Candy Galore!

When you ask people what holiday brings the biggest sugar rush most people’s mind goes straight to Halloween. The lesser thought about close runner-up has to be Easter. Instead of children going door to door asking for candy it’s hidden right there in their backyards! All they have to do is walk a few feet and scoop up their prizes.

They have bags worth of candy that they dump into cardboard boxes to be sorted and traded. See, just like Halloween. The purples, blacks, and greens are replaced with pastel and pretty yellows, blues, and pinks. Candies are pretty and bright. Why wouldn’t the kids eat all of these beautiful assortments? Chocolate bunnies with tied ears? Sure. Entire cardboard boxes with yellow chicks? Great! They might not get the quantity of candy they do on Halloween, but the quality is far superior. The candy is way bigger and quite honestly, way better.

I would take Easter candy over Halloween candy any day of the week. Those portions sizes are huge! Have you seen those mega sized gummy bears? Absolutely ridiculous. Here are some are of the most extreme Easter candies.

Robin eggs.

These can be super cute little eggs or they can be huge monsters! Kids often find them inside their easter eggs during the easter egg hunt. But usually they have at least one giant robin egg in their Easter basket.

Peeps.

Whether you like them or not, Peeps are the iconic Easter candy. So iconic that people started supersizing Peeps for entertainment. Seriously, go check out YouTube with the key words “giant peeps” and you will see loads of influencers making their own giant Peep. That is too much marshmallow for me personally. But I am sure it is just fine for a six year old on Easter Sunday.

Chocolate bunnies.

Here is the granddaddy of them all. Giant chocolate bunnies date back to 1952 when the candy industry was booming! Some companies really get you, though, because the chocolate candy is hollowed out. You got to go for the Dove brand to make sure you have solid chocolate without the entire bunny. It just is not worth it if it’s not solid chocolate. 

Here are just a few examples of how Easter candy is far better than Halloween candy. I would rather have giant versions of my favorite candy rather than bite sized versions. You can also find types of “Halloween candy” any time of the year, whereas Easter candy only comes around every once in a while. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Edge Smart Packaging for Shipping to Critical Impact Zones

Shipping to certain places requires a bit of finesse and ways to ensure that you don’t have a broken item in its way. 

The most damage occurs at the corners. Why? Well, when things drop, those are essentially pressure points, that cause a rattling throughout the packaging, and in turn, will cause the package and its contents to be dented. Pointed corners may also cause the item to cave in, and will impact what’s inside, crushing it.

So yes, you have to protect the corners, especially those fragile ones that are the one thing standing between your fragile item making it or getting broken. Here, we will go over the edge-smart designs and packaging, and how, through design of such fragile corners, you’re able to mitigate damage of this critical impact zone.

Specialized Corner Guards and Edge Materials 

There are new corner guards in place that are protecting the edges, which are important.

Molded foam is one example. This type of foam is natural, memory foam that will be naturally molded to the item that’s inside. Again, with this mold, the item is protected from all sorts of damage and invaders.

The other one is honeycomb protectors. All of this of course will create a sustainable, natural sort of packaging protection that will shine.

Another, is smart cushioning strips that, when an impact happens, offers the appropriate amount of cushion so that you are not relying on void film and other plastics that are nowhere near as sustainable.

Again, when you protect the corners, you protect the items. 

Layouts to Distribute force 

Part of it comes from the way you lay out your packaging.

Don’t ever put an item near a corner, as it will spell disaster when hit. But, you can also prevent the corners from destroying your items with a few simple changes.

Rounded edges are one example. These edges will be rounded, so they’re not crushing the items inside.

Another, is internal bracing, where the items inside are braced for impact, in order to stay at the center, and directly away from damage. Some companies use the suspension packaging method, where it is put in the middle, surrounded by cushioning forces.

Then, there's the placement of air columns and pillows. Smart placing along the edges will prevent the item from directly hitting on impact, but also don’t overload this.

Shipping Costs Vs. Edge Protection 

This does cost a bit of money, especially for a lot of brands that are up and coming. It might not be the right move, especially when crafting the ideal packaging changes.

However, you need to sit there and ask if the upgrade is worth the safety. For any packaging distributors that are looking to make the packaging stand out, then it will work wonders.   You want to make sure that the shipping costs are factored in with this.

