Ecommerce packaging: The ultimate guide

In ecommerce, packaging is more than just a box – it's a key player in your brand’s success. Great packaging protects your products and creates an unforgettable unboxing experience that can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about ecommerce packaging, from selecting suitable materials and design to embracing sustainability. Whether you’re just getting started or want to step up your game, you’ll find some handy tips here to help your brand shine and keep your customers happy.

• Ecommerce packaging protects products during delivery and enhances brand identity, making customer satisfaction and loyalty crucial.

• Key ecommerce packaging options include corrugated boxes, poly mailers, padded envelopes, rigid mailers, and sustainable packaging, each serving different needs.

• Ecommerce packaging costs vary based on materials and customization; standout brands use innovative, eco-friendly packaging to enhance customer loyalty and brand perception.

• Gelato offers customizable, eco-friendly print on demand retail packaging, helping businesses boost their brand and reduce environmental impact.

Ecommerce packaging is the material used to protect products purchased online during the delivery process until they reach the hands of the customer. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the product and represents your brand directly to your clients.

Main ecommerce-ready packaging components

Understanding the main components of ecommerce-ready packaging is essential for protecting products and enhancing the unboxing experience. We've listed them below: 

• Sturdy box: The primary protective layer can comprise corrugated cardboard boxes or recycled materials, chosen based on the product's fragility and size.

• Infill materials: Companies use these materials to cushion and protect items from impact. Examples include packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or biodegradable alternatives.

• Inserts: These are brand-specific elements to promote offerings and enhance the overall presentation.

  • Branded tissue paper: Adds a touch of branding.

  • Custom-printed materials: Enhances customer experience.

  • Functional inserts: Molded paper or cardboard to keep products in place and ensure they arrive intact.

Ecommerce packaging design is an essential aspect of the online shopping experience that can affect your brand's success. 

Let's understand why product packaging is crucial in the ecommerce space.

Protect products during the shipping process

Using sturdy materials like corrugated boxes and protective layers like bubble wrap helps ensure your products arrive intact. Securely sealing packages prevents accidental openings and reduces the risk of returns and complaints, saving your business time and money.

Create a strong first impression

First impressions are vital in ecommerce. Your packaging, the first physical brand interaction, sets the tone for the entire experience. Well-designed, high-quality packaging reflects your commitment to excellence, impacting customer satisfaction and brand perception.

Reinforce your brand identity

Your packaging extends your brand. Incorporate your logo, colors, and design elements to create a cohesive experience from delivery to unboxing. Branded packaging boosts recognition, forges emotional connections, and fosters loyalty, ensuring customers remember your brand well beyond their purchase.

Enhance the customer experience

Packaging goes beyond mere transportation; it enhances customer experience. A beautifully packaged item elevates brand perception and adds excitement to unboxing. Personalized touches like notes, branded tissue, or custom boxes show you value their purchase, boosting loyalty and repeat business.

Promote sustainability

Switching to sustainable ecommerce packaging reduces your environmental impact and aligns with eco-conscious consumer values. Doing this can enhance brand loyalty and set you apart in the market. Use eco-friendly materials and get certifications like those from the Green Business Bureau to showcase your commitment to sustainability.

Encourage shareability

Eye-catching packaging enhances brand visibility. A unique unboxing experience inspires customers to share online, offering organic promotion. Add striking designs, branded stickers, or personalized notes to create a lasting impression and turn customers into brand advocates.

There's a wide array of options in ecommerce packaging. Each type has its benefits and ideal use cases, ensuring your products arrive safely and impress your customers. Let's explore the most popular ecommerce packaging types and options so you can decide what works best for your business.

Corrugated shipping boxes

Ecommerce companies favor corrugated shipping boxes for their strength and versatility. Made from layered paperboard, they protect light and heavy products during transit. Customizable in size and print, they align perfectly with a brand's needs. 

These boxes contribute to eco-friendly packaging solutions and can be recycled again. Despite their durability, they remain lightweight and cost-effective, helping reduce shipping expenses while ensuring product safety.

Poly mailers

These are lightweight, durable plastic bags perfect for shipping non-fragile items. They are cost-effective, space-saving, water-resistant, and customizable, making them ideal for shipping clothing, accessories, and small electronics.

Though poly mailers may not suit fragile items needing extra cushioning, compostable poly mailers blend functionality with environmental responsibility. Embracing poly mailers can streamline your packaging process while providing an attractive, professional appearance.

Padded envelopes

Padded envelopes are a versatile and protective option for ecommerce packaging. Ideal for shipping smaller items like jewelry, electronics, or books, they provide bubble or foam padding to safeguard against bumps during transit. 

These envelopes are cost-effective, reducing shipping and material costs, while their slim profile helps save on storage space. There are many recyclable and biodegradable options available, aligning with eco-friendly practices and adding to their overall appeal.

Rigid mailers

Rigid mailers are great for ecommerce businesses, offering durability and versatility. Made from sturdy materials like cardboard, they protect items like documents, photos, and small electronics from bending and crushing. Their sleek, professional appearance enhances brand perception, and eco-friendly options align with sustainable goals.

