Author: tdavis@insitepackaging.com

There’s been a huge aesthetic shift in the secondary packaging industry—meaning that blank corrugated boxes just aren’t cutting it anymore for a variety of goods. Eye-catching secondary packaging designs, often seen adorning subscription boxes, are a sure way to get customers thinking about the products you’re selling. Not only is this a visually pleasing trend, it’s backed by psychology—impressive outer packaging designs suggest outstanding products within. 

We see the line between primary and secondary packaging design blurring more and more each year, so we like to keep an eye on both categories. You never know what will spark inspiration for your graphic design team!

Best Practices for Secondary Packaging Design

Let’s discuss what makes an attractive, effective secondary packaging design. We’ll also take a look at a few examples of these techniques in action with real-life packaging on the market today.

Choose the Right Size and Shape

Be sure that the size and shape of your packaging allow for easy transport to retailers or buyers. This sounds obvious, but a rectangular or square-shaped box is preferable to something oblong or otherwise misshapen—unless you have the resources to dive into fit-to-product packaging. A more conventionally-shaped package will also reduce shipping and storage costs. You’ll want to keep your packages compact, too, but they should also allow your product room to “breathe.”

Convey Relevant Information

Again, a no-brainer, but it’s worth a mention. If your secondary packaging will pass in front of consumers, be sure to convey accurate, truthful information on the outside of your design. Don’t get too wordy, as big blocks of text may overwhelm your customer.

Understand Your Target Audience

When ordering online, the first real glimpse your customers will have of your product (or their first “point of contact”) will be its outer packaging. That’s why it’s essential that your secondary packaging appeals to that specific audience.

For example, if you were selling a skincare subscription box that promoted a lighthearted, fun form of self-care, you wouldn’t want your packaging to be monochrome and utilitarian. On the other hand, if you wanted to attract buyers to a no-frills camping provision kit, you probably wouldn’t opt for loopy, cursive lettering and cutesy hearts and flowers.

Combine Text and Images

Human beings are more visually-oriented than text-oriented, so while it’s important to convey accurate information about your product, your packaging will also benefit immensely from an appealing graphic or two. When in doubt, opt for a minimalist image while using several eye-catching colors.

Be Genuine in Your Representation

Living in the Internet age means that customers have become more adept at spotting a scam than ever. If you mislead the customer and they end up disappointed, they’ll keep associating those feelings of disappointment with your product—and potentially take their experience online in the form of negative reviews.

Examples of Attractive, Effective Secondary Packaging Designs

Now that we’ve discussed how to develop stunning secondary packaging, let’s take a look at some of these practices in action, shall we?

1. FabFitFun

The FabFitFun subscription box allows you to indulge in a variety of health, fitness, and home products with its customizable boxes. Your standard FabFitFun box contains cheery background colors (such as bright yellow or pink) and whimsical graphics, like doodles of cactuses or hearts. These boxes are compact—all of the items tend to fit inside of them like a puzzle—and the outside of these boxes aren’t overly wordy. In fact, they usually just feature the company logo alongside coordinating artwork.

2. MunchPak

MunchPak curates snack boxes according to your tastes with popular treats from all over the world. The majority of their subscription boxes come in red (a color scientifically proven to increase appetite) with a punchy white font. They’re carefully packed to the brim with these international snacks while avoiding the risk of crushing the goods within.

3. Square. Chocolate

This one’s a little off the beaten path, but their packaging design is stunning, so why not? Square. is a premium chocolatier in Dubai. Their jade green boxes with shiny gold font suggest sophistication and luxury. And that’s exactly how you want to feel after you’ve just purchased some fancy chocolate, isn’t it? The color scheme extends from their larger outer shells to the inner containers cradling the luxury treat.

4. Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose headphones are high-tech, but sleek and minimalist, and their primary packaging more than reflects this. Limiting their packaging’s color scheme (often to a combination of gray, white, black, or pale pink) reflects the calming quality of the noise-cancelling feature. This is one of those instances where a bright, flashy box design would not accurately convey what was being sold. We love this example for its adherence to the enduring minimalist trend, and we could see this kind of design working well for consumer-facing secondary packaging designs, as well.

