Tag Archives: supply chain

What are Packaging Inserts

Packaging is great for marketing the stuff that you have, but you also need to look at more than just the box where this came from. Box inserts are actually a great way to enhance, and boost the branding, elevating the experience of unboxing.

It also can be good for cross-selling, feedback, and a personalized connection that comes with the market you’re going for. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits, and options of these inserts.

What Inserts Are

Inserts are some new additions that are put within the packaging, making a better, more impactful type of unboxing experience.

They include materials that are printed, product types of samples, and even tiny gifts that care divided into two types of categories.

They are:

Inserts for the boxes
Promotional types of inserts.

The box ones are used for product protection, to further support these products so that they get to the doorstep of a customer safely.

While the primary focus is to protect, the printing on these is possible for box inserts, to offer more branding to the interior of the box through shapes, patterns, even text sometimes.

Promotional inserts on the flip side are what communicate to the customers for another reason rather than the product itself. Thank-you, inserts of the product samples, or even code discounts are put there. the goal of these is to bring value and also build the connections of the customer.

Types of Inserts

Now that you’ve got an idea of the two main categories, let’s talk about each type of insert.

First, we’ll go over the box inserts. Box inserts do range from a simpler type of product to more complex variants of materials, depending on each of the products themselves.

Some more common material types include:

Corrugated cardboard
Foam
Molded pulp
Plastic or blister packs

Foam is the most common because they’re super lightweight, so they won’t eat your shipping costs. They also are mostly resistant to wear and scratches.

It also is great for glass products, or anything that’s fragile like a camera lens, since they provide extra protection against shocks and jars.

Corrugated ones are another very versatile option and are used for durability and protection of these products during the shipping process. It also maintains sustainability by offering recyclable and renewable materials.

But, despite the fact that they offer less protection, they are also better for high quality printing, finishing, and sustainability, which is something that foam inserts may not be able to accomplish.

Molded pulp or a plastic one is much similar to the other two, but they are a bit different. They cannot have printing on them due to the texture of the surface. They also offer more precise molding, however, which is cool for a lot of people.

There are some differences between molded pulp and plastic though. molded pulp is good for protection and is good for sustainability. Plastic however, unlike molded pulp, is not as eco friendly, but it’s actually more food safe, which is why some people use it.

Plastic, compared to molded, is also more lightweight, but offers greater protection. But, plastic inserts, despite their problems with environmental sustainability, are still very common in the food and medical industries.

Printing on these only works on paper, or the cardboard ones. However, most people don’t print on these a lot. They might if they know that it’ll enhance the unboxing that comes with this.

Overall, look at your options, and see which type of insert will work for the needs you have.

Retention Vs Suspension Packaging

Both suspension along with air cushioning are two forms of packaging that are good if you don’t want to use packing peanuts or other materials.

But which one is better? What’s the ideal option if you’re looking to use this, and why should one or the other be used?

Here, we’ll give you some information, and also give you some cool tips to really get the best out of the packaging that you use.

Suspension Packaging

This is where you put items within inserts, and they’re suspended. Usually, a film is put around this item, so it stays in one place. The combination of both suspension and retention are great for protecting items from this damage, and also offers space between these items and the packaging edges.

This is very popular for ecommerce markets, especially when products are usually more fragile. There are also a lot of benefits that come with this, rather than just safety.

Suspension packaging odes offer the following benefits:

They’re simple, so you can pretty much put anything in there, and it’s the ideal solution for all packaging
They are great because you don’t need to buy a whole bunch of machinery just to make this work. It doesn’t require as much expense, or training either.
They’re affordable, and usually don’t require a whole lot of expensive foam to do this. it’s also very easy to store the items
It’s cleaner too, so you’re not having to worry about getting stuff everywhere. That means less of a mess, and customers will be far less upset when they are able to easily get their items out.
Finally, cardboard is more sustainable, and it does give it the edge. It also uses far less materials, which does amplify this

Air Pillows

Air pillows are becoming a lot more common as a replacement when you compare this to packaging peanuts.

They’re essentially little rolls of plastic that’s flat, with little pockets within. You inflate this, and air is there. it then is sealed, cushioning these items so that it doesn’t jostle about when it’s there.

