Picture getting a high-end, top-quality watch that comes in a plain, uninspiring brown box, which has also been crushed and dented during shipping. Now, picture the same watch in an attractive, vibrant gift wrap that reflects the value of its contents.  

This concept isn’t just about luxury items or online purchases; it applies to any product intended as a gift, whether you operate from a physical store or as an online retailer.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of gift packaging solutions, particularly during peak demand season. We’ll also examine four common types of gift packaging and discuss how to select the most suitable packaging for your brand. 

Importance of gift packaging in peak season 

During peak demand season, especially around Black Friday and Christmas, customers often purchase more products, both in stores and online. Given the higher volume of sales, it might be difficult to grab customer’s attention, so it’s essential your packaging stands out from the crowd. 

A memorable unboxing experience, from the moment your customers receive your package, all the way through the entire opening process will ensure your product and brand are remembered by customers. The look and feel of your packaging can also help customers recognise your brand – by incorporating your brand’s colours, logo, and messaging into the packaging, you can build a strong brand recognition, fostering customer loyalty. 

4 gift packaging options to consider 

Below we put together a list of four popular gift packaging solutions we thought you might be interested in. 

Gift Boxes 

Packaging solutions, such as gift boxes and branded custom cardboard boxes, are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance the look of their packaging. 

There are many options to choose from, including magnetic gift boxes and custom printed boxes, which can further be customised by adding some finishing touches and embellishments (tissue paper, bows, ribbons, handles, etc). All this helps created a beautiful, high quality gift box that enhances customer experience.  

Gift Bags 

If you rely on bags as your primary packaging option, there’s a wide range of gift bags to choose from that can be custom made to accommodate your packaging requirements.  

These bags come in a range of colours and finishes and, like with gift boxes, you can add handles, ribbons, bows and other accessories to further enhance the appearance of your packaging. Gift bags can also be custom printed with your logo or other branding elements as well as personalised messages.  

Luxury packaging 

Luxury packaging, including high end gift boxes and retail bags, are high quality, custom made solutions, crafted for beautiful presentation and an upscale feel. Designed to deliver stunning product presentation, these are perfect for a broad range of industries, such as health and beauty, home scenting, fashion and luxury goods, where visuals and aesthetics play a crucial role. 

Retail and presentation boxes 

Retail packaging solutions are designed to enhance your brand by creating memorable customer experience.  

There are plenty of options to choose from, from jewellery boxes and packaging for beauty products through to advent calendars, custom hampers and more.  

Whether you are a large business or a small company, looking for a simple gift wrap options or packaging for corporate gifts, there’s an option for everyone.  

How to choose the right packaging option for your brand 

For smaller operations 

It doesn’t always take much to create a positive unboxing experience, therefore, you don’t have to break the bank to impress your customers. 

If you are on a tight budget, solutions such as stock magnetic gift boxes, postal boxes or cardboard gift boxes, can be a cost-effective way to elevate the look of your packaging. 

You can also consider custom printed tape – with low minimum order qualities and various print options, this is a great, affordable way to incorporate branding into your packaging. 

In-box solutions, such as colourful tissue paper or shredded paper will visually improve how your products are displayed inside your packaging and, with so many colours to choose from, you can pick the ones that best represent your brand. 

Adding finishing touches, such as colourful ribbons, bows or printed labels, can further elevate the appearance of your parcels, taking it to the next level. 

For bigger budgets

For those with bigger budgets, consider printing your packaging with personalised messaging. This can include anything on the package as well as inside it to guide customers throughout the whole unboxing experience.  

Printing QR codes and barcodes on your packaging is another way to stay connected with your customers. You can direct them to your website, custom apps, games or special offers… The options are endless. This approach will set your brand apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your customers. 
 
Your packaging holds a lot of possibilities. Custom solutions, such as advent calendars or bespoke hampers can be true pieces of art with great potential for what can be accomplished. Customers will remember these items for a long time.

Sustainability in gift packaging

Unboxing experiences doesn’t truly end once your customers remove your products from their packaging. Rather, the journey continues as they are then faced with the task of discarding packaging that is no longer needed. 

Sustainable packaging solutions that come from sustainable sources can be of great importance to eco-conscious customers. If the packaging isn’t easily recyclable or there are no clear instructions on how to reuse or disposed of it, this could have a negative effect on customer experience. 

To avoid being known as a brand that overlooks environmental concerns (or one whose packaging is a constant challenge to dispose of), make it easy for your customers. Tell them how they can reuse or recycle different components of your packaging and make sure you opt for eco friendly packaging materials to demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. 

Help with gift packaging 

If you are unsure which gift packaging solutions are right for your products or would like to discuss different options to elevate the look of your parcels, contact us.  

Our team of packaging experts, along with our dedicated gift and retail packaging division, are here to assist you in selecting the most suitable packaging option for your packaging needs. 

You may also be interested in our retail packaging brochure to see examples of gift and retail packaging solutions we have created for our customers.  

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Anti-counterfeit packaging protects your products from fake copies, so customers can trust the quality of your brand.

In this blog, we will look at anti-counterfeit packaging and the advanced technologies it uses. We will discuss the industries most at threat from counterfeiting and uncover the future trends in anti-counterfeit packaging.

An introduction to anti-counterfeit packaging

Counterfeiting is a widespread issue affecting a wide range of industries globally. Fake and lookalike products can impact both B2C and B2B businesses alike. To combat this menace, anti-counterfeit packaging has become essential.

This specialised packaging uses various techniques and technologies to protect products from counterfeiting or tampering.

Counterfeit products not only cause substantial revenue losses but also pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. Increasingly, the media are reporting house fires caused by faulty electricals and skin burns from creams and lotions.

By adopting anti-counterfeit packaging solutions, companies can protect their brand reputation, ensure customer safety, and maintain shoppers trust.

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, electronics, luxury goods, cosmetics, and automotive are particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting. Anti-counterfeit packaging makes it more difficult for counterfeiters to copy, and reinforces the authenticity of a product. Solutions include security labels, holograms, tamper-evident seals, unique serial numbers, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, and specialised inks or coatings. Each method introduces visible or covert security features that are difficult to replicate.

