How to Get the Most Out of a Box
A cardboard shipping carton or retail box is often a single-use item, but this needn’t be the case. In this article, we explore packaging components that can help you get the most out of a box.
Encouraging You to Reuse & Recycle Boxes
It may seem contrary that we, a cardboard packaging manufacturer, would encourage you to reuse your boxes. However, our business is underpinned by a mission to be as sustainable as possible. For that reason, we proactively encourage customers to remove excess packaging materials and consider options that enable reuse.
Hold on! We’re Talking Handles, Clips & Locks for Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are robust, so they have the potential to be reused. It just takes a little more planning at the design stage. Can we encourage you to consider any of the following options to get more from your packaging?
Tear Strips
Tear strips and adhesive strips in the packaging design enable boxes to be resealed & reused. This is a popular option for e-commerce businesses, as delivery boxes can also be used for returns.
Box Locks & Clips
Have you considered removable locks and clips rather than tape or staples to seal boxes? These provide a secure means of sealing the packaging, yet they are straightforward to remove and reseal. This is great for B2B shipping cartons, where contents may need to be accessed many times over. Simply undo, grab what you need and reseal with ease!
When you rip tape from a corrugated cardboard box, a layer of the cardboard usually peels off. The box looks unsightly and has a lower level of protection. However, this isn’t the case with box clips and interlocks. Therefore, boxes remain in good condition for reuse. What’s more, when it’s time for recycling, these components are easier to remove than staples or tape.
Box Handles
Another way in which packaging gets damaged is through manual handling. Lifting a bulky or weighty box isn’t easy. In the process, the contents shift, corners get knocked or the box is compacted. This can damage the goods inside and leave the packaging unsuitable for reuse. That’s why we might recommend adding packaging handles.
A cheap and simple option is to die-cut handle holds into the boxes. However, this can limit the usefulness of the boxes for storage.
Other solutions include top-held handles, which are typically used on heavier consumer goods such as microwaves. Or, side carry handles to aid couriers and warehouse employees. This increases the chance that the shipment is handled properly and kept the right way up. For B2B, we might advise on webbing and straps. All of these options reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
However, the use of handles isn’t limited to functionality. They can be a desirable addition to gift boxes and retail bags. Would paper, cord or leatherette handles add a luxury finish to your packaging?
Design & Manufacturer of Packaging Components
We specialise in the manufacture of industrial cartons, e-commerce packaging and bespoke boxes. However, we don’t make locks, handles and straps. Fortunately, we work with a long-standing supplier, Item Products Ltd.
Item Products Ltd specialises in the design and manufacture of packaging components. It is an innovative company on a mission to elevate the functionality of boxes. Like us, they are focusing on green solutions, such as using recyclable polymer to mould components. As a result, the company operates below the required minimum levels of Plastic Packaging Tax reporting.
Over the years, we’ve got to know the Item Products range and team. This means we know when they can provide the ideal part to meet your packaging brief. However, we also know that they are open to bespoke solutions. So, if you need something that isn’t part of their existing range, and it can’t be found elsewhere, they’ll get designing!
Packaging with Added Value
Using handles, clips and locks can provide added value through packaging reuse, reduced risk of damaged goods and handling injuries. In addition, our partnership with Item Products Ltd enables us to be a one-stop shop for fulfilling your packaging brief. So, if you’d like our advice on your packaging design ideas, call us 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
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