PACKAGING GUIDES
CHOOSING YOUR PACKAGING
Not sure where to start? Start with what you're packing, what it needs to survive and what you want your customer to experience when it arrives.
THE SHORT VERSION
START WITH THE PRODUCT.
The right packaging depends on what is going inside it, how it is travelling and how much protection it actually needs.
STEP ONE
WHAT ARE YOU PACKING?
A jumper, an art print and a box of pastries might all be heading through the post — but they don't need the same packaging.
Before worrying about materials or formats, start with the product itself: its size, shape, weight and how much protection it really needs.
STEP TWO
HOW MUCH PROTECTION DOES IT NEED?
Next, think about what could go wrong in transit. Could it bend, break, scratch, crease or move around? Or does it simply need to stay clean and contained?
Give the product the protection it actually needs — enough to arrive safely, without adding layers just for the sake of it.
STEP THREE
THEN CHOOSE THE MATERIAL.
Once you know what you're packing and the protection it needs, you can choose the material that makes sense for the job.
Paper, glassine and compostable materials each have different strengths. There isn't one “best” packaging material — the right choice depends on what you're packing and what you need the packaging to do.
A USEFUL RULE
THE BEST PACKAGING IS THE PACKAGING THAT DOES ITS JOB.
Packaging needs to protect the product first.
The most considered choice is one that uses an appropriate material, does its job properly and gets your product to your customer safely.
USEFUL OPTIONS
PACKAGING FOR THE JOB.
Different products need different solutions. Here are a few options for protecting, containing and sending what you sell.
KEEP READING
MORE PACKAGING KNOW-HOW.
Materials, sizing, packing and disposal — explore the rest of the Packaging Guides.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
MORE QUESTIONS? WE'VE PROBABLY THOUGHT ABOUT THEM.
Head back to Packaging Guides for more practical advice on materials, sizing, packing and disposal.