Seasonal Packaging Guide

Seasonal packaging can be a really unique way of engaging with your customers. It’s a useful promotional tool which can help you stay competitive with other brands and help you to be part of a conversation when customers need to discuss their packaging.

Will Seasonal Packaging Work For You?

Perhaps you’re wondering whether it’s worth using seasonal packing, should you try it? Well that ultimately depends on your type of business, if it’s business to business then perhaps this won’t work so well for you, however, if you are a business to customer company, then it may be far more useful for you to try it out. If you supply products to customers such as bakery products, or makeup, toiletries, cakes etc., then seasonal packaging is a really good idea.

What Seasonal Celebrations?

When to use seasonal packing seems pretty obvious when you think about it, it follows the seasons, however it’s not quite as simple as that as there are minor and major events. In the UK we’ve got Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and summer festival season. You’ve also got holidays in-between which are specific to which country you’re in, such as Bonfire night, Royal Celebrations and sporting events, such as the Olympics or the World Cup.

Which Seasonal Celebrations Work For You?

Depending on what type of business you run, you may find that some celebrations in the unfolding seasons are better suited than others. It could be a case of sitting down and deciding which ones you should capitalise on the most. If you sell perfume or chocolates, then St Valentine’s Day is going to be a big deal. If you’re sports related business, then you’re going to want to take more advantage of the sporting events in the seasonal calendar.

Plan Well in Advance

If you’re doing this for the first time, then you need to plan well in advance so you’re not caught out. You need enough time to plan, test, design and print off potential designs. If you go to a packaging supplier to help brand your packaging with your seasonal branding, then it’s going to take anything from a month to 2 months to complete. You also need to factor in any problems, queries or complications with your initial designs.

How can you make it last that bit longer?

Seasonal packing can be a bit dated, so think of how you can extend its sell by date, so it doesn’t look tired and out of season too soon. If you were to focus on the winter season instead of say, bonfire night or Christmas, or Halloween even, then perhaps your stock would have a longer lifespan on the shelves, if that’s where your products go. 

Collectable Items

Your packaging could also be a collectable item which your customers will want to keep, you could create something slightly different each year at the same time, and your customers may want to keep each one as a collector’s item.

Advertising to Support Your Seasonal Promotions

You can also create an advertising campaign to go alongside it and really help promote your product, using social media to help launch it. You can also create products that match your seasonal packing, matching your products to the season you’re promoting. Perhaps it could be Christmas or Easter, where your product has festive designs which match either season.

Talk Through Your Ideas With Kimberley Watson Packaging

If you’re struggling for ideas for seasonal packaging, then why not get in touch with us here at Kimberley Watson Packaging, we have an excellent design team and we can help you come up with some great ideas to promote your products or services.

Are Branded Shipping Boxes Right For You?

If you’ve ever ordered one of those boxes that come with a chosen line of products each month, then you’ll know how excited you feel each time it arrives with that well-known brand name. This is how it is. The products within are important, but then so is the packaging.

Think about what it feels like to be the customer, then think about your packaging

Take the perspective of a customer, you've been in their position before.  You’ll no doubt understand the importance of branding. You’ll know how exciting it feels to tear open the box when your long-awaited package arrives.

You’ll have ordered something from a brand you trust and rely on to deliver quality products, and when it arrives you know it’ll be special. Now you run your own business you want to create that same sense of excitement with your own brand and your own product packaging.

Tips From Online Retailers Who Get it Right

Online retailers who send a range of selected products to clients all over the country has gained in popularity, and it makes branding so much more important. What merchants are doing now is setting their business apart with a specific and dynamic brand identity.

Even if you don’t do this type of business, if clients are only buying maybe one or two products from you now and again, you can aspire to the same dynamism with your own branding, making sure your packaging reflects the quality of your product within with a superior brand logo. A brand people won’t forget in a hurry.

Utilising this type of glamorous and dynamic packaging is certainly a winner with customers, they’re far less likely to forget you if you take care of the branding, and branded shipping boxes are a real winner.

Design, Brand, Packaging – It All Counts

Use branded shipping boxes effectively, the design is important, you want to stand out from your competitors show that you’re on the up. Don’t use too many different box sizes, if possibly try and stick to the same ones, also make sure your brand is everywhere.

You don’t just want it on the outside of the lid, you want it on the sides and also on the inside, so your new customers become familiar with your brand and become long-term customers and not one-offs.

You’re proud of your products and you know people are going to want it and perhaps they’ve also already started buying it, so don’t you want your products to be shown in the best possible light, with stand-out packaging?

Ingenious branded shipping boxes for dynamic businesses

If you’re looking for branded shipping boxes, then you’ve come to the right place. We have a tight team of experts who’ve been trained well in what they do, as well as some gifted and talented graphic artists.

You can bring your company logo to us and we’ll create your shipping boxes with it on, or we can design a brand logo for you, and we’ll work with you on your ideas and create something really special. Get in touch and let’s make sure no one forgets your brand.

Stand Out During Major Events – The Do's and Don'ts of Packaging

With the Rio Olympics underway you will have noticed the numerous Olympic themed products on the shelves in shops and supermarkets. The same goes for the other major events of the summer, including the European Football Championship, The Open Golf Championship and Wimbledon. Associating your packaging with these events and others can be a great way to stand-out if you use creative, intelligent design.

