Skip to Content
Exit
Offering Packaging & Display Solutions for Over 50 Years

Archive

Author Archives: Armani Goens

  1. Printing on Corrugated Boxes

    Leave a Comment

    Corrugated Boxes

    Corrugated boxes have become commonplace in most distribution and fulfillment operations thanks to their versatility and strength. Corrugated boxes have three or more layers, each made of thick paper. Single wall corrugated board comprises two sheets of outside linerboard and one corrugated medium, a wavy inner sheet known as fluting. This middle layer enables the carton to absorb minor shocks, and its rigid arches allow the corrugated board to sustain a lot of weight when applied perpendicularly. Varying the flute profile and linerboard thicknesses can change the characteristics and benefits of the box. Overall, this multi-layer structure provides boxes and cartons with excellent strength properties.

     

    Corrugated cardboard is a versatile packaging material. Corrugated boxes are highly customizable to meet the needs of specific goods. Boxes can be produced in virtually any size, and the layer thickness may be increased as needed to improve the durability of the box. 

    How are Cardboard and Corrugated Boxes Different?

    Cardboard boxes and corrugated boxes have some overlap, but primarily serve different purposes in the packaging realm. This section will lay out the differences between cardboard and corrugated packaging solutions.

    Cardboard Boxes vs. Corrugated Boxes

    Cardboard boxes are different from corrugated boxes in structure. Cardboard is a single layer of stiff pasteboard rather than the multi-layer design found with corrugated cardboard. Cardboard boxes, or folding cartons, are commonly used for consumer-facing packaging for various products, including cereal, beauty products, over-the-counter medicine, and much more. Cardboard boxes are useful for storing and displaying products, but typically aren’t strong enough to protect goods through the rigors of shipping. However, it is becoming common for brands with fragile or delicate products, such as cosmetics or glass, to replace folding cartons with micro-fluted corrugated packaging when protection is needed without sacrificing print quality. 

    The three-layer construction of corrugated cartons is much better suited for protecting goods during transit. The multiple layers in a corrugated box help to protect shipped goods from damage caused by rough handling, impacts, and other conditions commonly found in shipping. The fluted middle layer of corrugated cardboard also plays a small role in regulating temperature for goods inside the box. Coatings can be applied for special circumstances such as being in a high moisture environment. 

    Given the differing nature of their constructions, these two types of boxes usually serve different applications. However, they also frequently work in conjunction with one another. For example, online fulfillment operations may place a product in its standard cardboard retail box into a corrugated cardboard shipping box before mailing it to the end customer.

    Types of Corrugated Boxes

    Corrugated boxes come in a variety of types to suit varying packaging needs. Some of the most common types of corrugated boxes and cartons include:

    • Half-slotted containers (HSC). These containers feature flaps only on the bottom. The top remains open or closes with a separate lid.
    • Regular slotted containers (RSC). Regular slotted containers have equally sized flaps on the bottom and the top that facilitate closing.
    • Telescope boxes. Telescope boxes refer to a variety of box types where the cover has wider dimensions that allow it to fully slide over—or “telescope”—the bottom part of the box. 
    • Folder boxes and trays. This box type consists of a single piece of board that folds to create the cover and sides of the box. Box designs may contain additional features that facilitate box closing, such as handles or locking tabs.
    • Slide/sleeve boxes. Slide boxes consist of two corrugated cardboard sleeves facing in different directions. When one sleeve is inserted into the other, it creates walls on all sides.
    • Rigid boxes. The body of the box is connected to the end pieces using glue or stitching to form a complete carton.
    • Partitions. Partitions create cross-sections inside the box for the placement and separation of individual goods.
    • Fold-up pads. These foldable corrugated layers can separate goods or act as box liners. This packaging is becoming increasingly popular in temperature-controlled food packaging.

    Printing of Corrugated Boxes

    Custom printed corrugated boxes can improve the customer experience and enhance marketing initiatives. Some of the most popular printing methods for corrugated boxes include:

    Flexographic Printing

    Flexographic printing is a roll-fed printing process that gets its name from the flexible photopolymer plates that wrap around a color-specific cylinder. These custom plates feature raised areas consisting of the text and graphics for the printing job, and only the raised parts of the plate receive ink from the rollers. Colors are printed onto the substrate one at a time and sometimes dried using UV, infrared, or hot air drying systems, depending on the printer model and application.