These user-friendly mailers often feature a self-sealing strip for easy packing, saving time, and reducing the need for extra tape. Incorporating rigid mailers ensures items arrive in pristine condition, boosting customer satisfaction.

Recycled, recyclable, and sustainable packaging

As we continue to emphasize sustainability and reduce our environmental impact, recyclable materials have become a key trend in ecommerce packaging. In recent years, advances in recycled materials science have led to the development of lighter, stronger, and more sustainable packaging materials. 

Cardboard and paper, for example, are beloved by both customers and businesses alike. They are robust, sustainable, and easy to recycle, making them an excellent choice for the custom ecommerce packaging process. Gelato offers a wide variety of packaging options made from these environmentally friendly materials.

Other material options include:

• Biodegradable plastics, which break down quicker than conventional plastics, reduce plastic pollution.

• Cornstarch packaging is a renewable resource that is both compostable and recyclable.

• Mushroom packaging is a new innovation that uses agricultural waste and mushroom roots to create a natural packaging alternative.

The choice of material for your ecommerce packaging should not only consider environmental factors but also the protection of your product, the unboxing experience, and the alignment with your brand image.

Branded packaging

With branded packaging, companies can build brand recognition and increase the perceived value. Adding your logo and unique design elements creates a memorable unboxing experience, encouraging repeat business. High-quality, branded packaging also makes your products look more premium, justifying higher prices.

Thoughtfully designed packaging can prompt social sharing, offer free advertising, and authentically endorse your brand. Packaging that reflects your brand's values, such as sustainability or innovation, reinforces your brand message, turning routine deliveries into meaningful brand interactions.

Custom-printed boxes

Custom-printed boxes amplify your brand identity with unique designs, making them instantly recognizable. They offer brand recognition, serve as a marketing tool through shareability on social media, and can be tailored for a secure fit to protect your products during transit. 

These boxes enhance customer loyalty by boosting satisfaction and encouraging repeat purchases. Investing in custom-printed boxes secures your products and elevates your brand in the eyes of your customers.

Bubble wrap and cushioning

Bubble wrap is essential for impact protection, offering excellent shock absorption, especially for fragile items. Its lightweight nature keeps shipping costs down. Eco-friendly alternatives like recycled bubble wrap can align with sustainability goals.

Cushioning materials like packing peanuts or air pillows are excellent for void fill, preventing items from shifting during transit. Choosing biodegradable packing peanuts protects products and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Tissue paper

Tissue paper adds elegance and protection to your ecommerce packaging, providing cushioning for fragile items and preventing scratches. This versatile material is ideal for wrapping various products, from clothing to delicate accessories. 

Custom-printed tissue paper can enhance your brand’s unboxing experience by showcasing colors and logos, while eco-friendly options promote sustainability. Incorporating tissue paper into your packaging strategy boosts brand perception and offers a memorable unboxing experience.

Padding/infill

These are critical for product safety during transit and enhance the unboxing experience. Crumpled paper is a versatile, sustainable choice for filling voids, and foam inserts can be customized for specific products, offering extra protection. 

Choosing the proper padding protects your products and boosts customer satisfaction. Opt for recyclable or biodegradable materials to support eco-friendly values and minimize environmental impact.

Shrink wrap

Shrink wrap is a versatile packaging material that offers protection by tightly securing products preventing damage from dust, dirt, and moisture. Its transparent material lets customers see the product without opening the package, enhancing the unboxing experience. 

Shrink wrap offers security by being tamper-evident, ensuring your customers receive untouched orders. It's flexible enough for a wide range of products and cost-effective, often less expensive than other protective materials, helping lower shipping costs.

Tape and seals

Choosing suitable tape and seals for your ecommerce packaging is crucial for ensuring the security and integrity of your shipments. Options include standard packing tape, reinforced tape, water-activated tape, and tamper-evident seals. High-quality adhesive is essential to avoid packages popping open during shipping. 

Custom-printed tape can enhance brand visibility, and eco-friendly options like biodegradable or recycled tape align with your sustainability goals. Investing in appropriate tape and seals secures your products and contributes to a positive customer experience.

Mailer boxes

Mailer boxes are a versatile and durable option for ecommerce packaging. They are sturdy, protecting various products from electronics to clothing. Custom-printed mailer boxes can enhance your branding with your logo, brand colors, and other unique elements, providing a memorable unboxing experience for your customers. 

Eco-friendly options are available, using recycled and biodegradable materials that align with sustainable business practices. These boxes are generally affordable, easy to assemble, and can be ordered in bulk, making them a cost-effective choice that saves time in the packaging process.

Properly packaging ecommerce orders is crucial for ensuring they reach customers intact and leave a positive impression. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the critical stages of a frustration-free packaging process, helping you select suitable materials, secure the product, and add the final touches that speak volumes about your brand.

