If you sell your product online, via your own website, Etsy or even Not on the High Street, your packaging is the first physical touchpoint in your customer journey. As there are a growing number of small businesses in the UK, it could be a great time to consider branding your small business packaging to enhance your unboxing experience and stand out from the crowd. So, where should you start?

Your first thought might be printed boxes. However, these often require high order volumes, making them unsuitable for small businesses. But don’t fret – there are still simple, quick, and effective ways you can easily brand your packaging….

Why is branding your small business packaging important?

Branding your business and your packaging is important as it can help you create a memorable impression on consumers and lets them know what to expect from your company…

Strong brands have signature colour palettes and an easily recognised tone of voice. Think about your packaging materials as an extension of your brand. Use it to create instant recognition and build brand awareness. The great impression you create when packaging lands on a customer’s doorstep can delight them and result in repeat sales too.

In 2023, our Unboxing Survey found that 57% of retailers are making the most of their packaging with branding and you could be too! Enhancing your customers experience is not just for large retailers anymore.

If you’re interested in more about consumer opinion about packaging, we are running our 9^th annual Unboxing Survey now! Learn more about it here.

Easy ways of branding your packaging

By focusing on simple but effective elements to add to your packaging, you can create an unboxing experience that sets your business apart from the competition.

Add easy personalisation with printed tape

With a minimum order quantity of only 72 rolls, custom printed tape is a great way to start branding your small business packaging. It adds a touch of personalisation without having to invest in a large quantity of packaging. Packaging you may. not need or have space for.

You can print both traditional packing tape and self-adhesive paper tape – so you don’t have to compromise on sustainability if you prefer paper packaging materials.

Due to the low order quantity, you could even consider getting creative with your brand messages during seasonal holidays. For example, adding hearts for valentines or even snowmen for Christmas!

What are the benefits of custom printed packing tape?

• Low MOQ (Minimum order quantity)
• Easy to adapt for different seasonal messages e.g., Christmas
• Great for advertising
• Cost-effective and easy to store
• Offers a sustainable alternative

Until 30^th September, we are offering FREE origination on selected tapes, on as little as 72 rolls / 2 boxes of tape! You can choose from a choice of paper, PVC and polypropylene. Request a quote by getting in touch today.

Consider custom labels

Labels are another simple yet effective method to brand your small business packaging. The possibilities are endless – you can print with your logo, your web address or even a promotional message.

Prices can vary depending on style, design, and size of the label you choose, as well as the number of colours you choose to print on it.

What are the benefits of custom printed labels?

• Easy to use
• Printed with your own design
• Small Minimum Order Quantity
• Easy to apply during the packing process
• Minimal storage space needed

Try branded tissue paper

Custom branded tissue paper is a great way to showcase your brand’s identity whilst protecting your goods. Adding this extra elements creates a sense of luxury, making the unboxing experience memorable and shareable on social media.

With so many different options when choosing tissue paper, it is a great simple solution to enhance your brands image.

What are the benefits of custom tissue paper?

• Perfect presentation for all sorts of goods
• Choose from an array of colours to suit your brand
• Acid free options, ideal for silverware and jewellery to prevent tarnishing
• Non-toxic tissue paper is available for food items
• Machine glazed tissue or matte finish tissue paper which can be interchangeable to get your ideal look

Enhance your offering with custom mailing bags

Mailing bags are a staple for shipping a variety of products in many industries. With the large array of sizes to choose from and eco-friendly options available too, mailing bags can also be customised to suit an array of packaging needs.

Custom mailing bags are an excellent way to start adding branding to your packaging. It’s a slightly larger commitment than other elements like tape, but it allows for more creativity and a memorability.

What are the benefits of custom mailing bags?

• Available in a range of sizes
• Eco-friendly options available
• Range of printing and finishing options
• Choose from a range of materials like plastic and paper mailing bags
• Great for shipping a wide range of goods

Think about when your small business grows

These simple ways to brand your small business packaging are a great start. As your business grows and your sales volumes increase, you could be ready for printed packaging that demands higher order quantities – like the boxes we mentioned before.