    Advantages of flexographic printing include:

    • Can print on a broad range of packaging, including cardboard and corrugated cardboard, polybags, pouches, shopping bags, and more
    • Suitable for bulk and high-volume orders
    • Printing speeds from 500-2,000 feet per minute
    • Extensive color palate covering most of the Pantone Color Matching System
    • Compatible with solvent-based, water-based, and UV-curable inks

    Digital Printing

    Digital printers can print complex graphics onto surfaces from a digital image file. This method is ideal when exceptional detail is required, though it can typically only handle low-volume orders. Some of the advantages of digital printing include:

    • High-quality graphics
    • Minimal set-up required
    • No mess

     

    Litho Mounting/Lamination

    Litho mounting and litho lamination both use lithographic printing, also called offset printing. A treated printing plate receives ink from rollers. The inked image is transferred from the plate to a rubber cylinder and from there to the substrate. Litho mount prints the graphic or branding elements onto a litho label, which is then affixed to the corrugated box. Litho lamination uses less paper because a top sheet is printed and affixed to a single face corrugated sheet (i.e., one linerboard with a fluted medium).  The benefits of litho mount printing include:

    • High-quality graphics
    • Good for high-volume orders
    • Ideal for graphic-intensive packaging
    • Can cover full or partial carton as needed

    How to Make Your Corrugated Packaging Stand Out to Customers

    Using corrugated boxes doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style for durability. With proper customization, your corrugated packaging can help you positively promote your brand and improve your customers’ experiences.

     

    • Understand your customers. When developing packaging designs, use market research and customer experiences to inform your design choices. Tailoring your branding and graphics to your customers’ expectations will help you to establish brand recognition and customer loyalty. You can also tailor the features of your packaging to your customers’ desires, such as easy opening features for elderly customers or environmentally friendly packaging for socially conscious consumers. 
    • Consider color. Colors can breed familiarity and influence consumer behavior, making it important to strategically incorporate colors into your packaging designs. For example, white is associated with purity and is commonly used in soaps or cleaning products. Black may be associated with quality or durability, making it common for use in packaging for power tools or luxury goods.
    • ‘Tis the season. Consider the holiday peak season and other holidays in your custom packaging. When appropriate, tailoring your packaging solution to various holidays, sporting events, or other relevant festivities can help to attract the attention of consumers. 

    Progress Container Display: Your Corrugated Packaging Specialists 

    Corrugated boxes provide a versatile packaging solution for retail and shipping applications. Progress Container & Display has extensive experience developing custom corrugated packaging solutions for consumer products in numerous industries. To see how we can support your branding and marketing initiatives, please contact us today.

  2. Why Your Brand Should Be Using Retail Ready Packaging

    Leave a Comment

    Packaging can have a major impact on consumer buying decisions, so it’s essential to have retail ready packaging that protects and organizes your product, draws attention to it, and highlights your brand and the product’s best features. The right packaging can make the difference between making a sale or watching your competitor make a sale. 

    What Is Retail Ready Packaging?

    (Click to Expand)

    Retail Ready Packaging

    Shelf ready retail packaging is secondary packaging that makes your product ready to put on the shelves. While primary packaging is what the consumer will take home with them when they buy the item, it’s the retail packaging that protects products during transit and makes it easy for the retailers to handle store, and stock them. 

    There are a lot of benefits to using retail-ready packaging:

    • Delicate or oddly shaped products can be shipped efficiently in shelf-ready packaging.
    • It’s often made of corrugated packaging with a perforated top that’s easy to open.
    • Identifying information, including bar codes, are easily accessible to streamline the unloading, storing, and stocking process within the retail facility. 
    • Retailers can quickly and easily put your product on the shelves, which saves the company time and labor costs.
    • The store can maximize space by placing one box behind another, which also makes it easy to restock: instead of placing item by item, the retailer can open a new retail package and put it on the shelf, ensuring it’s always available to the shopper.
    • Shelves stay neater and more organized. 
    • Retail packaging is easily customizable to your brand. Built-in handles make it easier to manage large or heavy boxes.
    • These packages are recyclable. 