Technologies used in anti-counterfeit packaging

Protecting your products from counterfeiters necessitates the use of advanced packaging technologies. Anti-counterfeit packaging uses advanced technologies like digital watermarking, holographic devices, and tamper-evident seals to prevent fake products.

• Digital watermarking and coding are effective methods for ensuring product authenticity and traceability. This technology embeds unique, invisible codes or watermarks into the packaging design, making replication or tampering extremely difficult for counterfeiters. By scanning codes, you are able to check if a product is real and follow it’s journey through the supply chain.
• Holographic and optical variable devices are another powerful tool in anti-counterfeit packaging. These devices create visually striking effects that are challenging to replicate. Adding holographic foils, films, or labels to your packaging makes your product more secure. These holographic features enable consumers to easily identify genuine products, fostering trust in your brand.
• Tamper-evident seals and labels are essential for protecting products during transportation and storage. These security features provide visible evidence of tampering, ensuring that products remain intact until they reach the end consumer. By using tamper-evident seals and labels, you can assure your customers that your products are genuine.

Anti-counterfeit solutions by sector

Customised anti-counterfeit packaging can meet the specific needs of any industry. It helps protect the brand, build consumer trust, and comply with regulations.

The following sectors are at a particularly high risk from counterfeiting:

Pharmaceutical industry solutions

The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges in protecting products from counterfeiters. Consider using anti-counterfeit packaging with features like holographic labels, serialised QR codes, and unique barcodes to prevent tampering. These features facilitate product authentication and ensure the integrity of pharmaceuticals throughout the supply chain.

Consumer goods and electronics

Fake consumer goods and electronics can put customers at risk, especially when they don’t meet UK safety standards. Anti-counterfeit packaging for this industry includes special labels, secure printing, and tracking technologies to prevent fake products. These features enable consumers to verify the authenticity of their purchases and help businesses combat counterfeiting.

Luxury goods and fashion

The luxury goods and fashion industry faces significant challenges in protecting high-value products from counterfeiters. Anti-counterfeit packaging solutions for this sector include secure packaging materials, tamper-evident seals, and customised holographic labels. These features enhance brand value and provide a visible authentication mechanism for consumers.

The future of anti-counterfeit packaging

As technology advances, the fight against counterfeiting evolves. Emerging technologies and innovations are leading to more sophisticated anti-counterfeit packaging solutions.

In the future, several trends are expected to shape the anti-counterfeit market. One key trend is the increasing use of track-and-trace technologies. These enable companies to monitor products throughout the supply chain, making it easier to identify and address counterfeiting incidents. With unique identifiers like barcodes or RFID tags, consumers can also verify product authenticity before purchase.

Another predicted trend is the integration of smart packaging. Advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technology enable packaging to have sensors and connectivity features. This enables real-time tracking of products and the ability to detect and report tampering or unauthorised opening. Smart packaging enhances security and provides valuable data for supply chain optimisation.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we help customers by providing secure and protective branded packaging to safeguard their products, brand, and reputation.

To learn more about our anti-counterfeit solutions, contact us today.

The post Understanding Anti-Counterfeit Packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Custom packaging extends beyond product protection and functions as a marketing tool that leaves a lasting impression on your customers. But what exactly is branded packaging? And is it right for your business?

In this blog, we will explore branded packaging and why it’s beneficial for you. We will also offer tips for a memorable unboxing experience with both custom shelf-ready packaging (SRP) and transit packaging.

What is branded packaging?

Branded packaging refers to using customised packaging designs to promote a company’s brand and create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. Consider it a strategic marketing tool that helps businesses stand out from the competition.

There are various types of branded packaging to choose from, including custom-printed boxes, bags and labels. Each pack can be tailored to reflect your unique brand identity, values and message.

Benefits of custom packaging

Enhancing brand recognition is one of the key advantages of branded packaging. When your packaging stands out with your unique branding elements, it becomes instantly recognisable to consumers.

Recognition helps create a lasting impression and increases the likelihood of customers recalling your brand when making purchasing decisions. This is especially true for shelf-ready packaging, which can use eye-catching colours or messages to be easily identifiable for new customers and memorable for returning customers.

For shipping purposes, we like to say packaging has a 100% open rate. You can’t afford to miss out on key real estate, especially when unboxing videos are so popular online. If you can use a custom-sized packaging solution that fits your product well, it will minimise your overall pack size. This has a knock-on effect across your packing operation by reducing storage and shipping costs and the likelihood of damages.

 Some key benefits of choosing custom designed packaging are:

• It helps better protect your products
• It improves your customer experience
• It can help build your brand awareness
• It contributes to your packing operation being more sustainable
• It can reduce damages and returns
• It could reduce your shipping costs

Every business is unique, but if you are considering branded packaging, our team of experts could help you find the right solution for your business.

Our Innovation Labs help you find the right pack through design and testing to bring your custom solution to life.

We also have a specialist presentation and retail packaging team who will work with you to deliver retail supplies that enhance your brand and deliver a memorable unboxing experience.

The importance of sustainability messaging

As the public is becoming more eco-conscious, utilising the touchpoints you have with customers is not only beneficial for you but also them. Using sustainable packaging that’s clearly labelled could help you make a big difference.

If you’d like to learn more about eco-friendly practises, you can download our free guide to sustainable packaging here.

Tips for creating a memorable unboxing experience

Creating a memorable unboxing experience is a powerful way to engage consumers and boost brand loyalty. Here are some tips to creating a memorable experience for your customers with both shelf ready and transit packaging.

Shelf-ready (SRP) packaging

1. Design for easy conversion: Consider creating supplier-to-retailer transit packaging that can easily convert into shelf-ready packaging. This streamlines the process for retailers and ensures your product is displayed correctly and according to your brand guidelines. Perforated edges or tear strips can facilitate easy opening.
2. Optimise for display: Ensure that once the transit packaging is opened, it can serve as an attractive display without requiring significant additional effort. For additional branding opportunities, design the outer carton to double as an in-store display case, ensuring brand visibility and easy access for consumers.
3. Consistent branding: Maintain consistent branding elements across all packaging layers. This consistency reinforces brand recognition and makes a strong impression, especially on busy store shelf.