The Do's of Packaging Design For Major Events

Make a Connection

Most businesses won't be officially linked to specific events, however you can design packaging that creates a connection between you and the event in the eyes of the customer. Examples of this include sport specific designs relevant to your chosen event on your packaging or a national theme, such as Brazilian for the the Rio Olympics.

Be Creative in Your Design

Ensure that your packaging stands out from the crowd. There will be many brands looking to take advantage of the enthusiasm surrounding these events, for your packaging design to be effective you will have to create something that catches the eye and holds attention.

Offer Something Extra

It can be a good idea to include a message, competition or special offer that you have tied-in to your event marketing campaign. This can be a great way to engage with potential new customers and build brand loyalty among existing customers.

The Don'ts of Packaging Design For Major Events

Don't Link Your Brand to a Completely Unrelated Event

There is not any value in creating packaging relevant to a major event if your brand has absolutely no link to it. If your product can't be used within the event or whilst watching the event then it isn't a good idea to link your brand to it, people will see through this. For food and drink manufacturers there is a wide spectrum of possibilities as these can be enjoyed while watching events or even whilst participating in them in some cases.

Don't Let the Event Overwhelm Your Brand

Be careful not to let your enthusiasm get the better of you, your brand should still be recognisable with the promotional design. You should consider altering labels and colours to tie-in with the event so customers see the connection but also recognise your traditional branding.

Don't Try to Do Everything

Your brand should find an event to tie itself to and commit to it, and it needn't be the biggest event, such as the Olympics. Other relatively smaller events such as The Open and Wimbledon or national football events attract a lot of attention and may be more suitable for you to target. You could even target local sporting events to build a community presence, many organisations would love the support.

Talk to the Packaging Design Experts

Get in touch with Kimberley Watson Packaging today to discuss your bespoke packaging design with our experienced team. Whether you have a fully-formed idea of what you are looking for, or you are looking for some inspiration, we'd love to help.

How Important is Retail Packaging in e-Commerce?

Today we’re going to be looking at how important retail packaging is in e-commerce and what the advantages are. We’ve noticed an increase in businesses coming to us with queries regarding packaging solutions, especially e-commerce packaging, and in our opinion we believe it’s as important to your business as the products they’ll contain.

E-commerce packaging offers some great solutions in terms of size, colour and design. It’s important to consider the impact on your customer, and it’s something not to be taken for granted.

Quality Counts

Any packaging that’s damaged or poorly put together has the potential to look unprofessional and lose your customers. After you’ve spent so much time and effort on promoting your brand, your company, all that time spent creating a really unique and original website, and at the end of the day you let your company down by using poor, low quality packaging. Your packaging shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be a priority.

Statistics Don't Lie

Statistics suggest that many people who are on the receiving end of bad packaging are likely to want to return the product, so it’s worth taking this into consideration when you’re putting your packaging together.

Graphics Can Make Difference

Don’t undervalue the impact of good quality graphic design. If your packaging is well received and it gets people talking then that’s good. It’s especially good if it gets as much attention as what’s inside.

Get Those Repeat Purchases and Recommendations

Good packaging offers you the opportunity to send promotional messages with your packaging, strengthening the image of your brand, and then helping you to get repeat purchases and recommendations. It’s definitely worth the investment from your point of view, as your initial investment will pay dividends in the long-run, in terms of customer return and new customers via recommendations.

Good Packaging Equals a Good Business

Think of the beauty box phenomenon, whichever business it is, having your beauty box arrive in the post and unwrapping its contents from luxuriously designed packaging is every bit as much fun as the products themselves. The packaging is part of the deal, the carefully designed cardboard box, the coloured tissue or drawstring bag, all of it matters, and you have to make the effort.

The Best Businesses Have Quality Packaging

Some of the best and most successful businesses today are famous for the quality and design of their packaging, even if it’s plainer than others. Think Amazon, Lyle & Scott, or Glossy Box. If you’re passionate about your packaging, you’ll be rewarded with a thriving business.

KWP Quality Retail Packaging For e-Commerce

We’re experts when it comes to packaging and e-commerce retail packaging is a particular skill we’ve perfected over the years. Help your business thrive by making sure every little detail is dealt with, start with the packaging and make sure it counts.

By creating a high quality packaging, you in turn, create a really enjoyable experience for the buyer at the other end. Get in touch with us today and let’s plan your e-commerce retail packaging where one of our professional team will be happy to help.

Why are Corrugated Cardboard Boxes So Popular?

We’re going to be talking about why we think corrugated cardboard boxes are so popular. They’re the most popular form of packaging and shipping and there are many reasons why, read on as we discuss the benefits of corrugated cardboard boxes.

Corrugated boxes are extremely light and this helps with shipping and costs which in turn help you to save money. The weight of the cargo is kept within specified limits so there are no extra added costs.

Environmentally Friendly

Corrugated boxes are environmentally friendly, even though they’re made from wood pulp, they are recyclable. All the parts of corrugated material can be recycled or even reused. The manufacturing process for corrugated material involves over 60% of the energy being sourced from natural renewable resources. You can rest easy if you care about the environment because we care about it as much as you do, and never use anything that can’t be recycled or reused.

Ease of Use

Corrugated materials are easy to work with and they are extremely time efficient. It can also be assembled in only a few minutes. So when your corrugated boxes arrive it won’t take long for you to put them together and start using them. There’s nothing complicated about it and it’s relatively easy to do.