The very common in ecommerce because it’s good for holding those more delicate items that are out there, giving it a stuck palace to sit while being transported.

It also is much cheaper than other types of packaging options that come with this, and there are a lot of great options for your to enjoy. If you’re someone looking to save money, then you’ll want to look at this.

The benefits of air pillows are as follows:

They’re lightweight, so if you’re shipping stuff that has a bit of extra weight, you can reduce your expenses this way, making this far more affordable for the business, and for the customers that are getting the items as well.
They’re affordable, and usually are much cheaper than even foam packaging, or packaging peanuts as well.
They’re compact, so along with saving money on this shipping, it also saves a lot of warehouse space. This is something that starts out initially as a plastic roll, so it takes up far less space.
They also are good as well for eco friendliness. Foam peanuts along the like are usually not. Not only that, but this is also pretty clean too, and air pillows are less obtrusive.

Both of these packaging types are great, but when to use them is dependent on the needs.

In general, use suspension packaging when you want to minimize damage risk. Air pillows are good for products that are lightweight, and also don’t take up a ton of packaging space either.

Pallet Stretch Wrapping to Secure Shipments Better

Pallet stretch wrapping has been popular since the 1970s, when it came out as a better, more affordable type of shrink wrapping, while the early wraps didn’t have the stretch rate we see today, this has evolved into many different ways over time, with lots to choose in terms of options.

Most people don’t know that there are options, so here’s but a few that we love.

Pallet Wrapping with Holes

This is called vented pallet wrapping. These holes are made with a die cut in order to obtain the best airflow. They usually are limited, and they keep the condensation otherwise. This airflow is vital for wrapping frozen foods, produce, and a whole lot more. Most companies that wrap this do it to trap moisture within this. This moisture that’s trapped does cause your produce to spoil much faster but with holes, it allows the air to escape, and it reduces spoilage.

It also helps with condensation issues, a major problem for frozen foods due to the changes in temperature. With pallet wrapping, this condensation then refreezes, and from there ice crystals begin to form on the outside of this packaging. They don’t look good, but with pallet wrapping with holes, it can prevent the condensation from forming, and prevents these packaging options from being torn up and damp.

Pallet Wrapping for a Machine

This is one with decades of use. This is one that’s evolved a lot due to the different wrappers that are there. this resin formula also does change too. In order to make this possible, various extruders will melt the resin pellets that are formed, creating a thin, unique line.

As they melt, a lot of additives get thrown in there, and for the most part, it provides different types of characteristics, including stretch rate, and also has a capability of stretching to many levels. It can reduce the usage and the costs of the film. But there is no amount that doesn’t prevent the tearing, especially if it has an extreme amount of stretch.

When you’re looking for this type of wrapping, check out the many different options that are there. Normal gauged types of pallet wrapping is the status quo for many, but it’s not as prevalent as it was previously.

The equivalent stretch wrapping makes a lot of the pallet wrapping that’s sold today. There are different varieties, with the main characteristics of this being thinner, and much more compatible and even equivalent in order to keep the retention. You should always ask for a sample when you’re talking to suppliers, since they can give you many options.

Handled Pallet Wrapping

This is one that comes with a core that’s the standard 3 inches. The insides of this can be uncomfortable for some people, and you need to roll this pretty tight in order to apply this.

But that’s where the pallet stretch wrapping with handles comes from. The core is just one inch, so it’s very easy for you to use, and a lot of companies that wrap different stuff in many areas will use this. The rolls become much easier to put together, and it causes much less stress on your hands during the application process. The best part is that it’s easy for someone to recycle it, as you can discard this pretty quickly.

Stretch wrapping has a variety of uses, and here, we’ve given you a few of them, so that, when you’re able to use this, you can create the ideal stretch wrapping experience for your goods and needs too.

How to Make Food Packaging POP

If you’re someone who is stumped on how to bring your cupcakes and cake pops, or even jams and cakes to others, you’re not alone. The typical plastic container is so last season, and you want to use something that’s more eco friendly, while also looking good.

Well, we have the answer, and our food packaging is definitely quite unique, and provides you with a fun experience that you can do.

Food packaging doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s actually quite simple. The first thing to do is to measure the food packaging that you have, and the product itself. Chances are, you’re using something that’s not the right fitting size.