    Efficient and Effective Retail Packaging

    As with any other packaging and marketing, retail packaging needs to be carefully designed to have the most impact. There are a few key elements that should be considered in a great design:

    • Identification: Your product name and information should be clear. Handlers have to know what they’re holding so they can direct it to the right shelf.
    • Stocking: It should be easy to store your product and get it on the shelf without hassle, creating an efficient one-touch process for the retail employees.
    • Shopping: Your brand can shine through your retail-ready packaging design. Not only should it draw the shopper’s attention, but it should also include the information that makes your product easy to identify. From there, they can easily access the product to put it in their cart. 
    • Opening: Perforated tops eliminate the need for tools, like a box cutter or scissors, to open the package, and help the retail workers save time. 
    • Recycling: Corrugated packaging is durable during transit, and it’s easily recyclable to help your company reduce waste. 

    Progress Container & Display’s Retail Packaging

    At Progress Container & Display, we specialize in the design and manufacturing of retail-ready packaging and other packaging solutions. With years of industry experience, we have a clear understanding of what appeals to the consumer, and we combine our design expertise with your brand requirements for attention-grabbing graphics. Our turn-key solutions include fulfillment capabilities, from pre-packed floor displays to kitting projects, pallet displays, and more.

    We’re committed to quality control, and we’ve invested heavily in our inspection process and equipment. Our ISO 9001:2015-certified system, including our new Gopfert RDC Evolution, ensures our packaging meets or exceeds your expectations. 

    Since 1971, we’ve been a trusted packaging partner for clients in a number of industries, including automotive, eCommerce, pharmaceutical, electronics, food and beverage, beauty, pet food, toys, sporting goods, and others. 

    Contact us to learn more about how we can help take your retail-ready packaging to the next level.

    Contact Us Today
     

  3. What is a Point of Purchase Display?

    Leave a Comment
    Click to ExpandWhat is a Point of Purchase Display?

    A point of purchase (POP) display is a type of advertising or marketing material located in high traffic areas in retail stores. The displays are typically placed in areas where purchase decisions are made such as checkout areas and action alley’s. POP displays focus on a customer’s in-store experience by bringing attention to specific brands, products, and special offers.

    Point of purchase displays is versatile marketing materials designed to attract a customer’s attention to a specific brand or product.

    How Do Point of Purchase Displays Work?

    A vital manufacturing tool, POP displays work by highlighting a particular product to the customer. Studies show that 70% of purchases are not decided until the shopper is already inside the store, meaning that POP displays are able to play a significant role in encouraging the shopper to opt for one specific product. These displays are highly versatile and available in a range of shapes and sizes.

    Benefits of an Effective Point of Purchase Display

    There are three significant benefits of utilizing POP displays. These include:

    Increased Revenue

    Retailers who utilize permanent POP displays consistently report up to a 23.8% increase in sales. Temporary POP displays result in a slightly lower—but still significant—19% increase in sales. 

    Increased Impulse Purchasing

    The aforementioned increase in revenue is largely driven by higher rates of impulse purchasing. Since the majority of retail purchases are not planned in advance, POP displays are able to heavily influence shoppers to opt for products they may otherwise have overlooked.

    Low Cost, High Reward

    POP displays are incredibly versatile, enabling them to perform well within any budget. They are quick and affordable to install and result in a noticeable increase in sales.

    Different Types of Point of Purchase Displays

    The most common types of POP displays are:

    • Vendor Shops. An elaborate option that enables vendors—particularly those in the consumer packaged goods industries—to create a section of the store entirely dedicated to one product.
    • Freestanding Displays. Generally made from corrugated, temporary freestanding displays offer a versatile way for brands to promote a specific product in an area away from standard shelving.
    • Dump Bins. A larger, less organized standalone display designed to promote products that are individually packaged.
    • Endcap Displays. Similar in design to freestanding displays, endcap displays are located at the ends of aisles to enable shoppers to see the product without going down the aisle.
    • Floor Graphics. Brands will develop creative promotional graphics, which retailers can then display on the floor to encourage customers to seek out the promoted products.
    • Shelf Talker. These fairly simple displays consist of signs sticking out from shelving to direct the customer’s eye to a specific product.

    Point of Purchase Displays vs. Point of Sale Displays

    While they may sound similar, point of purchase displays and point of sale displays are not interchangeable. The distinction comes down to location: Point of sale displays are specifically designed to be installed near the cash register, while POP displays can be found anywhere throughout the store. POP displays provide retailers with slightly more creative freedom, as they can be larger and more versatile than point of sale displays.