Transit packaging

1. Ensure durability: Transit packaging must be robust enough to protect the product during transportation. Even if beautifully designed, receiving damaged goods has a negative impact on customer experience
2. Secure contents: Use custom inserts, foam padding or air cushions to secure products whilst shipping. This prevents movement and potential damage during transit. For security protection, consider tamper-evident seals.
3. Consistent branding: Maintain consistent branding elements across all packaging layers. Consistency reinforces brand recognition and makes a strong impression; this is important for transit packaging as it might be your customers first touch point with your brand.
4. Easy use and disposal: Ensure the packaging is easy to open and recycle. Include tear strips for easy opening and provide clear instructions on how to dispose of the packaging responsibly.

How Macfarlane Packaging can support you with branded packaging

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can help you with all kinds of custom packaging.

Whether you need a bespoke packaging solution to provide protection for high-value products or want to enhance your customer experience with branded packaging, our experts will be with you every step of the way!

The post The impact of branded packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Unboxing offers a unique chance to engage with customers and make a lasting impact. But what is unboxing, and what does it entail?

In this article, we’ll define unboxing, consider the importance of the unboxing experience for retailers and provide actionable insights that can help you create an unforgettable unboxing experience with your packaging.

What is unboxing?

Unboxing is when a consumer removes newly purchased products from its packaging, opening and revealing the contents.

What started as a creative trend for tech vloggers in the mid-2000s, is now a huge phenomenon. It’s estimated that there were over 25 billion views of unboxing videos on YouTube last year.

Unboxing creates anticipation about products and the brands associated with them. Consumers get a dopamine hit and a good unboxing experience can leave a long-lasting impression.

The importance of unboxing in ecommerce and online retail

Unboxing is a vital aspect of the customer experience in the ecommerce and online retail industry. The unboxing experience goes beyond merely opening a package. It holds the potential to create a memorable and positive impression on customers. It can also influence future customer purchases.

In fact, research from Think with Google also suggests that 62% of consumers watch unboxing videos when researching a purchase. Plus, unboxing videos are considered the fourth most influential content type social media users find helpful when making buying decisions. 

The unboxing experience an online retailer creates and the packaging it uses can set the tone for brand perception. This is particularly true if you’re a pure-play ecommerce business, as packaging is the first tangible experience a consumer has of your brand.

Well-packaged and thoughtfully presented products can convey quality and attention to detail, as well as your thoughts on sustainability. By incorporating your branding or a unique design on a package, you also enhance brand recognition and deliver a cohesive brand experience. This can reinforce consumers’ connection with your brand and increase brand loyalty too.

Our own unboxing research highlights that a positive unboxing experience with branded packaging makes 41% of consumers likely to buy from a retailer again.

So, a memorable unboxing experience goes beyond that first customer interaction. It can drive future sales, foster loyalty and can even help you gain social media and online video reviews. This can lead to increased visibility and organic promotion of your brand, ultimately attracting new customers and generating more sales.

Creating a memorable unboxing experience

When it comes to creating a memorable unboxing experience, packaging is a key component. Not only will packaging protect your products and deliver them in one piece, but it’s an opportunity to wow your customers too.

The role of packaging in unboxing

The packaging you use sets the stage for your unboxing experience. It’s often the first physical interaction your customers have with your brand. Plus, packaging also represents a business’s largest owned media.  

The design, material, packaging, and presentation all affect how enjoyable the unboxing experience is. Effective packaging can save money, protect products, and create anticipation and enjoyment when delivering your goods. So, what actionable tips can you apply to your packaging to ensure your unboxing experience is memorable?

Tips for creating a memorable unboxing experience through packaging

• Make sure your packaging fulfils its primary purpose – protection. Ultimately, the transit packaging you use is there to make sure your goods get from A to B without any damage.
• Choose packaging that meets expectations of your consumers. Packaging should be easy to open, not use excess material and be easy to use for returns, if necessary.
• Opt for sustainable packaging materials. Research has shown that consumers view eco-friendly packaging as a priority for retailers. Make sure you choose sustainable materials and a design that is light and space efficient to minimise carbon emissions in transit.
• Design your packaging so it reflects your brand. Custom packaging that includes your logos and brand colours ensures you give the right impression of your brand. It also helps to set the tone of shopping interactions with you in the future. You can apply branding devices to boxes (inside and out), labels, bags, tape and even fill materials.
• Clearly print packaging with key information your customers need to know. If your packaging is recyclable, it is helpful to highlight how it can be recycled. You may also want to include seasonal campaign messages or other pertinent information (e.g. if goods inside are fragile).
• Consider personalisation and embellishment to make your packaging stand out. Personalising packaging, as well as content, can make customers feel special and singled out. For example, cards with handwritten notes (if appropriate for your productivity) can make the unboxing experience more memorable. Alternatively, small inclusions, like free samples or candy, can sweeten the unboxing experience. 
• Make your packaging interactive with connected packaging. Printing your packaging design with QR codes or barcodes can allow your customers to launch interactive experience if they scan then with a smartphone. This can be as simple as launching a web page or a full-on augmented reality experience or game. Click here to learn more.

Simple step-by-step guide to creating an unforgettable unboxing experience

1. Research your target audience – understand the preferences and expectations of your target audience to design packaging that resonates with them.
2. Choose the right packing materials and optimise them – select packaging materials that are not only sturdy but also align with your brand image and values. Optimise your packaging so it is light, space efficient and not wasteful while offering protection.
3. Create an eye-catching package by collaborating with a designer to make sure it reflects your brand and stands out.
4. Add branding elements – incorporate your logo, brand colours and other visual elements to reinforce brand recognition.
5. Consider the opening experience – design packaging that is easy to open, providing a sense of anticipation without frustration. You may want to consider other accessibility elements, like tactile surfaces and braille, depending on your audience.

