According to ABB, approximately 100 billion boxes are manufactured yearly in the U.S. This shows the importance of boxes in the packaging industry. There is no single box type to fill the vast market. There are many different types of boxes available, depending on the needs of each business.
It is nearly impossible to list all the different types of boxes. We have created a guide to help you better understand the different types of packaging boxes available for small business.
This blog will tell you what custom boxes and packaging options are available on the market.
Why do custom boxes matter for small businesses?
Small businesses must choose the right packaging boxes. Packaging boxes are important for many reasons. Some of these reasons include:
- The products are protected from harmful factors and displayed safely.
- The boxes are easy to stack in the cargo and can be used to transport your goods.
- You can customize these boxes by resizing them to fit your product snugly.
- These Packaging will help you to stand out from the crowd and create a stronger connection with your customers.
- The printing on these boxes helps to create a unique brand image and silently market your business.
- Custom boxes have exclusive features that improve the user experience of your customers, and leave a positive impression.
Box Types by Material
There are many different box materials available on the market. Material diversity leads to a variety of box categories. Below are some of the package categories based on material:
Sustainable Boxes
In the US, millions of boxes are made each year. The use of non-sustainable materials to make the boxes can have a negative impact on our environment.
These boxes are a great way to meet packaging requirements and protect the environment. These boxes are recyclable and biodegradable. They do not add harmful elements to the environment or waste natural resources.
Demand for eco-friendly packaging is on the rise. Consider these eco-friendly packaging options to join the “Go Green” movement.
- Cardboard boxes
The most common packaging is cardboard boxes. These boxes are made from sturdy material boxes, which is known for its biodegradability. They are flexible and can be molded to any shape. These packages can conveniently pack a wide range of products.
- Paperboard packaging
The cardboard boxes and the paperboard boxes look similar. There is a slight difference between them. Paperboard boxes can be made from corrugated or recycled cardboard. Cardboard boxes, however, are made from wood pulp. Both boxes have similar features.
- Corrugated Boxes
The multi-layer protection of corrugated boxes makes them an eco-friendly packaging solution. These boxes have walls with three layers. The outer and inner layers are plain and smooth, while the middle layer is fluted. These boxes protect the products they contain well.
- Kraft packaging
Most Kraft Packaging comes in the form pouches or bags. Kraft boxes can also be found on the market. These boxes are made of single-layer kraft papers that can only hold lightweight products. These boxes are biodegradable and the best option for packaging.
Unsustainable Boxes
Non-biodegradable boxes harm our planet. These packaging are also energy-intensive to recycle and therefore even more harmful for the environment.
Here are some examples of unsustainable boxes:
- Plastic Boxes
Many types of products are packed and stored in plastic boxes. They are not made from a sustainable material. These boxes are made from polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are not biodegradable, and they can be harmful to the environment.
- Metallic Boxes
Metallic boxes provide excellent protection and are used to package items. They are mostly used to pack food. These boxes are not environmentally friendly, since they take a long time for them to degrade. Common metallic boxes include tin cans, silver boxes, aluminum packages, etc.
- Styrofoam boxes
The boxes are made from polystyrene and come in a white color. Foamy packaging is excellent for insulation. The packaging is resistant to factors that can damage the product, such as heat, moisture, heat and bumps. These packaging materials provide excellent protection for the products they contain.
Boxes that are Partially Sustainably Made
Some eco-friendly boxes are partially sustainable. They are not biodegradable. Below are some examples of dual-nature packaging.
- Wooden Boxes
The primary purpose of wooden crates is to store products. These crates are made from wooden sheets that are known for their durability.
The wooden boxes do not biodegrade perfectly as it takes a long period of time for them to naturally degrade. Their reusability, however, is incredible. Even after you remove your items, they can still be used.
- Rigid boxes
Rigid cardboard boxes provide a more durable version of paperboard packaging. These boxes are made from recyclable cartons and corrugated sheet. Rigid packaging is significantly thicker. It is their thickness that makes them hard to decompose. Their material is recyclable and therefore a partial sustainable packaging solution.
- Cardboard boxes with plastic add-ons
Cardboard boxes are environmentally friendly. They are not entirely sustainable, however, if they have plastic additions like handles, lamination and so on. Plastic is not a sustainable material, as we have already mentioned. The cardboard boxes that have plastic added to them would then be considered partially sustainable.
- Boxes in Chipboard
Chipboard boxes, also known as thick and durable packaging, are made from 100% recycled fiber. Fiber can be recycled in any form. These boxes are durable and good for packaging products, but they’re not great for the environment. They have a very long degradation period.