Durability

Corrugated boxes are both strong and durable. They can easily carry a heavy weight; this may be in part due to the corrugated flutes which allow a larger weight to be carried. They are the perfect box because they’re good for both personal and commercial use, the versatile all-singing, all-dancing packaging.

Customisation

Corrugated cardboard boxes are very customisable and they can be modified easily via their shape, size and colour. Also their branding, cushioning and internal segmentation can be customised too so you can use it for practically anything.

Kimberley Watson Packaging – Quality Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

We believe that understanding your requirements is the first step to creating the best cardboard packaging for you. Our experts enjoy spending time working with you to find the perfect packaging solution. If that packaging solution is corrugated cardboard boxes, then we’ll work with you to create them, including both the design and branding.

We are dedicated to giving you a first class customer service so you’ll go away having had a positive experience with us. We have a great record when it comes to giving our customers what they want, and if you want corrugated cardboard packaging then get in touch and let’s work together to make it happen. 

Benefits of Custom Bakery Packaging

You’ll already be aware of the importance of packaging. It’s an important part of marketing your product, it’s the first thing a customer sees, and you know that first impressions count. If you’re a bakery business, then you’ll realise how important bakery packaging is for many reasons, as well as just the aesthetic appeal. They need to be strong and flexible so the product isn’t damaged.

Here at Kimberley Watson we take a lot into consideration when we create our bakery packaging, it’s one of our most important product lines, because we understand how important it is to the bakery business.

Different Types of Bakery Packaging

There are different types of bakery packaging, and the most widely used types of packaging is cardboard. However there are a number of other materials used that are more suited to specific uses, including plastic and foil.

There are many different designs for bakery packaging, here at KWP we can make sure your brand is clearly seen on the outside with your logo prominently displayed to distinguish it and make it stand out.

Cardboard Bakery Packaging and Other Materials

Cardboard packaging is the most versatile packaging that can be designed so it is attractive to look at, strong and safe for the environment, and allows the product to sit safely within.

We also offer bakery packaging in a range of other materials that are most suited to their use, including plastic trays, foil containers, greaseproof papers and poly liners, bags & sheets. Whatever your requirements are we will find the perfect material and packaging solution for your needs.

Size, Strength, Functionality and Personalised Branding

Bakery packaging also needs to be strong enough for when they’re transported around whilst also being light enough to carry easily. Cardboard packaging is great for building your business brand, making sure that with the right design and logo (we can help with that too), you will have a distinctive and eye-catching box that customers will remember.

Custom Made Bakery Packaging

We understand how the packaging you use for your bakery products can make the difference in whether people are going to remember you after they've made the first purchase and whether you get repeat custom. The product is important, taste and visuals are everything, but the packaging has to deliver on strength, functionality, flexibility and brand awareness.

You need your logo and contact details placed prominently so people will know who you are and remember you for the next time they need some more of your bakery products. We can make sure your bakery packaging matches the product in every way: quality, style and versatility. If you need stylish, strong, quality custom bakery packaging then get in touch, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Why Choose Retail Ready Packaging?

There is a certain criteria for packaging to reach before it can be considered retail ready packaging. Read on to find out more about more about it, and see how it could make a difference to your business.

Clear Information on Secondary Packaging

If you're products are going to a large store with a variety of goods to put on the shelves then it makes sense that the packaging is easy to identify. Retail ready packaging often ha pictures of the products on the outside and information about the product name, brand and any other relevant information. That way, staff can find what they need with ease.

Easy Opening

Retail ready packaging should always be easy to open because that's how you get to stock the shelves quickly and efficiently. To do this it's important you have clear instructions so the products inside the packaging are accessed with ease. You don't want packing that's of such poor quality you have to rip it apart just to get inside to the contents.

Easy to Stock Shelves

Packaging should be easy to open and strong enough to be transportable and stackable. So whenever you need to re-stock your shelves, you should be able to do it without the packaging falling apart. You don't want packaging that's so weak its passed its sell by date before the products have.

Recycling

Is your packaging recyclable? It should be environmentally friendly and have the ability to be flat packed and transported elsewhere to be recycled safely.

Packaging Specialists

Here at Kimberley Watson Packaging we specialise in a diverse range of packaging to suit your business needs, and our retail ready packaging range is made with the same diligence and attention to detail as we give all the products in our range. Get in touch with us today and talk to us about your packaging needs.

What are the Benefits of Tailoring Packaging to Suit Your Business?

If you're interested in maximising turnover and profit, then customising your cardboard packaging is one of many excellent ways of going about it. There are many important reasons why this can really work for your business and we're going to be talking about that today.

Attention to Detail Pays Off

Think about how you're going to stand out from other brands. Stand out for a classy brand and logo yes, but not only that, stand out for caring enough about your business to design everything to the last detail - even the packaging.

Understand Your Customers and Understand Customer Trends

When you start to think about your cardboard packaging, you start to understand your customer base. If you do research on what your customers/clients want and match it to your brand then you've got a powerful message. Don't underestimate the potential of understanding what your customer wants and being able to react quickly to changing trends. Think about environmentally friendly packaging, and not only will this save you money, it will also help your customers to see how much you care and how socially responsible you are.

