White boxes: the reliable and refined solution

Food packaging plays a fundamental role in protecting food safety and quality during transport, storage, and sale, but that is not all. Food packaging: 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited for you. Choosing the right type of packaging requires considering various factors, such as the type of food, shelf life, transport requirements, sustainability, product visibility, branding and communication needs, without forgetting regulatory requirements. In this article, we will provide 7 useful tips to help you choose the food packaging solution best suited to your needs, in order to ensure the safety and quality of your product and meet your customers' expectations. Find out more: “Packaging labeling: mandatory since January 1, 2023” The importance of food packaging First and foremost, food packaging aims to preserve food in the best possible way and for as long as possible. But that's not all; food packaging represents a powerful corporate communication tool. Without forgetting, of course, its importance in terms of eco-sustainability and the lowest possible impact on the environment. This is why, when running a professional business, it is essential to choose the food packaging best suited to your needs. Food packaging, in fact, plays a crucial role in protecting food safety and quality throughout the entire production, distribution, and sales process. It protects products from physical damage and contamination, while simultaneously providing information such as expiration dates, nutritional facts, and ingredients used. Furthermore, food packaging can guarantee the product's freshness and taste, preserving it from oxidation and moisture. Food packaging can therefore influence consumers' decisions when purchasing a product and can also be used as a branding tool, promoting your business and products. Here are 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited to your needs. Consider the type of food The type of food you intend to package is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the type of packaging. Some foods, such as fresh meats, require packaging that protects them from air and contact with other foods to ensure food safety. Fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, and meat require packaging that allows them to breathe to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria, while dry foods like pods and biscuits require packaging that protects them from moisture and oxidation. Then, ask yourself other questions: what size should the packaging be, what are the customer's needs, whether hot-use or cold-use containers are required, or if the products need to be stored in a specific way. Check transport requirements Food packaging is vital for protecting food during transport, whether it is a short or long journey. Transport requirements can vary based on the type of food, transport distance, and the means of transport used. For example, for delicate or fragile foods like fruit and vegetables that can release water and are subject to significant temperature fluctuations in short periods, it may be necessary to use shock-resistant packaging with treated papers suitable for food contact, in addition to allowing good ventilation to keep the product fresh during transport. Meanwhile, for long-life foods, such as canned or glass products, the packaging should be resistant to pressure, as well as to changes in temperature and humidity, oxidation, and light. Remember that inadequate packaging can cause physical damage or contamination, compromising product safety and customer satisfaction. Reflect on branding needs Food packaging can also be used as a branding tool to promote your business and your product. For this reason, it is important to choose packaging that fits your brand and your corporate image. To choose the right food packaging, it is fundamental first of all to understand who your target audience is, along with their specific consumption habits. Choosing packaging that reflects your mission and your coordinated image allows you to increase the chances of product success and improve the customer experience. Remember that packaging should reflect the brand's positioning and values, such as sustainability and authenticity. For example, if a brand focuses on sustainability, the packaging should be made with ecological and recyclable materials, while if the focus is on healthiness, the packaging should be designed to highlight the product's natural and nutritious ingredients. Examine the sustainability level Sustainability has become an increasingly important factor when choosing the type of food packaging. Sustainable packaging includes options that can be recycled, composted, or reused. Furthermore, sustainable packaging reduces the amount of waste produced and the consumption of natural resources. Cart-One has always been on the side of the environment with its produce-consume-regenerate-recover model: in this way, production waste becomes a reel and then a box again thanks to the use of clean and innovative technologies, together with an ecodesign aimed at saving raw materials and preventing waste. Cart-One, in fact, is committed every day to decreasing impacts on water, air, and soil, ensuring a high-quality, efficient, and eco-sustainable service. Think about product customization Food packaging not only protects the product but can also attract consumers' attention. It is important to choose packaging that allows consumers to see the product and its characteristics, such as color, freshness, and quality. Hence the need for a brand to study and select the color that can best attract the customer. Color is one of the key points in a brand's image, capable of offering a strong visual identity to your company, but also of transmitting emotions. Customized food packaging, also through the logo and labeling with symbols and images, tells a unique story, just as happens with accurate printing. In this way, the brand's message is highlighted, improving what you wish to communicate, while also making the shipping and cataloging of goods simple and functional. Verify