The packaging of your product is arguably one of its most important features. It is the first thing a customer will see, it helps your product stand out on the shelf, and it is one of the things that customers will remember. As a startup, getting your packaging right is a must; here are a few tips and solutions for you to use and remember.
Packaging Tips
As a startup, there is a good chance you aren’t going to have an endless budget to spend on packaging. Because of this, it is important to know how and where to spend your money to get the best bang for your buck.
Considering things like shipping boxes and labels are a necessity, you may find yourself needing to create a more simplified or sustainable form of packaging. This isn’t the worst outcome, as sustainable packaging can not only be more affordable but also have more impact.
Packaging Solutions
While there are many packaging solutions, sustainable packaging is the next big thing and something that you should try and implement as soon as possible. Here are some of the best sustainable packaging solutions on the market.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are used absolutely everywhere to protect everything from a new piece of furniture to a piece of tech. However, packing peanuts are one of the worst things for the environment, and considering billions of them are used every day for packaging, it can be a huge problem.
Several companies have begun creating biodegradable packing peanuts, which typically disintegrate when exposed to water. They provide the same amount of protection but with a fraction of the damage to the environment.
Cardboard & Paper
Cardboard and paper may seem “old school,” but they have both been used for several decades now due to being relatively cheap, reliable, strong, and biodegradable. Cardboard is also highly customizable, and you can easily make very chic and almost beautiful product packaging with it.
Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic is another brilliant eco-friendly packaging solution, especially for protecting your product. Post-consumer recycled materials, or PCR, can be used to create bubble mailers, poly mailers, and bubble wrap.
Considering bubble wrap is used so extensively, choosing an option that has far less impact on the environment is a great step forward to being an eco-friendly company.
Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging, especially if you sell health and beauty products, is not only very eco-friendly but also a great marketing tool. If you sell face cream, for instance, once a customer has finished the bottle or tub, they can return it to you for a refill at a discounted price.
Not only does this cut down on the amount of packaging you need to create, but it helps to build a relationship with your consumer and has a positive impact on the environment, too.
Plantable Packaging
Another form of packaging that is taking the space by storm is plantable packaging. This type of packaging embeds cardboard or paper with seeds, and as it degrades, the seeds drop into the soil and begin to grow.
This type of packaging can be used for almost any product, and many studies have shown that consumers are more likely to choose a product with packaging that has a secondary environmental benefit compared to a product that doesn’t.
Mushroom-Based
Mushroom-based packaging is another innovation gaining steam. Made from mycelium and plant waste, the mushroom packaging is a brilliant alternative to plastic and packing foam and has two main benefits.
Mushroom-based packaging is both degradable and compostable, meaning it can break down into nutrient-rich soil in a matter of weeks. While work still needs to be done to make it as affordable and effective as possible, it is something to consider right now.
Simple
While this isn’t a particular type or form factor of packaging, simplistic packaging is something that you should consider. While the packaging of your product is a reflection of your company and what it stands for, that doesn’t mean it needs to be ultra-colorful and plastered with logos and information.
More simplistic packaging is also one of the best ways to save money, as you only need to include the bare minimum. Plus, simple packaging will actually stand out far more than you think; it is unique and will catch the eye of a consumer when it is on a shelf surrounded by loud imagery.
Product-Shaped Packaging
Another packaging solution that has gained popularity over the past few years is product-shaped packaging. While this has been the standard for items like soap for a long time, we haven’t seen it spread as much as it should.
How many times have you bought something with substantially bigger packaging than the item itself? This is not only wasteful but not very cost-effective, especially if you are a startup looking for the best ways to spend your money.
When you know what you are looking for and what you need out of your packaging, it becomes much easier to make a choice. There are so many options out there; you are sure to find exactly what you need if you have a little bit of patience and take your time.