Because of the advent of digital printing, there are now more ways than ever before to build and make packaging that really stands out. And what’s better, is if you’re not sure on whether a design will work, you can now purchase food packaging that runs only about 50 or so copies, so you can determine for yourself if this is the right option for you.

The beauty of this packaging is its versatility. All of these come with snap lock base boxes, so they snap close, and will lock. This is great because it allows for product protection without having to add seals and other aspects. They’re easy to fold together, and then, once you have everything in place, you can place the items in there.

These are pretty sturdy and will withstand most jostles to a small degree. It might not survive from a high fall, but it may keep most of the product intact.

Now, let’s talk about design. Remember when we said these could be used for jams as well as cakes and other baked items? That’s true. To put a product like that in there, just insert the jar, and then close this. The cool thing about this is that it’s very easy for you to get this set up, boosting the capabilities of this, wherever possible.

As for the types of designs to make on this, the sky’s the limit. Your front is where you want to focus, and you should add the name of the product, the logo, and important graphics. For instance, orange jams may require you to put some oranges on there, and strawberries for strawberry jams. Whatever the case, go for packaging colors that fit the brand.

If you have pink cake pops, consider a pastel color for these, as that will help with improving the way that this looks.

The top of this can have the name of the product there, for ease of use. There are a lot of great ways for you to incorporate this, building the different aspects of the product however you wish to.

Finally, we’ve got the back of the box and the sides. The back of the box can include nutritional information, which you can add into there if you need to. Not every single vendor may include the nutritional information for cake pops, but it’s a thought to consider, especially when you’re trying to improve your ability to boost the sales of the products that are here.

Finally, there’s the top. While it might not seem like much, there are still unique ways for you to boost this. consider adding some nice little design to the top of this to really add a nice effect.

Overall, food packaging is a great way to improve your items, and the right food packaging can win over customers. Consider these options when choosing to change your packaging too.

Creating Printing Files for Packaging Designs

One thing that you’ll want to know how to do when you’re creating customized packaging, is make printing files for this.

Designing the right printing files is vital to your project’s success. This is because the source files have all of the information necessary to create great graphics, and results with the colors, and there are different elements which are positioned and designed based on the rules to avoid the ongoing problems with printing.

Most printing files must be created in what’s called CMYK mode to start with.

You can download different die cut templates that have printing files. Your die cut is made up of three different kinds of paths. The green lines, which talk about the way the artwork needs to be extended outwards, the blue lines that talk about where the artwork will have some trimming, and then red lines that indicate the precise location for folding and scoring the box.

The colors as well must not be used in the printing files that are there, because they do represent the way that the manufacturing information works. Some graphic elements that are realized through the spot colors options are not printed, or they may indeed get processed by the colors used for manufacturing.

Some beginners will look at this and think that their graphics should not cross the lines to cut. This, however, is an incorrect thought, and ultimately, it depends on every single case. If you’ve got a background that’s colored, or an image that’s extended outwards towards these green boarders, during the creasing and die cutting part of this, your paperboard sheets might have some level of displacement based on microns, which is precisely why these graphics must be extended in order to bleed out so that the border isn’t totally white.

Due to the requirements for the sheets, it’s vital to put together pictures, texts, and symbols that are 3/5 of a mm minimum from both the red and the blue lines, in order to stop them from being cut up, or on the crease itself.

When you do this, try to overprint, because for these templates, this properly manages the colors. Be default as well, when you print out these colors and they overlap, the top color usually knocks out those under all of this.

Overprinting is oftentimes used to prevent the knockout of these colors, making them seem more transparent when it’s done in relation to the ink that’s underlying.

It’s vital to ensure that overprinting is done for the text in black that’s placed within backgrounds that are colored so that they aren’t out of register, a term that means that the text is not overlapping with backgrounds.

If this is not overprinted, there’s a white, bordered part of each of these typefaces.

In order to set the overprinting in your photo editing software, you’ve got to select the die cut layers, place this forward, and from there, choose the multiply layer effects.

Then there is the black that goes along with this in the background colors, and the percentages are usually 100 just for the K a value. But, if you want to; enjoy a black background, and the K provided is not enough, you will have to change out the values of this, and the percentages ultimately depend on the technologies used.