Customisation Can Help Your Business to Stand Out

Customisation has so many advantages and really helps you to stand out and distinguish yourself from the competition. If you look like your business has taken its time to consider the cardboard packaging, and dressed what you sell in a really unique and original way, then this could give your business a really strong foothold in the market, keeping you busy for many years to come.

Comprehensive Packaging Service

If you're thinking of tailoring your packaging then why not also take advantage of our managed inventory? We can manage the back fill of stock here at KWP, so you've got extra stock when you need it at all times. The advantage is that you'll free up warehouse space and save money, so you can focus it somewhere else. All your excess packaging stored by us, and with you whenever you need it.

We also offer a free packaging review service to make sure your packaging meets your requirements, helping you reduce costs. We can help you improve efficiency too, so you can just get on with business. We can also help with stock control so you've got everything covered.

Tailor Made Packaging That Works For Your Business

Here at KWP we pride ourselves on our skills, knowledge and expertise in the packaging industry. We've been in the business a long time, so we know an awful lot about how to ensure packaging works effectively for each business, and how to get it right first time. Get in touch today and let's get your business one step ahead of the competition.  

What are the Benefits of Die Cut Cardboard Boxes?

In this blog we're going to be talking about die cut cardboard boxes and why you should invest in them. What are the benefits of die cut cardboard boxes?

With die cutting you're looking at a cardboard box that's been cut a specific way with an industrial strength cutter. You can cut out your dimensions and produce a flat shape that can be slotted together to create a box. It's swift, simple and it works.

All you have to do from your end, if you're going down this route, is to tell us exactly what shape, thickness and dimensions you need, and of course, the quantity, and you leave the rest to us. You'll have a set of bespoke boxes for your staff to work with in next to no time.

Die Cut Packaging

What are the benefits then? Well, die cut boxes are popular and are used both here and overseas, in Europe and the US. Why? Because they're professional, easy and affordable. They offer a quick, safe and easy way of packaging products so their customers receive their packages on time.

You won't need any glue, staple guns or tape because with die cut boxes they have their own tabs and slots that will help keep the box permanently closed until a customer opens it. This makes them perfect to ship anywhere.

With die cut boxes they're uniform in shape and style, so all your boxes will be professional looking. One punch creates one shape so it can make several identical boxes, and it can do it quickly.

Because we don't have to use several different tools to create them, relying on one cutting tool for this type of box, it works out less expensive.

You'll also find there's much less waste involved because the cutting is so accurate, there's far less waste material, and of course, that's great news for those who are concerned about the environment.

Benefits - Uniformity, Speed, Cost, and Reduced Waste

To summarise, the benefits of die cut boxes are as follows – Uniformity gives the boxes the same shape and size, so all your customers get the same box. Speed, because the boxes don't take long to make, and don't take long to put together at your end. It's more cost efficient because rather than using lots of complex equipment, it's just one piece of machinery at work and that means the savings are passed on to you. There's much less waste than there is with other types of packaging and that helps the environment.

Kimberley Watson Packaging At Its Best

If you feel that die cut packaging is for you and you think your business would benefit, then why not get in touch with us here at Kimberley Watson. We have many years experience packaging and consist of a creative, professional team who are experts at what they do. 

How Important is Packaging Design on Shipping Boxes?

First Impressions

Shipping boxes aren't just any old cardboard box, they're a first impression, first point of contact situation for your customers and it really matters. If your customers aren't happy with the packaging it could spell disaster for a future purchase.

We know that what's inside is every bit as important as what's on the outside. The whole packaging, and not just what's on the inside is crucial to gaining and keeping customers. However, packaging is also about image, and it's about a pleasurable and enjoyable experience for the customer, and they're going to remember it.

By focussing on your brand and a few pleasantly surprising configurations, you can create a worthwhile purchasing experience and the beginning of a long-term relationship. Here at Kimberley Watson Packaging, we're rooting for you and we want your business to work as much as you do. We're happy to work with you to transform your ideas and aspirations into a piece of packaging art. A package that will get them coming back next time.

The Devil is in the Detail

The shape of your box as well as the logo has to be followed up with images and graphics that support your brand and what it stands for – whatever that is. Let's connect the packaging with your latest marketing campaign and create a buzz. It could be the start of something wonderful.

Keep in mind there's a real explosion in monthly subscription-service products at the moment, if the customers are happy with the products, they'll keep up with the subscription. Customers really do look forward to that long awaited package. The excitement in opening the box, only to reveal its fabulous contents, is all part of the experience – and if it's not that great, it can make or break a company.

Cardboard Boxes & Shipping Boxes That are Created With Customers in Mind

If you want to create an amazing first impression with potential customers, and you want that first sale, that first purchase, to really mean something, then you need the packaging to back it up. That's where we come in, here at Kimberley Watson Packaging, a company with the expertise, creativity and professionalism to make any box, whatever the size, to come alive and make the kind of impact that guarantees that great - all important - first impression of your product! So get in touch today and let's create your first and lasting impression.

What Type of Cardboard Boxes are Available?

We're going to talk about what type of packaging you can expect from Kimberley Watson Packaging and whether it's suitable for your business needs. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the variety we have on offer and we hope you'll be impressed enough to get in touch, so read on and find out what types of packaging is available to you.

