When Packaging is Part of the Product

When Packaging is Part of the Product

Retail packaging is often an afterthought in product development. The goods are designed and manufactured and then shelf appeal is considered. Bespoke packaging is created around the product to offer protection and anti-tampering. Shape, style, font, colour and imagery is used to attract the attention of the target customer.

With the drive to reduce packaging, some companies are approaching product development with fresh eyes. They are considering how the packaging can be integrated into the manufacturing process and become part of the end product.

Natural Soap or Candle Boxes

In the soap or candle making process, a scented liquid is poured into a shaped mould. It is removed from the mould when set and then packaged. You often find natural soaps and candles with paper or plastic wraps.

Aylesbury Box Company had an idea. Would it be possible to create a box that was suitably robust to hold the hot liquid? If so, there was a chance that the box could act as the mould and the packaging.

Cardboard boxes are robust and protective when dry, however, their integrity is impacted when they get wet. To create a suitable mould, we needed to ensure the boxes were lined. The lining would provide a seal, ensuring that no liquid could escape the mould. It would also prevent moisture from touching the cardboard.

A couple of different options have been tested and silver-coated card proved to be the most effective. If you are creating this type of product, this packaging solution could improved efficiency in the manufacturing and packing process.

Sparking Ideas with Kindling Boxes

Another customer produces packs of kiln-dried kindling. They wanted a simple, environmentally-friendly packaging solution for single-use packs. These packs contain the ideal amount of kindling for a campfire. To keep it as convenient as possible, the company wanted people to simply set light to the packaging.

Paper bags can burn too quickly, not giving the kindling sufficient time to catch alight. Corrugated cardboard takes longer to burn, so igniting a box of kindling would work.

The same approach has been used for charcoal. When the need to handle the charcoal is removed, the process of igniting the campfire or barbeque is a lot less messy.

Tube Toys Offer the Ideal Packaging for Children

Not a customer of ours, but a great idea that we admire, comes from Tube Toys. Back in 2012, designer Oscar Diaz created a solution where cardboard tubes hold all of the parts for creating the toy vehicles. When emptied, the packaging tube forms the body of the tractor, train or car.

Added Convenience with Butter Better Lids

Another innovative design comes from Butter Better. Their designers replaced the foil peel-off lid of their single portion pots with a small wooden knife shape. This creates a practical element to the packaging, as you may not have a knife to spread the butter.

If you are developing a new product or rethinking your retail packaging, could it be possible to reduce waste, time and costs by making the packaging part of the product? If you have an idea in mind, speak to the team at Aylesbury Box Company on 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.

With expertise in cardboard engineering, manufacturing and finishes, we could help you to develop original packaging solutions.