Secondary Packaging Insight From INSITE

At INSITE, we’re committed to providing industry knowledge and developing equipment that will simplify your packaging process, not complicate it. Our case erectors and case sealers are designed to get the job done reliably, leaving you with the bandwidth to focus on other aspects of your manufacturing and packaging processes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

If you’re new to the consumer packaged goods (CPG) or secondary packaging industries, all of the terminologies that get thrown around can be a little daunting. Corrugated boxes are just pieces of cardboard used to ship products, right?

Well, no, not exactly. There’s a bit more to it than that.

We’ve compiled a list of some frequently-asked questions about corrugated boxes, so there’s no need to feel intimidated. And if you’re already an industry expert, this is a great time to brush up on your basics! The greater understanding you have of the materials you’re working with, the greater ability you’ll have to do your job and maximize your output. Let’s get started.

So, It’s Not a Cardboard Box?

In our line of work, the material we’re talking about is corrugated. The individual units inside these boxes are known as “cases.” Corrugated boxes are used primarily to store and ship cases. Cases could be anything from tissue boxes to food packages to smaller boxes containing medical devices—it all depends on who’s doing the shipping and packaging.

A cardboard box, on the other hand, is made from thick paper stock that’s most frequently used to package consumer goods, like boxes of cereal. So if we’re talking primary packaging, we mean the consumer packaging that’s touching the actual product. But more likely, we’ll be talking about secondary packaging—the corrugated material used to ship those packaged goods. 

What Is Corrugated Material Made Of?

Essentially, corrugated material is a number of heavy layers of paper. One of these layers is corrugated, or “fluted” in waves, and attached to a liner, which is another layer of flat paper. Simply put, at least one fluted layer and one lined layer together will get you corrugated packaging material.

You should also keep in mind that different combinations of flutes and lines can create different “wall thicknesses.” In other words, additional layers mean additional strength, and understandably, a higher cost.

How Long Can You Store Flattened Corrugated Boxes?

This is a tricky question, as much of it depends on the amount of moisture in the air. Storing these boxes in a humid area, for example, can weaken the adhesive bonds between the liners and the fluted medium. Storing them in a location that isn’t humid enough can be just as bad—the corrugated material can dry out, becoming brittle and faded.

We also want to emphasize the word “flattened” here. Flattening your boxes before you store them will save you a significant amount of space, so keep that in mind if you find your operation growing. Flattening your corrugated boxes will also reduce damage to their edges!

All of that being said, assuming conditions are ideal, we recommend you store corrugated boxes for no more than 90 days. You’re the best judge, though—if your corrugated boxes appear to have deteriorated over any period of time, you’re better off erecting new ones to maintain the integrity of your packaging process.

When Should I Be Using Corrugated Material?

If we were to sum this up in one word, we’d say that corrugated material is the best option if you want to reliably transport your goods. Their sturdy layers make corrugated boxes a great option for both storing and transporting products to factories, warehouses, and retail stores. Consumers, in turn, might recycle corrugated boxes to move furniture to a new home or to package up a gift for a relative.

How Are Corrugated Boxes Made?

That’s a fair question—how are these boxes manufactured to be so sturdy, anyway? If you really think about it, the fact that several layers of paper can be used to hold, say, a heavy TV set or a kitchen table, is pretty incredible in and of itself.

As complicated as this all may sound, corrugated box manufacturers have refined this process and made it as efficient and user-friendly as possible. When secondary packagers receive case blanks, it’s time for both case erectors and case sealers to come into play.

Case Erectors

Case erectors convert case blanks into fully-erected cases that are sealed on the bottom. It’s as simple as that. Good case erectors will reliably convert blanks into squares at speeds that are both efficient and safe. On average, a case erector can make a box in as little as one-third of the time it takes a person to do it manually.

Case Sealers

Case sealers are pretty straightforward, too—their job is to seal the cases that were formed by case erectors. This equipment can handle a large range of case sizes and seal a high number of cases per minute.

A reliable case sealer won’t jam or break down, and will firmly handle your cases—but not so firmly as to damage your product! Like case erectors, high-quality case sealers are efficient and safe to operate.