Glued Corrugate Boxes

Our glued corrugated boxes are special, because we use some really sophisticated technology and machinery to make them. You can have graphics and your company logo so your message is clear to see for your customers and they're cleverly made so that they're easy to put together and just as easy to open. These are really good for food packaging as they comply with food hygiene standards. Our glued corrugated boxes are useful, durable and functional giving you a box that does what it needs to do but looks pretty good all at the same time.

Retail Packaging

This is the kind of packaging that really markets your business well. Here you can promote your brand and your business as well as deliver your products safely and securely. Our specialist marketing team can help design your box so it really matches your business message and your company ethos. Your brand is guaranteed the right kind of exposure with our expertise.

You may not want much in the way of snazzy designs, but you put a high value on a company message, with information that conveys the quality of your product and services to the customer. Create a loyal customer base by giving them important information about your business that helps them to understand exactly what you're about. Let us know what you need and we'll do the rest.

Shelf-Ready Packaging/Retail Ready Packaging

Do you want boxes that are ready to go straight on the shelf? Well we can provide shelf ready and retail ready packaging. Your brand has a head start for your product or services, and what's more, our packaging is strong and safe keeping your products secure and your brand name clear for all to see. Our packaging designs can be colourful and bright or uncomplicated and simple – what you do get is a strong enough box to transport your goods to the store. We can do the graphics and the instructions, if any are needed, and we'll make sure you can open it easily and that it fits the shelf perfectly.

We focus on all the details and make sure that any shelf or retail ready packaging is fit for purchase as well as ensuring that your brand is there for all to see.

Our thoroughness ensures that the external packaging matches the interior contents so your customers are impressed with the quality of your brand.

Cartons & Boxes

Cartons and boxes aren't just cartons and boxes to us, we imagine what's going to go inside it and make sure it is an ambassador of your company with your brand clearly identified. We believe in effective packaging that's also functional and durable. Whether you want your cardboard boxes with bells and whistles or just plain simple, we'll take your details seriously and make sure you get exactly what you asked for.

We're big on communications, so we'll listen when you give us the brief and make sure the specifications are absolutely perfect.

Printed Packaging

This is one of our services we're extremely proud of, and because our team is so multi-talented our printed packaging is a first class product that uses clever graphics with eye catching detail. If you have an idea, perhaps an artistic vision of how you want your brand and product to look, give us your pictures and we'll work with what you've given us and print it. However, our great graphics team can design your prints for you based on your thoughts and ideas if you haven't got a set idea in mind.

TRANSIT SHIPPING BOXES

Our transit shipping boxes come with a practical emphasis on durability and functionality rather than on fabulous graphics and colours. This type of packaging needs to be strong and secure so we give them the same level of attention as we do with our other packaging, making sure they're safe to use and offer the same level of usefulness.

With this type of product, your packaging can be wrapped in environmentally friendly cardboard and still be reliable enough to reach your destination safely. Wherever it is in the world you want your products to go to, we can offer reliable and secure packaging to make sure it arrives safely.

Cost Effective Eco Friendly Packaging

If you care about the environment then you probably want to make sure that what packaging you use to contain your products, is sustainable and recyclable. We can offer a cost effective solution that not only gives you great designer packaging tailored to your company's brand we can also provide packaging that doesn't harm the environment.

A Wide Variety of Quality Cardboard Packaging

So as you can see we have a wide variety of cardboard packaging that's suitable for different types of products and services. This means we can supply you with whatever you need and deliver on graphics and brand identity. That's why we never see cardboard boxes, we see your future, your company identity and your vision. Contact us today and let's help make your business a great success.

The Environmental Benefits of Using Corrugated Cardboard Packaging

It’s important to realise that consumers today are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact their purchasing decisions have on the planet and both government and corporate are now being mandated to source eco-friendly solutions where possible.

Kimberley Watson Packaging are committed to providing eco-friendly corrugated cardboard packaging solutions to their customers in a bid to drive down the planets carbon footprint and reduce waste. Our packaging solutions are environmentally friendly being the only packaging material manufactured from a renewable source and the perfect alternative to other packaging products like polystyrene loosefill or plastic blister packs.

100% Recyclable Corrugated Cardboard Packaging Solutions

Even though paper based packaging seems like it would have a negative impact on the environment it is actually quite the opposite. Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world and in the UK 84% of the 2 million tonnes of fibreboard produced each year is recycled into new packaging.

Recycling One Ton of Paper Can Save

17 trees

7,000 gallons of water

380 gallons of oil

3.3 cubic yards of landfill space

4,000 kilowatts of energy (enough to power your house for six months)

1 metric ton of carbon waste saved

The trees used in the process are grown in sustainable forests. Sustainable forests are carefully managed so that trees that are felled are replaced by new seedlings. Great care is taken to preserve the surrounding natural wildlife and they are commonly used as leisure areas for people to enjoy.

Another added “green” benefit of corrugated cardboard packaging is it can be manufactured in its raw state without the need to add any bleaches or dyes in the process. This not only keeps our water systems clean and free of pollutants, but makes it biodegradable and can be disposed of more efficiently than other types of products.

Energy Efficient

As the materials for making corrugated packaging can be sourced locally it reduces the cost to the environment of transporting and shipping the materials from their point of origin to the manufacturing plants. There is quite a large cost to the environment in transportation due to burning fossil fuels. Every year the EU imports around 500 million barrels (€60bn) of oil to fuel its lorry fleet. If you then add air transport, tyres, vehicle noise and much more, you can soon see that recycled corrugated cardboard packaging is a sensible choice.

