Designing paperboard carton packaging sounds simple, right? While for some it may just be a box, there is plenty to consider when it comes to the design and end-product. What size do you need, how will it be handled, how long will the product sit inside the carton? These are just a few questions to consider when developing your paperboard boxes.
Here’s what you’ll need to consider when designing your package.
Design and Prototyping
When it comes to the design and prototyping, you’ll need to consider the following:
Size
Choosing the right size is important. You need to make sure that whatever product you are planning the carton to be used for, fits. At the same time, you don’t want your box manufacturer to design packaging that is too large as it’ll only cost more to ship or send.
Take a look at the graphic below which will help you to consider the length, width, and depth.
Have you considered the packaging line requirements, inserts, or dividers?
It’s important to consider what, if any, inserts or dividers are required in your carton. Are you selling a product that has multiple items, each needing its own space? Consider what you’ll need to ensure your final product arrives as it should at your customer’s doorstep.
How is the end box handled?
How is the box you are designing going to be handled during the various stages of its journey? Will it last? Consider the negative online commentary you may receive if your paperboard carton packaging is not of the quality it needs to be.
The same can be said for how long the product will sit in the box before it arrives at its intended destination. Is the base going to be strong enough?
Will it be displayed?
If your packaging is going to be displayed, you’ll want to make sure that it looks the part. If the boxes are stacked in a display, will they be strong enough to hold the weight? What creative elements will you place on the sides of the boxes to attract interest in an effort to increase sales of your product?
Weight a minute!
Will the box hold up to the weight of your product? This may sound like a simple consideration, but the last thing you want is for your items to fall through the bottom of the packaging. You won’t exactly have happy customers if this is the case.
Prototyping
Make sure that you have a box maker or engineer prototype the box for you. This will ensure that it is the right design for your product, in terms of design and integrity. During this process, you can discuss and consider the likes of panels, flaps, tabs, closing mechanisms, and paper type. Ritter’s Printing and Packaging offers prototyping services so you can test a box design that is right for you.
Finishing Touches
A box doesn’t just have to be a box.
When it comes to the finishing touches, consider the following:
- Soft-touch elements
- Embossing
- Foil stamping
- Window cutouts
- Printing inside the box
- Specialty paper
With the right finishing touches, you will be able to reinforce the quality and experience for the end-user. Discuss these with your box manufacturer or engineer to create folding cartons that will stand out from the rest.
Delivering Your Best
Once you’ve created the ideal paperboard carton packaging for your product, don’t stop there. Are there any other components to the box that need to be sourced or kitted, and what about delivery? You’ll need to consider the following:
- Does your box require additional design elements to improve the end user’s experience? For example, a handle to make it easier to carry. Or does your packaging need banding, bundling, or shrink wrapping (for security)?
- Will your boxes be delivered flat or already made up? If they are to arrive assembled, how will they be handled during the journey? If you are using a light material, they may damage easily if not cared for properly.
- Is there a disbursement schedule or trigger, and how is this incorporated into the customer purchasing journey?
- What about storage? Do you need a storage area for a pick, pack, and ship system?
- Do you need to use distribution centers, such as Amazon? Consider where these centers are located to keep your logistics costs to a minimum. If you need to have certain components supplied for the fulfillment, you’ll also need to consider how this is integrated into the logistics process.
- Is the final delivery bulk or carton packed and batch counted? Consider what the most cost-effective system is.
Box Smart with Packaging Experts
A box is most certainly not just a box. If you are looking to create folding carton packaging that will ‘wow’ your customers, you’ll need to consider all the above. With the right packaging design team, you’ll be able to create a box to be proud of. More importantly, a box that attracts consumers and increases sales.
If you’re ready to learn more, Ritter’s Printing & Packaging can answer all your questions and more. Give us a call at 954-771-7204, today. We’ll guide you through each step of the paperboard carton packaging development process, from creation to end-results.
Did you know that we also provide commercial printing services? This includes marketing and stationery collateral, direct mail, tickets and tags, labels, and more.
