Creating Eco-Friendly Packaging

Businesses have realized that eco-friendly packaging is the way to go if they want to build a good brand image and satisfy consumers’ desires to be less harmful to the environment. To be eco-friendly, packaging should be made from a sustainable natural source, be recyclable and reusable. This reduces the negative impact that the materials would have on the environment by ensuring they are not harmful if disposed of and will not tamper with the limited natural resources we have. Here are some tips on how to properly develop packaging that meets this criterion.

Find Sustainable Sources

Businesses should work with box makers that have identified sustainable sources for the materials they use in making their eco friendly boxes. There are many parts of the world where sustainable forests have been created. They apply a cycle of planting and harvesting that ensures a steady supply of raw materials for manufacturing without the need to tap into natural forest reserves. They also tend to focus on fast-growing trees and plants that can be managed and relied on for this steady supply.

Keep It Simple

When designing your packaging, it is helpful to stick to simple designs that do not involve the mixing of materials. Packaging that mixes options like cardboard with plastic can make it harder for the packaging to later be recycled. This then leads to more waste which is bad for the environment. Especially when part of the waste is not biodegradable. If you require printing on your packaging, ensure your box maker uses eco-friendly inks that will not compromise the eco-friendliness of your packaging.

Encourage Reuse

When selecting designs for your eco friendly boxes, try to choose something that will encourage reuse. Specialty packaging like mailers and folding cartons tend to have sturdier designs that encourage people to store them away for later reuse. The more such boxes get reused, the less pressure there is to produce more sustainable raw materials for manufacture. This is another benefit to the environment to aim for.

Indicate Eco-Friendly Packaging

Ensure that your eco-friendly packaging indicates that it is made from sustainable sources and can be recycled. While consumers do want to support businesses that use this packaging, they may not necessarily know how to recognize it. When you mark your packaging appropriately, they will become more familiar and able to recognize the standard. There are different symbols you can use for this. You can also use labels that briefly detail your use of such packaging and why it matters.

Affordable Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

If you run a small business, you may find it helpful to look into ways of minimizing the cost of your packaging and shipping needs. Corrugated cardboard boxes are the most popular option for shipping thanks to their ability to safeguard contents and be cost-effective. If you want to cut down on the cost of having to order these boxes, or need a way to bridge the gap as you wait on your order from a box maker, here are some simple ways you can secure them affordably.

Local Stores

You will find that many local supermarkets, liquor stores, and other stores receive their stock of goods in shipping boxes. They will often unpack the contents without damaging the boxes, allowing for them to be easily reused. You can visit your local stores to ask if they do give away their boxes for free and when they are available. You may not be the only business interested in collecting the boxes so knowing when they put them out for others to pick is important. Always ensure that when you reuse such boxes, you have removed any shipping labels to avoid confusion with later shipping.

Shipping Companies

Many shipping companies like FedEx, DHL, and USPS offer free shipping supplies including corrugated cardboard boxes, labels, envelopes, tube mailers, and more to their clients. You will typically be expected to use their services to enjoy this benefit. Visit their local offices or make inquiries online to find out how to access these materials.

Discount Stores

Many discount retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Dollar Tree stock shipping materials like boxes corrugated in cardboard and other shipping supplies. You can buy them at a good price and even enjoy free shipping if you buy in bulk. You can save on transport costs by ordering a quantity that qualifies for free shipping and having this stock delivered right to your doorstep.

Comparison Shopping

If ordering shipping supplies from a box maker that is located far away, you may still be able to get short-term supply from a local manufacturer. The packaging industry is growing and you will likely find several possible suppliers in your region, especially if in a more urban or industrial area. Some comparison shopping can help you determine who offers the best deal. You can even use quotes to negotiate for cheaper deals, but keep in mind that you are more likely to get a discount the larger an order you place.

Why Choose Eco friendly Shipping Materials

Businesses have many options when it comes to choosing what shipping materials to use when sending out packages. Many will opt for options that have the least amount of impact on their bottom line. However, focusing on cost alone is not the best way to do business. Ecofriendly or green packaging and shipping supplies should be the top choice for several reasons.

Good for The Environment

We should all be concerned about how our activities impact the environment as we all live in it. Limiting our carbon footprint ensures that there is less pollution from carbon emissions. The more we can do to protect our environment, the better it will be for us and future generations. Ecofriendly shipping supplies mean less of a carbon footprint as they can either be recycled or more easily degrade without leaving harmful residue. They also come from sustainable sources that result in less interference with the limited natural resources of the planet.