Expert support so you can master your unboxing experience

Need help mastering the art of a great unboxing experience? Look no further. At Macfarlane Packaging, we have the experience to help you craft an unforgettable unboxing experience with your packaging.

We have everything you need to make your packaging stand out. Our wide range of products,  Innovation Labs and Packaging Optimiser, are all available to help you. Contact us today to learn more.  

Did you know our 2024 Unboxing Survey is live? If you have bought something online and want to share your opinion on the packaging, click here to take part in our 2024 Unboxing Survey.

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While electronics can benefit from the protective properties of standard packaging solutions, they may need specialist protection from electrostatic discharge or ESD.

ESD-safe packaging comes in many forms and is popularly known as anti-static packaging or ESD packaging.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to anti-static packaging, the science behind it and discuss the different types of ESD packaging available.

Understanding anti-static packaging

So, what is anti-static packaging?

Anti-static packaging is packaging that can prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging products.

It will sometimes be referred to as conductive packaging, static dissipative packaging, ESD packaging or shielding packaging too. These different types of anti-static packaging all perform similar functions, which we’ll explain later in this article.

Anti-static packaging is often made from materials like polythene or PET films that have additives that prevent static electricity. It can also be made from cardboard with specialist coatings, as well as foam.

The science behind anti-static packaging

Static electricity (or electrostatic discharge) might not seem like a big deal in everyday life. You’ll get a small shock from touching another person or object and think nothing of it.

These shocks are created by electrostatic discharge moving between two objects (or people!). However, this static electricity can create a large amount of heat. This in turn can cause electronic devices to break or become faulty.

Due to this, electrostatic discharge is an extra risk during storage, shipping and transit. Which is where anti-static packaging comes in. It provides protection from the usual rigours of shipping AND can prevent the build-up of static charges, as well as dissipate them.

Why anti-static packaging is important

Electrostatic discharge damage can be costly. It’s estimated by the ESD Association that damages caused by static in the electronics industry can run up to $5 billion. Some major companies suggest that ESD is responsible for 25% electronics part failures too.

In essence, anti-static and ESD-safe packaging help prevent the costly risk that static-sensitive microchips, motherboard and other electronics components might encounter.

So, what types of anti-static packaging are there?

Types of anti-static packaging

Anti-static packaging is often used as a catch all term of packaging that prevents and resits electrostatic discharge. As mentioned earlier in this article, it also known as conductive packaging, shielding packaging and dissipative packaging.

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some technical differences:

• Anti-static packaging – this prevents electrostatic charges being created when products may rub against other objects or surfaces.
• Conductive packaging – this type of packaging conducts any potential static charges away from sensitive parts, keeping any flow of electricity under control. It does not accumulate static charges.
• Shielding packaging – this type of ESD-safe packaging provides a barrier that reduces electrostatic discharge.
• Dissipative packaging – this type of packaging slows down the flow of any static charges, rather than directing it like conductive packaging.

Across these types of anti-static packaging, the actual packing material can take many forms. Popular products include anti-static bags, anti-static bubble wrap, anti-static bubble bags and anti-static foam. Usually, these types of ESD packaging are coloured pink, so their distinguishable from their counterparts that aren’t ESD-safe.

Other anti-static shielding bags are metallised to provide protection as well.

In addition to these popular packaging products, you can also get anti-static packaging made from cardboard and corrugated plastic. Examples of these products include:

• Corstat® cardboard – this cardboard creates a Faraday Cage effect, protecting products inside it. It can be used to make anti-static boxes, layer pads, totes and dividers. It can also be used alongside anti-static foam fittings, to provide an all-round ESD-safe packaging solution.

• Corriplast® corrugated plastic – this corrugated plastic is Carbon loaded and provides protection from static charges. It’s very strong and durable, and is resistant to water, grease and other liquids. It’s also suitable for clean room environments. It can be made into boxes, collapsible totes dividers and layer pads, or custom designs.

The benefits of using anti-static, conductive and ESD packaging

Anti-static packaging can provide many benefits. Particularly if you’re an electronics manufacturer or are moving electronic components in industries like automotive, airspace and medical.  

Using ESD-safe packaging can deliver the following benefits:

• Reduced damages – anti-static packaging will ensure your products are protected from static damage, as well as the usual knocks, shocks and drops that could be experienced during handling and shipping.
• Reduced returns & reverse logistics – it can help reduce costly returns, reverse logistics and expensive product replacements by minimising the risk of damages.
• Improved productivity – the benefits provided by anti-static packaging will remove hassle from your packing operation by reducing the handling of returned goods. This will allow you to focus your resources elsewhere.
• Lower packaging costs – efficient, right-size anti-static packaging can help you lower your packing costs. Reducing damage will minimise replacement and reverse logistic costs in your operation too.

Specialist support developing anti-static packaging solutions

Are you looking for ESD-safe packaging?

At Macfarlane Packaging, we have extensive expertise in creating all sorts of packaging solutions. We have anti-static bubble bags, anti-static bubble wrap and anti-static foam rolls available from stock.

Plus, our specialist manufacturing brand can support you with custom packaging designs, including conductive packaging like Corriplast® corrugated plastic, anti-static inserts and conductive Corstat® cardboard packaging.

Get in touch today for more information.

The post A comprehensive guide to anti-static packaging and conductive packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

From picking new swimwear for your holiday or treating yourself to new workout clothes, the UK loves clothes – especially buying them online! A recent survey found that 41% of Brits who purchased clothing in the last 12 months did so online.

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, efficient and secure shipping is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. When it comes to packing clothes for shipping, careful planning and execution can make a significant difference in reducing transit damage, optimising shipping costs, and creating a positive unboxing experience for your customers.

This week’s blog is about learning how to package clothes for shipping. We’ll cover whether mailing bags or cardboard boxes are best for packing clothes and other popular packaging products. Plus, we’ll also be sharing our top tips for packing clothes and easy customisation options to enhance your customer experience!