If you feel you need guidance about your small business packaging, the Macfarlane Packaging team are here to help.  We can help with packaging solutions for businesses of any size that protect your goods and your reputation, while creating a great customer experience.

The post Easy ways of branding your small business packaging: updated 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.

The post How to create a memorable unboxing experience appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

All Packaging 101 content is still available if you’d like a more in-depth look at a specific topic, but you can treat this as your packaging bible! Although the Packaging 101 guides are coming to an end, we are still here to provide your business with packaging support when you need us. We have over 70 years of expertise and love helping businesses on their journey.

So, lets cover everything your small business needs to know about packaging…

Blog contents

Tips for choosing the right ecommerce packaging

The kind of ecommerce packaging you need to choose will largely depend on your product or industry. If you’re shipping something fragile, you’ll need packing materials that cushion it to prevent damage. However, if you’re retailing items less prone to damage, like soft furnishing or clothes, you can use packaging that’s less-heavy duty.

We recommend that your ecommerce packaging should aim to be:

• Durable enough to protect your products
• Easy to open
• Light and space efficient
• The right size – with no excessive material
• Easy to return
• Sustainable and recyclable
• An extension of your brand

A quick guide to cardboard boxes

Getting the size of your cardboard boxes right is important as it can have a knock-on effect across your supply chain from minimum order quantities, through to storage and customer experience. For a more in depth look into cardboard boxes, don’t forget to check out our full blog here!

How to measure a cardboard box

Cardboard box dimensions are usually expressed as: Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H).

• Length = the longest opening dimension
• Width = the shorted opening dimension
• Height = the dimension from the top of the opening to the base of the box (sometimes referred to as depth).

We always recommend measuring cardboard boxes in millimetres. For example: 600mm x 300mm x 250mm. The cardboard boxes you choose should accommodate the range of product you stock – from the smallest item to the largest – as well as any protective packaging (e.g. bubble wrap or paper cushioning) you’ll need for shipping.

What are cardboard boxes made from?

Most cardboard boxes used for shipping products are made from corrugated cardboard. This type of cardboard is made from a fluted or waved piece of paper sandwiched between two flat pieces of paper.

There are three main types of corrugated cardboard you’ll come across when it comes to boxes:

• Single wall – one layer of fluted board is sandwiched between two sheets of liner board. This would make a single wall cardboard box.
• Double wall – two layers of fluting that are glued to three layers of liner board. This would make a double wall cardboard box, which is stronger than using single wall alone.
• Triple wall – three layers of fluting are laminated with four liner boards. This would make a triple or tri-wall box – the most heavy-weight and durable of all boxes.

A quick guide to packing tape

Whether you want to speed up your packing times, use less materials or become more sustainable, the packing tape you use can be the catalyst for lots of these improvements. And as a business owner, the types of packaging materials you choose, will have an impact on customer perception. If you would like to learn more about packing tape, check out our full guide here!

What is packing tape made from?

Generally, packing tape is composed of 2 to 3 main parts. Here’s a short explanation of each:

• The backing or carrier – this the material it’s made from. In the case of packing tape, the backing is often made from polypropylene, vinyl or kraft paper.  Other more technical tapes might have a backing or carrier made from other materials such as crepe paper or even cloth.
• The adhesive – this is the stuff that makes packaging tape stick.  There are several different adhesives including acrylic and solvents!

The liner – when it comes to packing tape, a liner is sometimes used on some pressure sensitive tapes or double-sided tapes. It stops layers of the backing material from sticking together.

What types of material are used to make packing tape?

Packing tape can be made from lots of different materials. Here are some of the most common types of materials used to make the carrier in your packing tape:

• Polypropylene tape – polypropylene tape (also referred to as polyprop tape) is the most common type of packing tape you’ll come across. It’s made from polypropylene plastic, which is a cost-effective base material.  It’s strong and reasonably robust and is widely available in clear and buff colours. This kind of tape is a good, basic all-rounder for domestic, office and general transit packaging requirements.
• PVC tape – if you want a premium packing tape PVC is the material you need. Made from polyvinyl chloride film this kind of tape is stronger and resistant to a wider range of temperatures. This kind of tape is often referred to as vinyl tape or even premium packing tape.
• Paper tape – a great alternative to plastic tape, paper tape is recyclable and biodegradable. You’ll find paper tape available as self-adhesive tape or gummed paper tape. Self-adhesive paper tape operates like regular plastic packing tape, it comes on a roll and can operated the same way on a tape gun or taping machine. In contrast, gummed paper tape, is lined with a water activated adhesive. It requires moistening before being applied to a cardboard box for sealing, the adhesive forms a tamper evident bond. Both types of paper tape are strong. For many businesses, swapping to paper tape is an easy way to remove plastic from supply chains and control the amount of packaging material used, as you can often use less paper tape vs. plastic tape. Click here for more information about the benefits of choosing gummed paper tape.

A guide to protective packaging

Protective packaging is all about balance. Of course, you need to use sufficient packaging material to protect your product during shipping. On the other hand, too much can be seen as wasteful. How much protective packaging you use will depends on your products and how you’re shipping them.  You need to consider weight, size, and fragility. You should also consider if you’re shipping it as a single item or as in a muti-pick pack. Could items go together during transit?

Protective packaging examples

As we mentioned, being mindful of the protective packaging you choose is important, so we’ve included some examples of protective packaging to get you started…

• Air Pillows – there are lots of great options if air cushions are your protective packaging of choice! A great system is the Pacplan® airwave pillow system machine, it retails for less than £650 and creates efficient, on-demand air pillow void fill from compact roll film – it is money well spent. In fact, 1 roll of Pacplan® air pillow film is equivalent to 6 x 15m3 bags of loosefill – perfect for larger or growing operations!
• Paper Cushioning – if paper is your protective packaging of choice, there are lots of options available. Geami WrapPak® is an innovative eco-friendly paper cushioning system designed for shipping fragile items with peace of mind. It combines expandable die-cut honeycomb paper with a tissue liner. Kerbside recyclable, it provides great protection and an attractive pack appearance. One example is the WrapPak Ex Mini, it’s a retail ready solution that doesn’t require electricity or outlay for machinery, so it’s a good starter choice for small businesses.
• Bio loosefill packing chips – this eco-friendly, pourable loosefill is 100% compostable and perfect for filling voids, especially awkward spaces around packed items. This makes it ideal for putting multiple picks into one box or packing products that vary in sizes. We recommend this product for less fragile items, as sometimes movement in pack can occur during transit.
• Flexi-Hex® Bottle Packaging – Flexi-Hex® is a plastic-free, recyclable concertina style protective packaging It’s ideal for bottle protection and an excellent alternative to polystyrene bottle packaging! It offers a high level of protection, equal to plastic alternatives.

Easy ways of branding your packaging

If you sell your product online, via your own website, Etsy or even Not on the High Street, your packaging is the first physical touchpoint in your customer journey. As more consumers continue to shop online, it could be a great time to consider branding your small business packaging to enhance your unboxing experience.

Custom Printed Packing Tape

With a minimum order quantity of only 72 rolls, custom printed tape is a great way to start branding your small business packaging. It adds a touch of personalisation without having to invest in a large quantity of packaging. Packaging you may. not need or have space for.

You can print both traditional packing tape and self-adhesive paper tape – so you don’t have to compromise on sustainability if you prefer paper packaging materials.

• Low MOQ (Minimum order quantity)
• Easy to adapt for different seasonal messages e.g., Christmas
• Great for advertising
• Cost-effective and easy to store

Custom Printed Labels

Labels are another simple yet effective method to brand your small business packaging. The possibilities are endless – you can print with your logo, your web address or even a promotional message.