The light weight of paper based packaging also helps reduce emissions as every extra kilo has a knock on effect to the transportation carbon footprint cost. Corrugated cardboard packaging is made from arched paper sandwiched between two liners, known as fluting, and is essentially paper filled with air, yet still it keeps the contents safe as it is very strong and resilient.

If you are looking for both cost effective and environmentally friendly packaging then you should consider Kimberley Watson corrugated cardboard for your freight.

Get in touch today for your free packaging review.

What are the Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard Packaging?

Most people don’t even take a second glance at cardboard packaging and boxes, but actually there is a distinct difference in the way corrugated cardboard packaging is made.

The material is made from an arched paper design known as “fluting” and is engineered using some very high tech manufacturing and design processes. The fluting is sandwiched between two liners and together they ensure safety against anything like shocks, jerks or vibrations that can damage the goods stored inside and provide the extra strength, protection and durability commonly needed during transportation.

The Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard Packaging

Protection

Over 50% of the goods made throughout the world are packed using corrugated cardboard packaging. It offers excellent cushioning qualities that protect the contents during the arduous shipping and handling process. Fragile items such as glass products, electronic items and chemical liquids can be transported and even food produce can remain fresh upon delivery as it is excellent at protecting against moisture which can cause food to spoil when shipped over long periods.

Cost

The light weight of corrugated cardboard packaging makes it very convenient to load and unload and reduces the net weight of the products being shipped. Although on the other hand they aren’t so good for transporting heavy items and if stacked with too much weight they can bend and become deformed.

Thanks to the computer assisted design and modern technology the corrugated cardboard packaging can be designed very quickly and very economical. Plus, the raw materials used to make them are inexpensive keeping the price of manufacturing very low and making them very affordable compared to the other packaging options available in the industry.

Custom Design

Corrugated cardboard boxes can be made in almost any shape, size or colour combination for any job. There are a multitude of options to choose from depending on a customer’s packaging requirements including board types, weights, adhesives, coatings and treatments.

Designs can be created depending on different needs from simple shapes to very complex to accommodate all your potential packaging requirements. Corrugated cardboard packaging can be customized and made to any design specifications to keep the contents protected, making them very reliable packaging solutions for all residential and commercial needs.

Advertising and Marketing

There is also the benefit of better printing capabilities with the use of corrugated cardboard packaging. With so much free advertising space customers can print directly onto the boxes with bold, colourful, high-resolution graphics to advertise their products, company and brand. And as the packing usually stays with the product from warehouse to end destination like a shop or into your customers home or office it is the perfect way to market your brand free of charge.

Corrugated cardboard packaging offers may great advantages including, reduced weight, excellent protection of goods, even in extreme conditions such as low temperature or high humidity, great advertising and marketing options, are eco friendly as they are often made from recyclable materials, and most importantly they are very economical due to the low manufacturing cost. 

If you have any further questions regarding corrugated cardboard packaging or you would like to arrange a free packaging review then contact our friendly team today.

The Importance of e-Commerce Packaging

A lot of e-commerce businesses think that their job is done once an order has been shipped. In truth, there is lots more that they can do to influence customers to purchase again in the future. With the right cardboard packaging, you can help build upon the positive impression of your company which led your customer to buy from you in the first place, and turn a one-time transaction into repeat business from a loyal customer.

Here’s why you need to pay attention to the quality of your cardboard packaging.

Damaged Packaging Damages You

You just have to remember the large discounts that supermarkets give on products whose boxes or packaging have been torn or damaged to see that people are less likely to buy goods that aren’t in perfect condition. Even if the product inside is perfectly fine, the condition of the packaging speaks volumes. Customers can’t help but jump to the conclusion that what they are getting inside is of low quality.

So your e-commerce packaging has to be sturdy enough to withstand damage during transit. It’s not just that one sale that is at risk from damaged packaging, either. Your packaging reflects upon your brand, so if customers see damaged or low quality cardboard packaging, they are likely to form a low opinion of the entire company.

Quality Packaging Makes Every Order Feel Like a Gift

Your customer can feel like they are getting a present through the post when it is beautifully packaged using quality materials. Packaging helps to create excitement ahead of the final reveal of the product your customer has ordered, which makes the entire experience of dealing with your company even more enjoyable.

Your Cardboard Packaging Could Gain Wide Exposure

People often like to use social media to share their excitement over an item they have just received, or brag about their purchases. This means photos of your product and its cardboard packaging could be shared to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and many other social platforms. Your e-commerce packaging could be seen by a lot of people other than postal workers and your customer.

It is worth making the extra effort so that other people who might see your cardboard packaging are impressed by its quality and design. Remember that people sharing details of their purchases online counts as word-of-mouth marketing, which is still considered one of the best ways, if not the best way, of generating new business.

Do you run an e-commerce business? Want cardboard packaging that wows and excites? Get in touch with us today.

The Benefits of Customised Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard packaging has a far more important role to play than simply keeping your goods safe during transit. In some ways it can be an extension of your product, and the right packaging can create excitement among your customers. Packaging is a blank canvas that you can use to promote your brand, share your company values and build stronger relationships with your target audience.

Here are some ways you can benefit from customised cardboard packaging.

