What is Product Packaging: Types, Importance, and Benefits

Product packaging is crucial because it's the first thing customers notice about your product. It serves multiple purposes, like displaying product details and ensuring protection during shipping. But what makes product packaging effective? This article will explore everything you need to know about product packaging, including its benefits, how to create a successful product packaging, and the various types available.

What do you mean by Product Packaging?

Product packaging refers to the physical materials used to contain and protect the product. Its primary functions include safeguarding the product, providing important usage information, and helping the product to standout on the retail display. 

For e-commerce, product packaging includes both the immediate packaging around the product and the outer packaging. The example of immediate packaging is the plastic bottle of a body lotion whereas the outer packaging is the box holding that plastic bottle. 

Benefits of Product Packaging

First things first and that is the “first impression” in the e-commerce business the packaging of a product is the first thing that a consumer will look for before buying a product. Let’s explore some of its benefits:- 

Protection: Packaging helps to safeguard the product throughout its journey. From selecting a product from the store till the time it reaches its destination. Packaging protects the product during this whole process. 

Visual Identity: Other than protecting the product, what packaging does is - attract customers. When the packaging looks appealing, a customer will be willing to spend on it. 

Informative Details: The right packaging will always hold all the information that is necessary to be shown. For example, the instructions for its handling, what it contains, ingredients, etc.

Consumer Experience: Good packaging will make sure that the consumer experience will remain positive. If the packaging is user-friendly and functional then customer experience will be enhanced. 

Brand Loyalty: Using the right packaging materials and proper packaging will allow customers to trust a brand and become its loyal customers. 

Why Product Packaging Is Important for Any Business? 

Product packaging is one of the most essential aspects of branding. A product's packaging needs to be appealing so it will grab the consumer's attention and catch their eyes. If the packaging is not attractive and appealing then the customers will not bothered with the packaging and by this, the brand value will be decreased. Ultimately, the business will lose its identity in the market. 

Online stores completely rely on the product’s visual representation that will decide whether they want that product or not. In the world of e-commerce or say any business the brand name or the face value can only be built through the product packaging. A good packaging will always make a product stand out or have an appealing space on the entire shelf, attracting customers. That’s why it becomes essential to select the and use right materials and attractive packaging. 

Types of Packaging

Each layer of packaging has its own importance and marks an impression on customers when they receive the product. In the process of transit and until the product gets delivered, it is packaging that holds the product safely. Majorly the packaging has its 3 types i.e. primary, secondary, and tertiary. 

Primary Packaging: It comes in direct contact with the product in which the product is stored. For example: toothpaste tube, milk bottle, juice cans, oil jars, etc. 

Secondary Packaging: This is known to be the second layer of packaging that covers the primary packaging of the product. This is usually made of cardboard or a paper box. For example: the cardboard box of toothpaste.   

Tertiary Packaging: The final layer of packaging that is generally used during the time of transportation to protect the product from damage and also for security purpose. For example: metal or plastic palette. 

To Know More About: Types Of Packaging Materials 

Steps To Create a Successful Product Package

Every product is built differently and so does its packaging. It is cruciall that the packaging should be designed in a way that not only holds the product but will also keep the product safe and secure. Here’s a detailed guide for creating product packaging: 

Determine your consumer 

First, select your target audience and research about their buying behavior. This ensures you what all the preferences, designs, and how you have to implement your product in the market with its packaging. The target customers are the basis of your packaging idea of the product. 

Research its challenges 

In any field, it is necessary to go through what competition level you will have to face and the challenges that will come your way. Make strategies accordingly and jump into the insights and gaps of the current market. This will also help you to maintain and build a stand-out position in the market. 

Identify the brand 

Through your brand, you convey the message. Your packaging plays a frontline role in portraying that story. In this view, create your logo, its colors, fonts, and the rest of the details that will reflect the brand vision, story, and target audience. 

Product requirements

Make sure that you know your product in its best and most in-depth way. Consider its fragility, dimensions, and other specifications that are necessary to mention on its label. The label and the information should be clear so that it does not affect the visibility of what has been mentioned about the product. 

Print your packaging 

By collaborating with some professionals or manufacturers, you can create your own print for the packaging. Make sure the graphics, colors, alignment, and instructions are visible without any misprints. The print should also complement the brand, product, and target audience. 

