We can give a million reasons why packaging is so important, but it is possible to overdo it. Proper packaging has to protect the product and highlight its features without creating unnecessary waste. Avoiding overpackaging is crucial to keeping a business effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive, but how do you know when enough is enough?
Pioneer Packaging is the go-to source for quality, cost-effective packaging that protects your products without overpackaging. Whether you’re just starting a product line or updating your current one, our team provides packaging solutions that represent your brand. We have packaging solutions for products that will meet your needs and positively represent your company in the industry. Please read our blog post below to learn how you can know when you are overpackaging.
What is Overpackaging?
In its simplest form, packaging is meant to protect your product for distribution, storage, sale, and use while still making it appealing to customers. Over-Packaging becomes an issue when it overuses materials that are either unnecessary or unwanted by the consumer. For example, a small item is packaged in blister capsule packaging, wrapped in protective plastic, and surrounded by bubble wrap in a box for distribution. Even many layers of designed packaging intended to create an experience while opening the product can cause overpackaging.
It is crucial to protect your product and include enough branding on the packaging to enhance the customer experience. However, it’s important to note that overpackaging can cause various problems for your business.
Why Avoid Overpackaging?
With the boom of E-commerce in the 21st century, the amount of packaging used to transport goods has dramatically increased. Increased packaging may have perceived benefits like keeping products safer or fresher, but there are reasons for avoiding overpackaging.
- Efficient packaging decreases costs: Companies are always looking for better ways to improve and cut costs. Reducing the size of a package can save thousands of dollars over time.
- Enhancing customer experience: Decreasing packaging while still protecting the product eliminates the hassle of removing the product from too many layers of packaging or driving to the post office to pick up an oversized box.
- Overpackaging harms the environment: The environment faces many consequences from a large number of corrugated materials or plastic packaging used in distribution. Reducing packaging reduces a company’s environmental impact.
Signs Of Overpackaging
Whether we are talking about the number of corrugated materials used in product distribution or the overuse of plastic materials in retail packaging, it is essential to know when your business is overpackaging. Some things to consider when deciding if you’re overpackaging include:
- Could less packaging protect your product: The main goal of packaging, especially eCommerce packaging, is to protect the product from the warehouse to the consumer. Would the product be harmed if you used smaller boxes or less protective plastic?
- Understand the fulfillment process: Fulfillment needs to be thoroughly analyzed during packaging development. Understanding and planning for the fulfillment stage can help you understand the kind of packaging that will fit your needs without causing a halt in production.
- Consider the environment: When deciding if you are overpackaging, sometimes it is best to consider your goals. Statistics show that 1.9 million tons of waste produce the same amount of greenhouse gas as 860,000 cars. If your goal is to reduce your product’s footprint, you may need to reduce your packaging to something simplistic that uses fewer materials.
Pioneer Packaging is Your Go-to For Efficient Packaging
For over 35 years, Pioneer Packaging has been the go-to source for quality packaging solutions. Our creative designers work closely with you to ensure your brand is represented through efficient packaging. So whether you’re looking to highlight your sustainability or attract new consumers, we can create a design fit for you. Contact Pioneer Packaging today and learn why we’re a leader in packaging innovation.