Differentiate Yourself From the Competition

Brands need personality in order to thrive. Social media and other new ways of communicating between customers and companies has made the need for a friendly face and a good attitude even more important. You want your customers to like you, and you want them to buy into your brand. Giving them something to get excited about is one way of creating loyal customers who give you repeat business.

Customised cardboard packaging allows you to stand out from your competitors, by expressing a little personality and individuality. These are features customers are sure to love, so taking the extra small step of customising your packaging can go a long way towards impressing your target market.

Reinforce Your Brand

We can all easily describe the branding of our favourite products. The certain colours, fonts, design and the language that they use all gives a sense of comfort and familiarity. When we buy from our favourite brand we feel like we’re getting in touch with an old friend, or returning home.

In order to create that kind of relationship you have to enforce your brand. Customers have to become familiar with it so that the quickest glimpse of your brand colours brings a picture of your company up in their minds.

Make Your Customer Feel Special

The truth is that anybody can throw something in a box. Your packaging needs to show thoughtfulness and care: why should your customers give much thought to your products when it appears that you don’t? Receiving the delivery can be an exciting experience, especially when the packaging adds to the experience.

Encourage a Positive Opinion

Cardboard packaging isn’t always something that your customer rips open in order to get to the products inside. They may notice its design, its colours, and its quality. Before they have even got to your product, they have formed an impression of your company and of the quality of goods they are receiving. Customised cardboard packaging makes sure that you start the relationship on the right foot.

Do you want your packaging to wow your customers and give people a strong first impression of your brand? Then get in touch with us today to discuss your cardboard packaging.

The Importance of Packaging Design

Cardboard packaging has a large role to play in the success of your product. It does far more than keep things neat and tidy, and protect your items during transit. It helps potential customers to identify with your brand and make quick decisions about what to buy.

Some famous products have packaging that is so distinct and well-designed that it is almost more recognisable than the product itself. Items like the Pringles tin or the Ferrero Rocher gold wrapper are an essential brand asset. If Pringles suddenly started shipping their crisps in bags, or Ferrero Rocher came wrapped in clear cellophane, a lot of their customers would be very upset.

So why is packaging design so important?

A single point of contact

When looking for new products a potential customer only has one source of information: cardboard packaging. People can’t sit in a store un-boxing everything they might want to buy and comparing them. Nobody wants to spend their time standing in front of the shop shelf agonising between two competing products, especially when they only have a small amount of information to go on.

That information needs to present the right image. Imagine if you phoned a large company and the receptionist was rude to you. You’d come away with a bad impression of the company. You don’t know how any of the other members of staff behave, so you have to base your opinion only on the evidence you have. Everyone else, from the CEO to the security guard, could all be polite and courteous, but you only know about the rude receptionist.

Your cardboard packaging is a small window into your brand. If your customer can’t see something nice through that window, they won’t want anything else to do with you.

Split-second decisions

In today’s fast-paced world we have to be able to make decisions quicker than ever. We don’t have the time or the inclination to spend ages weighing up the pros and cons of two items. We naturally create impressions very quickly, even if we have little evidence to go on. You could have a fraction of a second to make a positive impression upon a new customer.

So your cardboard packaging not only has to be eye-catching, it also has to present key information you want your customer to know in a way that is easy and fast to absorb. Think of selling door-to-door: if you waffle on and on without ever getting to the point people are simply going to close the door in your face.

In a retail environment your customer has all the power. They can turn and walk away from you at any time. They need only the slightest reason to decide to ignore you and your products. Your cardboard packaging needs to be bold and interesting enough to hold their attention, whilst also presenting the right information in a way that they want to see, so that they don’t have any reason to turn their back on you.

Now you know why it is important to have high quality cardboard packaging. The next step is to source it: get in contact with us today for all your packaging needs.

The Importance of Packaging in Transport and Logistics

The best products in the world will be useless if you can’t get them where they need to be. From making transportation possible to protecting your goods during transit, logistics packaging is a vital part of the delivery process.

Sending something out for delivery, or supplying to retailers, involves far more than simply ‘sticking it in a box’. Packaging can in some ways be invisible – everyone uses it, but do we really give it enough thought?

Here’s why transport packaging is so important for your business.

Makes Transportation Possible

It’s an obvious point, but one well worth making. The right transport packaging makes it possible for you to get your products out into the world. In the case of smaller products, packaging allows you to deliver large quantities in a convenient way.

Protects Your Goods

Goods that are damaged upon arrival can cause major problems. Not only do you lose the cost of the original item and shipping it in the first place, you may also have to send replacements at additional cost.

Broken or marked items can upset customers and retailers, souring relationships and giving your company a bad reputation. Logistics packaging keeps all your items safe, so they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Conveys Important Information

There can be a lot of important information that distributors need to know about your product. Your transport packaging is the perfect place to display this information.

A lot of different things can be printed on your boxes. It could be something simple, like which way up the packages need to go, or that the contents are fragile. You can also specify more detailed handling instructions, such as a particular temperature range your products need to be stored at.

Makes Storage Possible

Transport packaging makes all kinds of products easy to store. No matter what shape, or how fragile, the right packaging allows them to be stacked, placed onto pallets, or otherwise arranged for convenience.

Helps Sell Your Products

If you choose retail ready packaging, your products can be displayed on the shelves in their own custom display. By choosing logistics packaging that features your brand colours, product details, and other relevant sales information, you increase your chances of catching the eye of your target market.

