In ecommerce, you can’t always shake hands with your customers or welcome them with a warm smile. Your packaging does that job for you. A carefully presented product bridges the digital divide between your online store and your buyer, so you must make it count. But how?
Choosing the right packaging solutions can be the key to standing out in the congested ecommerce industry. Beyond protecting your products, various options are available or being developed to fit with consumers’ preferences and add value to your business. Continue reading to know more.
Innovative Packaging Solutions Are on the Rise
You’ve likely heard of the Internet of Things and how it makes health monitoring and manufacturing processes more efficient. But did you know this technology is transforming the ecommerce industry too? Smart packaging incorporates sensors and connectivity to provide real-time information about your products. It can be used in several applications, including:
Extending Product Shelf Life
Online merchants can use active packaging so their consumers can receive products at peak condition. These packing solutions more than protect and store perishable items. They absorb excess moisture from fresh produce or release microbial agents to keep food fresh and maintain its quality for longer. Some types can change color to indicate freshness or ripeness.
Securing Goods and Enhancing Supply Chain Management
Barcodes serve as your products’ fingerprints, allowing you to identify each item in your inventory in real-time. These tiny strips help prevent overstocking and understocking and can facilitate automated reordering.
Modern barcode labels are incorporated with features like holographic microprinting and can be customized with several other features for added security. They can also track, authenticate, and secure your shipments and assets from the warehouse to your consumers’ doorsteps.
Providing Better Customer Experiences
QR codes can turn your static packaging into interactive portals. When a customer scans the code, they’re instantly directed to all types of product information. These could include:
- Manuals and product demonstrations
- Care instructions
- Authenticity certificates
- Customer reviews
- Exclusive content
- Additional offers and rewards.
Using them enhances the unboxing experience and reduces the need for printed materials inside the package.
These packaging technologies might require upfront costs, but the benefits they provide can compensate for your investment. On top of protecting your products, they can simplify your operations and let your consumers know their location and condition—even before they land on their doors. Plus, you get to reduce waste while giving your consumers peace of mind.
Sustainability Is More Than Just a Buzzword
Ecommerce entrepreneurs are always on the lookout to provide stellar customer service. Part of it is knowing what they want and meeting their needs. And we don’t need to tell you that there’s a growing demand for sustainable packaging options.
A recent survey by McKinsey discovered that 43% of US consumers consider environmental impact in their buying decisions, alongside hygiene, food safety, and shelf life. Sustainable packaging is so important that some consumers are willing to pay 10% more for it.
Returnable and Reusable Packaging
The packaging industry has been contributing to the circular economy by developing eco-friendly products. These include a wide range of solutions, with returnable and reusable packaging being two of the most popular.
Ecommerce brand owners are turning to cardboard boxes, wooden crates, and plant-based bags that can be reused and repurposed.
Others are integrating returnable packaging to reduce plastic waste, reduce manufacturing costs, and minimize carbon footprint. Worldwide, the sector’s value was pegged at USD$112.1 billion in 2023 and is predicted to climb to USD$147.3 billion by 2030. Consumer demand, advanced technologies, and lowering production expenses are the main drivers for the sector’s impressive growth.
Flexible Packaging
Brand owners selling different types of products can also embrace flexible packaging to wrap goods in various shapes and sizes. This lightweight and versatile solution uses fewer materials than its traditional counterparts. Think pouches that stand upright on shelves but flatten for efficient shipping.
Bioplastics
Biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, are also gaining interest. These materials offer the same protection as traditional ones but break down naturally.
In 2022, the global production for bioplastics was 2.2 million metric tons. By 2028, it’s expected to reach 7.4 million metric tons. Various industries are integrating bioplastics in making and packing their products, including the food, agriculture, medical, and clothing sectors, to name a few.
Sustainable alternatives are taking over traditional packaging solutions, which are resource-intensive and non-biodegradable. On top of minimizing environmental footprint, these options work great for companies seeking to lower their production, packaging, and shipping costs.
Customization Is Taking Centerstage
Most businesses rely on mass production to keep things moving. But a forward-thinking brand owner knows personalizing packaging options is the way to go. This strategy was once reserved for luxury brands but is now within reach for businesses of all sizes.
Advanced digital printing technologies allow you to create unique designs for different market segments. You can even personalize for individual customers. Variable data printing allows you to include unique codes, serial numbers, and custom packages on each box.
Using these adds a special touch that makes your consumers feel valued. On the practical side, they can be used for supply chain visibility, authentication, and marketing purposes, as discussed earlier.
Packaging Regulations Are Changing
It’s good to stay updated with packaging trends but always do so while complying with applicable regulations. Staying in line with relevant laws is crucial for your business’s success and reputation.
Different countries have varying requirements for packaging materials, labeling, and disposal. For example, the European Union requires its members to minimize plastic waste by ensuring a maximum empty space ratio of 50% for ecommerce packaging. This fresh directive is in line with the region’s 15% packaging reduction target by 2040.
Certain types of plastic packaging for food and hygiene items will also be prohibited starting January 2030.
Similarly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict guidelines for food packaging. The agency has a list of substances that can be added to food items and materials that can be used in packing and storing them. Always check the updated database on their website.
Staying ahead of regulatory changes can save brand owners from costly mistakes and potential legal issues down the line.
What to Expect
The future of packaging technology is brimming with exciting possibilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) is incorporated into different processes, from packaging design to quality control and predictive maintenance for packaging machinery. Some companies are experimenting with augmented reality (AR) to deliver more interactive customer experiences.
We’re also seeing early stages of packaging that contain self-healing materials to repair small tears and punctures. Edible packaging is already available but isn’t widely used because they’re less resilient and can be complex to make. Researchers are developing ways to turn this around.
3D printing is also transforming packaging production, as it allows rapid prototyping and small-batch custom packaging at lower costs. Small ecommerce businesses can explore this option if they want to get a head start against larger brands.
Final Thoughts
Your packaging is often the first physical contact between your brand and the world. It speaks volumes about your company values and the message you want to express. That’s why innovative packaging solutions aren’t nice to have. It’s your secret weapon for turning first-time customers into loyal buyers.
As you explore the different packaging solutions, keep in mind that embracing the latest technology isn’t always the answer. The best option is the one that enhances your brand, simplifies your operations, and improves customer satisfaction.
Related Articles:
- The Four Biggest Tech Trends In Ecommerce In 2024
- 7 Ecommerce Automation Strategies for Business Growth
- Top 5 Essentials Every eCommerce Business Owner Must Know
- How Technology Can Optimize Your eCommerce Strategy
- Essential Software Tools Every eCommerce Store Needs for Success
- How eCommerce Businesses Can Take Advantage Of Technology