Have More Questions About Corrugated Boxes? INSITE Is Here to Help

INSITE designs advanced, streamlined case sealers and case erectors for the secondary packaging industry. Our equipment is straightforward, easy to operate, and delivers sturdy corrugated boxes efficiently and without the excess parts and needless functions that can gum up the packaging process. If you have any questions about corrugated packaging or our state-of-the-art packaging machinery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Whether it be a truck, a household appliance, or, for our purposes, secondary packaging machinery, man-made equipment is often in need of the occasional repair. After a number of repairs, this equipment will eventually be due for a replacement. The trick with packaging equipment, though, is that it’s not always obvious when the time comes to make a new purchase.

Let’s examine a few things to keep in mind when evaluating your current secondary packaging machinery, so that you’ll be sure to get the most out of your equipment. This will allow your employees to work efficiently, and above all, keep your customers satisfied.

When Your Machine Breaks Down

Let’s start with the most obvious answer. Sometimes it’s clear when a machine has broken down beyond repair—you (and other experts in your field) will likely know it when you see it.

Minor Damage That Impacts Efficiency

Your company may decide to hold off on some repairs, even if speed and efficiency are reduced as a result. However, if these damages are heavily or consistently lowering your production output, your machine may be coming to the end of its initial lifespan. It’s during this time that you should be considering replacement equipment.

Outdated Machinery

Speaking of a machine’s lifespan—your automated packaging equipment may be performing well, but the machines themselves could be outdated. Secondary packaging machinery is always being refined and streamlined. While this may not mean you need to purchase new equipment immediately (why fix what’s not broken?), you should have plans in place to order new, updated equipment in the event that something does happen, or when you’re ready to increase your output.

When You’re Financially Sound

If only it were as simple as saying, “Our machine broke down, time to order a replacement!” The economic standing of your business is key to whether or not you can invest in a new purchase.

Budget

Okay, this one’s pretty straightforward: with all of the other expenses your manufacturing team has, can you afford to purchase this new equipment? Or perhaps you’re willing to consider leasing machines instead? When the success of your business depends on efficient machinery and packaging processes, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits of new equipment.

When You’re Seeing Diminishing Returns

Is your machinery putting manufacturing and packaging costs at an all-time high? Are these costs greater than the amount your company is earning from the sale of these products? Or is your company slowly losing profit?

If production costs are outweighing sales, you don’t need us to tell you that your company is losing money. But getting your business back in the black isn’t always a straightforward  effort. You’ll likely be looking at a variety of factors that are impacting cost, and your packaging machinery should definitely be one of them.

Short and Long-Term Growth

Will investing in sleek new machinery lead to financial growth over time? Depending on how comfortable your team is financially, “over time” could mean a period of several months, or as many as several years. If you’re operating with old, outdated equipment, it may be time to invest some funds upfront for a worthy payoff in the long run—updated equipment that can speed up your packaging process.

This type of investment requires both confidence in your business and its mission, as well as plenty of financial data to back up your decision. Above all, you need to make sure that your business is financially stable enough to make a large equipment purchase. To smaller secondary packagers, one new machine represents a significant cost, and it’s essential that you have the funds to carry you through the changeover process.

When You Have the Resources and Time to Train Employees

If your business has both the need and the financial means to purchase new packaging equipment, that’s fantastic! Another factor to consider that might not be so obvious, however, is whether or not you have the means to train your employees on new equipment or procedures.

Changeover Time

Minimizing changeover time is critical to maintaining efficiency, but be sure to set realistic expectations. Given the way your business functions, is it possible to both train employees and ensure a relatively seamless transition within the time frame you’ve set? Remember, even for experts in the secondary packaging industry, there’s bound to be a brief learning curve with new equipment. 

Ready for New Secondary Packaging Machinery?

Here at INSITE, we manufacture innovative, streamlined packaging equipment that’s designed to improve performance and efficiency—without being hard on your budget. Our case erectors and case sealers are simple to use, allowing you to reduce changeover time and ensure a smooth transition. 

If you’ve come to the conclusion that your business could benefit from new secondary packaging equipment, we’re ready to help simplify your packaging process. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products. We’re always happy to chat!

