No matter if you sell a cosmetic product or a food product, packaging boxes are an indispensable part of almost all businesses. With myriad options in the market, it’s understandable that most sellers feel confused as to which packaging solution to pick.

To help you with that, we have listed the most popular packaging options and how to select the best one. You may also want to work with a packaging specialist for expert advice.

 

What Are Different Types of Packaging Boxes? 

Paperboard Boxes

The best thing about paperboard packages is they are easy to print in rich colors. You can also line them with materials like plastic. Paperboard is easy to fold which makes them great for retaining boxes including spirit box packaging.

On a market aisle and store shelves, they look quite appealing. Toys, cosmetics, stationery, pharmaceuticals, liquor, cigarettes, and electronics – all prefer paperboards for packaging their products. What’s more, the boxes are easily recycled unless the box is printed with metalized ink or covered in plastic lamination.

Corrugated Boxes

Light and sturdy, corrugated boxes are a fine choice. These are made of folded corrugated paper boards. The structure of a typical box entails switching of arched or flute boards between layers of lining boards made out of heavy paper. Based on the flute or archer density, you can choose from different kinds. You can also go with varying thicknesses to best suit your product.

Retail and food packaging generally prefers low-cost, lighter corrugated boxes. Pizza boxes, on the other hand, prefer single-walled corrugated boards. The best thing is, these are easy to recycle (with the exception of laminated ones).

Aseptic Cartons

These multi-layered cartons are used for storing liquid products. Think of items like soups, desserts, baby food, juices, etc. Aseptic packaging helps in increasing the shelf life of the product while also preserving the color, texture, and nutritional value of the item.

Aseptic packaging can endure harsh weather conditions like high temperatures. The boxes do not corrode even when the product inside is acidic. The most renowned name in aseptic carton manufacturing is TetraPak. Note that aseptic boxes are not easy to recycle.

Plastic Boxes

Plastic is recyclable and is much more durable than paper or corrugated boxes. For food products that need protection against contamination, plastic is a great option as plastic containers are airtight. They offer incredible strength and do not break easily. They can bear harsh weather conditions. What’s more, plastic packaging lets users see the actual product without opening the package.

Rigid Boxes

Rigid boxes or set-up boxes are mostly used for packaging expensive, luxurious, high-end items like Rolex watches, jewelry, cosmetics, gadgets, and iPhones. Understandably, they are a lot more expensive than other kinds. Rigid boxes are highly durable and give a premium look. The boxes are made of highly condensed paper, more than a typical paperboard that retailers used for standard folding cartons.

Chipboard Packaging

This type of packaging is mostly used for medical, food, liquid, cosmetic, and electronics items. The containers are made of recycled paper stock. It’s easy to cut and fold. Chipboard packages are highly cost-effective.

They happen to be lightweight which is why they’re not good for heavy items. Chipboard packages are great for grocery products like tissue boxes, cereals, and crackers.

If you store products in a humid area with high moisture content, avoid chipboard as moisture could easily weaken their structural integrity. It could result in discoloration and expansion.

 How to Choose the Right Box for Your Packaging Needs?

The type of carton to pick would largely depend on the nature/genre of products you deal in and the overall business need. So, for example, if you are in the moving and packing business, you would need something sturdy to handle the heavy product shipping. In that case, go for corrugated boxes. For smaller items, paperboard boxes would do just fine.

You can customize paper cartons in myriad ways; not to mention to look incredible on store shelves. Paper boxes are also excellent for confectionery and bakery items like cakes, pastries, and donuts.

Go for aseptic cartons if you deal with liquor food products. For high-end, premium products – go for rigid boxes.

The Importance of Packaging Boxes

Protection

During handling, transportation, and storage, it’s easy for poorly packed items to get damaged. Packaging offers much-needed protection through the entire logistics chain right from the manufacturer to the customer. Packaging saves the product from heat, light, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Safety

Important information related to usage instruction, handling, expiry and manufacturing date, and list of ingredients is all part of ensuring safe product usage. The packaging gives you space to print all that information. It also keeps the product safe from viruses, chemicals, and contamination.

Usability

Customers always prefer functional, user-friendly packaging. Boxes that are easy to open, fold, sort, and close tend to be better sales-wise. With an optimal design, brands can enhance product usability.

Sustainability

If you are concerned about the environment, promoting reusability, and reducing your carbon footprint, then you must go with paperboard boxes. Customers love brands that follow green practices. It’s one way to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Bottom Line

Above all else, attractive packaging can allure users and help with buying decisions. It’s a powerful branding vehicle that can make your product stand out from the rest. Additionally, it supplies all the relevant information. Packaging plays a major role in influencing the buying decision.