The Return of Corrugated Packaging

The Return of Corrugated Packaging

A backlash against plastic and the convenience of online shopping has resulted in growing demand for corrugated packaging. Robust and sustainable, corrugated cardboard is a trusted material for e-commerce delivery boxes.

For manufacturers, brands and retailers that are focused on reducing their environmental footprint, the packaging design stage is crucial. In addition to presenting their products in the best light and providing secure protection during transportation, simple measures can help encourage packaging reuse and recycling.

January is the busiest month of the year for returns. Customers are packing up those unwanted Christmas gifts, faulty items and sale bargains which didn’t match expectations. They want the returns process to be as straightforward as possible.

Returns Information

The first step is to provide clear returns information as part of the packaging, not just in the small print on your website. This could be provided as a printed insert, alternatively, it might be appropriate to print this information onto the inside of your delivery boxes. This could certainly prove a cost-effective option.

As a manufacturer and supplier of e-commerce packaging for online retailers, Aylesbury Box Company can advise from at the design stage. We can create packaging which encourages customers to reuse your delivery boxes for returns.

Reusable Packaging

The second design consideration is how the same delivery box can be reused for returns. In order to achieve this, the packaging has to be secure during transportation, yet easy to open when it reaches the customer. Tear strips are one option for achieving this. There’s no need to use scissors or other sharp implements to get in, or pull away layers of tape, both of which can damage the integrity of the box.

If the box remains intact and there is clear returns information, the inclusion of a second seal strip can be all it takes to ensure that the goods can be repackaged and securely returned in the same packaging. One simple design feature to encourage reuse and reduce the risk of items being damaged through inappropriate returns packaging.

Packaging to Support Warehouse Efficiency

Taking it a step further, there may be the option to print or adhere returns barcodes to the delivery boxes in order to support warehouse efficiency.  There’s no doubt that the cost implication of processing a high volume of returns has a considerable impact on retail profits, especially through the January peak. Would your logistic systems benefit from code which can be scanned to help log and sort returns?

Returns Ready Packaging Design

If you are looking to reduce the environmental impact of your brand, provide a convenient service to customers and improve warehouse efficiency, returns ready packaging design could tick all the boxes. To discuss your requirements with an experienced packaging manufacturer, call Aylesbury Box Company on: 01296 436888.