• Easy to use
• Printed with your own design
• Small Minimum Order Quantity
• Easy to apply during the packing process
• Minimal storage space needed

How to create an efficient packing process

Productivity is the backbone of any efficient operation and making each minute count is critical. This is especially true when you have a smaller team. If your packing operations are optimised, it will allow you to:

• Cut the time it takes you to pack your products
• Improve your through put (the volume of products you pick, pack and dispatch)
• Save time for other tasks
• Prepare for growth in the future

When you have fewer staff, multiple orders and an expectant customer base can seem overwhelming. However, there are steps you can take to create an efficient packing process that improves productivity and provides long term scalability…

1. Organise your warehouse space – The first step in creating an efficient packing process is organising your warehouse or packing space. If your product, packaging materials and packing bench are all far away from each other, it will be harder for you to pick, pack and dispatch efficiently. Adding corrugated pick bins and investing in packing benches are a great start!
2. Optimise your packaging materials – Identifying packaging that is quick and easy to assemble will help your team pack more product, more efficiently.
3. Assign clear roles to your team and provide training – Assigning clear roles and providing appropriate training will make sure your staff get things done quickly and efficiently. Your warehouse layout and the number of staff you have might influence how you decide to assign roles. If you’re experiencing growth, it might be more efficient to assign roles based on each process; research has shown that ‘shifting between tasks can cost as much as 40 percent of someone’s productive time’.
4. Review your packing process periodically and make changes – It is important to regularly take stock of how efficient your packing process is. You should time how long it takes your team to complete each stage of order fulfilment, so you can keep on top of productivity – and don’t forget to watch out for increased damages!

Peak demand check list

‘Peak’ is the all-encompassing term for the busiest time of the year for ecommerce = Black Friday and Christmas. Although it will depend on the source, normally the time frame will between October to January. We suggest starting planning around the summer months, to give you enough time to prepare. So where to start?

Train your staff – Covering topics from time management to best practices, which will not only help prepare for peak; but help with daily life also.

• Create posters
• Plan training sessions
• Are you taking on new staff? If so, what does that entail for your business?

Check your inventory – Make sure you have enough equipment to see you through the season (it could be anything from boxes to bags, to scissors and tape – whatever you are using on a regular basis!)

• Products
• Packaging
• Other materials

Review your space – Double check your space, and make sure it’s suited to the season. So, your packers can keep up productivity, and can optimise their time better.

• Can you optimise it?
• Is the equipment too spread out?
• How much time is it taking to pack?

Review your packaging – Think about the packaging your currently using – will it see you through the season? How could you improve it to make it more efficient?

• Does it protect enough?
• How quick is a pack to assemble?

Think about automation – Does your business have the capacity for automation? We discover more about this for small business here!

• Is it feasible for your business?
• What equipment would be best for you?

Our top tips for how to scale up your packaging operation

To try and make business growth manageable, it’s worth focusing on areas where your business might be stretched and seeing what solutions you need to put in place to help support your growth.

If your packing operations are optimised, it will allow you to:

• Save time (time is money)
• Future proof for further growth
• Helps control costs
• Help business reduce packaging waste
• 3 unboxing facts that small businesses need to know

So, what be done to kick start your packaging to another level?

1. Optimise your storage with space saving equipment and packaging materials – Creating more space for storage could mean relocating to a bigger office space or optimising your current space – it all depends on your business.
2. Enhance your packing processes and team comfort to increase productivity – Consider where you usually loose time – are your packaging materials hard to assemble? Is product difficult to find? Are your team unsure of the best way to pack a parcel?
3. Consider packaging automation for long-term success – You can automate the whole packing process, but there are small-scale solutions that you can install quickly, easily and without excess expenditure!

Packaging automation for small businesses

Packaging automation is when you use packaging machinery (large or small) to help with your packing process. Often this can mean reducing human touch-points in your packing line. For example, this could include anything from automatically cutting tape when at the desired length; to automatically placing the products into a mailing bag ready for shipment.

4 signs that show your small business is ready for automation

1. You’re struggling to fulfil orders and customer complaints are rising.
2. Your business is creating increasing levels of packaging waste.
3. You continually need to hire new staff for your production and/or packing line.
4. You experience an uplift in customer complaints about damaged goods (if demand is too high, packing quality could be less reliable).

If your operation meets one or more of these issues, incorporating some form of packaging machinery could be a great solution for your business.

