#KeepCodingSimple

Here are 5 factors and options to consider before deciding on a packaging style

All Packaging Options are Not Created Equally

There’s nothing worse than waiting all day for your package to arrive, only for you to find the contents damaged, the box all banged up, or even some of the order missing; we’ve all been there, but what if there was a way to minimize those odds, from the very start? Having the right box would not only give you and your customers peace of mind, but it would also give the contents inside an extra level of protection. Just like we believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to coding, the same principle applies for packaging. 

While you might have believed that choosing just any old box might have done the trick, you know now that doing some research will save you a lot in the long run. You have to ask yourself, what is it that I’m shipping? Am I shipping electronics, perishables, fragile items, clothing, home décor, tools and equipment? How big is the item and what level of security does it need? So, how do you narrow down the ideal packaging for your operation? 

Top 5 Factors

Everyone’s packaging needs are going to be different and the same goes for what you need to keep in mind when selecting a packaging option, but here are 5-factors Centra Food believes to be the most important. 

• Don’t Skimp on Quality 

• Contrary to popular belief, it’s more affordable to invest into stronger, higher-quality packaging now than having to constantly replace products that were damaged in transit. It’s important to keep the contents of your packaging as safe as possible, so don’t skimp on the component that’s purpose is to do just that. 

• Consider Standard Shapes and Sizes 

• While it may be tempting to select a packaging option that’s unconventional in shape and size, to catch the consumer’s attention, financially it might not make sense to do so. According to Centra Foods, “Choosing standard shapes and sizes can give you flexibility and convenience during storage, handling, and transportation.”  

• Take Advantage of Unseen Savings 

• What savings lie beneath the surface that we don’t always take into consideration? Sure we take into consideration supplier, material, and size/shape size, but what about factors like weight or handleability; they’re often overlooked and when that happens, costs add up.   

• Consider Transportation and Distribution Conditions 

• Are you familiar with the process that your packages go through before they’re delivered to your doorstep or store shelves? The process consists of product being palletized and de-palletized, as well as being split between multiple trucks,  so your packaging needs to be strong enough to withstand all of these shifts. Remember, the goal is for your product to arrive at its destination unscathed and in the conditions you’d want your customers to see it in.   

• Focus on Sustainability 

• According to Centra Foods, “Today’s consumers don’t want Styrofoam… keeping sustainability in mind will make your consumers happy and create a greener, more eco-conscious image for your brand.” While sustainability might not be a factor at the top of everyone’s list, it’s one that has become more prevalent; remember.   

5 Casing Options to Consider 

You’ve spent all of this time, money, and effort developing your product, so that consumers can purchase it , so don’t drop the ball at the very end when it comes to selecting the right box. While it seems that there are an endless amount of options to choose from, here are our top 5 boxes we think you should consider.      

• Regular Slotted Containers 

• This is the most common box style that we see in the market today; all of its flaps have the same length and when it’s formed, the two outer flaps meet at the center of the box. According to Refine Packaging, these boxes can easily ship smaller and lightweight items one at a time, making them highly efficient and less wasteful.  
  
  

• Center Special Slotted Containers 

• If you’re looking for a more reinforced option, the center special slotted containers (CSSC) is especially strong due to both the top and bottom flaps having double the thickness compared to those inner flaps. Even though the inner and outer flaps are cut to different lengths, when the box is formed, the flaps still meet at the center of the box. 
    

• Half Slotted Containers

• Looking to store your goods, but showcase them at the same time? With half slotted containers (HSC) the top is uncovered, but all the flaps have the same length and the two outer flaps still meet at the center of the box when erected. According to Custom Boxes Now, HSCs can all be referred to as telescope boxes, if you choose to pair them with a slightly larger top over the outer edges of your container.    
  
  

• Overlap Slotted Containers 

• If you know that your package has a long journey ahead of it, then investing into a box that can resist those long journeys is essential; luckily for you, there are overlapping slotted containers. This style is especially resistant to rough handling and stacking thanks to its added cushioning and level base. All flaps have the same length and when closed, the outer flaps come within one inch of complete overlap. The overlap itself depends on the ration of length to width. 
  
  

• Gap Flap

• Gap flap cases provide consumers with a sneak peek at the product within; they’re also ideal for reducing corrugated costs for manufacturers. When it comes to selecting this type of packaging it’s important to keep in mind that glue sealing is favored over tape sealing. 

Aside from packaging factors and options, if you’ve ever put boxes together manually or with the help of equipment, then you’ll know that determining the right orientation is a must. So how do you determine the case hand? Well, according to Insite Packaging Automation,

When in knocked-down form, the right-hand regular slotted container will have the major panel on the right side; don’t forget to make sure that the case’s graphics are oriented right-side-up. The same principles apply when looking at a left-handed regular slotted container; the major panel will be on the left-side, so long as the case’s graphics are oriented right side up. 

While we’re known for #KeepingCodingSimple, we’ve recently started branching into #KeepPackagingSimple as well, so if you’re in need of box sealers or box erectors, don’t hesitate to reach out.