It should not cost a lot more to ship this, but the benefit of edge protection is something remarkable, something that customers will love.

So if you’re worried about edge protection being too much, look at your current returns, customer complaints, and the like. Many companies, including tech, ceramics, and artwork, use this. If you know that it’s going to benefit you, then it might be in your best interests to use it.

Protect the edges, and protect what’s inside. From there, you will be able to improve the experience, and craft a more founded, exciting result from your efforts, which will span multiple areas, and also improve the customer experience from this as well. 

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Packaging types

 

Packaging is a big part of every single brand, and it’s something that you send out to the different customers, or retailers that send it out to your future customers. You have to consider a few things though when you’re building your packaging. There are primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging options, and you must consider each of these. In this, we’ll summarize the different kinds of packaging to help you understand, and the best instances to use this. 

Primary 

This is basically packaging that preserves and protects various products, contains them, and also lets customers know of what’s within. This kind is great for direct contact and is also called retail or consumer forms of packaging. 

This is made up of various components, and you have to look for example at the packaging that contains the product. If you’re selling a package of juice boxes, the juice and the little hole to puncture are the main packaging. 

Secondary 

This is basically used for branding and logistics, an dis used to protect the products or bring individual products together. 

In the juices example for example, the box or the plastic container that holds all of these, or the cardboard that holds it in place are considered secondary packaging. 

It also can include the following:

• Boxes that contain the products 

• I display products 

• Shelf-ready packages 

• Retail-ready packages 

• Display units for a countertop 

• Packaging for gifts 

The secondary packaging is made up usually of corrugated cardboard, or printed cardboard its, and is the best way to show off creative branding for the most part. 

Tertiary 

This is the least common of the packaging if you’re going to display it, but if you’re going to be sending it to various locations, this is one of the most common types. 

They are used to handle and transport the units that you have. 

You basically see this when you’re transporting the products, but this is not normally seen by the consumer unless they’re opening the package that contains the package. 

Boxes, mailers, or anything that basically gets the package or products from one location to another is a fine example of this. 

There is usually some form of branding on these, but not all customers will see this. If the packaging is going to a grocery store for example, then the person who is buying it won’t normally see it. But some companies may not use tertiary packaging branding, since it’s not always needed. 

What to Consider 

If you’re considering any kind of packaging from one of these three areas, there are a few things that you absolutely must consider with this. 

First, you need to think about the most important parts of the packaging, whether it needs to be protected, if it has to have the branding shown off, if you wnat to recycle this, or have any branding values on this. 

You should also look at the packaging value. You don’t want to get packaging that’s super expensive if it’s just going to be tertiary packaging for example. You need to also make sure that the packaging is as functional as I can be. 

Then there are delivery and transit costs. There are some that do weigh a lot more than some of the others, or how they take up the space. This is something that costs you so much more than the expenses for the delivery, and it can be a pain to navigate, so make sure you keep this in mind. 

Finally, make sure that the branding stays consistent, and also has a logo and colors that fit it.

Scented Packaging to Elevate Brand Experiences

Smell is a great trigger for many reasons. It improves memory and perception for a lot of customers. 

Did you know that smell is actually a trigger for brand recognition? It can trigger some emotional responses in a person, typically good. Some customers are able to instantly associate with a brand from the moment they smell it, improving the overall brand recognition on many different levels. 

So yes, smell rocks, and here, we’ll go over how, through using aroma, you are able to improve your brand recognition on so many levels. 

Incorporating Fragrance into Packaging Safely 

Now, fragrance is great, but there is the risk of it not safely being implemented, resulting in potential issues involving smelling the items, maybe it getting into your mouth at unhealthy levels. There is also the risk of possibly swallowing something that contains the scent.

None of those are fun, but companies can incorporate this safely.

Encapsulated scent beads put inside the packaging might be used. That way, there is no risk of eating it.

Natural infusions that are placed in the packaging also might be used. For instance, the box might be infused with a scent, or there might be a small sachet that might include this.

Then, there's the old tried and true scratch and sniff feature. Again, you scratch, you sniff, everything great.   This is good, and if you want to add it to your packaging façade to make it stand out, it does wonders. 