With 2020 right around the corner, the coming of a new year—and a new decade—provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the past year. Here at INSITE, 2019 was filled with growth, innovation, and continued efforts to equip our customers with exceptional standardized packaging equipment and unmatched customer service. We also hosted a booth, highlighting our case erectors and case sealers at the PACK EXPO for the second year in a row. 

2019 wasn’t just a good year for the INSITE team, though. Evolving consumer demands and new technologies resulted in positive growth for many brands in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Let’s take a peek at some industry shifts that sparked changes this past year.

2019 Growth Statistics

Although results for the 4th quarter have yet to be released, 2019 has already been a big year for CPG brands. With the increasing demand for corrugated material, the heavy-duty corrugated packaging market, already estimated to be valued at over $17 billion, is projected to expand by 5 percent in the next decade. 

This prediction is based on exciting growth in many facets of the CPG industry and is spearheaded by leading brands like the Mondi Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, and DS Smith. Other key market players include VPK Packaging Group, International Paper Company, WestRock Company, Georgia Pacific, LLC, Pratt Industries, Inc., Oji Holdings Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc., and more.

What Parts of the CPG Industry Saw the Greatest Increase in 2019?

Prompted by rising e-commerce sales, increases in subscription box services, the expansion of curbside pickup and delivery offerings, and other developments in the packaging and delivery sphere, the CPG industry is perfectly positioned for further growth. In 2019 alone, grocery e-commerce in the United States grew an estimated 18.2 percent, and retail e-commerce by 14.5 percent. While online retail played a significant role in industry growth, three other major consumer shifts also continue to drive the CPG world into the new year.

Production Advancements

New developments in production and packaging equipment continue to drive the corrugated market. Streamlined, automated packaging equipment, fit-to-product (FtP) platforms, and smart packaging options work together to meet the desires for growing e-commerce brands and expecting consumers. 

Age-old manufacturing methods and legacy equipment are no longer enough to remain competitive in the swiftly evolving CPG industry. As more brands realize this, we’re seeing a significant shift towards investments in high-quality packaging machinery with increased functionality. Advanced machinery offers many brands the opportunity to expand their product offerings and services, enabling them to capitalize on emerging packaging trends and increase their return on investment.

The Increased Value of Customer Service

In today’s technological world, where nearly every commercial industry has been affected by automation, quality customer service from real people is more appreciated than ever before. And with social media and constant connection conditioning consumers to expect fast results, real-time customer service is a necessity. 

At INSITE, we work directly with our customers 24 hours a day to help solve their problems, because we believe good business begins with honoring the time of our customers. This approach helps our brand—and others like it—to remain relevant and evolve with the consumers we serve.

Corporate Responsibility

Greenhouse gas emissions, garbage, toxicity, and waste are far more than panic-evoking buzzwords. Big brands like Nestle and Unilever have made reducing these global concerns their public mission. Eco-friendly packaging options, like sustainable, reusable, and recyclable packaging, continue to emerge and become more prevalent in light of environmental struggles. 

Consumers continue to show big brands that conservation and sustainability are key qualities that will affect where they spend their money. This shift in consumer support is proving that to be successful, a business must do more than provide a quality product or service. Today, brands must also champion a cause worth joining to receive support.

A Brief Look at Next Year’s Anticipated Trends

2019’s trends revealed a unique pattern that has many brands in the CPG and SPA space excited. Most of the biggest trends revolved around changing consumer insights like simplified, streamlined production processes, conscientious consumerism, and giving back to one’s community. We expect to see these trends continue into the new year—and be joined by some new ones like transparent or opaque packaging, increased sustainability efforts, and interactive content.

Greet 2020 With Confidence 

2019 will quickly be over and done, but the new decade presents limitless opportunities for growth and expansion. At INSITE, we’re eager to keep growing our brand and connecting with our customers and supporters. Offering case erectors and sealers for any production line, we’re equipped to help your brand find success in 2020 and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about how the right automated secondary packaging system can streamline your production processes.

The rise of private label brands continues to challenge companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry to adapt in new ways. Private labels are produced under contract through a private retailer. By eliminating branded manufacturers, private label brands can offer an increasing number of products at more affordable prices than their branded counterparts.