Box Types on Purpose
Boxes serve a specific purpose. You will need product packaging if you are a small-business owner. These boxes can be used to store, ship or display goods. The market offers a variety of boxes that are designed for different purposes.
- Retail boxes
Retail boxes are used primarily to package retail products. These boxes increase your products’ visibility on the store shelves. In this case, display packaging boxes are often used. These boxes align your product, making a positive impression on buyers.
- Shipping packaging
Shipping boxes are essential for delivering products safely. These packaging are known for their durability and protection features that ensure safe product transport. Most of them come with foam and bubble wrap inserts to prevent bumps during the journey.
- Mailer Boxes
Shipping boxes can be used to transport small products. These boxes are used for shipping your products directly to end-users. These boxes are important in e-commerce.
- Storage Carttons
These boxes are used to store items. These boxes are mostly found in retail stores and warehouses. These boxes can be stacked easily, which makes them ideal for storing items in limited spaces.
Custom Boxes Types
The size and shape of the box is crucial to the secure packing of your product. Customized box styles are the best way to meet your packaging needs. There are many different styles of boxes. Some examples are:
- Folding Carton Boxes
The collapsible packaging for your product includes folding carton boxes. The majority of them are made from cardboard. This box is made by die-cutting cardboard sheets and manually molding them into a box.
- Telescope Boxes
The rectangular shape of the Telescope box is used primarily to store longer items. Most often, they have a removable top or bottom closure. These boxes are made from corrugated material or rigid material. They protect your goods.
- Gable Boxes
The design of gable boxes is different from that of collapsible boxes. These boxes are made from flat cardboard sheets that have been folded into a box shape with a handle at the top. These packaging styles are used to package gift products.
- Sleeve Packages
If you’re looking to package your luxury items, sleeve packaging is the way to go. These boxes are made up of two parts: a sliding tray and an outer cover. These boxes are characterized by their unique sliding sleeve opening mechanism.
- Shoulder Boxes
Shoulder boxes represent your brand and premium product. Three pieces make up this luxurious packaging: the lid on top, the base at bottom, and the middle tray. When the box is closed, the lid covers the tray. Its borders meet the base.
- Display Boxes
Display your products in retail stores with display boxes The design of the boxes is partly exposed (from front to back) so that your products are visible to customers. The boxes also feature captivating graphics that will engage customers with your product.
Types of Boxes by Regulation
In general, the packaging law does not contain any important regulations. There are rules for certain types of packaging. Packaging regulations apply to CBD, cigarettes and vapes.
You should install safety locks on the boxes to comply with the law of your state. These locks prevent children from accessing prohibited contents in the packaging. Infographics are also required to be printed on boxes in order to explain the dangers of the products mentioned above.
Custom packaging for small businesses
It can be difficult to choose the right boxes for your small business. Don’t worry! You can use our guide to help you choose the right box for your new business.
Consider these factors when choosing packaging for your products:
- Product Nature
You can choose the box that best suits the product. Retail products in stores are usually packaged in display boxes. They are used to entice buyers into buying the product.
- Packaging Function
When choosing the packaging for your product, you must consider the functionality of the packaging. Folding cartons with handles, for example, help your customers carry their purchases.
- Box price
Small businesses are always interested in the price when they’re looking for packaging boxes. Get quotes from different vendors to find the best price on high-quality boxes. You can also look for discounts to save a little extra money.
- Environmental Impact
If you want your business to be successful and have a positive impact on the environment, choose eco-friendly packaging. In this case, cardboard and corrugated cartons are great options.
- Customization options
Choose a vendor that offers customized solutions for your packaging requirements. Customized boxes allow you to buy what you want, without being restricted by the available options. Customized boxes allow you to customize your boxes to meet your needs.
- Customer Experience
If you are looking to purchase packaging for your product, never underestimate the importance of customer experience. Select packaging that will not only help you package your products but also provide an excellent customer experience.
BoxesGen is the solution for you if you don’t want to go through the hassle of selecting boxes that are suitable for your product. Our packaging solutions are all in one place. Our experts will respond to your question if you call us or send an email.
Our primary focus is on small businesses. Let us contribute to your success by providing you with exceptional packaging boxes. Get an instant quote.
Wrap-Up!
There are many different types of boxes available on the market. They can be customized to suit the needs of each user. Some are classified based on the material they are made of, while others differ based on purpose and style. Consider your budget, your customization options, your end-user’s experience, your product type, and your product to find the best boxes for your business.
BoxesGen is the company to call if you are looking for customized packaging boxes.
