Looked at Differently: The Advantages of Retail Packaging

Have you ever made a spontaneous decision (solely) based on attractive packaging? You are not alone. Blame it on retail packaging! Most shoppers make their final decisions while they shop at the store and therefore how a product is presented plays a vital role. Consider it a make-or-break point for any brand- to catch the customer’s attention in a split second in the middle of a hundred other brands.
A great retail packaging holds great power on the shopping behavior of customers. This includes design trends which later on becomes a huge asset for any brand to sell. Retail packaging has garnered the limelight after decades of meticulously curating packages that make a product “pop” on the shelves, consequently leading to a positive customer experience.
According to Contract Packaging Association, almost 40% of consumers would rather go for a product they have zero association with only because of its eye-catching packaging. Of course, marketing matters, the advertisements, reviews, recommendations, and brochures help a lot but, in the end, it is the packaging that remains the deciding factor if the brand is an ace or a complete mess. The other 60% of consumers believe that the packaging of the product remains a significant factor in terms of whether or not to test the product.

WHAT IS RETAIL PACKAGING?

In simple terms, retail packaging is the whole packaging that could be considered as the life and light of every store shelf. Right from gift boxes, shopping bags, to vinyl bags and plastic bags, you name it. Retail packaging is the shelf-ready packaging required from a wide range of retail companies including large retail brands to small boutiques, and specialty store chains. Retail Packaging experts offer high-quality product packaging supplies to companies and small-scale brands depending on their requirements.

ADVANTAGES OF RETAIL PACKAGING (Infographic)

1.They are shelf-ready

There are zero hassles of unpacking and can be displayed straight onto the shelves. This is why it is loved by retailers.

2.Time-saving

Save the inconvenience of sorting and arranging the packaging materials. This leads to less time taken in restocking that results in less chaos in the stores.

3.Efficient workforce

The entire process is seamless which keeps the aisles clear, time saved, and productivity increased.

4.Improved customer experience

There a hundred similar products on the shelves. It is difficult for the customer to pick one. A great retail packaging means a fantastic display, eventually leading to capturing every shopper’s attention.

5.Great Retail Packaging = Strong Branding

Every shopper may spend hours at a store but take a few seconds to finalize a product. Strong retail packaging is an ultimate influence to make that choice/purchase.

6.Retailers are environmental “ahead”

Apart from other touchpoints for success, being green remains an incredible marketing factor for most brands. Consulting retail packaging experts stay ahead of time by sticking to trends and remaining environmental-friendly.

7.Secured Shipping

Shipping is a breeze when it is packed in its retail packaging. This ensures the secured fitting of the products which eventually decreases the risks of materials getting wasted.

8.Cost Saving

When a product is packed in retail packaging, it uses less space. Also, there is less use of external materials to secure the product. This leads to companies saving tons of money.

9.Raising the Competitive Edge

Retail packaging raises the bar in terms of design and in-store marketing. A shopper able to identify the packaging from a distance is proof enough of successful promotion.

10.Easy Shopping experience

Due to improved product appearance with retail packaging, shopping is a lot easier for the customer. Effortless scanning of the store shelves? Dream of every confident shopper.

BEYOND RETAIL PACKAGING

The question remains, are companies able to see the power of retail packaging in this competitive domain?
When it comes to marketing products there is a lot of scrutinies involved. If companies do not use the marketing gimmicks correctly, they could affect customer loyalty, which could tarnish brand visibility.
This is where customized retail packaging comes into effect. Given the fact that shoppers depend on those crucial ten seconds timeframe to decide on the product, retail packaging becomes the deciding factor whether it sells or not. Therefore, it is important that the retail packaging communicates with the customer within those few seconds.
There are a huge number of brands and products competing against one another on the same shelf and retail packaging makes all the difference in achieving customer support. It could also eventually turn into a major purchasing behavior of any customer.
The intended brand message is conveyed through any effective retail packaging design. Of course, they are crafted according to personalized requirements but in the end, it all depends on whether or not it catches the attention of the customer.
The idea should be to garner as much information and knowledge as possible about customer buying trends as well which would, in turn, affect the retail packaging. This would require several surveys, marketing campaigns, and initiatives to come up with the ultimate retail packaging.

CONCLUSION

Companies, regardless of their scale and reach, should trust retail packaging experts. They are far ahead of you as they can determine the right size and type of packaging for your product that remains within your budget. Not to forget, a design that stands out. This calls for everyone to understand the advantages of retail packaging.