Glossary (useful packaging terms)

• 0201 – A standard regular style cardboard box with outer flaps meeting at both top and bottom for sealing (this code is a FEFCO reference)
• Board – Papers of 220 gsm and above are often referred to as board
• Corrugated board – Consists of one or more sheets of flued paper between outer and inner liners
• Burst resistance – Used as a general guide to understand the strength of that tape
• Low noise – Refers to tape that had been designed to limit the noise pollution produced by using tape.
• Tack – How quickly the tape bond with the surface, so stickiness. It is important to note that this can change due to the environment for example, the temperature.
• Peel resistance – How easy it is to remove the tape from a surface
• Pressure sensitive – Also called PSA tape, will stick to a surface due with the application of pressure without the need for a solvent.
• Tamper evident – Allows you to see if the tape has been tampered with, this could include opening the opening the package, whether the intended recipient or not.
• Machine tape – Is specifically designed to work with taping machines

Thank you for joining in with the Packaging 101 journey, and we hope you have found it useful! Don’t forget the Macfarlane Packaging team can provide expert advice and support for your business, so contact us today!

The post The ultimate packaging guide for small businesses appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Throughout the last 11 months, we’ve covered many topics in our Packaging 101 series, to develop your knowledge and small business packaging. This month, we want to explore something that can seem scary to a large portion of business…packaging automation!

We’ll break down stereotypes and discover why automation would be great for your operation, even as a smaller business.

Blog Content

What is packaging automation?

Packaging automation is when you use packaging machinery (large or small) to help with your packing process. Often this can mean reducing human touch-points in your packing line. For example, this could include anything from automatically cutting tape when at the desired length; to automatically placing the products into a mailing bag ready for shipment.

Using automated packing systems essentially allows you to reassign valuable resource to high value tasks or in a way that better suits your operation. You can enhance most aspects of a packaging process, from picking and packing, through to conveying and wrapping. There are packaging machines for it all.  

Packaging automation can be an investment, depending on the solution you’re looking at. There may be a large upfront cost to purchase an automated packing system, but the money you’ll save elsewhere in your operation will counterbalance this in the long run.

Plus, there are some really cost-effective automation options out there. A great example of this is a water-activated gummed paper tape dispenser – they can come in around £1,500 or less.

 You can also opt semi-automatic machines that can be found at a lower price point and they can be a great first step towards automation if you want to dip your toes!

What are the benefits of automated packing systems?

These are some of the general advantages of adding packaging automation to your operation. Depending on the machinery you choose, there can knock-on benefits like saving on transport costs and reducing damages!

The benefits of packaging automation:

• Reduced material costs and waste– packaging automation uses materials more efficiently, so it removes overuse and wastage.
• Improved productivity and reduced packing times – it can speed up elements of the process and reduce the amount of physical touchpoints so packers’ skills can be utilised in other areas. It can also help reduce the need for seasonal temporary labour!
• Save on storage space and materials – using automation means you’re using the right amount of packaging materials needed, so it can free up storage space for other uses and control overall material use.

4 signs that show your small business is ready for automation

1. You’re struggling to fulfil orders and customer complaints are rising.
2. Your business is creating increasing levels of packaging waste.
3. You continually need to hire new staff for your production and/or packing line.
4. You experience an uplift in customer complaints about damaged goods (if demand is too high, packing quality could be less reliable).

If your operation meets one or more of these issues, incorporating some form of packaging machinery could be a great solution for your business. Let’s explore some options you have…

Great automation solutions for small businesses

Where to start with packaging automation? We have narrowed down some great options that would be perfect for a small business looking to grow its operation. We have broken this down into process specific systems, so you can decide what would work best for your business.

Tape

You have a lot of options for tape automation, some of these include:

• Manual Water Activated Tape Dispenser – As this most affordable option, it’s not full automation (as the name suggests). You have to adjust the length manually, so this isn’t done for you, unlike other options. It does wet and cut the tape, and it’s a great first step into automation for businesses with lower shipping volumes.
• Automatic Water Activated Tape Dispenser – This desktop dispenser issues pre-set lengths of tape to speed up the application of tape. It also means you will get the correct amount every time, minimising wastage.

Watch this video to learn more about water activated tape:

Void Fill

Automating your void fill can help you cut your packing time, keep up with demand and help you protect your products efficiently. Dependant on the material you choose, how cost effective it is, if there is a consideration towards being environmentally friendly; you can get lots of different types of void fill and machines with various benefits for each business. These are just some examples of what is available.

