Ecommerce Packaging Challenges and the Best Solutions for the Job

No job is easy, especially in the world of packaging. There are certain challenges that you’ll want to consider, and really want to home in on before you start on your packaging journey. Here, we have a few unique challenges and the optimal solutions to create a lasting impact. 

Waste Concerns 

A big challenge is to minimize the waste. The last thing shoppers want these days is to get a whole bunch of plastic packaging that’s not necessary and looks tacky. Gone are the days where this was accepted. These days, customers know, and they will be upset if you’re constantly shoving this in their face. 

But you also need to protect the packaging, especially if it’s fragile. How do you create a precarious balance then? 

Well, you want to first of all get the correct size for the product you’re selling. This not only allows for the voids to be eliminated, but also allows for products to not move too much during the transit process. It helps to build a great unboxing type of experience. 

Think of it like this: you want the packaging to be snug, and also protect the item from beginning to end.  Not too big, button too small.

As for void fill, less is more. don’t just shove packaging peanuts and other unnecessary waste into there, but instead, only use a little bit. 

Sourcing concerns 

Another concern is where the packaging comes from. 

While recyclability and biodegradability is great, if they're coming from places that aren’t using sustainable farming, it creates a huge problem. 

You need to make sure that you look at where it’s coming from. If you’re buying from a forest that is not farming properly, it causes you to look bad, and customers will judge. 

The solution is simple: get packaging that’s fitting and will come from places that are reputable. If they aren’t, do not invest your money. 

Ways to Dispose 

Sure, it’s great to have compostable and disposable packaging, but the problem is, if you’re not careful, you’re going to have problems down the line because people won't dispose of this properly. 

Your goal is to make packaging disposal as easy as you can. The solution to that is to provide clear instructions on where to dispose. If you are going to have them recycled industrially, provide them with a location and tips. If they’re able to recycle at home, let them know too. 

Making Impacts 

You also need to make an impact, which is the way you present yourself on a shelf. 

Good, eye-catching graphics are good for elevating the unboxing of customers. 

This type of packaging can be done to improve the identity of a brand, but lots of companies struggle with this.

Why is that? it’s because they don’t know the type of brand they wish to be. 

They do not know what type of experience they wish to give to customers. 

But, the first step is to narrow this down, and from there, also work on building the type of audience and energy that you wish to have. Foster a sense of well-being for your customers. 

Ensuring Safe Arrival of Products 

Finally, you want to make sure that you face the challenge of having the products arrive safely. 

The solution to this, especially in the case of improving the state of said products, is to use the correct amounts of void fill, and the correct packaging.  

You can solve this one quite easily just by doing this, and when you make it sustainable, you win as well!