What packaging is best for shipping clothes?

The best packaging for shipping clothes for your brand can differ dependent on your business.

Typically, you’ll find that most online clothing companies use mailing bags. Why? They are lightweight, easy to pack and opaque (so you can’t see inside). They also allow for different customisation options, and some are even recyclable. You’ll find both paper and plastic mailing bags, an advantage of plastic is that it’s also waterproof.

Is it better to pack clothes in boxes or mailing bags?

Whilst it isn’t uncommon for clothes to be shipped in boxes, large eCommerce retailers often use mailing bags.

However, that may not be the best fit for your brand. Whilst mailing bags are popular with companies that operate in the low to mid-range brackets, if you’re selling luxury clothing, you want to consider a premium unboxing experience for your customers.

So, as an alternative to a mailing bag, you could consider using cardboard boxes instead.

Think about customer expectations. If you’re a high-end brand, you want your packaging to embody how you want your customers to feel about your brand. This can be achieved by using printing, luxury finishes (like metallic or UV spot printing) and embellishments like tissue paper, ribbons and even note cards.

Plus, if you’re shipping pieces made from heavyweight denim or wool, cardboard boxes can provide increased product protection.

Popular packaging products for online clothing retailers

As mentioned, mailing bags are often a popular packaging product for shipping clothes, but there are lots of options available. Here are some of the top packaging materials we find customers gravitate toward for clothing:

• Plastic mailing bags – Enhanced privacy and increased protection in a water-resistant, writable plastic pouch. The opaque design conceals the nature of the content, while the waterproof polythene also protects products from wet and dirt.
• Mail Tuff® – These mailers are tough, lightweight, and protect your products from water and damage with their shock-resistant polyethene outer.
• Enviroflute – An all-paper padded bag, considered an alternative to the traditional bulky padded mailers! This is constructed from FSC® paper and provides equivalent protection through a patented interior structure.
• Paper mailing bags – These eco-friendly paper bags can be recycled and have a strip that seals them; they also have a tear strip for easy opening. Some paper mailing bags also offer a gusseted side, which expands to accommodate more products – perfect for multi-product orders.
• Postal boxes – These boxes come in many different styles and shapes, so you’ll easily find the ideal postal box for your business. It is important to make sure your postal box is shippable, so always check they comply with delivery requirements (such as the Royal Mail Small Parcel guidelines) to make them simple to ship!
• eCommerce boxes – These boxes come with a crash lock base which is quick to erect and fast to pack. They are strong and provide increased security with the folded flaps.

How to pack clothes for shipping

To safeguard clothing items during transit and enhance the unboxing experience, consider the following tips:

• Choose the right packaging material for your business: Try to make sure the materials you choose protect garments from moisture, dirt, and potential wear during transit, alongside security.
• Inner Packaging: Place clothing items inside poly bags or sealable plastic pouches to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and dirt.
• Padding and Cushioning: If you have large orders that include non-clothing items (like shoes or accessories), you may want to consider void fill to limit movement. This is often only applicable when using cardboard boxes, which reduces the risk of damage during transit. If you are using a mailing bag, either paper or plastic, you should be okay without cushioning.
• Don’t forget to include any additional inserts: You may want to add a thank you note, care instruction and even return/exchange information.

Remember, a well-packaged shipment isn’t just about getting products from point A to point B; it’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand’s quality and reliability.

Custom packaging for clothing retailers

Last year, our unboxing survey revealed that 41% of consumers say branded packaging enhances their unboxing experience and encourages them to buy again.

This effect is even more exaggerated when you break it down by industry, as people buying fashion (75%) are particularly influenced by branded packaging. But what are the best ways to customise your packaging?

QUICK FACT – Customers who brought fashion were 75% more likely to re-purchase if they got branded packaging.

Custom packing tape

If you want an affordable and adaptable branding option, you could explore printed packing tape! With a minimum order quantity of just 72 rolls, it’s a great option to get you started.

It’s a low-cost opportunity to convey key messaging and show your logo, address, website or contact details – there are endless possibilities. You could even do seasonal designs for holidays such as Christmas.

You have a choice of up to 4 colours per design. You can print on both traditional plastic tape, as well as paper packing tape too.

Custom cardboard boxes

Branding your packaging allows you to interact with your customer as you would in a retail space, allowing them to take the store experience into their home and communicate through it.

Custom printed cardboard boxes are a great way to create a stylish, functional, and on-brand pack. They will consistently deliver an excellent unboxing experience that contributes to brand loyalty.

How we support online clothing retailers

From selling coats to bikinis, your range will determine which packaging product is best for you. So why not come and visit us at one of our Innovation Labs?

Our team of experts can help you find the perfect packaging solution tailored to your business! We have design, sample-making, printing, and testing equipment all under one roof to make your custom packaging come to life!

If you want personalised advice about the best packaging option for your clothing business, contact us today!

The post How to package clothes for shipping appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Connected packaging is one of the most creative ways you can modernise your pack; it utilises augmented reality (AR) to transform your passive packaging into your own media channel. Allowing you to create stand-out materials like digital games and even send personalised messages, developing the normal unboxing experience into something more special.

Whilst some brands might be reluctant to implement this new style of technology, it’s been found that 81% of businesses have already incorporated connected packaging. This means brands and consumers alike are becoming increasingly comfortable with using AR elements. And with 6.92 billion smartphone users in the world, there is a relatively low risk that your hard work would be missed.

In this blog, Zappar will tell us what connected packaging is, how they’re innovating the packaging industry and showcase some great examples!

What is connected packaging?

Connected packaging is packaging that can be transformed into a digital experience. This is achieved by printing packaging with QR codes, barcodes or images that can be scanned with a smart device that launches a digital experience in a browser-based app. For example, in recent years augmented reality, the overlay of digital experiences onto the real world, has been used to help transform packaging into brands’ very own media channels.

Also classed as smart packaging, this type of packaging can also feature RFID or NFC technology where users can tap their phone against packaging to interact with it. 