Who Uses This? 

Besides perfume? A lot of companies.

Though we see this in cosmetics and beauty care items (because let’s face it, it’s very easy to sell someone something if it smells good) there are other industries that are using scents to sell. 

Coffee bags are one example. Some companies have used a vented packaging, where the scent is emitted. You smell it, and then enjoy it. It's great.

Another, is wellness products. These are products that promote wellness, such as maybe some essential oils and other items. While not necessarily cosmetics, they do fall into a certain umbrella. 

Luxury goods are another area where this shines. Having luxury items is something that will really make you stand out, and scented packaging on luxury items is something that will really stand out, and make things even better for you. 

The Regulatory Considerations and Allergen Warnings 

A lot of regulatory considerations and allergens might have to be factored in. though it might smell good, not every brand is able to tolerate the smell of such products. Transparency and safety protocols are something that’s used in this packaging. If you know that you’re going to use this, make sure to let customers know.   Having a small “scratch!” the sticker will tell them that there is a scent.

When putting it together, try not to make it pungent or excessive. Remember, a little goes a long way with this, so try to make it stand out for your packaging without being too much.

Some creative packaging promotions involve various scents that pair well with items. For instance, selling body care with a “peaceful” scent will help to make the packaging really shine and stand out. 

For many brands, scents are used as an additive, not as the main focus. But, if you want to make the packaging stand out, and give those who buy from you something memorable, then consider this today.

Your scented packaging will enhance the experience, and by elevation of such, you make branding all the easier, and even more profound for your own memories and such as well for you too.

The Real Future of Adhesives

Adhesives are used for protecting and putting together items. But did you know that they are far from eco friendly. Making smarter choices on the types of adhesives that you use for your items is important, and adjusting your strategies to use alternatives to conventional tape isn’t just a good idea, it’s a must for plenty of companies.  So what are good alternatives?  Well, cellulose-based tape is one example, especially when ensuring that the items remain protected. 

Compostable tape is another. Made from soybean and plant-based fibers, this will offer a tape you can just throw out back, breaking down and offering a better experience for your packaging and the plants inside. Finally, water-activated tape. This is made with paper typically, and in doing so, adding a water-activated adhesive will improve the overall experience of such items. Tape is changing, and it’s good to be ready to adjust the tape to fit your needs. 

Glue-Free Closures for Secure Locking 

A lot of glue-free enclosures are used with such items, making it easier for you to protect and hold the items there.  it is just as strong as glue in some cases. 

Slot tabs are one. These are tabs with little holes in them, and when you put the other part of the packaging in the slot, it closes. 

Another one is heat compression, where heat is put on an item, creating a tight seal. Many companies prefer this over other types of packaging because it will compress and hold onto a very tight-lipped seal that works.

Reusable Velcro systems are another. Though not as strong, Velcro offers ease of access for opening and closing. 

Adhesive Trends in Branding 

Some companies are not seeing these new tapes as a death sentence, but a new way to breathe life into your packaging. 

One example is printed tapes. Printed tapes are an incredible marketing tool, especially when building real estate for such items. Having branded tape is not just a good idea for your packaging, but it will also improve the packaging, making it really stand out.   overall, it will help to give your packaging better marketing, and not just a better seal. 

What about Magnets 

One way some companies are securing their items is through magnets, or a static seal, such as a Velcro seal that can remain until the customer opens it. 

These are great options. Not only are they recyclable, but they also offer a different way of sealing items. Plus, magnets are very strong these days. 

Again, with magnetic seals, it takes out the guesswork of tape, offering you a new way to seal and protect such items. 

If you’re looking for a way to make your packaging easier for you to use, then consider this type of adhesive. 

Are These Durable 

This is a question a lot of people have. Is this durable? 

This is a concern for a lot of companies, because you want a good closure that won’t just burst open on you. so, if you’re going to use one of these, it’s highly advised to run a durability test. 

Durability tests are very easy to put together. Drop the package from a distance, or maybe have it fall off the truck or thrown on a porch.   Adjust the seal and make changes if the box opens up, spilling the contents. 

Overall, most of these works, and in order to choose the right seal for you, analyze them, and decide for yourself what type of seal you wish to have for your packaging, and what will offer the best results for the types of packaging you have.