    Progress Container & Display Point of Purchase Capabilities

    At Progress Container & Display, our specialists will work closely with you to design a creative POP display that will strengthen your brand, boost product sales, and create a stronger connection between you and your customer base. We create solutions for clients in almost every industry, including but not limited to:

    • eCommerce
    • Apparel
    • Automotive
    • Candy
    • Pharmaceutical
    • Contract packagers
    • Electronics
    • Food and beverage
    • Games
    • Health and beauty
    • Home goods
    • Home improvement
    • Industrial manufacturers
    • Nutraceutical/nutrition
    • Pet food and products
    • Consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers
    • Plastics
    • Produce and perishables
    • Poultry and meat processors
    • Sporting goods
    • Tobacco
    • Toys

    To learn more about our point of purchase display capabilities, contact us today.

    Contact Us Today

     

  4. Industrial Packaging Solutions

    Leave a Comment

    What is industrial packaging? Industrial packaging, also called tertiary packaging or transit packaging, is the workhorse of the packaging world, designed to protect your products through the supply chain. Although off-the-shelf boxes and packaging solutions are available, packaging that is custom designed to fit the product’s size, shape, contents, and shipping needs bring additional benefits, such as reduced transportation costs and environmental advantages. It is often thought that industrial packaging focuses solely on form and function over aesthetics; however, industrial packaging made with corrugated board offers a blank canvas for elevating your brand with graphic elements.

    Benefits of Customized Industrial Packaging 

    (Click to Expand)

    Industrial Packaging

    The primary purpose of custom-made industrial packaging is to protect items during shipping and storage. When optimized, it is designed to provide the most protection using the least amount of materials. There are several things to consider when designing industrial packaging:

    • Product – e.g., size, weight, fragility, special needs
    • Supply chain environment – e.g., temperature and humidity changes, how much it is handled, mode of transportation limitations/requirements, whether it is palletized.
    • End-user requirements – e.g., environmental concerns, ease of access and use, compatible with equipment (case erector, forklift)
    • Environmental impact
    • Budget

    When customized to meet all the product’s and customer’s needs, the industrial packaging solution will provide optimal product protection and save money. Less packaging materials will be used, and less damage will occur, reducing overall costs. And transportation costs will be reduced through optimal-sized pallet loads (when applicable) or lighter loads from less packing materials.

    What Materials are Best for Industrial Packaging?

    Creating custom-built industrial packaging relies on a combination of materials, depending on the specific needs of the packaged product. Packaging materials may include:

    • Wood, used mainly for pallets and skids, may be used for containers and partially assembled wooden boxes.
    • Corrugated packaging (sometimes improperly referred to as corrugated cardboard) is the most versatile packaging material, which can be used to replace wood and other bulky materials.
    • Solution kits (foam and corrugated packaging).
    • Combination materials, such as corrugated with foam and some wood

    Custom industrial packaging may employ a mix of multiple materials to ensure the integrity of the contents housed within.

    Industrial Packaging Vs. Consumer Packaging

    Industrial packaging consists of heavy-duty shipping materials meant to add safety and stability to its contents. Consumer packaging or retail packaging is the primary and secondary packaging for a product. Primary packaging comes into direct contact with a product. Primary packaging for some products, such as food, has regulatory label requirements for consumer use that are not required on industrial packaging. Secondary packaging is used to bundle multiple units or products together and typically isn’t designed to provide much protection. Here are some of the key differences between industrial packaging and its retail counterparts.

    • Protection. On the surface, consumer packaging lacks the extra protection found with industrial packaging materials. In contrast, industrial packaging is explicitly created to protect. Consumer packaging offers some protection but must also account for direct retail and consumer needs.
    • Marketing. Consumer goods are often packaged using corrugated boxes, folding cartons (cardboard), plastic bags, or other consumer-friendly containers meant for direct sale, whereas industrial packaging is meant primarily for utility; although, there are plenty of branding opportunities. The most common type of industrial or transport packaging is corrugated. Industrial packaging may also consist of plain and durable wood, plastic, or metal containers.
    • Volume. Consumer-facing goods typically get packaged as a single item or multi-packs. Industrial packaging can be designed to accommodate higher volumes of goods, such as corrugated cases, for safe storage and shipping. Industrial packaging may also be used to package and protect single large parts and components during transit.
    • Costs. Designers trying to minimize the raw materials used in your packaging solution can save costs. A customized package designed for the product being shipped saves costs by using less material and preventing the damage that can occur from stock packaging.

    In rare instances, industrial packaging and consumer packaging intersect. This is usually found in only a select handful of industries, such as construction products and agriculture, where the need for product branding is minimal.

