Packaging isn’t justa medium to guarantee that your product will be safely delivered; it’s a crucial part of branding and has the power to make or break the user experience.Good packaging can elevate your brand, justify a higher price point, and set your apart from competitors. On the other hand, bad packaging can cheapen your product, make your brand easily forgettable and in some instances, ruin your brand reputation.

Your packaging is a real communication interface between your brand and consumers. As such,every aspect of the packaging mattersand it indicates the following things:

• Your brand identity - these are the visible elements that identify and distinguish your brand in consumers' minds such as color, logo, typography etc.
• Your brand personality–this refers to a set of human characteristics that are attributed to a brand that resonate with a specific target market. It can be described as trendy,sophisticated, wholesome, rugged, etc.
• Your brand values- these are the core valuesthat your company believes in and stands for. 

All these elements are important part of your branding and ultimately affect your bottom-line.

For that reason, there’s therefore no room for error when it comes to packaging and your business has to get it right to achieve the desired outcomes.

If you’d like to learn about how to pick the perfect packaging for your product, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.

Let’s start with the basics...

Material

The type of material you use for your packaging is one of the key elements of your product design. It has two functions- itkeeps your products safe and lays the foundation for your branding.

Whether you’re in the e-commerce industry, food industry or retail, there’s a wide variety of materials you can choose from to fit your needs.  The choice of material will depend on your brand’s style and the product itself. However, keep in mind thatmore New Zealanders are opting forsustainable packaging that is;compostable, biodegradable or recycled.

Going green with your packaging materials will shrink your carbon footprint and win-over customers who care for the environment.

Product transportation

Your product is subject to environmental and mechanical incidents that could damage your product if it’s not correctly packaged. To ensure that your package arrives safely, consider a few things; how is the product supported in the packaging? Does it need extra protection on the outer layer? All this factorswill add to the user experience.

Budget

Your product’s weight and dimensions will determine how much material you need and the shipping cost. It’s often assumed that the most expensive materials will result in the best quality packaging, but that isn’t always the case. You can find sustainable packaging optionsthat will give that high end feel you’re looking forat a reasonable price.

A good example is our Recycled Bubble Courier Bag. Ithas a sleek minimal design with a matte black finishthat exudes a silky, luxurious feel and you can get it a great price.

Customer appeal

The color, typography, and styling of your packaging can attract or repel the target audience your products are positioned for. Before you settle on a particular design, do some market research and incorporate different packaging effects to stand out from the crowd.

For instance, packaging that is clean and simple can attract customers who are into minimalist living while packaging with earth tone colors can draw environmentally-conscious consumers.

Whatever packaging imagery you choose, make sure it resonates with your core audience.

 Packaging style

There is no shortage of styles when it comes to packaging. Choose one that works well with the size and shape of your product as well as the overall presentation that you are going for.

OurRecyclable double Handle Retail Bags are a fantastic option for online retailers. They come in different sizes (small to large) and thickness to accommodate your needs.

If you’d prefer tamper-proof packaging option to ship your products, these luxRecycled Bubble Courier Bags will keep your products safe until they reach their destination.

Ergonomics

The feel, shape, size and touch of the package are all key factors to keep in mind when choosing your packaging design. The last thing you want is for your customers to feel frustrated when carrying or opening your packaging.Ideally, your packaging should be easy and reliable to safely open for your target consumers.

Final thoughts

There are endless possibilities when it comes to packaging. The only limitationis your budget, environmental stand, and perhaps your creativity. Evaluate all aspects of your packaging options and come up with a unique designs that keeps your target market as its center.

Most importantly, make sure your brand’s values are conveyed instantly when a customer interacts with your products.

By reviewing all these aspects you will be well prepared to create a beautiful, sustainable, quality package.