For images with higher resolutions, you want to make sure that the images, texts, and logos orientation is done based on what’s on the box. Die cut templates show these external sides of the packaging as it’s opened, and each side makes the last part of the box.

The Biggest Packaging In the World

We really want to tell you about something big, like really big. This big part is the biggest packaging that you can get.

Here, we’ll talk about why this is really important. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that they do contain products, and a lot of times, big packaging gives you a chance to offer both aesthetics and functionality. This is a great form of advertising too, and it’s something that’s partially why it’s really good for ensuring that you have the right packaging size.

When it happens, for instance, some of them might even break world records, or even similar records out there.

The other reason why some people might use this is to communicate, as it does provide a unique, compelling reason and purpose for you to have the item. This is because it’s used in a variety of cases as a guerilla marketing campaign. This is because it does show the purpose of the item, and also shows how exciting and fun these new packaging experiences can be too.

Making a large package is very eye-catching, along with being emotional for a lot of cases. It’s something that works on a smaller type of scale too. It also incorporates the surprise effect, this is one that does leave the market that you wish to have on the customers, a memory of what’s to come. In some cases, the memory might be so ingrained and important that the product might even go viral in some cases.

You want to make products unforgettable, and a big package will do just that.

So what are some examples? Well, Thornton, a candy company, had a “moments” collection for their chocolates. This was a huge box of chocolates inside. It shows to others that it’s okay to share the moment.

There are also cereal companies that love to use this for a reason. Honey Bunches of Oats, a healthy cereal that a lot of people love, is one example of this. This is a marketing campaign where they used a huge box, showing the importance of a balanced breakfast, while also creating a very profound effect through the use of the packaging that they offer. It was miraculous, and quite beautiful as well, a real winner for you.

Then there’s amazon. We know Amazon because of their delivery services, highlighting a two-day delivery or even sooner in a lot of places. With this delivery box, you’ll see amazon coming from a mile away, or sometimes even further. They used a marketing campaign where they put the box on a big truck, to showcase how fast they work, and how important they are.

With big packaging, you can create an effect. While the world is going more minimal with their packaging, for packaging showcases, it’s best to consider going big with them, as they can create an effect.

The one downside is that they may be purely for cosmetic purposes only, to the point where it might not be usable for you in a lot of cases. But, with the newest additions to the realm of packaging, there are now more ways than ever for you to get everything that you need to.

When choosing the right packaging, and choosing the ideal state of packaging, you want to have a box, and one that’s quite beautiful, for your packaging needs. You’ll be able to, with this packaging, highlight and create the best results possible. Through this, you’ll be able to craft and enjoy packaging that really stands out and appeals to others.

How to Use Subscription Boxes to Think outside the Box

If you’re someone who is interested in getting gifts whenever they want, even monthly, then they’re going to love subscription boxes. The excitement of new stuff, combined with a gratification from businesses for your patronage, bring you the best option for those who love it.

The model provides a success to fundamental changes in the logic of purchasing. Customers aren’t interested in owning, but rather, getting services and assets. This business type model only applies to services at first, but now you can get different subscriptions for everything, from clothing to tech products to even food.

Subscription boxes are packages that get delivered when you sign up for something, and they contain products that are new, hard to find, or unique too.

There are two primary subscription box types that are there. Those are the ones that offer the same type of products to other people. The second one is providing a type of item that a subscriber wants.

The main focus, however, is packaging, a s this is the key part of this. This is because packaging protects these contents within. You also need packaging in order to create a “wow effect” when they unbox this, which is what gets people excited for this.

But, consumers are attentive to this, so some caution needs to be done. Packaging needs to be made so it is sustainable to the environment, minimizing anything not needed, or any wrapping materials which are cumbersome.

Here, we’re going to look at a few of the major subscription boxes that are planning to leverage the attention of customers. Many customers will be satisfied, to the point where not only do they share the brand experiences, but they get others involved, getting them to purchase these same things.

Beauty Box Subscriptions

The first is Abiby, which is an Italian portal that was launched back in 2018, and two entrepreneurs founded this one. This offers subscription box services for cosmetics, providing customers with this. it’s made directly from kraft cardboard that’s corrugated, and then personalized with the Abiby logo in monochrome. This is characterized for being clean, minimalist, and basic, but the anticipation of the packaging within provides a level of excitement to the unboxing experience.