Many would think the increasing popularity of private labels should be accompanied by losses for some of the biggest CPG brands. But despite predictions, Procter & Gamble (P&G), one of the largest multinational consumer packaged goods brands, continues to post excellent earning reports and outpace its competitors. The company’s strong Q3 numbers bode well for the greater CPG industry, proving that success is possible despite current market volatility. 

A Brief History of Procter & Gamble

Founded October 31, 1837, P&G was opened in Cincinnati, OH, by a former soap and candle maker. Initially supplying soap and candles to soldiers during the American Civil War, the company’s product line soon expanded to include toothpaste, coffee, tea, and baking mixes, along with countless other health and wellness products. Today, the company is one of America’s leading national advertisers and recently reported revenue of over $17.09 billion this past July. 

P&G’s Contributions to the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry

Growing exponentially since its humble beginnings, Procter & Gamble controls many of the largest health and wellness brands in the CPG and service industries. Including household names like Tide, Crest, Gillette, Charmin, and Febreze, P&G’s high-quality products continue to challenge barriers and inspire innovation across the industry. 

Strong 2019 Quarter 3 Earnings Announced

Releasing their Q3 earnings report on October 15, 2019, Procter & Gamble continues to prosper despite increasing market volatility. Earnings per share were expected to reach $1.24 but came in at a reported $1.37, bringing in more than the expected $17.42 billion. In light of these positive results, P&G has increased its anticipated growth from 3-4 percent to 3-5 percent. The company also hopes to see a growth in core earnings from 4-10 percent, up from the 4-9 percent increase reported before the Q3 earnings were released. 

Maintaining the Top and Bottom Line 

Procter & Gamble’s exceptional Q3 results beat analysts’ expectations for both top and bottom-line growth. Despite the excitement surrounding their recent success, fears of a potential economic downturn have raised questions surrounding P&G’s sustainability. CFO Jon Moeller has stated that even if a recession does occur, Procter & Gamble’s near 60 percent international sales should ensure continued stability. 

Outpacing the S&P 500 

In addition to increasing loss prevention efforts and sustainability to help maintain their bottom line, P&G’s stock continues to outpace the S&P index. Rising 30 percent in 2019 and 37 percent total in the past year, the company’s market shares have consecutively improved for the past eight quarters. Given the current international climate—and taking currency changes, transport, and tariffs into consideration—P&G hopes to see a “modest net benefit” in the 2020 fiscal year.

Industry Implications for Other CPG Brands

Procter & Gamble’s Q3 results bode well for other CPG brands, showing that a return on investment is possible despite private label growth, increased international manufacturing, and market volatility. However, remaining relevant and successful in the quickly-changing consumer packaged goods industry doesn’t happen by accident. Continued growth requires the ability to predict—and stay ahead of—trends, the foundation to support organic growth, and the capacity to fill consumer needs at a maybe unprecedented rate.

Capitalizing on Trends

Making the most of CPG trends goes far beyond utilizing reusable or connective packaging. Beating trends requires a forward-thinking mindset and a willingness to adapt. Whether this means breaking into emerging industries, like the quickly-growing CBD market, or expanding your product or service offerings to appeal to a more extensive consumer base, staying ahead means staying on top.

Encouraging Organic Growth

Beauty, health care, fabric, and home care lines were P&G’s largest contributors to organic growth this past year. Cutting costs, raising product prices, and lower commodities costs all play a factor in this uptrend of improved organic sales growth. Play to your brand’s strengths and consider areas of potential improvement to ensure that growth remains the highest priority at your company.

Meeting Increased Needs

The consumer packaged goods industry is primed for growth, with some sectors predicted to see unprecedented increases. As consumer needs continue to grow and change, flexibility is the key to success. If your brand is not equipped—and prepared—to meet increasing needs (either in capacity or speed) conglomerates like P&G will be unstoppable.

Procter & Gamble’s continued growth does not need to be unique. If your brand is able to use the above tips to strengthen its foundation, your 2020 sales and outlook can look considerably brighter.