Customer Buy-In

Consumers have become more conscious about how their activities affect the environment and the world they will leave behind for future generations. This includes the kinds of businesses they buy goods and services from. Many, particularly amongst the younger generations, prefer to align themselves with brands that are environmentally conscious in such ways as the type of shipping materials they use. This means that for businesses to keep thriving, they have to adopt and maintain values that align with those of their customers. This will be good for the environment and their revenues.

This trait can also contribute positively to the corporate image of the business and branding efforts. It demonstrates commitment and appreciation for the environmental and social aspects of the world we live in. Brands can use their commitment to these values as part of their marketing and can even result in gaining recognition in the industry.

Shipping Costs of Shipping Materials

One of the most common characteristics of Eco-friendly packaging and shipping supplies is that they are pared down. Efforts are made to keep the designs simple so they can be more easily reused, recycled, or degraded with a minimal carbon footprint. This also often means they are lightweight while designed to also be robust. You can easily see evidence of this with corrugated cardboard boxes. Their lightweight designs also mean that they add minimal cost to shipping expenses. Shipping costs are often tied to the weight and size of the package, so the less it weighs, the less expensive it is for the business to ship.

Making Effective Custom Labels

Custom labels are a great addition to product packaging when sending out orders. They are a good way to convey different messages to customers on receiving their packages and can even be used to better secure packaging. They are distinct and will often draw the eye of an observer, making them also ideal for branding purposes. More so when you pick unusual or colorful designs. however, to properly capitalize on this marketing opportunity, it is important to ensure you adhere to these tips.

Quality Materials

When designing custom printed labels, it is vital to ensure the materials are of good quality and are in keeping with the rest of the packaging. It can reflect badly on your brand if the label you apply is of poor quality and arrives damaged at its destination.

Color

As said, a colorful custom label is great for attracting attention when you want it. Avoid plain black and white designs that often go unnoticed and are therefore a waste of money to invest in. before you can share a message with observers, you need them to be able to notice the label. Thankfully, many providers offer a full range of color options that can be made glossy for even better results.

Shape

You may opt to use custom labels with basic designs like rectangular or circular shapes. However, it can be worthwhile and just as affordable to opt for more creative shapes and sizes that will combine with attractive coloring to draw the attention of whoever sees it. The more unique the overall design, the more curious a person will be to take a closer look and find out what message is being shared.

Message

Labels are not typically that large and are designed to briefly hold the attention of an observer and share a message. The message should therefore be brief. Sticking to a short but sweet message is the best way to get your message across without boring the observer and causing them to lose focus. It is also important to proofread the message. Spelling mistakes can again reflect badly on your brand and in this age of social media, can result in your going viral for the wrong reasons.

Imagery

It helps to pair your written message with colorful imagery that is captivating to look at. Whether it is a cartoon or hologram, choose a visual lure that will make it more worthwhile for an observer to take a closer look at your custom label.

Packing Shipping Boxes Like a Pro

While e-commerce has done much to help businesses continue to thrive even as people are more restricted in movement, it can be a headache to have to send out fragile products in shipping boxes. When you have a product that can easily be damaged, you run the risk of having to make a replacement, often at the cost of the business.

Furthermore, the time delay created by having to send out replacements can add to the dissatisfaction of the customer, encouraging them to take their business elsewhere. Getting the packing done right the first time will improve the chances that the product will arrive at its destination intact and make the positive impression you want with clients. Here is how to get started.

Packing

Fragile items should be carefully packed within the box so they are less affected by vibration and rough handling. Wrapping them up individually with extra padding like newspaper or bubble wrap can help keep them more stable and snugly fitted into the box. It will also help protect the individual items if you are packing more than one item per box. This can avoid them banging into each other as they are shipped.

Sizing

It is best to go for a size of the box that will snugly accommodate the product. Too big a box will mean the product will likely end up banging about inside while in transit, increasing the risk of damage. Too small and it may escape its confines and again, be vulnerable to injury.

Material

There are different types of shipping box materials and designs to choose from. Corrugated shipping boxes are a popular choice due to their affordability, good protection, lightweight design, and recyclable. If you need a more secure design, you can opt for more fluting. Mailers are more rigid and have a self-locking mechanism that makes them best for smaller fragile items. Consider consulting with your packaging supplier to determine what material and design of the box would be best for safeguarding fragile products for shipping.

Label clearly

During shipping, it is commonplace for staff to be less careful when handling boxes, especially when they have much work to do. It helps to remind them to take more care by labeling the boxes for shipping with stickers and writing on the box. They should indicate if the contents are fragile and are to be handled carefully. Some products may need to remain in a certain position, so you can label them “this side up”, alongside arrows. If the product requires special accommodations like refrigeration, it also helps to note this on the label and sides of the box.

