Packaging for flowers: how to choose the perfect model

At today’s florist, bouquets and plants are not just sold over the counter; from now on, so is their digital webshop. Sending flowers via courier delivery or a click-and-collect order, however, requires some extra attention. Flowers are living organisms that you have to treat with due care. So the message is to protect them well and keep them optimally fresh. How do you do this without paying through the nose for fancy packaging material? Below, we guide you through the wonderful world of RAJA’s packaging for flowers in three steps. Environmentally friendly, sturdy and innovative… you will always be right with this packaging.

Step 1: Which outer packaging do you need?

By ‘outer packaging’ we mean the box, bag or sleeve in which you will pack your flowers and plants. The right outer packaging will depend on 2 factors: the product and your activity.

As a floral specialist, you know that a robust succulent will not be packed in the same way as a fragile orchid. Your packaging needs will therefore differ depending on your product: the diameter of the bouquet, the number of stems, the size of the pot or the height of the plant…

Secondly, you need to consider your activity and your customer’s needs. If you sell your bouquets over the counter, your customers should be able to carry them easily to their car. If you ship via a courier service, your plants must be packed very tightly but still get enough water and air. The diagram below will help you make a quick initial choice.

1.1 For bouquets or single flowers: flower sleeves

Flower sleeves are used to protect bouquets or a loose bundle of flowers. The big advantage is that you don’t lose time cutting a roll of kraft paper or gift wrap to size. These flower sleeves are made of strong kraft paper that is highly resistant to tears and moisture. For special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or other holidays, you can even choose one with a printed motif.

1.2 For small bouquets or single flowers: portable cones

These portable cones are perfect to use as take-home packaging for your small bouquets or loose flowers. The top of the cone gives enough space to hold your flowers nicely in place, without pushing them together or damaging them.

Cone with punched handles	Cone with braided handles	Cone shipping box
For bouquets of Ø 15 to 20 cm, single flowers or plants	For bouquets of 20 to 25 cm in diameter, single flowers or plants	For bouquets of Ø 25 or 35 cm (depending on the model)
The sturdy die-cut handles offer the best grip	The supple braided handles ensure the best carrying comfort	Very strong packaging: can also be used by courier services for short and direct delivery

1.3 For bouquets or small plants: flower bags

A flower bag is a unique take-home packaging, specially designed for your larger bouquets or small plants. Depending on the shape and composition of your plant, you can choose from different bags: round or square, with a narrow or wide base, high or low, etc. The laminate layer on the inside also guarantees optimal protection against moisture and water splashes. Another handy extra: some bags have a transparent window or white print. This allows you to simply and subtly put your product in the spotlight.

1.4 For bouquets or large plants: shipping boxes

This selection of shipping boxes feature a unique design with extra attention to protection and ease of use. They are particularly used by courier services. Each box features the following extras:

• Warning logos: the ‘This side up‘ logo makes it clear how to hold and stack the box. Thanks to the ‘Fragile’ logo, your courier also knows that the cargo is fragile.
• Insert: this is used to hold a bouquet, vase or flower pot. The contents then stay in place better, even during very bumpy transport.
• Tear-off perforation: with the same ease as a zip, you can tear open the box upon receipt. Scissors or cutters are no longer needed. This reduces the risk of your customer damaging the contents. This extra does not apply to the tall shipping box.

Shipping box for bouquets	Shipping box for vases	Shipping box for tall plants
For bouquets or plants up to Ø 32 cm and 47 cm high	For bouquets or plants up to Ø 32 cm and 47 cm high (+ vase up to Ø 15 cm)	For tall plants or bouquets up to 72 or 106 cm high
Quick and easy to set up	With handles and ventilation holes to keep contents fresh for longer	Extra high box with handles for easy packing of tall plants or bouquets

Did you know...

All our kraft paper packaging for flowers carry a certificate from FSC or PEFC? Both certificates are a guarantee that the raw materials for it come from sustainably managed forests

Step 2: What protective material do you add?

Now that you can tick off the right flower packaging, you’re ready for the next step. Extra protection inside your box, bag or sleeve is often a must. It should guarantee that your flowers or plants reach their final destination in perfect condition. And yet not unimportant: colourful and eco-friendly protection adds elegance to your packaging. Optimal for your customer’s unboxing experience.

2.1 Leakproof vase

These leak-proof vases keep your flowers fresh for significantly longer during transport. This way, roses, tulips or other flowers constantly get the nourishment they need from warehouse to customer. This vase consists of 2 parts that you can easily click together: the bottom for water, the top to hold flowers. As the name gives away, no water can escape from the vase – even if you hold it upside down.

2.2 Kraft paper for flowers and plants

This type of kraft paper is used to create a protective layer around your flowers or plants. It is very strong and resistant to water and tearing. As the paper is made from natural raw materials, it is also eco-friendly. Moreover, for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, you can opt for a printed version. A nice extra in other words!

2.3 Silk paper

Silk paper (or tissue paper) is a timeless classic that is super soft to the touch. So there is no risk that it would damage your delicate flowers. You can combine this brightly coloured paper with, for example, kraft paper or gift wrap to add some more colour and protection.

2.4 Gift wrap

Gift wrap holds your bouquet together nicely and offers good protection from dust, splashes of water, etc. Moreover, because it is completely transparent, your bouquet remains nicely visible. And a nice extra: it is partly made from recycled plastic material.

Step 3: How do you give your packaging for flowers a nice finish?

After completing steps 1 and 2, you are ready for the finishing touch. With the necessary stickers, gift ribbons and bows, you will really finish your packaging for flowers.

3.1 Closure stickers, ribbons and bows

Closure stickers can be seen as the proverbial ‘icing on the packaging cake’. You can use them to both close and decorate your packaging for flowers. Whether it is for a birthday or a holiday, you can choose from a whole range of prints and messages.

There are also ribbons and bows: indispensable for those who want to give their gift a playful, elegant or colourful finish. Of course, you can also do this with an eco-friendly twist; just think of sustainable alternatives such as sisal rope and raffia. This offer is almost as diverse as the rest of the flower packaging. As a florist, you thus have complete control.