• Manual Paper Void Fill Dispenser – The Ranpak FillPak TT machine is an entry level option for void fill automation. It’s simple to install and has a small footprint so doesn’t take up much space! It’s operated easily by using a foot pedal, so the void fill can be dispensed directly into the box, and it will it cut down on packing time.
• Automatic Paper void fill dispensers – You can control these via the foot pedals, which automatically fill packs. They can also be programmed to dispense the appropriate length of material for each of your pack options, which reduces the amount of overall material you use.
• Air pillow void fill dispenser – You can also find great automation options for speeding up your packing times when using air pillows, the Pacplan Airwave is a countertop machine, it’s easy to use and willgive your products high levels of protection.

Stretch Wrappers

It may not be something your business needs right now, but it could be helpful in the future to know that you can automate your stretch wrap process.

• If you are manually wrapping between 10-15 pallets per day (or more), it’s time to consider a pallet wrapper. It can dramatically reduce the amount of stretch wrap you are using, as well as reducing manual handling

How to scale up your packaging automation as your business grows?

As your business grows, it can feel overwhelming to keep a hold of your operation, no matter the size. It might seem scary but adding (even a small element) of an automated packing system, is a great way to allow your operation to develop. Over time, you could explore bigger and fully automated options as it grows.

If you’re still unsure or would like to learn more, the Macfarlane Packaging team can provide expert advice on automating your packaging processes and supplying the packaging machinery and warehouse equipment you need. Talk to us today!

The post A guide to packaging automation for small businesses appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Understanding what consumers value in the unboxing experience is  an excellent opportunity for smaller businesses. Learn what your potential customers expect, and you can satisfy them more easily.

Buy why is this important? Well, the IMRG report that 65.7% of consumers said a good delivery experience encourages them to buy again from a retailer. Unboxing and the packaging materials you use play a big role in achieving a good delivery experience.

That’s why our latest Packaging 101 article focuses on three key unboxing facts that small businesses need to know. We’ll explain the Macfarlane Packaging Unboxing Survey, the latest survey results, and how they apply to small businesses…

Blog Contents

• What is the Macfarlane Packaging Unboxing Survey?
• What we’ve learnt about unboxing and why it matters to small businesses
  1. The increasing importance of branded packaging
     • Markets where consumers are most likely to be influenced to buy again by branded packaging
  2. Why sustainability and eco-friendly packaging are an unboxing essential for small businesses
  3. Getting the unboxing basics right with protective packaging
• How Macfarlane Packaging can help your small business

What is the Macfarlane Packaging Unboxing Survey?

The Macfarlane Packaging Unboxing Survey is a piece of research aimed at assessing the appropriateness of the packaging used by online retailers.

We’ve been conducting a survey for the last seven years to learn more about consumer unboxing experiences. It uncovers insights into customer opinions towards packaging and the impact packaging and the unboxing experience can have on their shopping habits.

As mentioned, this year, we had over 1,000 consumers share their experience with us. Responses cover a wide range of industries, but the majority assess packaging from the following: Fashion, Food & Drink, Home & Garden and Health & Beauty – all of which have a significant presence in the small business market.

What we’ve learnt about unboxing and why it matters to small businesses

When you’re an online retailer (small or large), packaging often represents the first tangible and physical interaction with your business. You need to make a good impression…

A poor unboxing experience can lead to bad reviews, returns, and loss of sales. And no one wants that, do they?

1. The increasing importance of branded packaging

Our unboxing survey found that almost 60% of packages were branded in 2022 and that just over 40% of consumers say branded packaging will encourage them to buy again from a retailer. That’s a lot, right?

In the past seven years, we’ve seen more and more retailers turning to branded packaging to make their unboxing experience stand out. As a small business, you might not be sure where to start with branding, but there are simple options like custom printed packing tape to get you started.

