[IT] Packaging guide for e-commerce shipping

Le expeditions represent the beating heart of an e-commerce. A company’s sales potential is closely linked to its logistics capabilities.

Indeed, shipping has become an essential component of the customer experience. For this reason, it is important for operators in the sector to handle every aspect with the utmost care, ensuring that shipments arrive at their destination in perfect condition and within the on time.

Choosing packaging for e-commerce shipments

Let’s start with the basics: what is the difference between primary packaging, secondary e tertiary?

• Primary packaging: is the packaging that is in close contact with the product. Its main purpose is to contain, protect and preserve the product, guaranteeing its integrity and quality until consumption. A common example is the plastic bottle containing a drink or the plastic blister pack enclosing the tablets of a medicine.
• Secondary packaging: is the next level of packaging that allows the primary packaging to be grouped together. This step facilitates the process of grouping and palletising goods during transport. For example, a cardboard shipping box containing a lot of primary packaging.
• Tertiary packaging: is the third level of packaging that allows the other two types of packaging to be transported while avoiding risks. A typical example is a pallet wrapped in stretch film that contains several boxes.

When it comes to shipping, it is essential to pay particular attention to secondary packaging. This type of packaging should not be overlooked because of its functionalIts main role is to protect the product during the entire shipping process, preserving it from shocks, vibrations, falls, scratches, temperature variations and other potential risks. A product that arrives to the customer in perfect condition is essential to ensure a good shopping experience.

For this reason, packaging must be resistant e solidbut also lightweight so as not to increase shipping costs excessively. Good packaging not only protects the contents, but also contributes to the customer’s perception of quality and attention to detail, positively influencing their overall satisfaction.

Types of Packaging

When it comes to e-commerce shipping, the three most common types of packaging are:

• Cardboard boxes: made of corrugated cardboard, which includes one or more layers of corrugated paper placed between two layers of flat paper. This material gives the box considerable resistance to shocks, compressions and impacts, making it ideal for transporting heavy or delicate objects. Their robustness and versatility make them a common choice for shipping, storing and handling products. There are single, double and triple wave boxes (for industrial loads or particularly heavy goods).
• Die-cut boxes: Produced using a die-cut, a precision mould. Die-cutting allows boxes of different shapes and sizes, even very complex ones, to be created with precise cuts and well-defined folds. These boxes are particularly suitable for products requiring customised packaging and refined presentation.
• Envelopes or bags are an essential element for e-commerce, particularly suitable for shipping small and less fragile items, such as clothing, accessories, documents and small gadgets. Many shipping envelopes are padded with layers of air bubbles to offer additional protection against shock and damage during transit. They can be made of paper or plastic, either plain or with shock-absorbing material.

Once we have chosen the most suitable type of packaging for our product, it is time to consider the use of fillerswhere necessary. These materials are essential to ensure that the product arrives at its destination in perfect condition.

Here is an overview of the main filling solutions available, with some advice on their uses:

• Pluriball: ideal for wrapping and protecting fragile objects such as glass, ceramics or electronics. The air bubbles act as cushions, absorbing shocks during transport. They can be made of virgin or recycled plastic and of different thicknesses.
• Flo-plak or polystyrene chips: mainly used to fill empty spaces inside boxes. They offer light but effective protection for products of various sizes, preventing unwanted movement.
• Paper and cardboard packaging: Perfect for wrapping objects or filling empty spaces. Kraft paper is strong and versatile, while corrugated cardboard adds an extra layer of protection.
• Foam film and foam protection: Used to protect delicate surfaces and prevent scratches. Ideal for items such as furniture, electronic components or musical instruments.
• Packaging cushions: are great for filling empty spaces and offering extra protection against impacts. They are lightweight and easy to use, adapting perfectly to the shape of the product.
• Paper straw: an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for filling empty spaces and protecting lightweight products. Ideal for decorative items, cosmetics or non-fresh food products.

Why choose sustainable packaging

Environmental awareness is constantly growing and sustainable packaging a strategic choice for companies that want to reduce their impact and meet the expectations of modern consumers.

Adopting environmentally friendly packaging solutions for e-commerce shipments not only helps preserve natural resources and reduce waste, but strengthens also strengthens thebrand image as responsible and innovative. It also improves the perception of the product by customers, who increasingly favour companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability is no longer just a voluntary choice: The European Parliament has set precise regulations on packaging and packaging waste with the latest EU regulation, requiring all packaging on the European market to be recyclable by 2030.

What is meant by ‘sustainable packaging’?

Packaging is considered sustainable when it is made from recyclable materials, biodegradable o compostablehelping to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the company using it. Companies that adopt easily recyclable materials help to extend the life of materials within the value chain.

There are numerous sustainable packaging materials, all of which are capable of fulfilling their main function, which is to ensure the safety, integrity and proper preservation of products.

Among the most widely used sustainable packaging are:

• 100% recycled and recyclable boxes

• Paper padded envelopes

• Eco-friendly stretch film

• Kraft paper adhesive tapes made from renewable sources

But not only that, also reusable packaging by the customer himself are also important in this respect.

A perfect example are the boxes with a double adhesive strip which allow products to be returned using the same packaging. The advantages are manifold:

• For the customer: the double adhesive strip simplifies the return process. The second adhesive strip allows them to reuse the same box to return the product, without the need for additional materials. This facilitates the handling of returns, making the experience more convenient for the customer.
• For the seller: double sticker boxes speed up the packaging process. There is no need to apply additional tapes or closures, which reduces the time and effort required to prepare shipments. In addition, using the same box for shipments and returns eliminates the need to provide additional packaging, reducing material and logistics costs.
• For the environment: Reusing the same box for returns reduces the amount of waste generated. This sustainable approach can attract environmentally aware customers and enhance the brand image as an environmentally responsible one.

Adopting innovative and sustainable packaging solutions not only meets the growing consumer expectations.but also contributes to reduce environmental impact and to improve operational efficiency. Choosing intelligent and sustainable packaging is an important step towards a greener and more responsible future.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on our freephone number 800 583 933 or write to info@rajapack.it.

We are here to support you by recommending the best packaging for e-commerce shipments!