The reading Box

Reading is another one, and reading in heels, a subscription company that’s designed for women and readers who love contemporary fiction, enjoy. The members can choose the fiction that they want to read, and a bunch of beauty and other luxury products that they can enjoy. With a box that’s fancy, continuing new books every single month, there are also some treats a person can enjoy when they read these boxes.

With a lid and bottom on the box, you can get stylistic graphics and designs that really resonated with the audience that you’re targeting. There are also elegant lines, a logo that’s based on a sale within the background, and also texture reproducing and refined marble there. All a reader needs to do is open this up, enjoy the body and mind feeding that these products provide for you, giving you the best experience for reading too.

The Box of Style

There are also box styles too. Box of style for example, is one that’s created by a fashion designer by the name of Rachel Zoe, and this is a woman who is known for dressing celebrities. It comes with a box, and some accessories from brands.

You want to look at the different ways for you to keep track of these boxes and take advantage of trends as well for you.

Lifestyle Brands and Their Packaging

Lifestyle brands are starting to look at their packaging, and many have started to make changes to influence their packaging and consumers.

You might not notice this right away, but these brands do embody the positions and values of different groups of people. Through this, they boost audience loyalty and also are able to leverage their sales to improve them. It brings a sense of belonging to the users that are here too.

There are different brands with a ton of influence that goes beyond just functioning, so it’s not just the product, but the identification of the values that this has with your brand. It also is good for focusing on how brands will promise and from there, improve the world around them too.

Examples of this

This type of sector is usually affected by food and other sectors related to that.

With more and more consumers interested in being healthy, food comes like this, and the diets come based on both ecological and ideological choices that were there.

One example of this is the “made in Italy” brand which does echo a call of being genuine, offering a quality taste, and also being really good for you too.

A lot of people like this too because it’s a product that praises itself for being light, and free from lactose, glucose, and other nasty components that people attempt to avoid as much as they can.

It is something that’s grown a lot too, with more and more people choosing the vegan, veggie, and the vegetarian brands of these foods, and it’s increased their sales by over 5% in a lot of cases.

This is something that’s a manifesto for a lot of people and is a true mission for many people that are there in a variety of different ways.

Food origin labels are slowing down in growth though. The plus sign is actually one that is still being used, and it is still popular on certain brands of food.

There is also an increasing need for clarification of different environmental factors on some of these products. This has caused a growth in the turnover rate, as more and more people are looking for foods that are tasty, but also are healthy for you.

Not to mention, another interesting sector that’s grown is non-GMO foods. This is one that’s on the rise, with more and more people looking for these varieties of foods.

This is something that a lot are looking for, as with the additions of different toxic chemicals in our foods now, a lot are becoming more aware of this. through choosing these healthier foods and other brands, it allows you to get the best types of food that you can, and also tells you about the different health-conscious choices that you can make.

This isn’t just for vegetarians and vegans either. A lot of people are choosing foods that are labeled as healthier, whether for health and wellness issues, to help with weight loss, or even just to have a healthier outlook on life.

Lifestyle brands need to start looking at this type of packaging for their products, and this is important, because you can make different prototypes as well with the pertinent information and different characteristics, print this out to others, and get it to people all throughout the world. Even with limited runs or small groups of people buying this, it’s imperative to look at this. consider this when you manage lifestyle brands, and also make it so that you can print, and from there build the brand too.

How to Avoid Shipping Mistakes

Shipping is fun, but it’s also one that can be a bit stressful. It also can be expensive when you try to handle the service levels, and other changes of accessories.

Here are different tips to help you avoid these shipping mistakes that are all too common.

Let Customers Choose

Did you know that you can leave it to the customer to determine when it’ll be there. Some want it super-fast. Others are willing to wait a little bit. It actually was something that some customers wanted, but others are fine with up to seven days. Not as many will pay more for shipping.

Offer different options, so that they can choose whether they want this to be there fast, or if they want to save some money.

Listen to your Customers

Customers will give feedback on the packaging, and it’s up to you to listen.

If there are complaints about the dimes for delivery, it’s up to you to choose better, and sometimes a bit pricier, shipping options.