Design Ideas to Make A Custom Gift Box Stand Out

There are good reasons to want to include a customized box in your range of packaging materials. Custom gift boxes tend to be more expensive but give the impression that the items inside are also of higher value. This perception often allows businesses that use them for packaging to boost their sales prices without impacting demand negatively.
The higher quality packaging also makes for a more enjoyable unboxing experience that some customers are likely to share with others, helping to boost brand visibility and recognition. Custom gift box designs can also be used to make the client feel special and appreciated by the business. This can make them more inclined to stay loyal and advocate for the brand to others. Here are some simple design ideas you can incorporate to make more of a positive impact on customers.

Share A Message

You can include a thank you message on the box to show your appreciation to clients. You can also switch this up during holiday periods to impart best wishes. Keep it short but sweet. You can also add include contact information like social media handles or a QR code to your business website as another way to engage with clients.

Choose A Special Box

Gift boxes in mailer design are a good option when designing gift boxes. They feature a self-locking feature that means no mess when opening the packaging. They are an elegant design that you can customize using different colors, imagery, and branding messages. This can be done on both the interior and exterior, providing ample surface on which to market your business. They also feature a more rigid design that makes them ideal for securing high-value or delicate products.

Branding

It is important to settle on a brand color and logo that will be consistently applied across your packaging. This helps to make brand recognition easier to reinforce. The choice of color and logo should be in keeping with the values of your organization and a good reflection of what you have to offer. You should also consider what kind of impression it makes on clients.

Custom Graphics

To make your custom gift box design distinct, it may not be best to just opt for a plain color. Mixing up the design with patterns, shapes, and/or imagery can help make your box design more unique. Try to ensure that whatever design you incorporate complements the rest of the design features rather than distract from them. The overall look should make a positive impression on whoever looks at it

Top Packaging Companies in Canada

Packaging companies in Canada
As you look towards establishing your brand in the market, you will find it important to identify the best packaging companies in Canada. These suppliers will be vital in helping your business grow and making a suitable impression on customers. Keep in mind that each time a customer receives your product, the first impression made will be off of the packaging of the item. The more they enjoy their unboxing experience, the more memorable your brand becomes to them and opportunities for securing more sales in the future.

While cost is a key consideration, it should not be the only factor in choosing a packaging supplier. Here are some tips for selecting the right packaging supplier.

Packaging Companies in Canada- Value Addition

When consulting with a packaging supplier, they should be very interested in what kind of products you offer and the impact you want to make with customers. They should be able to provide advice on what kinds of packaging will serve your needs and comply with industry regulations. They should also be able to offer guidance on such issues as Eco-friendly options and what will fit into your budget. From corrugated boxes to folding cartons, you will realize that there are many options when looking for a box in Canada.

Your supplier should also be able to offer design services that can be incorporated if you want to brand your packaging. Ensure you get samples of what the finished product will look like before deciding on which supplier to rely on. Good customer service is also key to sustaining a good ongoing working relationship with your supplier. Look into what kind of reputation the supplier you are considering has in dealing with their clients.

Scale

Though you may be starting as a small business, if all goes well, you can expect orders to grow and consequently your need for packaging. As you consider packaging companies in Canada, ensure they can scale up production to match your demand with time. They should also offer a variety of packaging materials to meet your needs. This can include boxes of various sizes, the inclusion of paper bags, packing tape, and so on.

Their production should be well organized so that you do not have to worry about the delivery of your order even as they are juggling more from other clients. A streamlined supply chain should be in place to avoid problems that may compromise their delivery of packaging when you need it. It also helps when they can offer discounts with bulk orders. This is standard practice in the industry that will help lower your costs.

Reducing The Risk Of Damage With Vodka Packaging

Whether you are a vodka maker, own a liquor store, or just love your spirits, you need to be concerned about vodka packaging. More so when you intend to transport your stocks and do not want to worry about any damage that could cause you financial loss. Most vodka brands will package the liquor in a glass bottle, meaning that if you are shipping, you have to worry about possible breakage. Here are some ways to ensure your stock of vodka gets to its desired destination in good shape.

Use Dividers in Vodka Packaging

If transporting multiple bottles rather than just one vodka box, pack them in a larger box and separate them individually using Styrofoam dividers. Make it as tight a fit as possible to reduce the amount of shifting during transit. The dividers should sit snugly against the bottles, restraining them from bumping into one another. You can obtain cardboard cell boxes from a liquor store that should already come with dividers.

Secure The Edges And Bottom

Ensure the box carrying your vodka bottles is well secured. Reinforce the edges with packing tape as this is where it is most likely to get bumped into. The bottom is also vulnerable due to friction so ensure it is soundly secured. Besides reinforcing with packing tape, consider adding another layer of cardboard internally to make it a firmer surface on which the bottles will sit during transit. You can also add some layers of paper or bubble wrap at the bottom as cushioning, especially if the box is tall, leaving room for the bottles to bounce around even when closed.

