Packaging Insert Types
Box inserts or promotional inserts can be used as packaging inserts. The first type supports a product's protection and safety, while the second type serves as a multipurpose advertisement card.
Inserts for Boxes
The following are some immediate benefits of box inserts:
Box inserts prevent your products from moving side-to-side or up and down during storage, transport, and hand delivery. This reduces the risk of shock and damage during impact. Avoiding rubbing between items by classifying them
Assembling loose void fills or applying protective wrap requires less labor.
Enhancing product presentation for a positive unboxing experience
Among the most common packaging insert types are:
The Corrugated Carton
Inserts like these usually separate the product from the cardboard packaging's walls. During storage, transport, or hand delivery, their fluting layer cushions and reduces the shock the item acquires.
Because of their thickness, these inserts aren't suitable for small items or primary packaging with complex shapes. In the same way as paperboard inserts, white paper can be printed in colors, while Kraft paper can be printed in black and white. Compare cardboard vs corrugated cartons to learn more about the differences.
The Chipboard
Chipboard or particle board inserts comprise several recycled paper sheets glued and pressed together. Since they have no flutes and are thinner than corrugated boards, they are better suited to lightweight, non-fragile items. As with corrugated inserts, chipboards are great for inlays, dividers, and pads.
The Paperboard
Paperboard is thinner than corrugated cartons, but that makes it versatile. You can easily customize its shape and size by folding and customizing it. Several paperboard options include solid bleached sulfate (SBS) for high-quality colored printing and unbleached brown or Kraft paper for black-and-white printing. Additionally, it is the most affordable type of insert and a great match for paper boxes. Learn more about custom packaging inserts with our ultimate guide.
Pulp Made From Paper or Molded
Box makers make paper pulp inserts by combining recycled paper and cardboard. They mold them into different shapes and sizes to protect glassware, electronics, ceramics, and other delicate items. This insert type is used in traditional egg carton boxes and wine packaging.
Packaging for Mushrooms
The Unique Properties of Mushroom Packaging
The Foam
Foam inserts, being lightweight and custom-cut to fit a product's specific shape, serve the primary function of cushioning and protecting fragile items during shipping and handling.
Low-density (cross-linked polyethylene or XLPE), medium-density (expanded polyethylene or EPE), and high-density (ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA) foam inserts are available. In addition, various densities of polyurethane foam (similar to the material used in dishwashing sponges) are also available.
Plastic Molded Into A Shape.
Another customizable material is plastic, which comes in various thicknesses and materials. Polyvinyl chloride, known for its durability, and polyethylene terephthalate (made from recycled polymer used in food) are the most popular.
The blister insert is another name for this type of insert made by thermoforming or heating plastic.
Inserts for Promotional Purposes
Depending on your brand, product, and target market, many types of promotional inserts or insert cards exist. To inspire you, here are a few ideas:
A thank you note
Thank-you cards are more than just a gesture of appreciation. They make buyers feel valued, help businesses create a positive brand image, and foster relationships. Small and startup businesses especially benefit from this.
Personalized messages with the customer's name make them feel special and can increase conversions by up to 7%.
For every purchase of his John's Crazy Socks, John Cronin sends a handwritten thank you note. In 2016, Cronin co-founded the business with his father, Mark.
Offers Of Coupons Or Discounts
Inflation is rising, so 90% of consumers want discounts and cash back. Therefore, money-saving promos can encourage repeat purchases and customer retention. Your buyers can also view and consider the offer if you include inserts in your packages rather than just filing it away as spam.
Discounts are a versatile tool that can be tailored to suit different customer preferences. Whether it's a percentage or dollar amount, or even a contest or a limited-time offer, there's a discount strategy for every business. It's reassuring to know that according to recent Statista data, more than half of consumers prefer percentage discounts, making it a popular choice.
Considering a joint or cross-promotional marketing campaign Partnering with a complementary company.
Request For Social Share/Product Review
With these inserts, you can effectively engage your customers beyond the delivery of their orders.
By requesting online feedback about their purchases, you not only give your customers a voice but also provide them with a direct way to connect with and follow your social channels, making them an integral part of your business.
Social media share inserts for Frank Body's coffee body scrub used personification to encourage users to connect with the company.
List the social links and questions you want them to answer to simplify the review process. A QR code can also lead buyers to a landing page that contains a review form. QR codes can also be included to direct them to a sign-up form for your newsletter to stay informed about your new products.
Card of Recommendation
Did you know that 40% of consumers trust referral marketing? You can reward your shoppers and their friends with discounts or freebies through referral cards that will turn them into your extended marketing team. Create referral inserts that look like invitations or business cards to make "customer recruitment" more fun and appealing.
A Sticker
Freebies are always welcome, aren't they? By applying stickers to their laptops, phones, and other surfaces, your customers will feel proud to be part of your brand community. You can also use stickers to advertise your business to the public.
