Packaging doesn’t have to just house a product. It can be a shelf, a cup holder, and so much more. some even become display cases or storage. Some figurines for example, can be put up, creating a unique display that a lot of people love.

This is multi-functional packaging, a popular form of packaging that offers an added form of convenience, and a means to design the packaging into product accessories for more convenient means, and here, we’ll go over how you can make your packaging have a secondary use. 

Designing for Usage 

The best way to make multi-functional packaging a possibility is look at the product and figure out what would work as a means to help this time.

For example, a dress that is in a box that will change into a hanger is a good one. 

Another one, is an item that also is used to create a display case, or storage means. Some makeup brands will do this with their makeup items, so that the person can put it in there. 

It’s fun, and you can do this with adding tabs for them to cut, and instructions on how to do so. 

When you do this, you want to make sure that a convenience is used for this.   think about what you can add to make it so that you’re able to improve their lives.   You should also look at incorporating the packaging overall into the experience, ensuring that people know their packaging doubles as product features as well.   making it so that there’s a double usage for this, and also making sure that you’re able to give them something that they will enjoy is a great additive, and will make it even more fun for everyone. 

The Benefits of This 

Why would it matter if someone has a product that’s designed for multiple uses. Well first, it offers a value that’s definitely unique and interesting. People feel even more encouraged to actually keep the packaging and reuse it, so it’s more sustainable for everyone. It does reduce waste, because they have a reason for keeping it.

It also maintains customer engagement. The more customers engage with a product, the better they’ll be. they’ll tell their friends, and let them know a bit more about the product, adding value. Toys, beverages that have a cup holder, and even tech products definitely work in this sphere. 

The challenges to Functional Packaging for Multiple Uses 

The biggest one is to make it look good. Make sure when you design this, you make it so that customers will want to use it as a hanger, or a storage container, or even a place to display the item.

For example, having an item with a cool background may encourage them to keep it around to display.   But, try not to make this more complex than it needs to be.   Sometimes some brands make this really complex, and in turn, users don’t want anything to do with it.   making it innovative and doubling as features will get them to keep it.

The second is sustainability. You should aim for cardboard or paper products, but if there are any plastic items, try to incorporate those as well so that you’re able to make it easier to keep everything, and so that you’re not disposing of it.

Ideally, try to design the packaging so that there’s added value to the item. Give them a reason to keep it, but also not compromising the purpose of branding, protection, and so much more.   do this, you’ll get customers keeping the items for the long haul.