Frustration-free packaging, say goodbye to hard-to-open packaging!

Impenetrable adhesive tapes, extremely tight strapping, wraps and wraps of film where neither the beginning nor the end is visible, blister packs that rebel against any kind of scissors… How many times has the illusion of receiving a parcel or a gift been ruined by making an enormous effort to open it? A DS Smith study reported by C de Comunicación has the answer: Spaniards spend seven hours a year fighting with complicated packaging. The solution lies in a trend that is increasingly in vogue among online shops: frustration-free packaging

Difficult-to-open packaging = bad customer experience

Preparing orders with packaging that defies both the most sturdy and the most crafty is a bad idea that leads to a bad customer experience. Following on from the above report, we can see that difficult-to-open packaging turns a moment of joy into a moment of anger and disappointment:

• 47% of respondents say they have even broken the contents in their fight against impenetrable packaging.
• Some 55% have even ended up hurting themselves.
• 32% have never bought products from the same brand, or from the same online shop, again after suffering a frustrating unboxing. In Generation Z (18-24 year olds) this percentage rises to 69%.

By gender, men tend to spend more time than women (one minute more) trying to open a difficult package by themselves before resorting to a third party, and the fact that having to ask for help causes embarrassment to seven out of 10.

what is frustration-free packaging?

Frustration-free packagingis a type of sustainable packaging that aims to make it easier for the user to open the package without compromising the safety and security of the goods during transit.

One of the main values of frustration-free packaging is respect for the environment. The use of ecological, recyclable and EcoResponsible materials is favoured, as well as minimalism in the order preparation process. The right amount of adhesives, fillers, etc. should be used and, if possible, products are sent directly in their original packaging, without overpacking.

Amazon has been a pioneer in promoting this philosophy. In 2008, the e-commerce giant launched an initiative called Frustration-Free Programwith two aims: to satisfy the customer by simplifying unpacking; and to reduce the volume of waste generated by online sales.

Today, more than 750,000 items on the platform offer the option to order in frustration-free packaging and, according to Amazon, the implementation of this programme has prevented the waste of 244,000 tonnes of packaging materials over the past 12 years.

how to prepare your packages so that they are easy to open?

Save your customers a hard time – you too can adopt frustration-free packaging as a standard for your e-commerce order preparation. Consider these five tips for easy-to-open packages:

1.avoid over-packaging

Excessive packaging not only damages your brand image, but also unnecessarily lengthens the unpacking process. To avoid going overboard, we recommend rationalising the use of adhesive tape, using kraft paper as a filler material – it is both effective and EcoResponsible – and reserving plastic elements, such as strapping or film, only for the most fragile and/or bulky contents.

2.reduce the size of the packaging

In the world of frustration-free packaging, less is more. You already know that reducing the size of your packaging brings considerable savings to your budget. But perhaps you hadn’t thought that a smaller package is also easier to handle for any recipient, even the elderly or people with different abilities.

3.use the most appropriate sealing systems for each item

Abusing adhesive tape does nothing for security and only serves to hinder the unsealing process. Instead of killing flies with cannons, check the existing carton closure systems and choose the most intelligent solution for your case. We reiterate: no excesses!

4.use EcoResponsible packaging

do you know about RAJA® EcoResponsible packaging products? They are the best option for frustration-free packaging with a green conscience. Check out our catalogue and equip yourself with easy-to-open boxes, envelopes, bags, etc. Delivered in just 24-48 hours!

5.apply the 5 R’s of RAJA® Packaging

After all, the key to good frustration-free packaging lies in the implementation of the RAJA® 5-R’s of packaging. Remember them?

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Replace
• Renew
• Recycle

More customer satisfaction and less impact on the environment – that’s frustration-free packaging! Try it with the help of RAJA®, your packaging supplier with more than 4,000 items always in stock.