Did you know 72% of American consumers say that product packaging design influences their purchase decisions? So, there’s a good chance unimpressive packaging can leave your product lost on the shelf, even if it's fantastic inside. That’s why it's critical to learn how to design impressive packaging. One of the great ways to do this is to get inspiration from good commercial packaging practices.
What is commercial packaging?
Let’s start with the crucial query of what do commercial packages even mean.
It refers to the containers, wrappers, and other materials used to prepare products for sale and distribution to businesses or consumers. It's distinct from household packaging, which is designed for individual use after purchase. It serves several key purposes:
Shielding products from damage during transportation, storage, and handling.
Effective packaging is easy to open, use, and store.
Packaging communicates product details like ingredients, nutritional facts, and usage instructions.
Commercial Packaging Examples:
Corrugated cardboard boxes used for shipping and storing a wide range of products.
Plastic bottles and containers for beverages, sauces, and household goods.
Metal cans and tins for canned goods, tea and coffee.
Flexible pouches and bags for snacks, coffee, and personal care products.
Blister packs are used to secure and display smaller items like batteries or medication.
The Major Types of Commercial Packaging
From the examples, we can see that when it comes to commercial packaging, the possibilities are endless. It comes in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a breakdown of some common types:
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes:
These sturdy boxes are ideal for protecting heavier items or multiple smaller products. They can be customized with printing for branding and information purposes.
Plastic Bottles and Containers:
Lightweight and shatterproof plastic options are popular for beverages, sauces, and household goods. However, concerns about plastic waste are driving a shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
Metal Cans and Tins:
Metal containers are a good choice for products like canned goods, teas, and coffee. After all, such products need durable, tamper-evident packaging that can improve their respective shelf lives.
Flexible Pouches and Bags:
These lightweight and space-saving pouches are used for everything from snacks and coffee to personal care products. Stand-up pouches offer increased shelf presence and can be resealable for convenience.
Commercial Food Packaging: How To Keep Your Meals Fresh?
One of the important applications of commercial packaging is in the food industry. We all have our fair share of bad packaging experiences when it comes to processed food. But guess what? The standards and protocols are there to help solve such pressing issues. It's a carefully designed system that protects food from spoilage, contamination, and damage during transport and storage.
Let’s see some of the industrial practices in the food industry.
Commercial Cookie Packaging:
User centric packaging is the key when it comes to cookies.
Resealable bags or tins with clear windows allow customers to see the delicious treats inside while keeping them fresh.
The packaging can be used to communicate different flavors, dietary information (like gluten-free or vegan), and brand identity through creative designs and colors.
Commercial Frozen Food Packaging:
Frozen food packaging often uses a combination of materials like plastic film and cardboard to ensure freshness and prevent freezer burn.
For example, a frozen dinner might utilize a plastic film exterior for moisture resistance, along with a cardboard sleeve for added insulation and structural support. Clear windows on the packaging can showcase the meal contents. Prominent labeling ensures proper cooking instructions and nutritional information.
User Friendly Options:
Food packaging also plays a significant role in portion control and convenience. Single-serve options in easy-to-open packaging cater to busy lifestyles. Furthermore, resealable packaging maintains freshness after opening.
How To Find Best Commercial Packaging Services and Solutions?
Finding the best services often needs some sort of malinvestment either its time, energy or effort. Businesses that launch new products or seek to improve their existing packaging need a guide to such a query. We have covered the essential tips so you can have a good piece of the pie.
Here's what you can expect from a good commercial packaging services solutions:
Design and Development:
Packaging service companies employ skilled designers who can create packaging that is both functional and visually appealing. They take into account factors like product protection, target audience preferences, and brand identity.
Material Selection and Sourcing:
Experienced packaging specialists can guide you through the maze of available materials.
They consider factors like product requirements (does it need to be resealable, microwave-safe, etc.), budget constraints, and your sustainability goals.
They can source high-quality materials at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your needs.
Manufacturing and Printing:
Once the design and materials are finalized, the service provider manages the manufacturing process, overseeing production to ensure your packaging meets the agreed-upon quality standards.
This includes high-quality printing of your branding elements, logos, and any necessary product information.
Read More: User Focused Best Packaging Design
What’s the Key Takeaway?
In conclusion, commercial packaging is a vital element for any product's success. It safeguards your product, communicates your brand identity, and influences consumer decisions. When it comes to food packaging, ensuring freshness and safety is crucial. So, seeking the help of service providers can help streamline the processes which are uncertain for the businesses whose just starting out.
These experts offer design, material selection, manufacturing, and even inventory management, ensuring your packaging aligns with your brand vision. By understanding the different aspects, you can make informed decisions that contribute to a successful product launch and long-term brand growth.
The Benefits of Partnering with a Packaging Team:
If you are still hesitant and think it would be a waste to partner with a packaging service, I have something to ask you. Are you confident that you can watch, ideate, prototype and manufacture the design as per the user preferences from scratch? Felt unsure? That’s why our packaging experts at Half Price Packaging want to help you with.
We offer a full range of services, from expert design and material selection to high-quality manufacturing and printing. So, let us be your success partner.
