The primary purpose of packaging is to protect the product inside. However, it has become a lot more than just protecting. Packaging now represents your brand before the product itself. Custom packaging boxes are a few ideas that emerged as a marketing tool.
Let us dive into how you can enhance your sales using branded packaging. Since all these packaging solutions are made to order, you can have them catered to as per your requirement. Some features you can modify include size, design, and thickness. Before going any further, let’s discuss some different material options you can choose.
White Cardboard
White cardboard, also known as SBS board or bleach board, is one of the most commonly used materials. We come across packaging made from this material every day without ever realizing it. From cosmetics to medicine, these boxes are all around us. Brands tend to lean toward white cardboard because of their exquisite printing results. Another reason would be their cost effectiveness and ability to bend into any shape required. They are sturdy to a point but not recommended to be shipped out directly.
Moving on, we have some thickness options to look at when going with white cardboard. Based on your requirement or product weight, there are several directions you can head in. The thickness measurement scale goes from 300 gsm (12pt) to 500 gsm (24pt). Packaging created from white cardboard is sometimes referred to as collapsible packaging or paperboard boxes.
Kraft Board
Kraft board is the name of eco-friendly material produced from recycled paper and pulp. This material is brown and has a rugged surface feel. Though it is slightly pricier than the white cardboard, it does the job. You can also print on the packaging produced from this material, there are a few thickness options available in this category, and the range goes from 300gsm (12pt) to 350gsm (16pt).
It is not recommended to print on a kraft board like you print on white cardboard. Since kraft material has a printing limitation of not more than three solid colors, it is recommended to keep it so. Several industries are using this particular material and using it to their advantage. They aim to use helping the environment to their favor and increase sales. Many box styles are made using kraft material, including tuck boxes, hexagon boxes, and even display boxes.
Rigid Board
A rigid board or rigid material is one of the premium ends of packaging solutions. These rank on the highest end of the price spectrum. Although the material is expensive, they are mostly used for high-end premium products. The thickness range for rigid material starts where the cardboard scale ends. Everything after 500gsm or 24pt falls in the rigid category and comes at a price. Except for one box style, anything made of rigid material is considered sustainable. There are some advantages and disadvantages of using rigid materials, and we will go through some of them.
Rigid boxes are one of the most sturdy packaging options on the market. They are easy to use and don’t require any assembly at your end. You can print on them per your requirement without worrying about the result.
A limited number of box styles are offered in a rigid material, which is the number one flaw. Moving on, there is also the factor of increased costs due to additional effort into creating them. Since most of the box styles are shipped assembled, there is minimal effort involved in making them. This is another reason for high driving costs.
Which Option To Go With For Display Packaging?
The best direction to head in is cardboard material. The reason we say that is because of the cost-effectiveness of this material. When ordered in bulk, the price per unit on these boxes drops down. All you have to do is make sure you have the right measurements and style. If you need to print on the boxes, make sure you have the right file format and print resolution (300 dpi). Preferred file formats on the market are illustrator (.ai), photoshop (.psd) or coral draw (.cdr)
As far as choosing the material thickness goes. First, you need to know how much weight will go into the box. If the weight is considered, you can opt to go with any of the available thicknesses. Make sure to go through any and all display-style packaging samples available with your supplier.
