, shapes, and specifications to suit demands and product requirements. They provide convenience for brands and end-users and are easily affordable when purchased in bulk.
4. Rigid Boxes
If you are interested in robust and high-quality E-commerce packaging for your products you should consider Rigid Boxes. Rigid boxes are premium boxes to go for if you run a luxurious e-commerce business. Rigid boxes are expensive, but they give your brand a long-standing statement of class.
They are built from extremely condensed paperboard, making them four times sturdier than regular paperboard. Rigid boxes are not collapsible and are often used in branded packaging by many luxury names and brands.
5. Metallic Foil Bags
Another type of E-commerce packaging on our list is metallic foils. If your products range from meat, cheese, coffee, and other food products, you might consider using metallic foil bags. It is hard not to notice a shiny foil pouch and the bright and shiny properties of metallic foil bags.
They are lightweight metallic bags with efficient barrier properties to maintain product freshness, increase shelf life, and prevent bacteria contamination. Depending on the level of barrier protection you need, metallic foil packaging bags come in categories such as heat sealable food bags, aluminum barrier coffee bags, etc.
6. Poly Bags
Poly bags are also known as plastic bags; they are one of the most cost-effective types of E-commerce packaging in 2022. They are grocery bags and plastic wrap and film primarily for packaging food products, chemicals, magazines, flowers, etc. They are flexible and thin, which saves e-commerce retailers money on shipping. They are customizable in case your product is available in multiple sizes.
7. Single Layer Poly Bags
Single-layer poly bags are made into small pouches that are available in various sizes and shapes. A single-layer poly bag can serve as a product enclosure, and they are used for packaging products such as jewelry, powders, beads, etc.
Single-layer poly bags can also be used to package individual items in a larger order, thereby acting as proof for the item to dirt or dust that might enter the container or box.
8. Cotton Bags
Because cotton materials give quality and elegance, they are usually used for packaging premium products like high-quality clothing, jewelry, and glassware. Cotton is environmentally appealing because it is a renewable material.
It has a longer shelf-life and can be used repeatedly. Cotton bags can be embellished and personalized in many ways – custom dyed, bleached, embroidered, decorated with grommets, studs, custom handles, and zippers – to give your brand an alluring and unique feel.
9. Jute Bags
Jute – jute packaging, also referred to as burlap or jute sacking – is one of the oldest traditional materials used to package various products. Jute bags are fibrous and are 100% biodegradable and recyclable.
Like cotton bags, jute bags can be dyed and customized with prints. They are a less expensive E-commerce packaging option and are generally used for packaging agricultural products such as grains and pulses, onions, coffee, etc., and personal care products like sugar loaf soaps and fragrances.
10. Bubble Mailers
Bubble mailers are suitable for mailing small products. The customizable and low-cost packing material offers support and protection for fragile products without the need for bulky packaging boxes. Bubble mailers have an interior layer of bubble wrap and a durable external poly coating.
11. Paperboard Boxes
Paperboard boxes are ideal for personalizing your e-commerce product packaging. They are folding carton boxes that can be cut and manipulated to suit your packaging preferences. It gives you specialized and unique shapes and lightweight and durable structures. These are various types of paperboard boxes to consider for E-commerce packaging:
- Chipboard paperboard: chipboard paperboard is made out of a sheet of flexible chip cardboard. It is a cost-effective type of paperboard, and it is notable for its lightweight.
Because of its lightweight, chipboard paperboard is not suitable for heavy items. Another disadvantage is that they deteriorate, discolor, and expand in a storage environment with an excessive level of moisture.
- Solid bleached sulfate paper boxes: brilliantly white paperboards are obtained using Solid Bleached Sulphate (S.B.S.). They are usually fit for perishable products, cosmetics, and wet and frozen foods.
- Coated unbleached kraft boxes: coated unbleached kraft boxes refer to paperboards with the kraft, i.e. the brown, natural unbleached material.
Coated unbleached kraft boxes have long, large fibers that confer exceptional strength to the paperboard, making it an excellent choice for heavy items like hardware, soft drinks, laundry detergents, beer, etc.
- Coated recycled paperboard: coated recycled paperboard, as the name implies, is made of recycled fibers from paper manufacturing companies, including other recyclable sources. The recycled paperboard is coated with clay to enhance print performance, and it is ideal for packaging dry foods like pasta and cereal and dry bakery products such as cookies and crackers.