1. Choose the right packing materials

Selecting appropriate packing materials is crucial for product protection and a great unboxing experience. 

Consider durable corrugated boxes for heavy items, lightweight and tear-resistant poly mailers for apparel, padded envelopes for smaller, fragile items needing extra protection, and eco-friendly options like recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials to support sustainability. Align your choices with your product's needs and brand values for enhanced customer satisfaction and commitment to quality.

2. Add protective cushioning

Using protective cushioning like bubble wrap for fragile items, foam inserts for oddly shaped goods, biodegradable packing peanuts for an eco-friendly option, or padded paper for lightweight products will help ensure your products arrive intact. Doing this prevents damage and enhances the unboxing experience. Always select cushioning based on the specific needs of your products.

3. Secure the product

Securing the product within its packaging is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Use appropriate materials and fill any empty spaces to minimize movement. Ensure all openings are sealed with sturdy packing tape, particularly reinforcing edges and corners if needed, to keep your items intact and protected throughout shipping.

4. Seal the package

Proper sealing ensures your package arrives safely. Use strong, durable tape like reinforced packing tape, and make sure all box flaps, including seams, are securely sealed. Double-tape for extra security with heavy items, and consider moisture-resistant tape for moisture-sensitive products. These steps help protect your shipment during transit.

5. Apply branding and labeling

Enhance your ecommerce packaging with thoughtful branding and precise labeling to create a memorable unboxing experience. Incorporate your logo and brand colors for instant recognition, use custom stickers for crucial information like product details and social media handles, and consider adding a personal touch such as a thank-you note or discount coupon to boost customer loyalty and reinforce your brand values with every delivery.

6. Double-check for accuracy

Before sealing your ecommerce packages, double-check for accuracy by verifying customer details, ensuring the items match the order, inspecting the packaging integrity, and reviewing labels and necessary documentation. This attention to detail helps prevent costly shipping errors and enhances customer satisfaction.

7. Prepare for shipment

To ensure your packages are ready for shipment, double-check labels for accuracy, verify weight and dimensions for carrier compliance, include necessary documentation like invoices and customs forms, and select the most reliable carrier for your package type. By following these critical steps, you can enhance the efficiency and reliability of your ecommerce shipping process.

Costs can vary considerably when it comes to ecommerce-ready packaging. 

Typically, a standard non-branded poly mailer or padded envelope might cost anywhere from $0.20 to $0.50 per unit, while rigid mailers and custom-printed boxes could range from $1.00 to $3.00 per unit. Your order's specific material, size, and volume are crucial in determining the final cost. 

Investing in branded custom packaging invariably adds to the cost but can yield substantial customer perception and brand loyalty benefits. Non-branded options are more cost-effective, but branded custom box units and custom-printed poly mailer units can immensely elevate your brand image.

Check out these top ecommerce packaging examples, which show how thoughtful packaging can create a memorable impression and boost customer satisfaction.

Who Gives a Crap 

Who Gives a Crap utilizes 100% recycled materials for its packaging, emphasizing sustainability and environmental care. Their minimalist design ensures that all packaging elements are eco-friendly. This brand’s commitment to zero-waste principles resonates strongly with environmentally-conscious consumers seeking guilt-free purchases.

Johnny Cupcakes 

Johnny Cupcakes sets itself apart with creatively themed packaging resembling bakery boxes, complete with faux nutrition labels and ingredient lists. This whimsical approach protects the products and adds an element of surprise and delight, making the unboxing experience memorable and encouraging social media sharing. It's an authentic brand identity enhancer.

Groove Collaborative

Grove Collaborative excels in sustainable packaging by exclusively using recyclable materials for its products. It prioritizes reducing waste through innovative, eco-friendly designs. Its commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by utilizing minimal packaging that’s just as effective at protecting products during shipping, ensuring an environmentally responsible choice without compromising quality.

The Ridge Wallet

The Ridge Wallet excels with sleek, minimal packaging that mirrors the brand's modern and functional aesthetic. Their packaging is stylish but also protective and eco-friendly, using recyclable materials. This thoughtful approach ensures a premium unboxing experience while reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.

Pangaia

Pangaia is known for its innovative use of sustainable materials in packaging. Their approach includes bio-based plastic alternatives from sugarcane and TIPA’s compostable packaging. By prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, Pangaia ensures minimal environmental impact while maintaining functionality and durability, making their packaging practical and planet-conscious.

When considering ecommerce packaging, leveraging Gelato's platform provides cost-effective solutions to any ecommerce shop owner. 

We offer innovative print on demand solution solutions for local, on-demand production across 34 countries with brand-customized, sustainable packaging. This holistic approach allows businesses to reach customers faster, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions. 

Regardless of whether you’re an established brand or a new player in the field, you can leverage our custom solutions by choosing from among several subscription plans that enable ecommerce sellers to expand to millions of consumers across the globe. There are no hidden fees, and you only pay for what your customers order.

Sign up for Gelato today and start offering unforgettable unboxing experiences to your customers!