Self-Heating Packaging: Enjoy the Convenience of Warm Meal Anywhere

Whether it’s camping, outdoor excursion or a long drive, there are the times when we realize the importance of a warm meal. These are the occasions when either we don’t have a heating source or don’t want to have the hassle of heating food.

Enter self-heating packaging! The let you enjoy the convenience of a warm meal anywhere.

As the name suggests, self-heating packaging heats up your food without requiring external heat sources like fire or hot water. It is fair to say that they are your on-the-go stove!

So how they work?

Well, that’s not magic.

They are the pouches which contain food grade iron, magnesium powder, and salt. Insert your food container into the pouch. On pouring the water over them, the combination releases enough heat to warm a pre-cooked meal 100 degrees in nearly 10 minutes. Generally, these pouches are for single use only.

Self-heating bowls are the sophisticated form of this technology. The exothermic reaction is activated on pressing a button outside of the bowl. It will heat your food in 5-10 minutes.

A self-heating can is another breakthrough product that looks like a common food can. It contains dual chambers to support heating technology.

The inner chamber accommodates the food or drinks while the outer chamber holds chemicals which create an exothermic reacting when combined. A ring on the can is pulled to heat the contents of the can. It breaks the barrier which lets the water mix with the chemicals for the reaction.

Originally developed for the army in the 1990s, these products are being developed for the outdoor enthusiasts, business travelers and people who are always in a hurry.

Also Read: Types of Edible Food Packaging to Watch For

Major Projects of Self Heating Packages:

Nestle UK started the project of self-heating can for prepared coffee in 2001. The company was looking to target the “on-the-go” customers with these cans. They are said to produce a chemical reaction between water and quicklime that were contained in separate compartments in the base of the can. The coffee can be heated up to 60°C (140°F). However, the project was canceled by Nestlé aborted in 2004.

Another major project was initiated by OnTech’ that launched the Hillside Beverages in 2004 in self-heating cans. It used to produce heat being generated from the lime/water reaction for producing 60ºC (145ºF) in six minutes. However, this product went defunct in 2008.

Who Can Use Self Heating Packaging?

Campers and Travelers:

Self-heating packages are great for campers and people who are always on the run. They are really useful if you don’t have a stove or campfire to prepare food outdoors.

Lazy Bums:

Let’s admit it. Sometimes we are too lazy to go to the kitchen to prepare food, let along heating water for instant food. In this scenario, having a self-heating package or pot by your side is a great relief.

From soup, pasta, and noodles to dried veggies, it will heat up your instant food within 10-15 minutes. You don’t need to go to microwave or flame up your stove.

Young Mothers:

It also comes handy for the young parents looking for hot milk for their babies on the run. A Dutch company has made a self-heating pack for semi-liquid baby foods. The pack contains a milk powder dispenser, baby nipple, and water. The healing element can be activated by pushing a button.

What are the Benefits of Self Heating Packaging?

They are lightweight and portable and easy to fit into your backpack.
They are safe as well as ready to use. There is no release of dangerous gases as the operation is completely flame-less while the temperature is restricted within the limits.
They are safe for disposal with household trash and can be recycled.

Understanding the Different Type of Packaging

The packaging is as important as the product it contains. Besides protecting your products, packaging aids branding as it carries logo and details.

Here we have rounded up some common type of packaging materials.

Carton Boxes:

Counted among one of the common packaging materials, carton boxes are made of paperboard and sometimes of corrugated fiberboard. They are used for hardware, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. These boxes are similar to cardboard but they are more durable and easy to handle than the latter.

Carton boxes are economical as they are made of recycled cardboard boxes. In simple words, packaging manufacturers assemble these boxes from the worn out boxes. These boxes are durable and can withstand pressure well. They can be a line up against each other.

Plastic Packaging:

Plastic packaging is a common type of packaging being used in almost all consumer goods and other products. From bottles, wraps, boxes to carry bag, they are available in different types. One of the key advantages of plastic packaging is that it is flexible. Besides, it takes up less space. Plastic won’t cost you much as other packaging materials do. It is manufactured in bulk, keeping the overall cost of this material low.

Metals:

Metals used in packaging are mainly tin-plated or aluminum. They are used to make food and drink cans, tubes, aerosol cans, boxes, and hinged lids. They are recyclable. The weight of metal packaging is low while its resistance is high. It can withstand physical shocks.

