THE LATEST E-COMMERCE PACKAGING CONCERNS.
Companies that carry out e-commerce business should know what customers desire and the significant shifts that are happening. Enterprises involved in e-commerce must layout plans that would combat shifting protocols, packaging materials, and closely related dynamics. As we usher in a new decade, most businesses wonder what changes in the packaging they should prepare for and the perspective of customers on the unboxing experience. Additionally, organizations operating in this field should pay attention to the environment and economy that will affect the packaging process in e-commerce.
Here is a quick overview of three key concerns of packaging and the expected dynamics in the field of e-commerce.
Packaging materials.
Businesses and clients involved in e-commerce packaging consider protection as a paramount concern. Customers typically demand e-commerce tough and reduced packaging materials that do not compromise on the safety of their products. Furthermore, clients want businesses to minimize the amount of packaging material they use and at the same time protect their goods from contamination and damage.
The shipping journey of products across the globe or nation results in more than thirty touches before reaching the customer thereby making it essential to use strong materials for packaging. Moreover, there are numerous points where the consumer’s goods can be damaged such as during packaging or when removing them from trucks, airplanes, vans, and drones. Therefore, those placing e-commerce orders should choose packaging supplies that provide sustainability and safety.
One way of minimizing damage and lowering the environmental impact during the transportation is by using flexible materials like air pillows. Delicate goods such as drugs and foodstuff that can suffer contamination should utilize protective packaging with tamper-evident substances like an induction seal liner, tamper-evident tape, and a blister pack.
Impact on the environment.
Virtually every aspect of packaging supplies around the world consider the impact of packaging practices and materials on the environment. Additionally, customers increasingly demand companies involved in online shopping to reduce waste production due to unnecessary packaging. Physical shops differ from e-commerce businesses in terms of packaging because the former focuses on using augmented reality, multiple fonts, interactive content, gamification, and multiple materials with flashy colors.
Most companies involved in online shopping businesses desire to decrease the amount of waste production, create sustainability, and environmental friendliness. Firms in the e-commerce business collect customer feedback and take initiative to address their concerns. E-commerce packaging is typically moot and quite difficult to match the same aesthetic expensive appeal to consumers as compared to those offered by physical retail shops.
Unboxing experience.
Unlike physical shops, the unboxing process is a vital part of the consumer’s journey because it is the first point of interaction between the two. Additionally, the experience the customer derives from the unboxing process will define their judgment on the brand and product. A bland experience might produce a sensation of remorse while excessive packaging will turn off the customer. E-commerce businesses must strike a balance of branding and utility to offer the best unboxing experience possible.
It is a challenge to identify this sweet spot, which ensures the customer is happy with the packaging and the environmental impact is lower. E-commerce businesses should choose flexible materials for packaging that have lower carbon footprints because it will portray a unique brand expression. Additionally, materials like a plant-based bio-plastic and stand up pouch are environmentally friendly substrates that establish a sweet spot between quality, aesthetics, and sustainability on the products, the packaging process, and unboxing.