Does your business ship out subscription boxes to your customers on a monthly or quarterly basis?

If so, then you probably already know that the type of packaging that you choose is critical to your success. It is the boxes and cartons that you use that protect your products and ensure that they safely reach their destination.

Moreover, packaging provides a wonderful medium for branding. You want people to become familiar with your products and to feel an immediate sense of anticipation when they receive one of your boxes. Perhaps the best way to achieve this effect is to use a comprehensive branding theme across all of your packaging.

Of course, it is not only boxes and cartons that are required to ship your products. It also is essential to use packing material, or void filler, for each of your boxes.

Packing material can serve multiple uses in your subscription boxes such as:

• Providing cushioning for delicate items
• Preventing potentially breakable items from rattling together
• Enhancing the unboxing experience
• Gives you an additional opportunity to show off your branding

If you are interested in learning more about packing material, corrugated cardboard boxes, poly mailers, and more, get in touch with Mid-Atlantic Packaging. We can even help you design custom packaging for your subscription boxes.

Choosing the Right Box

Before you can choose the ideal packing material, it is critical that you choose an appropriate box. You have several choices, which may include:

• Corrugated boxes
• Rigid boxes
• Full overlap boxes
• Mailer boxes
• Auto-locking bottom boxes
• Paperboard and chipboard boxes
• Roll-end boxes

Once you are better acquainted with each of these types of boxes, you'll be able to make a smart decision for your subscription service. Let's describe each one so that you have a better idea of what they are and how they are used. Then, contact Mid-Atlantic Packaging to go over your options for creating custom subscription boxes for your brand.

Boxes made of corrugated cardboard are in wide use thanks to their sturdiness and durability. Still, they are fairly lightweight, even when purchased in a large size. Available with single, double, or triple walls, these boxes can be made even more durable depending upon the weight and delicacy of the items that you ship. Corrugated boxes are suitable for pretty nearly any type of product. In addition to being inexpensive, they are highly customizable.

If your subscription items are considered rare or high-value, then you may want to consider packaging them in a rigid box. Premium and sleek, rigid boxes promise a special experience for the customer. It may be wise to package your products in a rigid box that is encased within a corrugated box for added protection.

Do your subscription boxes sometimes contain large, heavy, or fragile items? Full overlap boxes may be the solution you need. These provide additional protection with extra strength at the box's opening. Prevent your customers from experiencing the frustration that comes from a box that falls in on itself because the top flaps became loose in transit.

Mailer boxes are an ideal option if you are shipping small items that can be slipped into a mailbox. The customization choices on these are endless, and using these smaller boxes may save you on shipping costs too.

Are you short-handed but still need to send out hundreds of subscription boxes every month? Consider choosing auto-locking bottom boxes. This style of packaging saves you time and reduces the amount of tape you'll use. As each box is folded open, the bottom locks into place. This really streamlines the packaging process.

Affordable and relatively delicate, paperboard and chipboard boxes are excellent choices for your products. These boxes are attractive, customizable, and readily recycled when they are no longer useful. You'll still need corrugated boxes or another sturdy option for shipping, but packing your goods in these beautiful boxes will ensure a memorable customer experience.

One of the most popular types of packaging for subscriptions is the roll-end front lock box. You may hear it referred to as a tuck front box as well, but it's really the same thing. Essentially, this is a tray-style box that's equipped with a lid that tucks into the front of the box. No tape or glue is needed in assembly, though you will want to use a strip of tape or a label to close the front when you're ready to ship. These boxes are great for branding as well, so be sure to include your company's name, logo, and website.

Packing Material

Once you have selected the perfect box or boxes for shipping your products, it is time to consider giving those products a few extra layers of protection. Of course, this is the packing material that offers additional cushioning to your items.

Packing material, or void filler, is necessary whether your items are large or small, heavy or light. It is essential to ensure that your goods arrive undamaged at their destination.

Of course, packing material also can provide you with another opportunity to spread the word about your brand's message. Where possible, consider how you might customize packing material with your company's colors, name, logo or other special touches.

Bubble Wrap

This is one of the most popular and widely used packing materials. Bubble wrap is easy to use and provides excellent protection from damage. All you have to do is wrap up your delicate items in a protective sheet of bubble wrap, and your subscription box is ready to go.

