The growth of electronic commerce exceeds the most optimistic forecasts, but as the sector grows, it faces new challenges in terms of sustainability and fragmentation. For the industry update, we need a deep understanding of the core topic of e-commerce business development for the ultimate solution to discuss packaging sustainability, innovation, and the changing role of packaging in e-commerce.
What makes a packaging business more sustainable?
Packaging cannot be the most sustainable packaging unless or until efforts can be seen in this subtle business growth. The main concern of any packaging company is that it protects the material, generates the least amount of waste, is composed of the least amount of material, and is biodegradable, reusable, or environmental. For example, usable containers and biodegradable cannabis boxes in USA can add nutrients to the soil.
What are the innovations in sustainable packaging?
The good news is that as e-commerce develops packaging, many brands are seizing the opportunity to promote sustainability and communicate their brand values to consumers through packaging like cannabis boxes in the USA. They efficiently use the basic structure of custom packaging, which acts as an expression of superiority among other packaging companies in the market. It provides insights on how to bind agricultural waste and turn it into a beneficial resource that replaces unsustainable plastics like polyethylene.
Can flexible packaging be considered sustainable?
Yes, the flexible packaging of the custom packaging boxes can be considered sustainable because it requires less fossil fuel consumption, less CO2 emissions and water consumption, and less packaging waste. It is great protection for liquid products in the e-commerce network when used efficiently. However, to play a role in the circular economy, the flexible packaging industry must find end-of-life solutions. Some of these solutions require consumers to return flexible packaging to the store for recycling through internal programs.
Why is corrugated cardboard the most used material for e-commerce packaging?
Custom printed cardboard has always been the dominant material for the packaging and transportation of consumer goods. In the e-commerce distribution process, corrugated cardboard is strong enough to protect the item and light enough to optimize shipping costs. In particular, corrugated cardboard packaging is fundamentally sustainable, as the fibers can be continuously recycled. The decisive factor here is to size the corrugated box to transport as little air as possible without additional packaging components such as protective packaging. However, corrugated packaging faces challenges in the e-commerce journey as brand owners challenge packaging to convey their brand image, enhance the unpacking experience and protect the item.
How has the role of packaging evolved through e-commerce?
Packaging needs to get the consumer off the shelf, and graphics play a key role. Packaging needs to be quickly articulated because the digitized packaged product is a better option than the product on the next shelf in this race to perfect competition. That relationship has changed with e-commerce. Like? When someone sees a packaged product, it gets more attention because of its attractive packaging. Therefore, the shopper will place an order online.
What other packaging changes do you see with the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer (D2C) segments?
With the growing popularity of home-cooked meals, packages cannot sit idle, and contents can be easily transported and protected. In the field of food packaging, we call it active packaging. Active packaging may not be new, but with the dynamic changes in the market that we have seen, its importance has increased significantly. When thinking about food activities, the packaging must interact with the material and the environment to keep it fresh and safe to withstand different climates. Innovations like this are great for heat-sensitive products shipped to your home.
What would you recommend to a surprised CPG (Customer Packaging Goods) just getting started in eCommerce and looking to create their first eCommerce package?
There are many considerations, but the first is finding a good packaging partner to help you from design to manufacturing. We have a lot of votes, and those votes helped us make decisions for ourselves. To gauge items within customer demand, put the correct size in your packaging and make sure it is light and small and incur material and shipping costs.
Choose the right packaging material: rigid or flexible. When you need refills, look for sustainable solutions that make consumers happy. Remember: a package always contains your brand image. What is the first impression you leave for future experiences? Yes, it refers to experience. A packaging firm can help you create a design that does all of these things and create a great boxing experience that your customers will love.
Do you see the ever-increasing growth of e-commerce?
Ecommerce sales are growing rapidly, and COVID-19 has accelerated this growth. Studies show that many internet users have increased during the pandemic, and new shopping habits are emerging. Online shopping is fast becoming the method of choice for many people. COVID-19 forced retailers to change their merchandising strategies rapidly and stay in business. For some, it meant exploring new ways to sell their products online. It is estimated that 60% of new online consumers will continue to shop online even after the pandemic.
Where will we see the e-commerce packaging industry in five to ten years to find out how sustainable the packaging industry is?
Without a doubt, technology plays an important role in the future of packaging. It can increase consumer engagement with a brand and increase connectivity to the product itself. Retailers can always know the exact location of their products as packaging stores make it possible. This technology allows brands to monitor certain conditions while driving, such as temperature, vibration, and safety.
