When designing packaging, one of the most important elements to consider is the material. The type of packaging material you choose can impact its cost, weight, sustainability, durability and aesthetics. By working out which material properties are most important to your product, you can then work out the best suited packaging. This post compares 5 options.
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Plastic
Plastic packaging typically offers great durability, while being lightweight and often relatively cheap to produce. Many plastics are also waterproof and resistant to corrosion, which makes them great containers for liquids ranging from soft drinks to cleaning chemicals. Plastic can also be moulded into complex shapes for all kinds of packaging needs from blister packs to toothpaste tubes.
Although many plastics are recyclable, plastic packaging is the least eco-friendly option. Some forms of plastic packaging may be restricted in certain regions or heavily taxed. It’s a material often best avoided when trying to market yourself as a sustainable company.
Cardboard
Cardboard has become the most popular green alternatives to plastic. It’s often cheaper and lighter than plastic, while being recyclable and biodegradable. Most cardboard is now harvested from sustainable forests or made from recycled wood.
Cardboard varies a lot in quality. Some cardboards are very robust, while others are quite brittle. Thick double-walled cardboard is often required when shipping products. When it comes to storing liquids, cardboard can be waxed to create a moisture barrier (in the case of cartons), but is not suitable for corrosive materials.
Paper
Paper is often used to gift-wrap products, or it can be used as a filler. Certain types of paper may provide a luxury quality, while others are more basic. In most cases, paper is cheap and lightweight. It is also very eco-friendly.
While robust options like kraft paper can be used for bags and parcels, paper is not a resilient option for storing fragile items or liquids. When shipping products, it should only be used as a filler or inner layer. Paper is also highly flammable and therefore not appropriate for products exposed to a lot of heat.
Wood
Wooden packaging can give a product a premium feel. It’s also more durable than cardboard, while being more sustainable than plastic. Wine boxes & bottle packaging, gift hamper baskets, ring boxes and food crates are all examples of wooden packaging.
You should expect to pay more for wooden packaging than other materials listed above. Most wood is quite light, but some options can be heavy – this can create a luxury feel and improve durability, but may increase shipping costs. Wood cannot be used to store liquids.
Metal
Metal packaging comes in a variety of forms including food tins, aerosol cans, tool boxes and cosmetics tubes. Compared to other materials, metal is incredibly durable and airtight – helping to prevent the risk of leaks and to preserve the contents. It is also a recyclable material.
The drawback of using metal is that it can cost more than other packaging options. Depending on what product it is used for, metal can provide a luxury look (biscuit tins) or it can come off as cheap (tinned soup) – so you need to carefully consider its use. Some types of metal packaging can also be quite heavy, although the likes of aluminum are generally quite light.