Exceed Expectations With INSITE

With increasing ecommerce and evolving consumer demands proving to be significant contributors to growth within the CPG industry, your brand must be ready to meet new needs. As a packaging automation company committed to leading the industry with streamlined simplicity, INSITE is equipped to help you grow with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative case erectors and case sealers.

When it comes to the CPG and SPA industries, we’ve seen trends driving packaging changes at quick rates. Just look at Amazon’s contributions. On July 5, 1994, the small start-up began selling books online and shipping them to homes. Within five years, Amazon had expanded into many markets, pulling in a quarter of a million customers per quarter. After 25 years of business, the company is currently worth $1 trillion and ships over billions of packages each year, significantly contributing to product packaging needs in the United States and worldwide.

To meet growing ecommerce needs and allocate resources more effectively, packaging manufacturers began thinking outside the box. In addition to creating more efficient packaging automation machinery, manufacturers have been striving to find creative packaging solutions that eliminate waste, save time, and preserve resources—without sacrificing the quality consumers have come to expect. Let’s take a look at one alternative to standard corrugated boxes: fit-to-product packaging.

The Evolution of Product Packaging

Until recently, consumer packaged goods and other products were packed in perfectly square corrugated cartons, varying in dimension according to the contents. Not every product fits perfectly in a universal box, though. If a supplier carried multiple products or multiple sizes of products, they were forced to keep an inventory of box sizes on hand to fill orders. Not only does this method take up space, but it also uses up resources that might be utilized elsewhere. 

In the pursuit of more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions, we’ve seen packaging vessels evolve from the usage of standard corrugated boxes to stand-up pouches, bioplastics, and paper options. But while waste reduction is quickly becoming vital, these types of packaging solutions aren’t a good fit for every shape or size product.

Emerging Packaging Options

To accommodate more products and irregular sizes, new technologies, like FtP and box-on-demand packaging, have hit the market.

Fit-to-Product Packaging

Fit-to-product (FtP) packaging has quickly become a buzzword in the CPG and SPA community. By creating custom corrugated cases to the exact specifications of a product, FtP systems protect products during manufacturing, shipping, and transportation. They also eliminate the need to maintain an inventory of multiple carton sizes, since cases of any dimension can be built quickly and easily. Moving forward, we expect to see increased demand for fanfold boards and printers that can work in FtP compatibility.

Box-on-Demand Packaging

Similar to FtP packaging, box-on-demand packaging allows products to be shipped in the smallest possible carton by creating the ideal size of box for every product. This type of custom packaging saves time and resources by cutting down on wasted space and reducing the need for fillers. 

FtP and box-on-demand technologies are especially attractive to multi-channel brands, which sell a wide variety of products to a diverse consumer base. Although both of these packaging technologies are relatively new to the packaging industry, their use is quickly expanding as an increasing number of companies search for cost-effective packaging and shipping solutions. Only 7 percent of companies are making their cases on demand, but that number is expected to rise as already massive ecommerce brands like Amazon continue to grow. These technologies will—and already are—prompting large-scale changes across the packaging industry, bringing new challenges to brands, manufacturers, and marketers alike.

Market Implications Due to the Evolution of Product Packaging

A study by Peerless Research discusses how packaging optimization using FtP and box-on-demand technology ripples down a supply chain. When products are efficiently packed, the number of products packed per case can be increased. In turn, this affects the number of products per pallet and ups a truck’s transportation capability. Not only does this method of packaging reduce overall shipping costs through consolidation, but it also saves time. 

When Peerless Research asked distributors where their fulfillment pain points were, the top three answers included transportation, labor, and materials and packaging. While not every packaging investment is a smart one, supporters of box-on-demand packages report a number of advantages, including:

• Corrugate quantity reduction of 28% 
• A filling material reduction of 80-90% 
• 20-35% savings more than conventional supply chains
• Labor reduction up to 75%, including dunnage, packing, carton sealing, and taping 

For packaging professionals, FtP packaging and other new trends may represent a shift in the CPG industry. To keep up with manufacturers who are already exploring these new approaches, even packaging professionals must be prepared to adapt. 