Reputable retailers like Mid-Atlantic Packaging sell bubble wrap and bags to make packaging your goods easier than you ever imagined.

If you opt for bubble wrap in sheets or rolls, then it will be necessary to measure and cut it for each product or box. This can be time-consuming, especially for small businesses that don't have a lot of extra hands available.

Also, it's wise to keep in mind that bubble wrap is made of plastic. If your brand is taking a more environmentally-friendly approach, this may not be your best option.

Still, bubble wrap is extremely functional and inexpensive, making it an accessible choice for many businesses.

Packing Peanuts

Here is a choice that tends to be a bit controversial. That's mainly because there are several pros and cons to using them. For many years, foam packing peanuts were a top choice for many businesses. They were incredibly affordable, they weighed virtually nothing and they did a good job.

Still, packing peanuts have a darker side. Many consumers hate them because they are tiny and tend to get everywhere when unpacking a box. Moreover, foam packing peanuts are not exactly environmentally friendly.

Today, you can choose biodegradable packing peanuts, which are a big improvement over the old variety, but people still don't like chasing all of those little peanuts around the floor.

Nonetheless, packing peanuts are useful for filling up empty spaces, and they tend to huddle around the items that they are protecting, thus producing a useful cushioning effect.

Crinkle Paper or Shredded Kraft Paper

This choice is a hit with most purveyors of subscription boxes. It's modern, attractive, and easy to use and most versions are easy to recycle.

Crinkle paper provides excellent protection while also ensuring that every subscription box looks appropriately "full." Another thing that brands love about this packing material is that it comes in a wide variety of colors. Go with a single color or choose a mix. Either way, it is possible to select a hue that’s harmonious with the branding across your packaging.

This may not be the best choice if your products are incredibly delicate. Bubble wrap or peanuts may be your safest bet in these circumstances. Crinkle paper also may be a bit more expensive, but if you buy it in bulk, you'll get a nice discount.

Check out the impressive filler paper choices at Mid-Atlantic Packaging.

Tissue Paper

When you place your items in tissue paper, you let your customers feel like they are opening a gift. There is a certain sense of anticipation that goes along with slowly unwrapping a special product that's encased in colorful tissue paper.

Now, imagine that the tissue paper is in your brand's signature color. Even better, consider adding custom print, such as your company's name and logo, to every sheet of tissue paper.

Mid-Atlantic Packaging has the options that you need if you are interested in packing tissue paper. Whether you need sheets or rolls, we can help you get the bulk tissue paper that your business needs.

Tissue paper tends to be pretty affordable. What's more, it's easy to use.

However, some businesses find that it's too time-consuming for them, especially if they have to measure and cut each piece.

Padded Divider Sets

Most subscription boxes contain a collection of items, making them excellent candidates for the use of padded divider sets. Perfect for protecting smaller objects, dividers are available in many sizes and configurations. As their name suggests, they provide walls between each product. It may be necessary to combine divider sets with crinkle paper or other filler to prevent items from shifting in transit.

Air Pillows

When you have a great deal of space to fill and you want to do it economically, air pillows may be the way to go. They are available in many different sizes, though specifications of eight inches by four inches probably are the most common. Some air pillows even are made out of recyclable material.

Molded Package Inserts

This is probably the most expensive option on this list, but it can really be worth it if wowing the customer is an absolute must. Molded package inserts are more accessible and easier to use if you send out products with identical shapes in each mailing. These are excellent solutions if you need a choice that will carefully and securely hold your products every step of the way.

What About Mailers and Envelopes?

Of course, some subscription boxes don't come in boxes at all. Perhaps an envelope or a mailer is a better option. These are ideal if you are sending out clothing, small items of jewelry, paper items, and other small, light products.

They still provide excellent protection, and mailers are available in all sorts of configurations and materials. Additionally, you can customize mailers to put your brand front and center.

Get in touch with Mid-Atlantic Packaging to learn more about their selection of mailers and envelopes.

Get Packing Material from Mid-Atlantic Packaging

Are you ready to explore the world of custom packaging for your subscription service? Contact Mid-Atlantic Packaging today to get a custom packaging quote.