What Is E-Commerce Packaging (Complete Guide)

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E-commerce packaging describes how products are packed and protected for delivery when customers order online. Unlike packaging for items in physical stores, e-commerce packaging must serve two purposes: attracting customers and keeping products safe during shipping, which can involve a lot of handling and long travel. 

This packaging includes a box, fill material, and possibly inserts. This is designed to not only protect the item, but also help show off the brand. With more people shopping online, good e-commerce packaging has become important for making a positive impression and creating an enjoyable unboxing experience for customers.

Why Is E-Commerce Packaging Important?

Well-designed e-commerce packaging prevents damage, reflects your brand’s identity, and offers a memorable unboxing experience that can build loyalty and encourage social media sharing. This combination of protection, branding, and satisfaction makes online shopping more rewarding for customers.

Why Is E-Commerce Packaging Important

Protects Products

E-commerce packaging is designed to keep products safe during shipping, which helps reduce the risk of damage and returns. With proper protective materials, like bubble wrap, air pillows, and molded infill for fragile items, you can help to make sure products arrive in good condition. This attention to protection also helps build customer trust and satisfaction.

Branding and Marketing

Packaging for your product is also a branding tool that can make the product (and your brand) memorable. Many businesses use custom packaging to reflect their brand’s identity, whether through unique designs, logos, or colors. 

For example, the brand Joolz uses recyclable packaging that can be transformed into toys, creating an eco-friendly experience that matches the company’s brand image and values. Thoughtful branding in packaging can strengthen brand recognition and build loyalty.

Unboxing Experience

An enjoyable unboxing experience can have a strong impact on customers and often inspires them to share it on social media. You can make unboxing your products more exciting by including custom inserts, branded stickers or tape, and decorative wrapping paper. These small touches make the experience feel special, adding value beyond the product itself and encouraging customers to share their experiences online, which can help attract new buyers.

Types of E-Commerce Packaging

Not all e-commerce product packaging is the same. Packaging material includes primary packaging, secondary packaging, tertiary packaging, as well as inserts and infills. Not all of these need to be included in every product; packaging may vary depending on the product and how it’s being shipped.

What Are Amazon’s Certification Tiers for Packaging
Type of Packaging Properties and Purpose
Primary Packaging
  • The first layer directly encases the product, such as bottles, jars, or plastic wraps 
  • Provides initial protection and keeps the product secure until it reaches the customer
Secondary Packaging
  • Adds an extra layer of protection by using corrugated boxes or branded mailers
  • Protects the product during transit
  • Offers a branding opportunity, making the package more appealing and recognizable
Tertiary Packaging
  • Used for bulk handling and transportation, using items like pallets, shrink wrap, and large cartons
  • Protects multiple units during shipping, ensuring they arrive safely at distribution centers or retail locations
Inserts and Infills
  • Materials, like kraft paper, air pillows, and biodegradable options like mushroom-based infill
  • Stabilize products within the outer packaging
  • Prevent movement and potential damage during transit
  • Contribute to a positive customer experience

E-Commerce Packaging the LansBox Way

At LansBox, we’re dedicated to making your brand stand out from the crowd with custom box designs. The cardboard box is the first thing your customer sees, so we help you create packaging that gets your customer excited about what’s inside. 

Customized packaging not only helps distinguish your brand, but it also aligns your packaging with your company’s values and style. For example, sustainable packaging can reflect an eco-friendly commitment, while vibrant colors or sleek designs can convey energy or sophistication. 

It’s a unique opportunity to communicate your brand’s personality in a tangible way, making the delivery experience feel more personal and engaging. Contact us if you’d like to see how using custom boxes can increase your conversions and customer satisfaction!

Using Customization in E-Commerce Packaging

Aside from custom boxes, you can add extra customization elements to your packaging in whatever ways you wish, to make it stand out from the rest and be memorable. Here are some ideas.

Custom Branding Elements

Custom branding elements, like branded tape and unique packaging shapes, are a way for you to reinforce brand identity in a memorable way. These details can help a package stand out visually and make it easy to identify. Branded packaging not only supports marketing efforts but also adds a layer of professionalism and care, because your customers associate these elements with attention to quality and detail.

Personalization

Personalization involves adding specific, customer-focused touches, like handwritten notes, product care instructions, or even customized discounts for future purchases. These elements make the experience feel unique to each customer, as if the package was prepared just for them. This kind of care helps your customers feel appreciated and valued, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction, leading to increased loyalty, and positive feedback.

Cost Considerations When Looking for E-Commerce Packaging

Packaging options are plenty, so here’s how to choose the right packaging for your brand. Remember, your packaging should both protect your products and catch the eyes of your customers. 

Balancing Cost with Quality

Quality packaging doesn’t have to be expensive. Corrugated cardboard, for example, is widely used for its strength and cost-effectiveness. Choosing standard box sizes makes ordering simpler and lowers production costs. Many companies also opt for recyclable materials, which can be both economical and environmentally friendly.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are often determined by dimensional weight. So, choose packaging that closely matches the size and shape of your product to reduce empty space and lower costs. Lightweight materials like recycled paper fillers or air pillows add minimal weight, helping to keep shipping fees low as shipping carriers calculate fees based on size and weight.

Partner with LansBox for Unforgettable Packaging

At LansBox, we believe e-commerce packaging is more than protection — it’s an opportunity to tell your brand’s story. We’ve mastered the art of creating custom packaging that safeguards your products and elevates your unboxing experience. From durable shipping boxes to branded inserts, every detail reflects your brand’s personality while ensuring customer satisfaction. 

Let us handle everything — from design to delivery — so you can focus on growing your business. With fast turnarounds, flexible order sizes, and eco-friendly options, we make extraordinary e-commerce packaging achievable for every brand.

What Is E-Commerce Packaging? | FAQs

E-commerce packaging is made to protect products during shipping and create a good unboxing experience, using sturdy materials like cardboard. On the other hand, retail packaging, is designed to look appealing on store shelves, using eye-catching designs to attract buyers. While retail packaging focuses on visuals, e-commerce packaging focuses on durability and safe delivery.

E-commerce packaging uses security features like tamper-evident seals, authentication labels, and durable materials to prevent tampering and protect products during shipping. Tracking technologies like RFID tags or QR codes allow real-time monitoring to keep your customers informed. These features help secure products and build customer trust in the delivery process.

E-commerce companies are making packaging more sustainable by reducing plastic, using recycled materials, and optimizing packaging size to minimize waste and emissions. Some brands also use reusable packaging and provide clear recycling instructions for consumers. These efforts help reduce environmental impact and promote responsible consumption.

Echo Shao
About the Author
Echo, founder of LansBox, has 15 years of experience in custom box packaging, trusted by 100+ Ecom & D2C brands for her focus on quality and detail.