12. Plastic Boxes
Plastic boxes are another available packaging solution for e-commerce retailers. They can be a favorite pick for shipping e-commerce products, especially food since it is airtight, retains the quality of food by reducing contamination chances, and is more potent than paper boxes.
Plastic boxes are eco-friendly in the sense that they are recyclable. They are cost-effective, flexible, and lightweight. They come in various colors and are custom-made to highlight a brand and differentiate products. The following are five plastic packaging options to consider:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T.): P.E.T. is lustrous, transparent, and very hard. They are commonly used for manufacturing bottles for drinks.
- Polystyrene (P.S.): P.S. is brilliantly clear and can be solid or foamed. It is often used in single-use or disposable food packaging containers. It features an insulating property that keeps food fresh for a long time.
- Polypropylene (P.P.): P.P. is a tough but lightweight plastic material used to produce drink cups and bottle caps, including automobile parts. It helps guarantee that a shipping product is not damaged.
- High-density polyethene (H.D.P.E.): H.D.P.E. is famous for its rigidity and strength – the strength of high-density polyethene is heightened when it is colored or pigmented. It has a chemical-resistant feature which is why it is apt for packaging laundry and house cleaning products.
- Low-density polyethene (LDPE): LDPE, unlike H.D.P.E., is a soft, flexible, and lightweight plastic material associated with sandwich bags. It is chemical-proof, and it has a low moisture absorption capability. It makes for a flexible e-commerce packaging solution.
13. Dunnage
Dunnage is a durable padding material for interior packaging that gives security to products from the inside. Unlike the other E-commerce packaging we’ve discussed, it is designed to protect the exterior of an E-commerce product. Depending on the type of product you’re packaging for shipping, there are various types of dunnage material to consider for E-commerce packaging:
- Foam: foam dunnage is a padding material with a knack for efficiently absorbing shock. It is cheap and lightweight, but strong enough to keep products from damage. Foam dunnage is a good insulator and is usually used for packaging sensitive, fragile, or sharp materials, electronics, and medical equipment.
- Kraft paper: kraft paper is a brown recyclable paper commonly used as dunnage. It is easily crumbled and stuffed into a package to keep it in place. It is affordable, reusable, eco-friendly, and highly effective.
- Tissue paper: Although not ideal when looking for maximum protection, tissue paper offers a level of protection in a package. It is cheap, lightweight, customizable, and mainly used for packaging birthday gifts.
- Bubble wrap: bubble wrap is like the everyday dunnage. It is obtained from polyethene film, and it is a top-notch air cushioning material. The dunnage is moisture-proof and commonly used to ship glassware and other fragile materials. It can be used repeatedly as long as the bubbles are retained.
- Airbags: Airbags are employed in a package as mini-pillows to keep products from sliding. These padding airbags come in a roll and can be wrapped around the product or separated for single use. A similar model known as air column packaging is also available for keeping products intact.
- Solid plastics: solid plastics are often used by industries for high-valued products. They are expensive but rigid and offer effective production. They are obtained from thermoformed molded polypropylene and can be molded into the desired shape.
- Woods: woods serve dunnage. They are only used for solid and heavy goods. They are used to create boundaries between items.
- Steel: steel is another dunnage option to protect heavy and high-value products. Steel is an excellent dunnage material because it prevents heavier items from damaging smaller items.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we discussed 13 types of e-commerce packaging that you can use in 2022.
Packaging is one of the most crucial parts of any E-commerce business; it has to be attractive and should also communicate your company’s brand message. Packaging should also protect your product from external damages or any other form of environmental harm.
The packaging industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and with all the different types of packaging available, it can be difficult to know which type of packaging to choose for your e-commerce business.
About AtlasPackagingInc
At AtlasPackaging & Display, we specialize in designing and manufacturing packaging for a variety of industries. From Food packaging to Pharmaceuticals to E-commerce to Drinks, we offer an extensive range of solutions for your company.
Our specialty is helping companies reduce their time to market by customizing our designs to meet your specific business goals and needs.
Fun fact: We’ve been around for over 40 years and our experience is helping us serve customers from different industries.
Below are the industries we specialize on:
Packaging is an important part of any e-commerce business; E-commerce product packaging not only attracts customers but also convinces them to buy your products. Leveraging E-commerce packaging is vital in marketing to sell your products with your branding.
Do you want to take your packaging to the highest level?
Contact us today for E-commerce product packaging and design.