Guide to Warranty Claims
Custom warranty inserts from your box manufacturer will make your warranty registration and process more enjoyable.
The warranty card for scooter brand Micro points new owners to its website for activation and more information.
Instructions for Use and Care
These inserts are vital to your product experience, guiding you in using, cleaning, and storing your products safely and effectively.
Instruction inserts can also include ingredients and warnings—such as possible allergic reactions and emergency first-aid information.
Naples Olive Oil's gift set, which includes oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dipping spice blend, includes recipe cards.
Element of Interaction
Enhance your inserts with smart content, such as augmented reality (AR) codes, behind-the-scenes footage, or games. These elements of interaction create memorable experiences for your customers, with nine out of ten brands planning to incorporate AR into their marketing campaigns.
Die-Cut Inserts: The Production Process
Paperboard and corrugated carton dividers are simple inserts that offer multiple partitions for objects such as glass bottles, coffee K-cups, etc.
Custom inserts, however, are made using die-cut machines with multiple cutters and blades. You or your team can slip and fold by adding cut-outs, slots, and holes without requiring additional tools.
Packaging companies can also add color printing or custom copies to carton inserts to further enhance the appearance of your packaging. There are several customization options:
The box's surface is embossed or raised with an image or design.
In contrast to embossing, debossing involves sinking the design into the box surface.
You can apply a spot UV or clear coating to produce a high gloss or sheen.
Applying thin metal foil (gold, silver, aluminum, or copper) to the box's surface.
Packaging Inserts: How to Choose the Right One
Insert For The Box
Following are the steps to determining the right box insert for your product:
1. Make A Note Of The Dimensions And Weight Of Your Product
When choosing an insert, consider your item's length, width, height, thickness, diameter, and weight. Tougher materials will be needed to support heavier products.
2. Determine The Level Of Protection Your Item Requires
Glass and ceramics require protection that is different from pastry and flowers. Material selection is also influenced by shipping and handling methods. The most common choices for primary packaging are foam and molded pulp, which can break or sustain scratches and dents.
3. Conduct a Budget Review
Your budget will determine your material choices. If you want to reduce shipping costs, ask your packaging designer or box supplier how they shock-proof your product.
If you want to ensure that your package and its contents can withstand hazards such as bad weather, accidental drops, and poor road conditions, it's essential to follow the courier's recommendations for packaging. Their guidelines are designed to ensure the safe transit of your package, providing peace of mind for both you and your customers.
4. Evaluate the Environmental Impact of Your Packaging
In 2018, an Environmental Protection Agency report found that solid waste from containers and packaging accounted for 82 million tons. From 2009 to 2020, cardboard and paper accounted for 32.7 million tons of waste in the EU, while plastic and glass contributed 15 million tons each.
Considering these alarming statistics, using biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials can reduce pollution and enhance your brand's image. The most sustainable options are paperboard, pulp, and mushroom inserts. Choose lighter, less recyclable materials if you must the reusability of your packaging.
Insert For A Promotional Campaign.
Your product's promotional insert depends on:
1. Aims
The insert type you select should meet your business's needs, whether it is attracting more customers, increasing sales, introducing a new product, or making your online platform more visible.
2. Number of Customers
Customer journeys can be segmented, and personalized inserts can be sent based on their stage. New customers might appreciate a thank you card and an insert that tells their brand story. Your regular customers will appreciate discount coupons or loyalty program invitations.
3. The Budget
Identify your marketing budget first to know how much you can spend on materials, printing, special coatings, and interactive technology.
Box Inserts Are Beneficial For Fragile Items.
Shippers can protect delicate items from damage during shipping by using chipboard, corrugated, and foam inserts:
The electronics industry includes smartphones, laptops, TVs, and computer monitors
Vases, mirrors, and stemware (drinkware that stands on stems) made of glass
Bowls, plates, and figurines made of ceramics
Paintings, photographs, and sculptures are examples of artwork
Instruments of music: flutes, violins, guitars
Creating Medication Inserts
The FDA has specifications for medication boxes and patient package inserts (PPI) used for patient and caregiver labeling. According to its website, a PPI must include information about the medication, how to take it, and who shouldn't use it.
Medications other than oral contraceptives and estrogen-containing medicines may be voluntarily submitted to the FDA "on their initiative or at the FDA's request."
Customized Inserts - Choose a Sustainable Company
To help you create your custom boxes, check out our A-Z guide to packaging definitions.
Typically, packaging companies specialize in a few materials, so check if your supplier can provide the type of insert needed for your mailer box, marketing kit, or subscription box.
At Luxury Custom Boxes, we understand that every product is unique, and we're here to help you find the right box insert to enhance its packaging. We offer a range of customizable box inserts, including cardboard, corrugated, and foam options. We do not produce plastic inserts. If you have any questions or concerns about your box insert, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're dedicated to helping you maximize the sales potential of your packaging box.
