Packaging Boxes for eCommerce: Types, Filler Materials, and the Importance of Graphic Design

The packaging box guides on our resources page are written by experienced designers and marketers who have worked on packaging projects for a variety of clients. They provide practical advice and examples that can help you improve your skills and deliver high-quality designs that meet your clients’ expectations. So if you’re looking to enhance your packaging design abilities, be sure to check out these helpful resources.
Packaging plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving products, as well as attracting customers’ attention and conveying brand messages. When it comes to boxed packaged goods, there are various types of packaging and filler materials to consider, each with its unique uses and benefits. Here are nine types of packaging and filler materials commonly used in boxed packaged goods:
- Cardboard boxes: These are the most common type of packaging for boxed goods. They are sturdy, easy to stack and store, and can be printed with attractive designs and branding.
- Corrugated boxes: Similar to cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes offer additional protection due to their wavy structure. They are ideal for shipping and storing heavy or fragile items.
- Plastic boxes: Plastic boxes are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. They are often used for food and cosmetic products and can be transparent or colored.
- Metal tins: Metal tins are a classic packaging option for items such as tea, coffee, and candies. They are sturdy, reusable, and provide an airtight seal to keep products fresh.
- Glass jars: Glass jars are a popular choice for food and beverage products such as jams, sauces, and honey. They are easy to clean and reusable, and their transparent nature allows customers to see the contents.
- Paperboard sleeves: Paperboard sleeves are often used to cover boxes or containers, adding an extra layer of protection and providing additional space for branding and messaging.
- Shrink wrap: Shrink wrap is a plastic film that is wrapped around boxes or individual items and heated to shrink tightly around them. It is an affordable and effective way to protect products from dust, moisture, and tampering.
- Foam inserts: Foam inserts can be customized to fit the shape of a product and provide additional cushioning and protection during shipping and handling.
- Paper filler: Paper filler, such as crinkle-cut or shredded paper, can be used to fill empty spaces in boxes and prevent products from shifting during transportation. It is eco-friendly and can add a decorative touch to packaging.
When choosing packaging and filler materials for boxed goods, it is essential to consider factors such as the product’s fragility, weight, and shape, as well as the target audience’s preferences and the brand’s image. By selecting the right packaging and filler materials, businesses can ensure their products arrive safely and attractively to customers.
1. What are boxed packaged goods?
Boxed packaged goods refer to products that are packaged and sold in a box. These products typically include a wide range of consumer goods, such as food items, cosmetics, electronics, toys, and more. The box provides a protective casing that helps keep the product safe during shipping and storage, as well as an attractive display for marketing and branding purposes. Boxed packaged goods are widely used by businesses to package and sell their products to customers in a convenient and efficient manner.
2. Difference between primary, secondary & tertiary types of packaging
Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging are three different types of packaging that are used in the supply chain to package and transport products. Here’s how they differ:
Primary packaging:
This is the packaging that comes in direct contact with the product. It is the first layer of packaging that customers see when they purchase a product. Examples of primary packaging include the wrapper on a candy bar, the bottle of a soft drink, or the box of a cereal. Primary packaging is designed to protect and preserve the product, as well as to provide information and branding to customers.
Secondary packaging:
This is the packaging that is used to group and protect multiple units of primary packaging. It is the second layer of packaging that covers and protects the individual products. Examples of secondary packaging include the cardboard box that holds several cans of soda or the plastic wrap that covers a tray of cookies. Secondary packaging is designed to facilitate the transportation, storage, and handling of the products, as well as to provide additional branding and marketing opportunities.
Tertiary packaging:
This is the packaging that is used to transport and handle large quantities of products. It is the third and outermost layer of packaging that protects the primary and secondary packaging during transit. Examples of tertiary packaging include pallets, crates, and shipping containers. Tertiary packaging is designed to ensure the safe and efficient transport of products from the manufacturer to the distributor or retailer.
Primary packaging is the packaging that directly contacts the product, secondary packaging groups and protects multiple units of primary packaging, and tertiary packaging is the outermost layer of packaging used to transport and handle large quantities of products. All three types of packaging play an important role in protecting, preserving, and delivering products to customers.
3. Types of packaging boxes and uses
There are many types of packaging boxes available in the market, each with its unique features and uses. Here are some of the most common types of packaging boxes and their uses:
Folding carton boxes:
These are lightweight and affordable boxes made of paperboard, often used for food items, cosmetics, and small electronic devices.
Corrugated boxes:
These are sturdy, thicker boxes with a wavy inner layer of material that provides additional strength and protection. They are often used for shipping and storing heavy or fragile items.