Wrap Them Up

If you cannot get dividers, opt to wrap up each bottle to secure it before placing it in a box. Do the same if the dividers or cell boxes you get leave too much room around the bottles. Adding wrapping around the bottles will let them fit more snugly and cope better with the rigors of transport. You can use newspaper or bubble wrap. Be sure to tape down the edges so the wrapping does not easily come undone.

Load Correctly

When loading your vehicle with the boxes containing vodka bottles, avoid stacking anything heavy on top. Be sure to label the box as fragile and breakable so that whoever is handling it will know to take extra care. To ensure good stability, also try to place them on the flattest surface such as the floor or bed of the truck. Keep the box away from the edge, such as the tailgate to avoid the risk of it falling over during unloading.

Things To Test Before Sending Out A Shipping Box

shipping box
As more consumers take advantage of the convenience of online shopping, businesses are being forced to adjust to accommodate shipping demands. Boxes for shipping and other packaging materials are now an essential expense for all types of businesses that deal in merchandise.

A common problem that less experienced businesses are however facing is damaged goods being delivered. It can be frustrating and costly to have to deal with returns due to shipments that were delivered in less than the assured condition. Costly because it compels the business to make a replacement of the product at their own cost.

This issue, therefore, makes it important to ensure certain checks are done before sending out packages for delivery. This is besides ensuring that you have invested in quality packaging that is suitable to the type of product being sent out and the challenges that may be faced during transit.

Shipping Box Label

Always ensure that the label on a shipping box is clearly displayed and legible. Ideally, it should be positioned on the vertical side that is largest. It may seem better to place the label on top, but boxes for shipping are often stacked and this can make a shipping label placed on top harder to view. The label should also be centrally placed. If you position it towards a corner, there is the risk of denting that could make the details on the label less discernible. Not to mention labels on corners are difficult for machines to read.

Weight

Be sure to ascertain the weight of your package before it goes out. Businesses should invest in accurate weighting machines for this purpose. This information should also appear on the label. Knowing the weight of a package can also help when stacking. It is important to ensure that the heaviest items are kept at the bottom of the stack to avoid damage to lighter boxes on top. If the weight is too much, you may also want to consider breaking up the contents into smaller packages.

Give It a Shake

Before you send out small and medium packages, give the shipping box a shake. You should not hear any noise indicating that the contents are moving around. If you however hear some noise, you will need to reopen the box and do some repacking. You can add stuffing like wrapping paper or packing peanuts to help better protect the contents. Alternatively, if you have them, use smaller boxes. This is a basic check that your shipping company may also conduct. If they think the contents are not well-secured, they may send you back with your package to repack.

Merits Of Hybrid Packaging

hybrid packaging
Various materials are utilized to create protective packaging solutions. These can include cardboard, wood, plastic, and metals. While you may be more accustomed to just one type of material being used to make packaging, there are also hybrid options.

Hybrid packaging refers to packaging solutions that are made up of more than just one material. It can also refer to different packaging designs that have been combined to amplify certain safety features in a box. The choice of materials that are combined will depend on what qualities you require for your product. This kind of packaging offers superior protection for products as the designs are customized to ensure maximum strength, safety, and stability. Hybrid boxes tend to be more expensive but still make for a good investment for several key reasons.

Hybrid Packaging Re-usability

The stronger construction of hybrid boxes makes them highly durable and easy to make repeated use of. They are designed to offer extra safety, even with rough handling and long transit. being able to be reused means that they are of great benefit when it comes to environmental concerns. Those that receive them can easily retain them for a long time without needing to source for other packaging materials.

Cost-Effective

In certain industries where these boxes are used for B2B transactions, they can be emptied and taken back for reloading. This is helpful in terms of cost. So despite the initial high outlay for buying the boxes, their ability to be reused means reduced need to keep buying packaging materials, hence providing good savings in the medium to long term.

Fewer returns

The superior protection afforded by hybrid packaging is good for business. Currently, an increasing number of businesses are having to adapt to the online shopping demands of consumers. Many consumers are not even based locally, meaning arrangements have to be made to ship products further afield.

When products arrive damaged, customers will often seek to return them and have the business replace the item at their own cost. To preserve their reputations, businesses tend to comply with this demand. Despite how much extra it can cost to have to cover the additional item and ship it. Opting for this protective packaging is a good way to limit the risk of products being damaged in transit and the business being left responsible for making replacements. This may be especially useful to businesses that deal in high-end commodities and any items being shipped overseas where the cost of transport is much higher.