Retail packaging is an important part of how products are perceived. Several full-service providers offer integrated solutions that cover everything from design to delivery and are suitable for businesses of any size.
The Importance of Retail Packaging
Packaging is the first interaction many customers have with a brand, whether they’re browsing online or in-person. This vital part of marketing and the customer experience has become a $1 trillion-plus global industry. Packaging also serves a functional role, protecting products during handling and transit.
Sustainability is another factor that businesses need to consider, as many customers are conscious of packaging recyclability or reusability. Environmental factors are important to 37% of Gen Z consumers and 39% of Millennial consumers when they make purchasing decisions. That’s a huge portion of the world’s customer base that may outright reject your products in favor of competitors based on the materials they are packed with.
Features of High-Quality Retail Packaging
There is a wealth of packaging solutions available for your business and products. Here are some important aspects of packaging to consider when selecting retail packaging:
- Durability: It is a fundamental requirement that the packaging remains sturdy through shipping and handling.
- Customization: Structural design and printing options are an important part of marketing.
- Sustainability: Recyclable materials are essential to many consumers when purchasing products.
- Testing: Look for certifications from bodies like the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).
- Scalability: Determine whether the packaging choice and supplier can scale with your products and business as it grows.
Balancing Cost With Customization
Balancing cost with customization is an important part of the decision-making process when looking for the right retail packaging.
Stock packaging is the most cost-effective option. It offers fast turnaround times with low up front investment and generally much lower minimum order quantities. It is ideal for standardized products or businesses on tighter budgets.
Custom packaging lets retailers get creative. Box designs can complement their product and brand. This can be a key marketing factor, enhancing shelf presence and the unboxing experience. The drawbacks are the cost and the higher minimum order quantities usually required.
There is some middle ground, such as a hybrid approach combining custom-branded outer packaging with internal stock materials. Ultimately, the best decision comes down to a business’s budget, customer expectations and products.
Where to Find Packaging for Retail Stores: 3 Leading Suppliers
There are several excellent packaging suppliers who can help products reach their potential through box designs, print quality and more.
1. Great Northern Packaging
Great Northern Packaging is a certified ISTA facility that offers recyclable solutions well-suited to protecting products during shipping and delivery. It serves businesses across countless industries. It can handle any size requirement, boasts a wide array of print capabilities and accommodates varying strength needs, from light-grade chipboard to the heaviest grades of corrugated.
Key Features:
- Experience since 1962
- SQF and ISTA certified
- Accommodates a wide range of strength requirements
2. Smurfit WestRock
WestRock and Smurfit Kappa merged in 2024 to become Smurfit WestRock, a global paper and packaging solutions partner with nearly 100,000 employees across over 500 facilities. Smurfit WestRock offers a huge range of packaging solutions available and won over 100 awards in 2024 for design, print and sustainability.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on sustainability
- Global brand capable of dealing with large enterprises
- Award-winning packaging
3. Packlane
Packlane is a custom packaging platform that focuses on short-run, fully customized packaging. Retailers can go to their site and select a packaging style, desired quantity, custom and stock sizes and then start customizing their boxes to create their ideal design. An instant quote is displayed once retailers finish designing their packaging, making Packlane a convenient option for those who want a fast turnaround.
Key Features:
- Instant quote
- Intuitive platform to design your own packaging
- Offers packing accessories, such as poly tapes and custom tissue paper
How to Determine the Best Packaging Suppliers
Packaging can come in many shapes and sizes. The featured retail packaging companies can serve businesses with varying needs and sizes. They have strong industry reputations and extensive experience. The companies were chosen for their performance reliability, sustainability and the quality and flexibility of their customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about retail packaging.
What is the minimum order quantity for custom packaging?
Minimum order quantities vary by supplier. Digital platforms tend to have lower minimums compared to large-scale manufacturers.
How do I choose the right packaging supplier?
Focus on your business’s needs, such as marketing and product fragility, and find a supplier that best fits those needs.
What’s the difference between retail and shipping packaging?
Retail packaging focuses on aesthetics and branding, often using lighter and more visually appealing materials. Shipping packaging focuses on the durability and protection needed to withstand transit.
A Modern Approach to Retail Packaging
Packaging is an important part of any business’s marketing strategy. Many consumers value packaging materials that are durable and made of sustainable materials. Careful consideration is needed when selecting a packaging supplier to ensure your products reach their potential.