Rigid boxes:
These are high-quality, sturdy boxes made of heavy cardboard, used for luxury items such as perfumes, jewelry, and electronics.
Drawer boxes:
These are two-part boxes with a sliding drawer that provides a premium feel and is commonly used for high-end packaging such as watches, jewelry, and cosmetic products.
Hinged lid boxes:
These are boxes with a hinged lid that can be opened and closed repeatedly, often used for packaging luxury items such as chocolates, watches, and perfumes.
Sleeve boxes:
These are two-part boxes with a slip-on sleeve that provides an extra layer of protection and a premium look. They are often used for food items, cosmetics, and electronic devices.
Book-style boxes:
These are boxes that open like a book, often used for luxury items such as jewelry, perfumes, and watches.
Tube boxes:
These are cylindrical boxes that provide an unusual shape and are often used for cosmetics, food items, and promotional items.
Pillow boxes:
These are small, pillow-shaped boxes that provide an attractive and unique shape and are often used for small items such as jewelry, cosmetics, and small toys.
There are many types of packaging boxes available in the market, each designed to cater to specific products and industries. The right type of packaging box depends on factors such as the product’s weight, fragility, size, and shape, as well as the target audience’s preferences and the brand’s image. Choosing the right packaging box is essential to protect the product and make it appealing to customers.
4. Types of packaging filler materials
Packaging filler materials are used to protect the product inside the packaging box during transit and storage. They fill any empty spaces between the product and the walls of the box, preventing it from shifting and getting damaged. Here are some of the most common types of packaging filler materials:
Bubble wrap:
This is a flexible plastic material with air-filled bubbles that provide cushioning and shock absorption. It is commonly used for fragile items such as glassware, electronics, and ceramics.
Foam peanuts:
These are small, lightweight, and inexpensive foam pieces that provide excellent cushioning and can be used for a variety of products. They are often used for shipping and storing delicate items such as electronic components, toys, and food items.
Air pillows:
These are plastic pillows filled with air that provide cushioning and shock absorption. They are often used for lightweight products such as clothing, books, and small electronics.
Packing paper:
This is a low-cost material that provides excellent cushioning and protection for delicate items. It can be crumpled up to fill empty spaces in the box and is often used for packing dishes, glassware, and other fragile items.
Kraft paper:
This is a strong, durable, and eco-friendly material that can be used as an alternative to bubble wrap or foam peanuts. It is often used for shipping and storing heavy items such as machinery and equipment.
Molded pulp:
This is an eco-friendly and biodegradable material made from recycled paper that can be molded into various shapes to fit the product. It is often used for delicate items such as electronics, glassware, and ceramics.
Loose-fill:
These are small foam or paper pellets that can be used as an alternative to foam peanuts. They provide good cushioning and are often used for shipping and storing small and lightweight items.
There are many types of packaging filler materials available, each with its unique features and benefits. The right type of filler material depends on the product’s weight, fragility, and size, as well as the type of packaging box used. Choosing the right packaging filler material is essential to ensure the product arrives safely and in good condition.
Graphic design packaging boxes and eCommerce company
Graphic design plays an important role in packaging boxes for eCommerce companies. The packaging is the first thing that a customer sees when they receive a product, and it can make a big difference in their overall experience. Here are some ways in which graphic design can help eCommerce companies in packaging boxes:
- Branding: The packaging box is an opportunity for eCommerce companies to reinforce their brand image and identity. A well-designed packaging box with the company’s logo, colors, and messaging can create a lasting impression on customers and help them remember the brand.
- Differentiation: With so many eCommerce companies competing for customers’ attention, packaging design can help set a company apart from the competition. Unique and eye-catching packaging can grab customers’ attention and make them more likely to remember the product.
- Product information: Packaging boxes can also be used to provide important product information, such as ingredients, usage instructions, and product benefits. Clear and concise information can help customers make informed purchasing decisions and build trust in the brand.
- Unboxing experience: The unboxing experience is an important part of the customer experience for eCommerce companies. A well-designed packaging box can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for customers as they open the box and discover the product inside.
- Sustainability: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, eCommerce companies can use graphic design to communicate their commitment to sustainability. Packaging boxes made from recycled materials and with eco-friendly printing can create a positive impression on customers who value sustainability.
Graphic design plays a crucial role in the packaging boxes of eCommerce companies. From branding and differentiation to product information and the unboxing experience, graphic design can help eCommerce companies create a positive and memorable experience for customers.