Top Benefits of Packaging - The Ultimate Guide

Packaging is much more than a container for products but a tool that protects the product during transportation, a marketing tool, and an important contributor to customer satisfaction. Packaging is one of the most effective tools used in business to preserve items, make them attractive to the consumers and help consumers identify the brand. Here, we go into the details of the top fifteen advantages of packaging and why it is one of the most important elements of the product life cycle.

Preserves the Products from Harm

The first and most important function of packaging is to protect the product from external conditions like humidity, dirt, and fluctuations in temperature. In a similar way, protective packaging is useful when shipping delicate goods, or when storing foods and other perishables, as it reduces loss and guarantees the products’ quality upon delivery. For example, plastic bubbles, foams and cartons are the most preferred materials used to provide protection to electronic gadgets and glassware during transportation.

Contamination Prevention

In the case of food and beverages or pharmaceutical products, contamination can be a main issue. A packaging shields its contents from germs, pollutants, bacteria amongst other things. This is especially important where the products require certain standards of safety and hygiene to be met like in Pharmaceutical packaging, ensure that you use tamper-proof seals and airtight containers to maintain some level of safety.

Enhances Brand Identity

The packaging process is one of the initial interactions a brand has with the consumers. Smart packaging and attractive logos, brand colors and creativity not only attract the attention but also support the branding.

Real-World Example: The packaging design of Apple is simple and elegant as it is an emblem of innovation and excellence.

Wants to expand your Business, let’s explore details here: Guide to Building Powerful Brand Identity

Enhances the Perception of the Customer

Technologically advanced packaging designs that make the package easy to open or of ergonomic shape such as resealable pouches also increase the overall user appeal. These are customer preferences as far as the packaging design is concerned with regard to convenience in handling, opening or storage.

According to research, a remarkable 72% of customers’ decisions regarding the products they are going to buy or are already planning to buy are determined by the packaging design. Add features like easy open and reseal for extra benefit.

Helps in Marketing and Promotion

It plays the role of marketing communication as well as a protective cover. It offers a way to present information about the product, sales pitches and company’s values so that the product is noticed amid its competitors.

This should involve incorporating bright colors, well written labels and catchy slogans that capture the clients.

Builds Consumer Trust

This is because customer trust is built when packaging looks and feels high quality. Long-lasting and well-protected packaging also makes the client feel that the product inside must be important and safe, thus giving the company’s products credibility. It is advisable to make changes that will give the product tamper-evident or seal-proof so that the buyers can be confident that they have received genuine products.

Sustainable Practices

It has been found that the products which are associated with the company support sustainable practices. Today’s customer is environmentally friendly, which is why packaging has to be eco-conscious too. Consumers expect businesses to use biodegradable, recyclable and reusable material due to their environmental friendly nature.

Today, many brands use plant-based plastics or go for compostable materials. Get more engagement on your packaging by drawing attention to the environmentally friendly aspects of your product.

For details : What is Sustainable Packaging? Kinds & Importance – Guide

Labeling

Informational content of packaging includes; ingredients, directions of use, any cautionary notes and durability or validity dates. Information packaging makes it easier for the customers to make the right choice when making a purchase. Drug information that is usually placed on the package involves the dosage requirement and directions on its usage by the patient.

Enhances the storage of items

Proper packaging has a positive impact on the storage and transportation of food. Convenient packaging formations are that they can be made small and can be easily stacked on top of one another, both in the store and in the storeroom. Low weight and high durability of packaging decreases the cost of shipment and increases the time of delivery.

Differentiate from Your Competitors

More so in a crowded market, packaging can be a point of differentiation. Different shapes, surfaces or bright colors of the products lure customers and make them associate brands with them.

Increases Perceived Value

Good packaging increases the perceived quality of a given product because consumers are more likely to trust products with quality packaging. Sophisticated patterns and material make logo emblems more attractive and make the customers believe that they are paying for something special. For example, luxury chocolate brands apply gold foil on their products in order to make them look special.

Drives Impulse Purchases

Cleverly placed and designed packaging prompts purchasing decisions and increases sales in stores. This is because consumers are able to identify the value and quality associated with any product through attractive designs.

According to users, 60% of consumers confess that they have purchased a specific product only because of the packaging.

Provides Ease to the Customers

Convenience is the key characteristic of modern packaging: a design with a resealable lid, serving sizes, or an easy-to-carry shape. This fits perfectly with modern people’s busy lives and ensures customer returns. For example, single-serving coffee pods are the most common products you will find in the beverage industry.

Encourages Reuse and Recycling

More and more companies provide their customers with returnable or utility packaging to appeal to the green trend. Besides, it helps to achieve the objective of sustainability and enhances the brand’s recognition and popularity among clients.

For details : Recycling Basics and Benefits

Catering packaging that can work as storage or ornament after the product is used is considered preferred.

Unboxing experience

Unboxing craze is a marketing concept that has successfully shown the value of the outer packaging and the build-up to the actual product. Highly designed products and engaging packaging concepts ensure that the product becomes shareable on social media platforms hence improving brand visibility. Add handwritten messages or company branded handkerchiefs for a better first impression when opening the gifts.

Conclusion

Not only does packaging make a product safe for consumption, it also goes a long way in setting a unique brand image. With the ever changing consumer needs and awareness, there is a need for companies to incorporate new, efficient and consumer-oriented packaging systems.