Packaging can often be overlooked by most manufacturers as a non-important detail. But in effect, it actually plays a very significant role in driving the sales of your product.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors that you should definitely consider when packaging your products.

 1.   SUSTAINABILITY

Ask yourself, is my product sustainable in the long run? Make sure your packaging is environment friendly and does not harm the environment in any way. Using non-plastic carrier bags is one way to achieve this.  This not only helps you fulfil your corporate social responsibility but also makes a place in your customer’s hearts. Choosing materials that are eco-friendly and also comply with the legal and social guidelines will help you place your brand in the market as “eco-friendly and green”. For example, using recyclable containers to pack food items will be a value addition to your customer as they can use it at their home to store and reheat food.

2.   DURABILITY

One important factor to consider is the durability of the packaging. It has to be durable enough to withstand the long-distance shipping, handling and delivery of your products safely to the consumers. Especially when it comes to food products, it is worthwhile to check the durability of your packaging. An accurate temperature environment is necessary to preserve food items especially meat, poultry and fish. A specialized vacuum pouch which  can preserve the essential nutrients of the food and prevents any decay is a good solution. 

3.   COST EFFECTIVENESS

Cost of the total packaging material can significantly increase the total cost you bear on the product. But there are several ways in which you can make up for it. By choosing a light weight packaging material, you are reducing the shipping and transportation costs. Having quantity discounts on your products, will help you sell 5 items in one package. It is important to reduce the cost of packaging whilst maintaining quality at the same time. Using economic options for  additional utilities like bag sealer and adhesive can also save you significant amount of money.

4.   DESIGN

Designing your own packaging can be a little expensive but it has several benefits in the long run. Firstly, it gives you a unique and distinct identity. And also, you can make a similar series of designs for different product lines under your brand. It helps people relate your products to a particular color or shape. For example, Coca Cola is associated with the color red while Pepsi is associated with the color blue since many years. However, it is important that the colors and shape you choose for your packaging should be relevant with the product itself.

5.   MESSAGE CLARITY

There shouldn’t be too much information on your packaging. After all, it is just a packaging material. It should definitely contain essential information like the product manufacturing date, ingredients, its expiry dates as well as some useful tips. In cases of food items, the FDA approval, red and green dots as required. These are very important to be printed on the packaging. If your overload your packaging material with information, it becomes extremely tedious for the customer to read it as well as relate to it.

6.   BRAND IMAGE

Packaging your product is not just a means to protect and ship your product. It should also add value to your business. Making the right packaging choices in terms of design, material and quality can help you establish your brand identity in the minds of the customers. For example, If you are into packaging and selling meat like bacon joints, using a proper quality meat netting as it looks attractive and preserves the food intactness at the same time. Packaging material should be chosen carefully and should reflect your business values.