The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative influence on both our daily life and our businesses. This condition lasted for a more extended period. Due to events, the pandemic has also impacted buying behaviors.

E-commerce and online buying have become essential to people during quarantine. Customers embrace online shopping; packaging plays a significant role in the brand and consumer’s e-commerce experience. 

Approximately $453.46 billion in sales were attributed to e-commerce in only the United States in 2017. E-commerce is anticipated to have a global market value of $4.5 trillion by 2021 as more brands move to the digital space.

The growing popularity of e-commerce has also caused unpredictable changes in packaging design. However, the packaging business has made many advancements due to these revolutionary changes in the e-commerce sector; custom e-commerce boxes are one of them. 

How Does E-commerce Work?

You need to consider two unique components when considering how e-commerce works:

• How is your product displayed in person versus online

• How easily is your unpacking experience shared?

The initial personal interaction is where you can bet on customer retention, even though it's true that the first impression is generated through a computer screen. The unboxing experience of your products dramatically influences customers' initial perceptions of your brand and products.

This might sound more practical than spending more money on quality packaging, but it's more complex than it seems! A simple digital image your customers view on their computer displays is the basis for their expectations and anticipation.

Your company must meet and surpass customer expectations. How do you go about doing this? By making packaging decisions focused on the function rather than the aesthetics.

The King Of The Jungle: Amazon

Amazon was first established in 1994 and was initially recognized as one of the biggest bookstores all around the globe. Amazon quickly expanded and started selling CDs, coffee machines, and every retail product. 

A simple and sturdy box is required to ensure the secure shipping of various products. Amazon is among the largest consumers of corrugated bubble wrap, peanut packaging, and air pillows. Due to the global rise of online business, Amazon is paying attention to innovative packaging solutions. 

E-commerce Explodes Environment-Friendly Packaging

Another key trend in e-commerce packaging is an increasing commitment to sustainability. Although online shopping has reduced carbon emissions, there has also been an increase in plastic packing.

Due to emerging global warming issues, people are seeking cheaper and more environmentally friendly packaging options. Eco-friendly packaging is crucial because it is biodegradable and cost-effective. It protects the environment, and customers can save money.

When we discuss sustainable packaging, a packaging business can use different plant-based materials, including Kraft, corrugated cardboard, and cardboard, depending on the product's suitability. Custom cardboard boxes are leading the packaging industry as they serve multiple purposes. They are eco-friendly, store your products securely, and ship them efficiently. 

E-Commerce Brings Versatility In Packaging

The explosive growth of e-commerce has made packaging versatile in shape, size, and design. The box must accommodate a massive range of product sizes and shapes, creating a need for adoptable solutions to secure products that don’t correspond to existing sizing standards. 

Corrugated boxes are the most widely used packaging in the e-commerce sector. Their popularity is due to their high strength and biodegradable properties. However, the logistics behind preparing the box for bulk handling and transport rely heavily on versatile strapping protection that can adapt to changes. 

The Evolution Of E-commerce Packaging To Brand Ambassador 

As previously mentioned, packaging has expanded its roles in the market at all levels, from the product transport container to the label that identifies them specifically, including marketing vehicles. 

Today, all these components communicate the level of quality. They portray a potential market that cannot be missed, as they create a strong first impression on consumers and are frequently the first customer experience with a brand. These boxes give you the liberty to imprint your company’s logo to engage customers. For instance, custom box logos play a role in improving your sales by gaining customer attention. 

Already, a top concern is attractive packaging. Additionally, the packaging business is exploring new approaches to enhance the package's potential to draw clients, such as the provision of customization, variants, smart packaging, higher-quality design, greater adherence to regulatory requirements in printed information, etc.

The Emergence Of Digital Printing

Digital printing is the new buzzword in the packaging business after the revolution in the e-commerce sector. Digital printing on cardboard boxes is expanding, and this trend will likely continue. This growth is due to its flexibility, quick turnaround times, and cost-effectiveness for small runs.

Folding cartons are thinner, sturdy cardboard boxes for primary and secondary packing. Digital printing is anticipated to be increasingly used on folding cartons. 

Flexible packaging, such as plastic film and pouches, is a future growth market for digital printing. It may see increased use in e-commerce, as flexible packs make it easier to fit products in mailboxes. 

Read More: The 4 Must-Have Printing Types for Stunning Custom Packaging

Increasing Emphasis On Personalize Packaging

Online businesses are concentrating on writing personalized messages on packed products to improve the shopping experience. Secondary packaging is expected to employ personalized packaging more frequently.

E-commerce has led to the emergence of custom packaging. This is one of the best small business ideas, as it enhances customers' unboxing experience and allows you to enjoy exponential growth in your sales. 

Marketing With E-Commerce Packaging

The unboxing must be more than just a packaging technique; it must be theatrical, encouraging brand loyalty and expectations for future purchases. During online purchases, the first impression will matter if the package is of excellent quality and well-designed.

E-commerce packaging carries brand messaging into customers' homes and replaces the shop floor experience. Technology and creativity are coming together to assist you in achieving these objectives and enhancing brand engagement.

For instance, strategically placed QR codes encourage customers to enter contests or take advantage of additional savings. If you want a consistent following, send them to your Instagram account instead. These are just a few examples of what smart packaging design can do.

Final Thoughts