Why is AR perfect for levelling up your unboxing experience?

With consumer behaviour perpetually changing, connected packaging presents new opportunities to provide online shoppers with a new way to connect with retailer brands. It’s a way to communicate and engage on top of the standard branding practices.

In the age of social media, there are millions of unboxing videos on the internet. The ritual of unboxing a new product or opening a haul is everywhere. Google estimates that people have spent so much time watching unboxing videos, it’s equivalent to watching Love Actually 20 million times.

A positive unboxing experience can not only reach the customer who opened the parcel but a huge audience if they post their encounter online. Using connected packaging is certainly a way for retailers to stand out. Plus, it could be a great tool for brands who use influencer marketing as part of their strategy.

4 ways AR will enhance your customer experience

Along with adding to the unboxing experience, connected packaging can be utilised to support different areas in your business. From driving sales to increasing engagement; you can tailor messaging to support your company needs. Here are four of our favourites!

• Brand loyalty – Add value with digital rewards to incentivise purchase without margin-eroding discounts or gifts.
• Partner promotions – Enhance your partnerships on pack with AR to offer greater value for your brand, the licensor and the consumer.
• Data collection – Gather valuable information by providing customers a greater incentive to scan your packaging and share their details.
• Sustainability – Empower your customers to make conscious decisions by turning your packaging into a digital discovery channel.

How is Zappar innovating in the packaging industry?

Zappar believes packaging represents one of the brand’s most undervalued owned media channels but in many cases it is a solely analogue proposition in an increasingly mobile first world. However, thanks to the ever present smartphone and the power of augmented reality, product packaging can be transformed into a multimedia portal that can deliver value to both the consumer and the brand. 

With AR Zappar are helping companies increase sales by up to 15% through a combination of product education and revenue driving activities such as promotions, competitions and customer loyalty schemes. 

Boosting brand engagement using AR’s unique attention grabbing capabilities (55% more dwell time than traditional advertising campaigns) to upgrade loyalty programmes, CSR initiatives, sponsorship campaigns and more. And providing unparalleled consumer insight by unearthing actionable real time scanning data including when consumers are interacting with and consuming products, where they are and how long for.

Connected packaging examples

To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples from Zappar to showcase what is possible with augmented reality packaging. 

•  Nestlé CPW – DC Super Heroes – Zappar Creative Studio created this engaging and immersive experience for Nestlé CPW. Launched via WebAR for seamless delivery, it brings out the hero inside you by transforming the user into a superhero from the DC universe. This face-tracked experience consists of 5 face filters including Superman, Batman, Flash, Wonderwoman and Batgirl.
•  H&M Kids – Clothes Recycling – Zappar Creative Studio designed this playful experience for H&M Kids for their store on Regents Street. This image tracked experience was launched via QR code on artwork across the store and once scanned children can enjoy playing the game and finding the recycling box.
•  Beam Suntory, Jim Beam & Teachers – Festival Editions – Zappar Creative Studio worked with Beam Suntory, Jim Beam and Teachers to create this AR experience to help celebrate those we appreciate most in life. Launched via a QR code on the receipt, you can send a specialised message to loved ones.
•  Happy Egg – Happy Island Egg Hunt – The Zappar Creative Studio partnered with Happy Egg to create this custom WebAR experience. A virtual treasure hunt – customers just scan the QR code on Happy Egg cartons and are transported to Happy Island, where they can hunt for different prizes – from Happy Egg merchandise to kitchen appliances.

3 consumer touchpoints to focus your connected packaging

Now you may be overrun with ideas of how you would like to incorporate AR into your packaging; but below you will find 3 objectives you can meet, to focus your creativity around creating a great experience.  

Social Media sharing

Most consumers are connected to at least one social media network and seek out experiences that enable them to stand out on others newsfeeds. Brands can harness this need through delivering an AR experience that meets this criteria and gives the consumer the chance to share this on their platform of choice. 

Fanta and their Teen Takeover campaign was a great example of this, they used social media influencers to drive sales of the drinks and then turned the consumers into social media influencers themselves with a range of fun face filters.

Driving traffic to e-commerce sites

Once you have got your product in the hands of the consumer and they are inspired by your AR experience this is a great opportunity to encourage the next or additional purchases. 

For example, by linking them to a chosen e-commerce platform, to buy a companion product from your range. This concept becomes even more compelling when brands are launching their Direct to Consumer propositions.

Communicating Brand Provenance & Ingredients

Similarly, in the world of the more conscious consumer we’re ever more aware and interested in the story behind our products, their provenance, authenticity and ethical values. People want to know what goes into their products and want this information in an easily digestible format. 

How Macfarlane Packaging and Zappar are supporting brands to create innovative packaging

Macfarlane Packaging and Zappar work together to join packaging expertise and innovation through AR technology to enhance your customer experience. If you would like tailored support around connected packaging, please contact us here! 

The post Connected Packaging: augment your unboxing experience appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

As the climate emergency continues, responsible businesses are looking to take measures to reduce their impact on the environment. So, where does packaging fit in? Packaging materials can be an often-overlooked commodity that can help businesses lower their operating costs but also their carbon footprint if they are optimised.  

In this blog, we’ll consider why packaging design is important and why long term, we should be designing packaging to support the shift to a circular economy.

What is circular economy?

A circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves reducing, reusing and finally recycling materials for as long as possible. It is a model based around regenerating nature and creating a more sustainable economy for the 21^st century.

The Ellen Macarthur Foundation explains that a circular economy is based on three principles:

• Eliminating waste and pollution – as many natural resources are finite, it is not sustainable to keep taking raw materials and throwing them away. A circular economy aims to reuse, recycle and renew materials – ensuring that any waste and pollution is minimised.
• Circulating products and materials – this principle is all about keeping materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible. When a product can no longer be used, it can be circulated as components or raw materials for reuse.
• Regenerating nature – moving from a take and make approach to one that supports natural processes will help nature thrive and reduce our impact on the environment.

