info@gluemachinery.com 1.888.202.2468410.761.2727

Ecommerce Packaging and Changing Customer Expectations

Ecommerce packaging, as the name implies, focuses on packages designed explicitly for online shopping operations. These containers take on numerous forms, ranging from modest cardboard boxes to printed plastic mailers. Within the past decade, this niche has evolved considerably, particularly in terms of materials used to fabricate packages and changing consumer wants.

Below we provide a basic overview of ecommerce packaging, why it matters to businesses’ bottom-lines, and how your packaging can distinguish itself. Furthermore, we briefly examine how this trend will impact industrial adhesive and machinery companies like Glue Machinery Corporation.

What is Ecommerce Packaging?

As mentioned earlier, ecommerce packaging is a form of packaging that has evolved in response to digital retailers on the Internet, notably during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some of the earliest entrants to this market were the non-defunct pet supply company, Pets.com, and the online marketplaces, Amazon and eBay. These companies pioneered innovative shipping practices since their shipments often originated from warehouses and required unique containers that can withstand the shipping and delivery process.

In 2008, Amazon would establish a new standard for ecommerce packaging by seeking out an innovative, yet an environmentally-friendlier way to ship items. The entity adopted a stripped-down approach to shipping products by removing things like plastic ties and covers, as well as streamlining the appearance of its boxes. Additionally, Amazon used recycling-friendly materials like cardboard versus plastics.

Following Amazon’s and other big online retailers’ leads, ecommerce operations worldwide now use similar techniques.

How Ecommerce Packaging Benefits a Business

Customization, Inside and Out

Brands can print directly on the package itself, its sealing tape, and its internal components. Depending on the product, companies may also arrange their packaging via seamless divisions and other protective measures.

Less Waste, Better Company Image

Incorporating environmentally friendly packaging materials, such as recycled cardboard, bamboo, or recycled paper, cut down on items going to the landfill and potentially polluting the earth. Adopting this practice would be a smart move considering consumers’ are desiring and sometimes even demanding companies adopt sustainable practices.

What This Means for the Adhesive Industry

The evolution of ecommerce packaging, as you can see, affects the adhesive industry since materials being used and how packages are constructed are less reliant on traditional methods involving glue. Adhesives, particularly hot melts, however, remain an essential part of package assembly, specifically for rigid boxes, securing inserts, and mailer tabs. Like previous innovations in adjacent industries, our field will need to acclimate to this important movement and ensure our products satisfy customers’ needs.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.