If they’re amazed and happy, that means you’re not dropping the ball, and subverting their expectations, offering better customer satisfaction. You can also use shipping options that are a little slower too.

Use Correct Packaging

This is very important because this is what protects the contents inside and is what builds the image of the brand. It also determines how carriers are going to charge you.

Use the right packaging. Don’t try to skimp and save money by shipping stuff in boxes clearly too small, or without any bubble wrap. You should use a box that’s new, with up to two inches of various cushioning.

The packaging is vital, as this is what will protect your product, build the brand image, identity, and also determine the carrier charges.

You want to use the ideal packaging for this. don’t just try to skimp on by, and don’t try to ship anything without any protection such as bubble wrap. Keep a couple inches of cushioning there to protect the goodies.

Don’t Guess the Shipping

This is something that some companies do. They’ll try to get packages out, and then, you run out of the box to use for this. you’ll then get another box, but then it’s larger than the regular. You can use the item and then get it out, but the problem is, you’re now paying a bit more to ship, since you’re using something bigger.

This is something that a lot of people do, and it’s a huge mistake. You should avoid wasting any money if you research the costs of shipping. Depending on the carrier that you’re able to use, you might get charged for different items, such as delivery on Saturday, and surcharges of fuel, deliveries and signatures, and also delivery charges for residential areas.

Remember that you should know these all in advance, so that you won’t have to pay for different delivery features that aren’t important to yourself, or the customers at hand.

You want to make sure that you’ve got the right shipping options, and also so that you can get the best options.

Track Shipping Supplies

You finally want to make sure that you’ve got shipping supplies tracked. Track your inventory of shipping. This is important because they’re necessary to send out to your customers and are important for your success.

Track all of these right away, and if you have reorder points, make sure to follow these. That way, you won’t have to worry about this running out, and you’ll be able to store these for usage down the line.

Differences in Stretch Film

There are many kinds of stretch film that offer a variety of uses. The varieties of this do address some common problems including the size of the load, the weight of this, and the like. There are also stretch films that you can get that are used to protect the UV rays from getting into the product, reduce the static, which is great for electronics, reduce condensation of the product, and the like.

There are two major types of stretch film, the blown stretch film, and there is the cast stretch film. Here, we’ll talk about these types, and other common ones.

Blown Stretch Film

This is one that’s created through blown extrusion and that process utilizes a vertical sort of die that extrudes out the plastic, melting it to create a tube that’s thin. The air then gets blown directly into the center portion of the tube, forming air bubbles with this.

The amount of this that’s blown does determine the width overall of the film that’s finished. They constantly rotate the film, so the speed of this and how it gets pulled in an upward manner determines the film’s thickness.

While it travels upwards to the nip rollers at the top, this film starts to cool down. Once that bubble is then collapsed onto a tube that’s flat, they then move this to the next set of rollers, and from there, they then are woven to the core, and for larger ones, one side of this sits to create a large width of stretch film.

The advantages of this are that you can use this for higher loads and it has a better stretch capacity. It’s also considered better for the load retention that you need. It’s also better in terms of memory, so it’ll stay in a tight manner for a much longer time period. It’s also resistant to tearing, and it’s great for loads that have edges which are sharp.

This tends to be more expensive though, so the costs of this do tend to be a problem for others. It’s also got a chance that it might not be as clear, due to the crystallization that happens with this.

Cast Stretch Film

This is made with cast extrusion, and in this process, they utilize a die that’s horizontal, and from there, they melt the plastic, force this through that horizontal die, and from there, it then sits flat, and it comes out in a shape that’s flat. The size of this does determine how thick it is.

It then goes through some nip rollers that are chilled, and then, the trim is then made in a way that’s a specified type of width, and this is done after they cool this film. The film then gets pushed over the other chilled rollers, and further cooled. Then, at the end of this, is where the film gets placed, and they get packaged into cases so that they can be shipped.

It’s much cheaper, and it usually costs a lot less. It’s also better for clarity and optics too, since the film gets cooled down faster during cast extrusion, and the crystals are far less here.

They also have better tear resistance too. The biggest disadvantage is that over time, it doesn’t really hold the shape, so it’s bad for load retention. So if you’re going to be using this for a long period of time, you may want to consider using the blown options, rather than cast, so that it keeps the same integrity that it’s had up to this point too.