Bubble Bag:

Bubble bags are great for storing and transporting fragile items like glassware and electronics. They are designed to keep your items safe and secure from outside wear and tear. They are available in various sizes. Also known as Bubble Wrap, they have anti-static properties to protect electronic chips or other electronic components from a potentially damaging static charge. Apart from protecting the items from damages, most of the Bubble Wraps are made from eco-friendly materials and can be recycled.

Also Read: https://isellpackaging.com/interesting-facts-about-bubble-wrap/

Stretch Wrap:

Stretch wrap or stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film being used to wrap around the products to keep them in place. It is mostly used in both packaging and shipping. The elastic properties keep the item tightly bound.

Chipboard Packaging:

Chipboard packaging is widely used in industries like medical, food, cosmetic, beverage and electronic. Generally, it is a type of paperboard that is made out of reclaimed paper stock. It is a cost-effective packing option and can be easily folded, cut and formed. It is available in various strength and densities. However, it can’t be used for packing heavy items, as the chipboard sheet is a lightweight material, made for the items like crackers, cereal, and tissue boxes. Besides, they may not withstand heavy moisture as they are prone to expansion and discoloration in a damp environment.

Poly Mailers:

A poly mailer is an elastic type of packaging widely used for shipping products to the customers, making them a packaging choice for e-commerce stores. Poly mailers are waterproof, lightweight, cheap and occupy less space than corrugated boxes. They are great packaging non-fragile items like apparel, fabrics and yarns, arts and prints, books, shoes, and accessories.

However, the only downside is that they are prone to ripping or tearing as they are being shipped to their destination.

So these are some common type of packaging materials. Make sure to choose the one that can go well with the nature of your product as well as the shipping environment.

The best diy ideas to reuse the empty plastic bottles

DIY is the next big thing!

It is eco-friendly, challenging, and it is awesome. Drawing imaginative lines on the cloud is so possible today (speaking metaphorically), all you have to do gather the empty unused items around your home and build a castle out of it. Today we are not talking about castles, but the most common by product of soft drinks and its availability in abundance. Plastic bottles can be shaped into numerous things and if you let the horses set free who know you end up making a sports car out of it. Till the time you come up with an idea and execution plans for building a sports car, let us go through something easy and can be done in a matter of minutes:

1. Plastic Bottle Supply Cups:

Be the man who takes the different road and thinks of the environment. DIY does not means cheap but can be as classy as you want. Pickup the bottle cut the neck or 1/4th of its height and put an iron over it to get soft edges. Stitch chain zipper on the edges and make a superb supply cup of desired size.
2. Coffee Creamer Containers:

Coffees are the life saver when you are in stress or need more time to work at night, but you can make the containers containing coffees to help you out. You can reuse plastic coffee creamer bottles and make it a snack storage container. It will make the pouring easy, and would allow you to take all types of food for the road trip. It can also be used to store salt and sugars.
3. DIY Plastic Bottle Planter:

“The pot with a cat face”. Oh yes, you can make it, and it is just a simple paint work which can be done at home it-self with not much use of tools.
1. Cut out the bottom like one third of a 2-liter bottle.
2. Apply paint on the bottle with white or the color of your choice.
3. Use the remaining parts of the rest of the bottle to cut out ears.
4. Start drawing a face and other features on the bottle.
5. Fill in the bottle with desired seeds, manure and soil.
Turn any 2 litre plastic bottle into something which everyone will adore.

4. Laundry Detergent Bottles into a Watering Can:
Why to pay for the watering cans? Make sure you have kept the empty laundry detergent containers in the backyard. Simply drill or punch some holes in the cap and there you go with a brand new watering can. You have the full liberty to remove the stickers on the bottle to avoid your neighbours thinking you pouring detergent on the plants.

5. Herb Garden with an Empty 2-Liter Bottle:
This project can make you the CAPTAIN PLANET, as nothing more herbal and greener can be done with the empty bottles. You can satisfy you eco soul as well the environment with this initiative. In any way the project where the empty bottles are been used for the irrigation of small plants, this calls for the cheers to herbal army. Follow the steps to do to erect a herbal garden from a recycled bottle:
1. Let us remove the label from the bottle and clean it from inside.
2. Then take a sharp knife like object and poke or puncture drainage holes on the top third of the bottles.
3. Poke or punch a hole on the side of the bottles, near about half-way down.
4. Now wrap a piece of paper around it.
5. Now take a marker and trace the cutting line around it.
6. Now let us cut along the bottle on the line.
7. Flip over the bottle top and then insert a strip of fabric.
8. You will have to make sure the fabric stays in contact with the soil.
Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comment section below!

MInority Business Enterprise (MBE)