If you’re still unsure about printing or branding your packaging, then the impact per industry could change your mind. When we break it down, there are several sectors where using branded packaging makes a big difference to repeat purchases…

The markets where consumers are most likely to be influenced to buy again by branded packaging are:

• Jewellery
• Art & Crafts / Stationary
• Floristry
• Health and Beauty
• Fashion
• Pet

How you add branding to your pack will differ depending on your business, but in a previous Packaging 101 blog, we highlighted some easy ways of branding your small business packaging. It offers some simple to implement steps to brand your packing materials, click here to learn more.

2. Why sustainability and eco-friendly packaging are an unboxing essential for small businesses

Over the last seven years, our unboxing survey has noted the the steady rise of the eco-conscious consumer. And packaging trends reflect that…

From 2017 to 2022, there was a 62% increase in the number of parcels consumers could recycle.

More recently the sustainable credentials of a retailer’s packaging materials are starting to influence consumer buying decisions. This year 27% of consumers wouldn’t buy from a retailer if their packaging isn’t eco-friendly.

On top of this, over 90% of survey participants report they try to recycle, but 12% still weren’t sure if they could recycle the packaging they received as it wasn’t clearly labelled.

All these facts highlight how eco-friendly packaging is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for retailers of all sizes. Recycling is as much a part of the unboxing experience as product delivery these days, so communicating how customers can dispose of your packaging is a must too.

For example, many customers will know that a cardboard box is recyclable, but they may not know that paper tape is too. So, if you are utilising products that are 100% recyclable, let your customers know! You could print the information on your packing, print the info on your outer box or bag or even lave a note inside your pack containing all the recycling information.

3. Getting the unboxing basics right with protective packaging

Protective packaging is essential if you want to stop your products from getting damaged during shipping or storage. Damages can have a significant impact on your bottom line and what customers think of your brand.

That’s why we were happy to see that only 7% of products arrived damaged in this year’s unboxing survey. 7% may seem like a lot but it’s gradually been dropping since 2016 when 10% of consumers their goods arrived damaged.  

So why is this important for small businesses? Keeping your percentage of damaged packages as low as possible helps you keep costs down, encourage positive reviews and repeat sales.

As your customers’ unboxing experiences matter, having damaged goods will impact their brand perception long term. So, we would suggest measuring the percentage every week/month/quarter/year, whichever is most beneficial for your business.

Understanding this will give you a good step forward in learning where your improvements are; maybe there is a specific product that breaks in transit consistently or a packaging product that isn’t giving you enough protection.

On the other side, it’s important to remember that 14% of retailers still use too much packaging. So, there is a fine line between over packing and under packing.

To learn more, check out the essentials of protective packaging for small businesses we outlined in a previous Packaging 101 article.

How Macfarlane Packaging can help your small business

If this has interested you, don’t forget to download the full 2022 unboxing survey results here, there is a lot more information for you to discover.

If you want to learn more about packaging, we have covered many other great topics in our Packaging 101 series! We work with small businesses daily to help them with their packaging, so if you want tailored expert packaging recommendations or advice, get in touch with Macfarlane Packaging today!

The post 3 unboxing facts that small businesses need to know appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

To try and make business growth manageable, it’s worth focusing on areas where your business might be stretched and seeing what solutions you need to put in place to help support your growth.

For example, if your small business is developing faster than expected and you’re struggling to manage your packaging situation. In that case, you should consider talking directly to a packaging supplier like us.

That’s why, this month’s edition of Packaging 101 will focus on how you can scale up your packing operation through packaging optimisation. We’ll look at why optimisjng your packaging supplies and processes is important AND how you can look to level up your packing to cope with growth…

Blog Contents

• Why optimising your packaging is important for small businesses
• How you can level up your packing by scaling your small business packaging
  1. Optimise your storage with space saving equipment and packaging materials
  2. Enhance your packing processes and team comfort to increase productivity
  3. Consider packaging automation for long-term success
• Support scaling up your packing processes

Why optimising your packaging is important for small businesses

Productivity is the backbone of any efficient operation, so scaling up your packaging operation requires a deeper exploration into optimising your business. If your packing operations are optimised, it will allow you to:

• Save time (time is money)
• Future proof for further growth
• Helps control costs
• Help business reduce packaging waste

How you can level up your packing by scaling your small business packaging

So, now we know why it’s important to optimise your packaging, you can think about how you can scale up your packaging processes and materials to cope with growth.

