Entries by Catherine

Is 2023 a Good Time to Launch an E-commerce Business?

As inflation impacts consumers and they have less disposable income is it too risky to launch an e-commerce business in 2023? Consumer Spending Online The cost of living rises have forced many consumers to consider their purchases, however, they are still spending online. Data from ACI Worldwide* revealed that from October to December 2022 online […]

Is Sustainability Core to your Packaging Requirements?

The days of excessive layers of packaging and single-use plastic are numbered. Consumers are aware of the environmental impact and are seeking out brands with green credentials. This has led to the development of innovative packaging materials and packaging design. More UK designers, brand owners, retailers and packaging manufacturers are ensuring sustainability is central to […]

Should Packaging Data be Standardised?

From the start of 2023, retailers and packaging manufacturers are required to report data on the packaging they manufacture and use. Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), packaging data including volume, packaging materials and recyclability have to be recorded. The data will determine how much companies are taxed from January 2024. EPR aims to encourage circular […]

Advice on Sustainable E-commerce

Many start-up e-commerce businesses are acutely aware that sustainability has to be a top priority. It has become an underpinning company value that increases interest in the brand. However, any claim to be a green company has to be substantiated. Any hint of greenwashing will instantly damage a brand’s reputation. Sustainability as a Core Value […]

Is Packaging Necessary?

Packaging plays a vital role in protecting goods. However, excessive packaging materials remain an issue, particularly when single-use plastic is used. In the case of food packaging, is there a viable alternative that allows unnecessary layers to be removed? Bread Packaging Millions of loaves of bread are sold in single-use plastic bags. These hold the […]

How to Make Packaging Stand Out

Every shop, whether physical or online, is filled with options. Whatever you want to sell, there are competitors and their products typically sit alongside yours. As a result, your packaging has to attract the attention of buyers and build a connection with your brand. But, how is this possible? Packaging Design 2023 According to Sam […]

E-commerce Consumer Trends 2023

At the end of 2022, Mondi reported findings on research into European consumers’ expectations of online shopping and e-commerce packaging. So, what did they learn that can inform your decisions about postal boxes? Firstly, lower prices and the convenience of home deliveries mean online shopping is as popular as ever. This is particularly so for […]

Free Ecommerce Packaging Advice

As an online retailer, where can you get packaging advice and samples? One option is to call your local packaging manufacturer, they can advise on the best options for custom postal boxes and print finishes. The other is to attend an e-commerce industry event. Date for your Diary: E-commerce Packaging Expo It’s that time of […]

Recyclable v Reusable Food Packaging

Is it more environmentally friendly for cafes and takeaways to provide food in paper-based takeaway boxes or on reusable alternatives? Refillable Packaging Refilling packaging is one way to cut the cost of production and the volume of waste. We’re seeing more refill shops and refill stations, so could the idea work for food delivery? The […]

What’s In Store for the Packaging Industry?

Looking ahead to 2023, what is being forecast as the priorities for the packaging industry and how will the changes impact manufacturers, retailers and consumers? 5 Themes for Packaging Success According to research shared at the Global Data Conference*, there are 5 priorities for the packaging industry in 2023. It’s no surprise to us that, […]

Christmas Delivery Dates

There are always going to be customers who leave their online gift shopping until the last minute. They expect to receive their order on the next day or even the same day. This year, delivering their boxes on time for Christmas may be harder than ever. Royal Mail has scheduled 7 days of strike action […]

I Can’t Open the Packaging!

Packaging plays a vital role in protecting and presenting products, yet sometimes boxes, jars, tins and wrappers are a challenge to open. The Design Age Institute, part of the Royal College of Arts is petitioning for things to change. Inclusive Packaging Design Standard A survey conducted by the Design Age Institute found that 60% of […]

What’s the Future of Packaging?

Whatever the product range, one thing that all manufacturers and retailers have in common is the need to use sustainable packaging. Packaging waste is having a destructive effect on our planet, threatening essential natural habitats, so a rapid shift towards sustainability is essential and that requires innovation and collaboration. Why Rethink Packaging? Three primary reasons […]

Do Branded Boxes Make a Difference?

Online retailers send out hundreds of thousands of shipping boxes every day. The main role of this packaging is to provide robust protection to the goods inside. This is essential, as the shipping boxes will be handled many times between leaving the retailer and being handed to the customer. If protection is the priority, does […]

Smaller Boxes: Are Consumers Getting Value?

The size of retail packaging on supermarket shelves is shrinking. Do smaller boxes mean fewer contents or is this a change that consumers should be embracing? What does Less Packaging Mean? When purchasing familiar items like your favourite brand of cereal or biscuits, it’s noticeable that the size of the box has got smaller. There […]