The eCommerce industry has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last decade. It is predicted that eCommerce retail sales will go up to 7.4 trillion dollars by 2025. With the boom in eCommerce sales, customer’s expectations have increased, and the rise of sustainable custom packaging plays a large part in that.

Gone are the days when customers were happy receiving their products in a traditional brown box. Customers expect their products to come in customized boxes that keep their products safe from any damages during shipping. Additionally, more eco-conscious customers expect their packaging to be recyclable.

Seventy-two percent of American consumers say their purchasing decision is influenced by packaging design. Furthermore, 61% of consumers say they are much more likely to repeat a purchase of a luxury product if it came in premium packaging. All these statistics show that customers love it when their purchased products come in packages that are customized. The majority of the brands are now including packaging options as a part of their marketing strategy

According to a recent study, the vast majority of Generation Z shoppers prefer to buy sustainable brands, and they are most willing to spend 10% more on sustainable products. As consumers become more conscious of sustainable practices, many companies are now making the switch to eco-friendly and sustainable options when it comes to packaging, to reduce their carbon footprint and also keep their customers happy.

Offering sustainable packaging has shown to be more environmentally friendly and more profitable for brands. Combining custom packaging with sustainable options is a great way to stand out in the market amidst the competition.

This article will explain custom and sustainable packaging and how it can benefit your business and make your customers happy.

Packaging is the first thing that grabs the attention of the customers when they get their product. Customization of the packaging adds great value to your product as well as to your brand, overall. This article will provide you with all the helpful information you need to know about custom packaging and how it can benefit your business.

What is Custom Packaging?

You may have read about custom packaging in numerous eCommerce newsletters and blogs but this article will break the specifics down for you. Custom packaging is the kind of packaging that is created specifically for your product so that it fits perfectly rather than traditional packaging where there is a one-size box that the product is put into.

A customized box in which the product is packaged in, prevents breakage and ensures that the product reaches the customer in the same condition it was in before it was shipped.

In custom packaging, the dimensions of the package that ensure the product fits perfectly are as important as the design of the product. The design can be customized by printing logos on the boxes, patterns, shapes, pictures, hashtags or anything else the company wants to include that speaks the brand’s language.

Custom packaging is a great marketing tool for your business as it sets your product apart from the competition in the market. In a world of standard, bland boxes, custom packaging design stands out.

Here are some of things to consider when choosing a custom package:

  • Different Packaging Materials: It is important to ensure you get the best material that suits the design and item you have to ship. If you are looking for durable and strong materials, you can go for the kraft and cardboard packaging materials. You can opt for custom poly mailers for clothes. You can use custom inserts in your mailers for an extra touch of elegance and to ensure the safety of your items.
  • Colors: Using a singular color scheme that best represents your brand for your custom packages can help create awareness for your brand. For example, you can recognize the Tiffany blue box instantly. That is the power of strong branding!
  • Shape and Size: It is important to measure the right shape and size while choosing a custom package. This will prevent damage to the product and waste of packaging material.
  • Themes: By choosing themes, color, and patterns, you can communicate your brand image to customers and can attract new customers to your business.  For example, Starbucks used a red and green themed holiday cup design to bring some holiday joy to their customers.

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Eco-friendly packaging is the kind of packaging that reduces its environmental footprint. When David Attenborough issued a call to action to combat plastic waste in the second series of Planet Earth II, searches for “plastic recycling” saw a dramatic uplift of 55%. His call to action went far beyond internet searches, leading to more environmental documentaries and with the passage of time, with government initiatives, corporate pledges, and greener business initiatives,  we are now witnessing an increased demand for eco-friendly packaging.

Customers are now more conscious about sustainable practices of brands they purchase from. Hence, implementing greener practices has now become the cornerstone for most businesses. Most brands seek out eco-friendly packaging to align with their sustainable business practices.

Eco-friendly packaging is implemented in a number of ways:

  • Ingredients: Raw or recycled materials, sourced responsibly (FSC certified)
  • Reusability: Creating a circular economy around the packaging, extending its life cycle and usability.
  • Production process: Solar-powered plants at production site, reducing carbon footprint
  • Shipping process: Ships in its own container (SIOC) (allows for less waste and a better unboxing experience)

Benefits of Custom Sustainable Packaging:

Custom packaging and sustainable packaging can go hand in hand when brands ensure that they source their boxes through companies that are FSC certified and use recyclable packaging materials in the manufacturing process. Here are some of the benefits of using customized packaging that is also eco-friendly:

Creates Brand Awareness

In custom packaging, you can use your brand’s logo, colors and themes to make your package more appealing to your customers. Custom packaging is a great way to make your brand stand out. By incorporating these branding elements into your packaging, you are automatically creating brand awareness. The instant your product arrives your customer will know what is inside the box just by looking at the packaging.

Custom Packaging is More Functional and Practical

Size matters! Custom packaging allows you to select the dimensions and sizes that are optimal for your product. Choosing the correct sizing for your package helps reduce waste as well as there is no extra packaging that needs to fill up the landfills.

Better For the Environment

Most custom packages are made using eco-friendly raw materials. These help in waste reduction. Most custom packaging boxes are recyclable or reusable.

Eco-friendly manufacturing companies also don’t use chemicals that are harmful to the environment while producing papers. They don’t cause any harm to the atmosphere and aquatic life.

Conclusion

Customized, environmentally friendly packaging has a key role in every business. It helps boost sales, make your branding stronger, and invite new customers.

Your customers will be excited when they open a well-designed custom box that is also great for the environment and less wasteful!

This post is by Phil Akhzar, CEO & Founder of Arka, a custom packaging design company.