Out team have put together these tips for you to consider…  

1. Optimise your storage with space saving equipment and packaging materials

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face as your small business grows is storage space. If you started off at home, storing your products and packing materials could become more difficult the more you grow!

Creating more space for storage could mean relocating to a bigger office space or optimising your current space – it all depends on your business.

Moving location is a big step, so consider your existing packing area. Could you free up space by organising it more effectively?  

You could utilise floor space more effectively by introducing shelving or modular pick bins that fit the space. If you have the room, you should also think about investing in a few packing benches now. They can help you organise packing materials and will also support your growth as demand for your product increases.  This way you can pack more efficiently than on a make-shift workbench. Most packing benches can be customised and don’t have to break the bank.

It’s also worth reviewing the actual packing materials you use if you want to save space. For example, if you’re using bulky protective packaging like packing peanuts or bubble wrap, you could swap to ‘on-demand’ supplies, like Airsac.

Airsac is stored flat and only inflated when you need it. It provides high levels of protection and minimises the amount of space taken up in storage before use. You could also opt for a paper filler system as a space-saving option. A compact block of paper can fill as much void as six packs of packing peanuts – it’s smaller and easier to store.

2. Enhance your packing processes and team comfort to increase productivity

You’ve probably heard the phrase “time is money”! This is especially relevant when you need to cope with an increase in orders. The more quickly you can pick, pack and dispatch product, the more effective your operation.

So, how can you make your processes more efficient? Well, you need to think about where you usually loose time – are your packaging materials hard to assemble? Is product difficult to find? Are your team unsure of the best way to pack a parcel?

It’s also worth thinking about how comfortable your team are. It can be harder for your staff to pack effectively if they’re tired or having to twist a lot. Making sure they have a comfortable working environment is key. For example, did you know that packing items between hip and shoulder height is the “power zone”? Any higher or lower than this and it can create fatigue!  

Here’s a few easy ways to optimise your packing process and keep your team as productive as possible:

• Anti-fatigue Mats – these mats ensure the comfort of your workers when they are standing for long periods, helping reduce strain on legs and feet!
• Train your team – creating posters or holding workshops about the best way to pack is a great way to increase productivity. It can also help you control material use, reduce waste and lower damages – as everyone knows how pack the product!
• Have packaging materials close by – this eliminates down time.  There’s need to search for cardboard boxes, find scissors, locate the tape dispenser or a box cutter.

Long-term, you may need to invest in new staff as you grow. Optimising your packing processes now can help you manage your labour costs for your growth plan, as well as future-proof against seasonal spikes in demand. 

(If you want to learn more about how small businesses can create an efficient packing process, read this blog.)

3. Consider packaging automation for long-term success  

Packaging automation is often an investment for small businesses, but you’ll soon see its benefit. You can automate the whole packing process, but there are small-scale solutions that you can install quickly, easily and without excess expenditure.

• Automatic packing tape dispensers – cardboard box assembly and manual taping can take up to 60% of the overall packing time. Using a gummed paper tape machine can dramatically reduce this time, freeing your operators to complete other tasks or manage more packs per hour. You can dispense the right amount of tape every time and the machines fit easily into small workspaces. 
• Paper void fill dispensers – Be mindful when exploring the best option for your business, as some machines are only suitable for large scale automation. But there are still great options out there for you that will fill packs automatically. If you are interested, please contact us and we can work together to find the best option for your operation.

Support scaling up your packing processes

If you want to learn how we have helped other growing businesses, we have a great podcast with James & James and We are TALA; it provides great insight into packaging and sustainability that you might want to consider.

We have 73 years of expertise and can help facilitate your packaging development – for what best suits you; optimising what you have, whether space, time, or materials, is essential. You will have lots to manage, so let us offer a helping hand and support your business however we can.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can grow with your business. We can be with you on your journey from your first office space to your first location in Europe. Every day we work with companies to ensure they have optimised packaging solutions that help them create efficient packing processes. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

The post Level up your small business packaging operation appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.