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Do you know that the market of natural fiber packaging is projected to reach $749.24 million by 2034, growing at a steady rate of 7.6% annually. This rise is not only due to the shipping boxes, but what’s inside the boxes also matters. The packaging is not marked by the outer box only; it is a complete phenomenon targeted to deliver the product safely.
When a customer opens your package, the first five seconds of unboxing are the handshake that can make or break the customer’s perception. If your product is sliding around or arrives in pieces, then you have lost your customer. At this point, you need customized inserts for the safe delivery of your products. These unsung heroes can make your brand look like a million bucks. Learn the most common types of packaging inserts to find the perfect match for your business.
Cardboard & Paperboard Dividers:
If you’re looking for a balance between “budget-friendly” and “earth-friendly,” cardboard dividers are your best friend. These are typically flat sheets of corrugated or paperboard slotted together to create custom compartments.
The inserts hold your products in place, preventing them from rattling and shifting. If you are looking for a balance between budget-friendly and eco-friendly inserts, cardboard dividers can be the best option. They are flat sheets of corrugated or paperboard that are made together to create customised compartments. They offer multiple features in packaging.
Confused between packaging inserts and dividers? Explore their key differences, benefits, and best use cases to choose the right packaging solution for your products.
Packaging Inserts vs Dividers – Key Differences and Comparison
Why You Should Choose Them:
- Tailored Protection:
If you are dealing with glassware, essential oil or a cosmetic kit, you particularly need these dividers, as they can keep your products from clinking together.
- Sustainable Choice:
They perfectly align with your motto of eco-friendly packaging. They are made from the same material as your shipping boxes, which are 100% recyclable. Their composite material, paperboard, currently holds a huge amount of packaging market share due to its earth-friendliness.
- Lightweight:
They are not heavy enough to add much to your shipping weight. They are lighter, but capable enough to keep your product safe and sound.
- Best Use:
They are used to protect breakable things, particularly. You should use them for fragile items, gift sets and subscription boxes that want a clean and organized look without the high cost of plastic.
2. Premium Foam Inserts:
Good and protected packaging becomes inevitable when you have to deliver items like high-end electronics, luxury jewelry, or heavy precision tools. Foam inserts for custom boxes are made up of Polyurethane or Polyethylene, which are known for providing the highest level of shock absorption.
Why You Should Choose Them:
- Maximum Cushioning:
These foams hug your product in a way that they absorb all vibrations and impacts during transit that could break the material.
- The Luxury Feel:
They are exclusively premium, as a product gets nestled in a custom-cut foam bed, never allowing it to move. It speaks of high quality.
- Durability:
Unlike paper or cardboard, the foam won’t lose its shape. The box may get crushed or get a little damp, but the foam won’t lose its shape.
Best Use:
The precious and expensive items, like electronics, medical devices, jewelry, and luxury goods, are protected by these foams, as they are also heavily sensitive items.
3. Molded Pulp:
If you are thinking of what moulded pulp is, just think of the egg cartons or the trays holding your new iPhone in place, manufactured from this material. It is made from recycled paper and water that are molded under pressure into the exact shape of your product.
Why You Should Choose Them:
- Exact Fit:
They can be molded into any shape or dimension to precisely fit the items. They provide a “lock-and-key” fit for your products, ultimately protecting them from any damage.
- Sustainability Master:
Undoubtedly, it is the most sustainable option. It is understood that customers easily pay for the products that are packaged sustainably. As it is made of recycled paper, it is the most environment friendly option in the inserts.
- Space Savers:
The molded pulp inserts are often “nestable”, which means that they can tightly stack together in your warehouse. Using these inserts can save you maximum storage space.
Best Use:
The best application of these inserts is to be used in wine bottles, and brands that want to showcase a 100% plastic free commitment. It not only protects the holdings but offer affordability as well.
Vacuform & Plastic Trays:
Vacuform is basically a thermoformed plastic insert. These are clear or colored trays that perfectly snap your product in place. Although the world is moving towards paper, plastic still holds a vital spot in the industry for specific needs.
Why You Should Choose Them:
- High Security: The plastic performs a high security purpose for the products by providing friction fits that keep your product in place, ensuring zero movement.
- Blister Packs: Clear vacuform can protect your product inside a box while keeping it visible on the retail shelf with the help of blister packs.
- Contamination Barrier: The plastic provides extraordinary services in particular fields, like pharmaceuticals, which can never be achieved by paper inserts.
Best Use:
You can use these plastic inserts for retail-ready toys and hardware tools. They have the best applications in medical supplies to keep the delicate and expensive items delivered safely and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are cardboard inserts strong enough for heavy items?
Yes, if you use double-walled corrugated cardboard, it can withstand heavy items. The foam or molded pulp may provide better structural integrity to heavy or sharp metal objects.
Q: How do packaging inserts affect shipping costs?
Most inserts are lightweight (especially foam and paperboard). The main cost factor is the size of the box. Using a custom insert often allows you to use a smaller, more precisely-fitted box, which can actually save you money on dimensional weight charges.
Q: Can I print my logo on these inserts?
You can absolutely print your logo on cardboard and paperboard. Foams can be laser-engraved, and molded pulp can be embossed with your logo for a fine look.