    Progress Container Display Makes Industrial Packaging Design Simple

    At Progress Container, we specialize in designing and fabricating high-quality, custom-fit shipping solutions. Our team has extensive experience developing comprehensive industrial packaging solutions for manufactured goods across industries. We can accommodate volumes ranging from prototypes and sample runs to large-volume production. 

    To see how our custom-designed industrial packaging solutions can protect your products during shipping and storage, please contact us today. 

    Contact Us Today
     

  5. Creating E-Commerce Packaging for Your Brand

    Leave a Comment

    A Guide to Creating the Best E-Commerce Packaging for Your Brand

    Click to ExpandCreating E-Commerce Packaging for Your Brand

    Custom e-commerce packaging goes above and beyond the constraints of standardized packaging solutions, allowing e-commerce sellers to implement branded packaging that suits the needs of each unique product. Through custom packaging, online sellers ensure that goods remain better protected in transit and present a positive brand image to the consumer upon arrival. Using custom e-commerce packaging solutions helps businesses to set their brand apart from the competition through an improved customer experience.

    Building Your Brand: Benefits of Custom E-Commerce Packaging

    Implementing custom packaging into your e-commerce operation provides numerous benefits. Some of the primary advantages of custom e-commerce packaging include:

    Improved Brand Image

    As an extension of your brand, packaging plays an important role in how your customers feel about your business. Substandard packaging may result in damaged goods, which will reflect negatively on your brand. Even standard packaging that sufficiently protects items in transit won’t make a lasting impression on the buyer. 

    Custom packaging adds value to your brand by creating an impression with your customer, leading them to associate your brand with better quality. Developing this sort of reputation will drive repeat business, which directly contributes to the long-term success of your company.

    Enhanced Customer Experience

    Customizing your packaging can improve the customer experience in a number of ways. For example, hard-to-open packaging might create a negative experience for the customer that impacts their view of the product overall, whereas easy-open solutions have the opposite effect. Including aesthetically pleasing graphics, designs, and text will leave a lasting impression on the buyer and excite them further about the product inside. 

    Unique products with stylish packaging also spread by word of mouth and through social media via posts and unboxing videos. Uniquely designed packaging will make your brand easily identifiable and link it with a positive experience for the viewer. 

    Protected Products

    Custom e-commerce packaging goes beyond simple aesthetic value to include custom boxes and inserts that provide better protection to the products within. Standard shipping boxes are not made specifically for your products, and even the closest match often needs excessive and wasteful filler material for proper damage mitigation during transit. Customized packaging is tailored specifically to your product and will reduce the risk of damage due to mishandled packages. Customization also allows you to eliminate any excess packaging material and use the smallest possible container, which offers an additional return on investment in the form of lower shipping costs.  

    E-Commerce Packaging Trends

    While all retailers must contend with various consumer demands, e-commerce sellers have additional challenges to overcome. Based on industry needs and consumer desires, the following trends have greatly influenced e-commerce packaging in recent years: 

    • Sustainability. Customizing packages to fit your products snugly reduces the need for wasteful filler material.  
    • Less plastic waste. Consumers want less plastic in their packaging, which has driven demand for easily recyclable packaging and packaging made from renewable materials. 
    • E-commerce-friendly packaging. Boxes and shipping materials used for e-commerce products must withstand the rigors of shipping. 
    • Marketing. Since numerous people come in contact with the package before delivery, including marketing on the outside of the box can be considered free advertising. 
    • Clean and simple. Less is more. Keep your packaging clean and simple can add elegance to a brand. 
    • Graphics. High-quality graphics create brand appeal for many product types. 
    • Social media-friendly. Using photos or videos, your customers may share the unboxing of their subscription box or special package with friends and followers. Ensure your packaging looks appealing to increase your customer base via social media shares. 

    How Progress Container Helps with Your E-Commerce Packaging

    At Progress Container, we provide a wide range of e-commerce packaging solutions. With in-house structural and graphic designers, we build quality packaging custom-tailored to your brand and product. Our state-of-the-art equipment and commitment to continuous process improvement ensure that we can produce packaging in accordance with all of the latest trends and technologies. 

    All e-commerce packaging is not the same, so it is essential to find the right packaging partner. Our packaging solutions are designed to create positive first impressions and lasting brand relationships. 

    To see how we can help bolster sales in your e-commerce business with quality custom packaging solutions, please contact us today. 

    Contact Us Today