So, how does circular vs. linear economy compare? Essentially, today’s economy is largely linear. We obtain resources from the environment, use them and then, eventually, dispose of them. In a circular economy, the idea is to stop the production of waste in the first place.

The impact of packaging on the environment

The role of packaging, in most instances, is to protect products. If packaging is doing its job properly and the packaging design is optimised, it can help limit your impact on the environment.

Unfortunately, if packaging hasn’t been designed appropriately, it can have a knock-on effect. This can include increasing the CO₂e associated with packaging due to the material used, the journeys it must take or damage in transit, as well as increasing waste if the right amount of material isn’t used. Plus, if packaging isn’t disposed of or recycled properly, it can lead to pollution or excessive resource use – which no one wants.

Why we should design packaging for the circular economy

To create circular packaging or any circular product, it all starts with design. So, if you want to become a more circular business through your packaging, design is a fundamental building block in the process. Start thinking about the onwards path that your packaging will take…

Considering the lifecycle of a particular packaging design from the material specification, size and weight, through to the application, journey through a supply chain and then reuse or repurposing are all important.

Shifting mindsets to factor in CO₂e and packaging waste as design flaws will help businesses and packaging designers minimize their impact on the environment. And well-designed packaging not only benefits the environment, but it can benefit business too – reducing operating costs by taking out weight and material, as well as creating positive customer experiences.

Understanding the difference between circular packaging, reusable packaging, and sustainable packaging

So, when it comes to packaging design and the circular economy, there are lots of different terms and definitions knocking about. Here are explanations of some of the most common:

• Circular packaging – this type of packaging refers to packaging designs that can be reused, recycled, or even composted rather than being thrown away.

• Reusable packaging – this type of packaging often refers to a packaging solution that can be reused multiple times without compromising its protective function. Often, it takes multiple trips through a supply chain and is frequently found in closed loop systems. Often these packaging products are more environmentally intensive to manufacture so the environmental benefit only comes if it can in practice be reused many times.

• Sustainable packaging – packaging that is considered sustainable is packaging that produces the most negligible impact on the environment. Both circular and reusable packaging could fall under the sustainable packaging umbrella.

Examples of packaging design for a circular economy

With the circular economy in mind, here are three examples of reusable or circular packaging products:

1. Optimised cardboard boxes – now a plain old box might not come to mind when you think about packaging design for a circular economy. But corrugated cardboard is made from a sustainable and renewable material that can be recycled multiple times.

By applying circular design principles when creating a cardboard box, you can optimise the weight, the material, the protection and even the palletisation of the packaging to make it lower impact. In addition, clear labelling and designing with recycling in mind, can help ensure the best end of life solution.  

2. Reusable corrugated plastic boxes – durable, reusable, and long-lasting, Correx® boxes can be used instead of cardboard for a wide range of applications. They are resistant to moisture and weatherproof, so can be used in transit conditions that may be humid or wet. They can be used multiple times, helping minimise environmental impact and reducing overall costs.

3. Plastic pallets – reusable plastic pallets are a longer lasting alternative to wooden pallets. They are particularly suitable for the movement of produce, IT equipment and pharmaceuticals where good hygiene and clean working environments are important, as they can be washed. They’re also suitable for closed loop systems.

Support with circular packaging design

At Macfarlane Packaging, our experts can help you design packaging with the circular economy in mind. Our unique tools (like the Packaging Optimiser) and facilities (including our two Innovation Labs), as well as our extensive product range and knowledge can help you create the lowest impact packaging solution for your supply chain. Contact us to learn more.

The post Packaging design: designing for a circular economy appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

At Macfarlane Packaging we always think about what we could do differently to the last in the coming year in January. It’s a great time to assess how peak went, spot bottlenecks, and implement initiatives to achieve new goals.

That’s why this blog looks at the 10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023! A good place to start is considering what the packaging trends will be in 2023….

Blog Contents

A quick look at packaging trends for 2023

In December we published a blog about the packaging trends people can expect in 2023. So, what were they?

Based on the current economic climate, as well as consumer pressures and supply chain challenges, the packaging trends we predicated are:

Reducing operating costs through packaging – it should come as no surprise that businesses will want to control operating costs in the tough economic climate. However, many people will not always pinpoint packaging as a big business cost. But the right packaging solution can drastically cut operating costs in a number of areas, including warehousing and transport, as well as labour costs and damages. So, reducing costs associated packaging will be a key trend in 2023!

Putting carbon reduction at the heart of packaging strategies – sustainability has become more and more important to businesses, as well as consumers. In fact, 27% of consumers reported that they won’t buy from companies who don’t use sustainable packaging. On top of this, more businesses are focusing on serious carbon reduction, which is a key in the fight against climate change. When it comes to packaging, materials matter, but so do the carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing and use of the packaging. In 2023, we predict more businesses will consider the total carbon impact of their packaging throughout the supply chain.

Using connected packaging to enhance the customer experience & innovate – as brands compete for share of voice, looking for ways to differentiate is key. Connected packaging presents the opportunity to get their digital and physical customer journey to align and engage with consumers. Looping customers back into a brand through an interactive experience also offers the opportunity to collect more customer behaviour data, that allows businesses to further personalise customer experience and offers, which is why it’s a trend we expect to see more of this year.

Digitising packing processes through packaging automation – using automated packing machinery can help businesses tackle labour shortages, cope with seasonal demand and future proof for growth. All great reasons why increased use of packaging automation is one of our packaging trends for 2023.

Are any of these trends on your agenda for the year? With these trends in mind, now let’s consider what you’re aiming for in 2023 and what you could do differently with your packaging.

What will you protect this year?

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know we often talk about the role of packaging… Its primary purpose it to protect things.

On a basic level, the transit packaging you use will protect your products. But have you ever considered how your packaging can help you protect lots of areas in your business?

The right packaging can help you protect:

• Your products
• Your profit margins
• Your customer experience
• Your brand
• The environment

Plus, lots more! So, what will you be protecting this year with your packaging? Here are 10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023 and how they can help protect your business and your products!