Stay Ahead With the Right Packaging Partner

As evolving consumer trends continue to drive packaging changes, having the right packaging automation partner is key to remaining competitive. At INSITE, our cutting-edge case erectors and case sealers are designed to simplify packaging and streamline your production processes. Contact us today to learn more about how the packaging professionals at INSITE can help you stay at the forefront of the secondary packaging industry.

The new decade will be here before we know it, accompanied by a number of new and evolving trends in the corrugated packaging industry. Growth-prompted industry changes, emerging packaging trends, and smarter packaging machinery continue to encourage the corrugated packaging industry towards advancement. Whether you’re a product manufacturer, a secondary packaging consultant, or even a packaging automation expert, it’s vital to understand—and be ready for—these changes. Here’s what you need to know to keep your competitive edge in the packaging world.

Industry Changes

Many packaging experts predicted a decrease in the demand for corrugated packaging. However, due to the advancement of recent technologies—like ecommerce options—we’re now seeing the opposite. Adapting to meet these increases will be critical to the success of every packaging company in the coming years.

Growth in Corrugated Packaging

Packaging efforts have moved largely overseas despite rising tariffs, and continued industrialization in countries like China and Brazil is expected to continue boosting growth. Products have become more diverse, and delivery options more advanced, meaning that unique boxes and materials are needed to package and protect goods. This need is prompting more corrugated box options, growing the industry despite increases in the price of corrugate.

Ecommerce Increases

With an estimated 20 percent annual growth rate overseas and at least that in the United States, ecommerce retail sales account for much of the upward trend in corrugated packaging. Ecommerce sales are expected to surpass $5.5 trillion in the next three years, representing a significant return on investment for brands smart enough to cash in on ecommerce growth. This increase will drastically affect the demand for corrugated boxes, which already fill 80 percent of ecommerce needs. 

Corrugated Packaging Trends

Growth in corrugated and ecommerce packaging needs aren’t the only changes facing CPG and SPA brands starting in 2020, and beyond. Emerging trends, including sustainable and aesthetic packaging, continue to push the corrugated packaging industry forward.

Sustainable Packaging

The growing shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options has introduced fully recyclable packaging and stand-up pouches in a variety of designs. Along with offering environmental advantages, sustainable packaging can help companies improve their bottom line, eliminate unneeded manufacturing parts, improve safety on the production line, and minimize disposal costs.

Attractive Packaging

If given a choice between two identical products, one attractively packaged, and the other plainly wrapped, which one will consumers buy? Aesthetics have always been important, but their value is increasing as it becomes more challenging to capture potential customers’ attention. Especially when it comes to visually-driven products—like painstakingly packaged subscription boxes—it’s also important to consider the increasing impact of social media interaction. The internet is all about visuals, and brands are working on transforming even secondary packaging into appealing, branded material.

Smarter Equipment, Smarter Packaging

Technological advancements are guiding the corrugated packaging industry, along with market changes and packaging trends. Is your company equipped to accommodate evolving packaging demands, or willing to offer new services to capture this expanding business?

FtP Platforms

Fit-to-product (FtP) and box-on-demand technology have become hot topics of conversation in light of the unique and growing needs of ecommerce brands like Amazon. Allowing for the erection of custom corrugated cases fitted to the exact specifications of a product, these systems are ideal for oddly shaped products. Not only do FtP and box-on-demand systems protect products during manufacturing, shipping, and eventual transportation to consumers, but they also reduce the need to maintain a high inventory of many standard, bulky boxes, and multiple types of filler. 

Smart Packaging

From QR codes and temperature sensors to image recognition and augmented reality, connected packaging will be at the forefront of packaging industry changes in 2020 and beyond. With over 81 percent of Americans owning some type of smartphone, smart packaging provides an instant connection between users and products, all with a few taps of a finger. Many brands are using this new technology to easily send consumers to recipes and articles, related products, and other branded information on products. 

Greet the Next Decade With Confidence

We’re calling it now: the 2020s will be a decade of rapid growth for the corrugated packaging industry. Secondary packagers will need to be ready to face these changes head-on. If you aren’t confident that your current packaging automation partner is equipped to grow with you, consider INSITE. 