Product Packaging Trends to Know 

In this dynamic world of the e-commerce market make sure that you follow the latest trends of the designs and fonts in your packaging. Sometimes, people get attracted simply by looking at the item or its packaging that is in trend. Here are some of the trends that these days people prefer to look at first:

Sustainable Packaging

The increase in awareness of people toward the environment has created a want of packaging that does not harm the environment. People are looking for sustainable product packaging that can be recycled or renewed. This also improves the reputation of the brand. 

Innovative Packaging 

Packaging that is integrated with the innovative features of technology enhances consumer interaction and interest in the product. These days people are looking for new designs and creations of the products they have ordered to put on social media. 

Minimalistic Approach 

The change in era has shifted people to get attracted to the colors and designs that are monochromatic or not so vibrant. People are more into colors that are nude, beige, and pastels that soothe the eyes and do not look patchy. Keeping things, simple, spacious, and clear is what people are looking for. 

Custom Packaging 

A packaging that is personalized is more appealing these days, specifically small businesses are taking this approach. Keeping promotional stickers, box names, cut-outs with brand name, and postcards with a few lines showing gratitude with a QR on it can connect customers to the brand more personally. This can make a memorable inboxing experience and customers would wish to revisit it soon. 

Understand The Budget for Product Packaging 

The most crucial aspect of product packaging is the budget. Without a budget, it could be tough to decide how all the planned things from designing to assembling the product packaging will take place. Here are the things that are seen in a budget:

Shipping Cost: Shipping cost varies on the size, weight, and dimension of the product. Although, shipping is a complex process yet if managed properly then it is the most streamlined process a business can make. 

Taxes: In any e-commerce business, paying sales tax is important. The sales tax depends on which business you are engaged in. The taxation amount also varies from state to state. 

Regulations: The Internet market is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. To sell online, it is important to keep the regulations and norms of the online market in mind. If planning to start a business internationally, then be aware of import/export regulations. 

Tips to Enhance Packaging 

Some tips to consider while creating packaging material:- 

• Add instructions if the product requires some kind of assembly to let the customer have a good experience with the product. 
• Using custom tapes that include colors, brand names, and logos can make your brand look superior. 
• These days trend of seasonal packaging is very pleasing. Suppose, it is Christmas, and customizing the packaging in the theme of Christmas for a week, or for a few days can improve the experience of customers. This can leave a brand memory to the customer. 
• Adding freebies for every new customer or running such a scheme occasionally can attract customers on a large scale and the brand can be popular. 
• Always ask for feedback from customers regarding what new can be added or changed for a better consumer experience. 

Conclusion 

A thoughtful packaging of the product will create a lasting impression on the customers, enhancing the sales and profits of the business. Further, the visitors will turn into lifelong customers. 

The popularity of any business, whether a startup, online store, or small business, relies heavily on quality and the packaging that is most visible. High-quality product packaging will improve the customer experience and will make your brand memorable to them. 

FAQs 

Ques: What does the product packaging mean? 

Product packaging refers to the materials and design used to enclose and protect a product, ensuring its safety and appeal.

Ques: Why product packaging is important? 

Product packaging is important because of various reasons. Some are:- 

• It keeps the product safe from any damage.
• Provides informative information related to a product.
• Promotes the brand.

Ques: How a product packaging is vital to make a brand identity? 

Product packaging makes a strong and influential impact on the market. It works as a marketing tool that attracts customers and influences the buying decisions of customers. 

Ques: What are the three types of packaging? 

The 3 types of product packaging are:- 

• Primary packaging- has direct contact with the product. For example, a tube of toothpaste. 
• Secondary packaging- holds the primary packaging. It works as a second layer of packaging. For example, a box of toothpaste.
• Tertiary packaging- the main role of this packaging is to hold the packages together during the time of transit.

Ques: How to design product packaging? 

Ans: A product packaging has to be designed by keeping the target audience in mind. Accordingly, the brand design, preferences, needs, values, and the rest of the packaging things have to be shaped. 

Ques: How to achieve a positive customer experience? 

Ans: Make sure that your product is user-friendly, the packaging includes the details of its handling, the instructions are clearly stated, and your packaging is functional. The targeted audience will align with your brand and will leave positive feedback. 

Ques: How does packaging reflect your brand? 

Ans: Packaging is the first thing a buyer sees. It makes a positive impression on the minds of the customers. That is why it is important to have a packaging that corresponds to the brand value and customer needs.