10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023

1. Review your packaging process to identify bottlenecks

If you’ve just been through a seasonal spike in demand, January is a great time to take stock and review your packing processes. This will help you identify any bottlenecks in your packing processes, such as pinch points like hard to assemble packaging or points that need multiple touches.  

A great thing to do differently in 2023 could be to introduce best practice packing guidelines. Giving your team clear instruction about how to pack effectively can help you protect productivity and optimise how your team spend their time.  This is great for futureproofing for spikes in demand too, as it can help you quality-control what packaging materials are used when and where.  Packing guidelines can also help you reduce waste, which is great if you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact and protect the environment.

2. Re-engineer your packaging to reduce cubage or improve palletisation

Is your packaging as space efficient as it could be? Re-engineering your packaging to reduce its cubage or improve your product palletisation can be a big win.

Smaller, more space efficient packaging can have a knock-on effect throughout your supply chain.  If you use couriers to deliver your product, optimised parcel cubage can help you reduce your dimensional weight and delivery costs. For those of you that palletise your products, increasing your pallet yield can drastically cut the fuel you need to deliver products and therefore reduce the emissions you’re creating during deliveries. A win for you and the environment.

In all cases, if your packaging is smaller, you will save on storage space. In a time where warehouse space is at a premium, reducing how much space you need can help generate savings. This is worth bearing in mind if you are company that will be affected by the rise in business rates on large distribution warehouses.

3. Adopt clear, recognisable recycling labelling

Did you know that under the forthcoming Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) businesses affected will have to adopt clear, recognisable recycling labelling?

The labelling required is expected to be binary – which means your packaging will needed to be labelled as either recyclable or not recyclable.

While there’s no date set for EPR to be introduced, it’s worth getting a head start on this now. Our own unboxing research shows that over 90% of consumers want to recycle, but 11% of packages still arrive  without recycling labels. Making things as clear as possible will help ensure more of your packaging is recycled at the end of its life too – helping protect the environment from pollution.

4. Introduce smart or connected packaging

Smart or connected packaging can work for both business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business brands (B2B) companies.

Smart packaging that uses barcodes, RFID or NFC technology can be used to control industrial goods and tracking throughout the supply chain. Particularly useful if you want to monitor the conditions your goods are kept in – for example if you’re in pharmaceutical or food distribution and need to know what the in-container temperature is.

On the flip side, connected packaging is a great way for brands to connect with their customers. Simple QR codes can launch instruction videos or a simple website-based experience through full immersive gamification or augmented reality. This can act as a great differentiator in a competitive market, can be used to educate your customers and even help you create repeat sales through promotions. All of this can help you protect your customer experience and your brand!

5. Automate labour intensive packing processes

If you want to protect your productivity in 2023 and look for ways to combat labour shortages, packaging automation could be the answer.

You can automate almost any packing process from bagging and boxing through to sealing, filling, and conveying. There are numerous benefits such as controlling material use, increasing pack times and throughput and even future proofing your operation, as well as controlling operating costs longer term. Click here read our quick packaging automation guide.

6. Make simple sustainable packaging switches

Approaching sustainable packaging can sometimes seem daunting. There are lots of choices – is paper better than plastic? Which material will reduce your carbon footprint? Will it cost more than your current packaging?

That’s why it can sometimes be best to try simple changes first. A small but effective change can be swapping from plastic packing tape to paper tape. Swapping to paper tape helps you remove plastic from your operation, increases your packs recyclability and can help you use less sealing material.

If you’re not sure where to start, tools like our Packaging Optimiser can help you see how changes can impact your packing operation both financially and environmentally by showing you the carbon impact simple sustainable swaps can make.

7. Switch up your packing area for maximum efficiency

Is your packing areas as efficient as it could be? Often, packing benches and locations evolve as your business grows, so what once worked may no longer be fit for purpose.

Taking stock of where your packing materials are stored and how they’re organised on workstations can have a big impact on your productivity. Keeping packing materials no higher than shoulder height can encourage faster packing and implementing “water spiders” (team members with trollies who re-stock materials) can keep downtime to a minimum, protecting your productivity.

8. Increase recycled content in your packaging

Looking for extra ways to cut your carbon footprint? Increasing the recycled content in your packaging is a great way to remove emissions from your supply chain and support your sustainability goals. That’s why we have a wide range of recycled content packaging and our teams can provide dedicated support around eco-friendly packaging!

Packaging materials that make use of recycled content help conserve natural resources and cut emissions during the manufacturing process compared to the use of virgin materials. For example, virgin paper processing CO2e is 100kg per tonne higher than recycled material processing from a closed loop source.

On top of this, if you’re using recycled content plastic materials, ensuring they contain at least 30% recycled content can help you mitigate the plastic packaging tax.

9. Optimise how you buy packaging

Does coordinating the purchasing of your packaging take up a lot of your time? If you’re working with multiple SKUs or a range of packaging suppliers, packaging procurement can be lengthy and complex.

Optimising how you buy your packaging can reduce your admin in 2023 and give you back valuable time for other tasks. Consolidating your packaging materials with one packaging distributor can give you access to local and global packaging manufacturers without the hassle of dealing with multiple contacts. You can also take advantage of stock holding and management, which can help release space and cashflow!

Accessing e-trading software that integrates with your systems and generates reports can make packaging management a breeze too.

10. Get granular with your packaging product data to prepare for new legislation

Do you know everything about the packaging products you use? For example:

• The weight of the packaging
• The recycled content
• The material type
• How it’s recycled
• If it can be reused
• The CO2e of the pack
• Usage across all packaging SKUs

Getting your packaging data in order will help you prepare for updated packaging waste reporting under Extended Producer Responsibilities as well as any disclosures you will have to make if you’re in scope of the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

It can also help you become more effective at managing your packaging supplies and help you spot inconsistencies or identify opportunities for improvement. This can help you protect your margins as well as protect your reputation from any legal repercussions.

Help making changes to your packaging in 2023

The experts at Macfarlane Packaging can help you make changes to your packaging that protect your business and keep costs down in 2023. Get in touch to learn more.

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