Shipping Boxes: Why Use Them for Packing?
Written By: Leslie Taylor | Article Date: September 24, 2020
Online shopping has become a mainstream purchasing channel.
According to Statista,
online retail sales of physical goods amounted to $343.15 billion
in 2019
and are projected to reach close to $476.5 billion in 2024. And that’s
just in the U.S. alone.
The internet has provided customers the convenience of access to goods without geographical limitation. As more people opt to shop online and more brands enter the digital marketplace, brands turn to packaging and cost-effective shipping strategies to fulfill customer needs while making sure their products arrive without damage.
Corrugated shipping boxes have revolutionized the e-commerce industry and have become an essential tool for many businesses. 95% of all products in the U.S. are shipped in corrugated custom boxes because of their numerous benefits.
Shipping boxes are easy to handle
Made from corrugated cardboard, they’re lightweight and durable so it doesn’t take much effort to pack and transport your items. Retailers choose to print packaging made of cardboard because it doesn’t add extra weight, saving more money on shipping.
They protect your products
Shipping boxes offer more strength and rigidity compared to other types of packaging. Corrugated cardboard can withstand heavyweight items, which makes them more suitable for long-distance shipping.
Shipping boxes are a cost-effective solution
They’re made of readily available raw materials, making them a much affordable choice that won’t burn a hole in your pocket compared to other packaging options.
You can also recycle shipping boxes
One of the upsides to box packaging printing is the material can be collected and recycled as new boxes or paperboards. Consumers today prefer to purchase ecological products, so not only do you help preserve your environment, but you’re also widening your customer reach.
They’re customizable and easy to brand
Depending on your requirements, custom boxes can also be produced in a variety of sizes, corrugated material, and finishes. Print packaging with your brand’s logo for additional advertising. Major shipping companies, especially subscription box brands do this so their branding can be seen from any distance.
Though custom shipping boxes are popular and one of the best packaging options, they also have a few downsides.
If you’re looking to ship unconventional products, consider some of these drawbacks before you decide what to use for your business.
They’re not waterproof
Check if your storage and shipping conditions are compatible with your packaging materials. Cardboard is made of paper, which provides little protection from moisture. Shipping boxes are highly absorbent and will turn pulpy when it gets in contact with liquid.
Shipping boxes can get deformed
These boxes are often stacked on top of one another while in cargo. Depending on the weight of these boxes, corrugated cardboard can get bent or mishapen especially when exposed to extreme pressure.
They may not offer enough protection for specific items
If you’re packing heavy machinery or extra fragile items, cardboard packaging does little to protect these items from getting damaged in transit. Consider other packing materials like plastic or wood.
What Kind of Shipping Box Should You Use?
At NextDayFlyers, we make shipping boxes in RSC (Regular Slotted Container) style. You can create the design in our intuitive online design tool. This box type is delivered pre-glued for fast and easy assembly.
All our shipping boxes are made of sturdy corrugated cardboard. Also called "cartons", these offer greater durability than cardstock material. Corrugated cardboard is ideal for mailer and shipping boxes which are expected to go through more handling.
Choose from three (3) types of shipping box materials:
Standard White Corrugated Cardboard
- the everyday white corrugated material used for packaging. It comes in a smooth, uncoated finish and is thick enough to withstand multiple handling.
Premium White Corrugated Cardboard With Glossy Ink
- printed with UV-cured ink to appear shinier than a traditional matte finish. There will be no gloss effect in any place that does not have ink in your artwork. If you want a glossy finish with saturated colors, this material will make your design stand out.
Kraft (Brown) Corrugated Cardboard
- may look like a regular brown box, but the right design can add a crafty or eco-friendly look to your shipping boxes. It’s important to note, however, that color printed on kraft board looks different than color printed on regular white or premium whiteboard. There can be slight variations in the shading due to the different natural hues in the recycled and virgin material used.
Remember these important factors as you begin your search for the ideal packaging for your business needs. If you need help getting started, we offer packaging printing solutions to make you stand out even during shipping. With our customization options, high-quality materials, and decades of online printing experience, we deliver business shipping solutions that go a long way.
Order shipping boxes at NextDayFlyers today.