regulatory requirements Finally, it is important to verify that the chosen packaging meets regulatory requirements for food. Regulatory requirements are an essential part of food packaging, as they establish the safety and quality standards that must be respected during food production, transport, and sale. There are several international, national, and regional regulations governing food packaging, and food packaging manufacturers must comply with these regulations to ensure product safety and legal compliance. In Italy, since January 1, 2023, mandatory packaging labeling has entered into force, affecting not only producers but also distributors, importers, and product retailers. This involves a specific label on all packaging placed on the Italian market, to facilitate its collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling, providing information on both packaging composition and its correct disposal by the consumer. Choose Cart-One for your food packaging Cart-One plants are equipped with latest-generation systems with very high production capacity. Cart-One proposes itself as a dynamic and flexible partner capable of providing a range of paper-based packaging solutions of proven quality and always constantly updated. Here are its main distinctive characteristics: Innovation: we test latest-generation technologies, innovative raw and complementary materials to create the perfect packaging suitable to protect and guarantee maximum product visibility; Sustainability: we use clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design that pays maximum attention to saving raw materials and preventing waste, and the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing impacts on water, air, and soil; Technology: we can produce every type of single and double wave corrugated cardboard product, also printed in high definition up to 6 colors + varnish. We are equipped with backup on all machinery and customize thanks to the Digital Division; People: we believe in the involvement, motivation, and satisfaction of the resources working with us, helping us to reach higher and higher. Contact us for requests and more information. Read also: “Are cheap cardboard boxes really the ideal solution?”

The materials used in packaging cardboards play a crucial role in protecting your products during transport and storage. In our commitment to offering cutting-edge packaging solutions, we have carefully selected our materials to ensure outstanding performance and a reduced environmental impact. Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of? If you are looking for the perfect combination of sustainability, strength, and versatility, you are in the right place. Let's find out all the details in the rest of the article. Read also: “The differences between American boxes and die-cut boxes” Corrugated cardboard: the heart of our packaging Our primary material is corrugated cardboard, renowned for its layered structure that provides both sturdiness and flexibility. This lightweight material is eco-friendly, fully recyclable, and offers an exceptional shock-absorbing capacity, protecting your products from damage during transport. Corrugated cardboard is the beating heart of the innovative packaging industry, a material that combines lightness and resistance with a touch of versatility. Its layered structure is the secret to its strength, with strategically glued layers that create a protective barrier against impacts and mechanical stress. But its appeal goes beyond its strength: corrugated cardboard, as previously mentioned, is a champion of sustainability, completely recyclable and environmentally friendly. Layers and adhesives: the formula for success The resistance of our corrugated cardboard comes from the combination of different layers, each serving a specific purpose. Our manufacturing process involves the use of high-adherence glues, ensuring a secure bond without compromising the product's eco-sustainability. Sustainability comes first We are fully aware of the importance of sustainability in today's business landscape. Our packaging cardboards are made from 100% recyclable materials, helping to reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, we are constantly committed to improving our manufacturing practices to minimize waste and resource consumption. Tailor-made versatility for your needs In addition to sustainability, we understand the importance of customization. We offer tailor-made packaging solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients. Whether it is packing delicate items or large-scale goods, we have the ideal solution for you. Our packaging cardboards are not just containers, but a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future. Investing in our products means investing in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. For further information or to request a customized quote, do not hesitate to contact us. To learn more: “Food packaging: better if made of corrugated cardboard”

In our previous article, we described the key drivers of ecommerce packaging and the three main stakeholders in the value chains. Today, we will focus on e-consumers and how to create a memorable unboxing experience. We will first redefine where the term comes from. Then, we will identify how ecommerce packaging plays a crucial role during all ‘Moments Of Truth’. Finally we can make assumption about the key future trends. Please enjoy reading the piece, along with some wonderful examples of how our European teams have already started to create compelling packaging designs. Memorable unboxing experience – Why and when? “If companies want to increase their profile, specifically on social media, they must invest in the box as much as the product.” Paul Marsh, Managing Director – The Packaging Experts A memorable unboxing experience occurs when a consumer is so inspired by the packaging and the visual impact of a product they have bought online, they want to share it on social media. The ways consumers interact with ecommerce packaging – how they receive it, open it and engage with it - provide a big opportunity for brands, and