The purchase of printed folded cartons (unit cartons), displays, and product packaging is a significant expense for any retail business. Naturally, it’s important for buyers of folding cartons to make informed, cost-effective and efficient decisions to maximize their return on investment. Here are insider tips on how buyers can make the best buying decisions when it comes to printed folded cartons and product packaging.
Consider the packaging materials and substrates
One of the first things to consider when buying printed folded cartons and product packaging is the material. Different materials have different properties and costs, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
For example, TMP (Thermal Mounted Pulp, standardly used in China) looks like SBS Board, which is usually used domestically, but is much weaker. Domestic suppliers, such as Clear Print, offer both and a lot more choices.
Consider the packaging design
The design of your folding cartons and product packaging has a significant impact on the perceived value of your products and the overall customer experience. It’s important to consider color, font, and imagery when designing your packaging to ensure that it accurately reflects your brand and appeals to your target audience.
Consider the end user
There are seven important end-user considerations to think about as a buyer of folding cartons and product displays.
1 – Functionality
The primary function of folding carton packaging is to protect and display the product, so it’s important to consider whether the packaging will meet these requirements. Will it withstand the rigors of shipping and handling? Will it display the product effectively in the retail environment? Will it be exposed to a harsh environment?
2 – Cost
Folding carton packaging can be a significant expense, so it’s important to consider the total cost of the packaging, including the material, design, logistics, and production costs. An experienced packaging supplier will help you find ways to minimize costs while still meeting your packaging needs.
3 – Sustainability
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging, so it’s important to include sustainable options such as recycled materials or biodegradable packaging wherever possible.
4 – Branding
The design of your folding carton packaging should reflect your brand and appeal to your target audience. An effective design will capture attention in a split second. Done right, an effective design will move more product from the shelf to the shopping cart. Done wrong, it will cause products to languish on retail shelves.
5 – Convenience
Think about how the packaging will be used by the end consumer. Is it easy to open and close? Is it convenient for storing and using the product? Is it the right design for the industry you serve or do consumers in your niche prefer a different style of packaging? An experienced packaging company will help you.
6 – Compliance
Make sure that all your packaging complies with any relevant regulations or standards, such as food safety regulations or consumer product safety regulations.
7 – Consider the environment
Sustainability is top-of-mind for consumers today and will influence their buying decisions. This makes it vitally important to consider the environmental impact of your packaging decisions. Look for suppliers like Clear Print who offer eco-friendly options, such as a wide range of recycled materials and vegetable inks.
An Example of an Optimized Folding Carton Buying Process
As an example, let’s say a buyer in the retail industry is looking to purchase printed unit cartons for a line of natural skincare products.
They start by considering all the materials involved. Working with an experienced packaging designer, they opt for recycled varieties of paperboard packaging in every element of the design to align with their brand’s focus on sustainability.
Next, they work with their designer to create a visually appealing package or display that reflects the natural aesthetic of their products. They also work with their designer to minimize the amount of material used in each element of their design.
They also ensure that the design and materials will produce a structurally sound package. Their packaging must not only look good, it must be suitable for the filling process, whether automatic or manual. It also must survive the rigors of shipping and logistics. And it needs to satisfy all end-user requirements and expectations.
Next, they collaborate with their suppliers to determine the optimum quantities to order. By selecting the best printing process for their packaging, they minimize costs for printing, shipping, and warehousing.
By following these steps and working with an experienced packaging company, buyers of folding cartons can maximize their packaging investment and sell more product at a lower cost.
To discuss your next packaging project, or to review an existing project, call us at 818-709-1220. Or send us the specs for your next folding carton project here.