Our smart, simple case erectors and case sealers are designed to improve performance and eliminate unneeded parts and complexities found in other packaging equipment. With a practical focus on delivering value, we respect and appreciate your time from the first moment you visit our website through years of fully supported performance of your INSITE equipment. Contact us or get a quote today to learn more about how we can help you grow.

Thanks to evolving technologies like smartphones, FitBits, A.I. home helpers, and more, Americans have never been more connected. The value of connectivity has moved beyond social communication and ecommerce and is being embraced by the CPG and packaging automation worlds—through the concept of connective packaging technologies. 

The connective packaging technology interface has opened up a new world of possibilities. Offering brands a chance to learn more about consumer needs, connective packaging technology can show how buyers use products, provide a way to educate on product capabilities, and collect valuable consumer data.

Though connective technology is still relatively new, it’s expected to help lead the CPG industry into the digital future. To embrace this modern age, it’s vital to understand precisely what connective packaging technology entails and how manufacturers and brands can use it to their advantage. 

What Is Connective Packaging Technology?

Ayed Katrangi, Senior Product Manager of Automation and Digitalisation at SIG, defines connective packaging technology as digitally integrated packaging used to improve brand image and recognition. This type of technology can ultimately ensure better supply chain quality and control. At its most basic, connective packaging technology provides a way for companies to turn the physical packaging of goods into powerful brand interaction tools. 

Leading Types of Connective Packaging Technology

Connective packaging technology enables brands to introduce new product functions and user experiences. Not only does this increase the value of certain products, but it shifts the perception of power from brands to consumers, allowing increased access to business information and products. Here are some types of connective packaging to keep an eye on.

Augmented Reality

With applications far beyond gaming, augmented reality (AR) uses technology to superimpose virtual information onto products. Augmented reality offers groundbreaking applications in the packaging industry, and can be used to enhance packaging, improve branding, or stand out from the competition. Usually requiring little to no packaging alterations, AR technology can be added to any product with a simple QR code.

QR Codes

Quick Response codes (QR codes) were introduced in the mid-1990s and were one of the first technologies to link the real and digital world easily. Scannable through the camera of any smart device, QR codes often lead consumers to the product’s parent brand website. These sites offer a wealth of information on other products, recipes, applications, and even games. Trying to capitalize on the .56 cents of every dollar spent in physical stores that already link back to digital interactions, an increasing number of brands are adding QR codes to their packaging.

Near-Field Communication

Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connection that uses magnetic field induction to help devices communicate when they’re touched or brought close together. When the devices are “tapped,” they gain exclusive access to branded content, coupons, and other relevant information.

The Challenge of Connective Packaging Technology

As the three leading types of connective packaging technology become increasingly popular, it’s important to note not only the advantages of their implementation, but the potential roadblocks ahead as well. 

While printed technologies are expected to have no effect on product recyclability, companies are still faced with the problem of sustainability. Although the use of 100-percent recyclable packaging is on the rise, connective packaging technology is used on the packaging of many plastic-based products. Efforts to reduce food-related waste are being taken seriously, but the increased use of still plastic-based connective packaging technology may pose a threat to these advancements. 

What Connective Packaging Technology Means for Manufacturers and Brands

When it comes to new and emerging packaging trends, manufacturers are often the most skeptical regarding the potential ROI of adopting something new. Connective packaging technologies are no exception. If this trend is to have any lasting power, it must offer increased value to manufacturers, brands, and consumers alike.

For producers and manufacturers, adaptation is key. If you aren’t willing to think beyond what other manufacturers are currently doing, brands seeking to break into new and innovative CPG niches will overlook you. For brands, unlocking the potential of connective packaging technology requires patience and a deep understanding of shifting consumer needs.

Engage the Future with INSITE

As connective packaging technologies continue to evolve, it’s vital to have a packaging automation partner committed to growing with your company and providing education to the secondary packaging industry. At INSITE, our streamlined case sealer and case erector machines are designed to improve performance, remove extraneous parts, and eliminate the needless complexity found in other packaging equipment. 

Trust your packaging machinery solutions to the right partner, so that you can focus on embracing technological changes in your industry with confidence. Contact INSITE today to learn more about how we can help equip your brand for packaging success.