can even help them go viral. But when did this new trend appear in the digital world? What is its evolution and how can we explain it? According to Google trends, people have been talking about their “unboxing experiences” for many years, but the term became widespread in 2008, as the “Unboxing Ceremony of Nokia E61” was the first to be recorded and published on youtube. Since then, the trend has grown to reach a peak in 2014, before stabilizing until 2019, and decreasing slightly in the last two years (probably due to Covid’s impact). However, most years there are substantial peaks in the month leading up to Christmas. Our role is then to co-create with our customers memorable unboxing experiences. How? By identifying the best opportunities to increase brand loyalty across the different Moments Of Truth. As we looked at in our previous article, these are shown below: Source: Google Memorable unboxing experience – A vehicle of brand image and message “If you were a customer who ordered something online, which is going to make you feel more valued: your purchase arriving in a generic cardboard box, or in attractive, bespoke packaging?” Beth Owens – Marketing Strategist Online purchasing is a completely different experience to shopping in physical premises. All of the touchpoints within the customer’s journey are changed, with ecommerce packaging replacing the role of traditional primary packaging. Let’s start with the arrival at the doorstep, which marks the start of the Second Moment Of Truth. At this stage, the ecommerce packaging is the first thing a customer sees, and is therefore responsible for carrying a brand’s key messages, including its sustainability policy. In the below example, developed by the Blue Box Partners’ Alliance, the packaging design generates a great first impression. It provides fantastic incentive to open, and promises to deliver a memorable unboxing experience. According to Dotcom Distribution, 40% of online shoppers would share an image of their purchase on social media if it came in branded packaging . Memorable unboxing experience – The Ultimate Moment of Truth or the way to go viral! A great unboxing experience is like the cherry on the cake: the final thing that makes something perfect! Ecommerce packaging can prolong the consumer’s exposure to a brand’s vison and allow a wider scope for positioning and storytelling. As they open the box, consumers will continue their journey, offering the brand further opportunity to display coherent and homogeneous messages. At the same time, brands can propose additional services, and further information on how to reuse their packaging. In the first example, parents can build a baby mobile for their children: This is similar to Amazon’s initiative in July 2020, “Less packaging, more smiles” which encouraged consumers to upcycle the boxes into pet houses and robot costumes. Or this example below, where online shoppers are invited to reuse the box to sell items of clothing on Vinted! In both these examples, you can clearly see that packaging design enhances the brand narratives. It is not just “a box”, but a chance to take customers on a journey,which is vital for inspiring repeat business. And, according to Forbes, acquiring new customers can cost up to five times more than retaining your existing base. Ecommmerce packaging – Reusability and returnability features to ease sustainable behaviours The next example raises curiosity and awareness of after-use recycling possibilities. Research shows 62% of online shoppers are more likely to purchase from brands using sustainable packaging. Moreover, “Returnability” features are key: they simplified life for the consumer by using glue tapes to reclose and resend the original product. These examples, all made out of corrugated cardboard, a mono-material solution that enhances recycling rates. Using sustainable products and communicating about it allows brands to cultivate an image of strong ethics and social responsibility. It has become a global concern, clearly shown by an increase in searching results of 140% within the last 12 months. Finally, as we discussed at the beginning of the article, the concept of the “unboxing experience” started with electronic products. Let’s close the loop with another example from that industry. First of all, consumers today are equipped with more electronic devices than ever before. The average UK household owns 9.16 devices. Secondly, society is increasingly concerned by the impact of so many electronic devices on the environment. Therefore, we are seeing a huge demand for reconditioned products that are delivered online. To avoid shipping the original box inside a new box, we can offer a packaging design solution with a retention system that overcomes logistic strains while minimising resources and void. To conclude, Packaging design has become a powerful tool that can have an impact throughout the customer journey. Not only does it help to engage and inform consumers, it can help to retain them too. As a result, packaging plays an important role throughout the act of purchasing, where consumers are influenced not only by a product, but by the entire memorable unboxing experience – resulting in the Ultimate Moment of Truth. Seduced by unexpected extra offers or benefits within the ecommerce packaging, the consumer will be keen to share the moment with others, creating viral content that will increase eWOM (e-Word Of Mouth), and become the Zero Moment Of Truth (ZMOT) for another consumer looking online for the same or a similar product. What can we expect for the future ecommerce packaging? As technology continues to evolve, and advancements such as AR (Augmented Reality) or IoT (Internet of Things) become commonplace, the concept of a memorable unboxing experience becomes even more important. Companies will need their brand perception to evolve alongside their products, and packaging design has a crucial part to play in promoting both consumer engagement and sustainability. If you need support in designing packaging for e-commerce, our team is at your complete disposal: contact CART-ONE for a personalized consultation.