Getting the right packaging makes a big difference to your products. If you want logistics packaging that keeps your product safe, displays key information, and assists with storage, get in touch with us today.

Why Is Well Designed Printed Packaging So Important?

The average person makes about 10,000 decisions every day. We are constantly being presented with choices. This applies to your customers too. How do you influence their decisions? What can you do to ensure that one of those decisions they make is the right one – the one to buy your product?

Here’s how printed packaging helps.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

In a crowded retail environment it is easy for your product to get lost amongst a sea of competitors. Your packaging has an important role to play in helping your product get noticed. With attractive packaging that catches the eye, your product will have an advantage over those with less interesting or noticeable packaging.

Standing out doesn’t necessarily have to mean using the brightest colours or the biggest lettering. A plain, minimalist design can stand out on a shelf of garish packaging, for instance.

QUICK RECOGNITION

Printed packaging helps to display your brand for repeat customers. If someone has previously bought your product they may be more likely to do so again, but only if they can find it on the shelves. By having your products clearly marked with your branding it makes it easier for your customers to recognise your company.

If your customers can easily identify your product, you can hold their attention. Their eyes will be instantly drawn to your familiar branding, meaning they won’t pay much attention to the products of your competitors.

PRESENT KEY INFORMATION

Shoppers need much more than a brand name and a few pictures to help them decide what to spend their money on. Your printed packaging gives you an opportunity to include relevant information to convince them to buy. It could be a bit about your company, a list of key ingredients or components, or details of awards for reviews. The more reasons you can give shoppers to buy your product, the more likely they are to do so.

SPEAK TO THEIR EMOTIONS

People use their emotions to evaluate brands and make purchasing decisions. This means that you need to be speaking to their subconscious as well as presenting information they can digest rationally. The colour of your printed packaging, the fonts that you use, and the imagery on display all help to make an emotional impression.

PRINTED PACKAGING THAT SELLS

If you want your product to be competitive it needs to have great design and quality printed packaging. No matter what you make, if you need a box that says ‘buy me’, we are the people to talk to. Get in touch with us today.

How are Corrugated Cardboard Boxes Made?

Corrugated cardboard has been around since the mid-18th century. These days it is used to package and deliver everything from pizzas to kitchen appliances. It is a strong, durable medium which can be printed on, so it is often used in retail to deliver products while still displaying company branding.

Corrugated cardboard boxes have many different uses. To understand why it is so useful, let’s take a look at how corrugated cardboard packaging is made.

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD COMPONENTS

Corrugated cardboard is made from two different elements: a fluted inner (also known as a medium) and two liners that go on either side, creating the distinctive flat-wavy-flat cross section of the cardboard. The inner is often made from test paper – a low quality, abrasive paper made from recycled paper or hardwood trees with short fibres.

The liners are usually made from higher quality Kraft paper, which is produced from long-fibre softwood trees. Kraft paper is more durable than test paper, as well as being easier to print on and able to resist water to a higher degree.

MANUFACTURING CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOXES

Once the raw materials are assembled, production of corrugated cardboard packaging can begin. The process involves a machine called – unsurprisingly – a corrugator, which takes all the different components and produces the finished board. The paper comes ready for production in huge rolls which are often several meters wide and weighing thousands of pounds. Corrugating machines can accommodate many rolls of paper at one time, and can automatically splice them together to ensure a continuous feed of paper for production.

The inner paper is fed through the corrugator to create the ‘fluting’. To do this, the paper travels over heated rollers while being subjected to high pressure steam. The rollers have parallel grooves like machine gears, and the hot paper is forced to mould itself to the shape of the grooves.

Next, the fluted inner is glued to the rolls of liner paper. The cardboard is then cut using a circular saw to create straight, clean edges. It can then be cut again several times depending upon the size needed to produce corrugated cardboard boxes. These sheets are called ‘box blanks’ and can be taken to other machines where they will be scored to create folds, and assembled into corrugated cardboard boxes.

This manufacturing process creates high quality, durable packaging for your products.

Get in touch with us today to arrange a free packaging review and hear more about our quality and environmentally friendly corrugated cardboard packaging.

A Guide to Die Cut Packaging

Boxes often come in a range of predetermined sizes. This is great when you have something easy you need to package, or are only concerned about the price of packaging. But what if you have a product that you really want to show off, or that needs to be carefully packaged to protect it?

In these instances, die cut packaging is your best bet. But what is it, and why is it useful for you?

WHAT IS DIE CUT PACKAGING?

Standard boxes are created using an ‘inline’ process, where cardboard sheets are fed through a machine to be cut and scored into the right size. This is fine for your standard sized boxes, but what if you want something more specific?

Die cut packaging uses CAD (computer aided design) to create a unique cutting stamp. This stamp is then pressed onto the cardboard using a machine called a flatbed. It’s quite similar to using a cookie cutter to shape dough when baking. Once the stamp is removed, you have a cut and scored piece of cardboard that can be folded to create unique packaging specifically designed for your product.

WHY IS DIE CUT PACKAGING USEFUL?

Sticking something in a big box and padding it out with shredded paper might be all right for posting items, but in the world of retail you need to make more of an effort. Your product is going to have to stand out on the shelves, and you want to make the most of its features.

Die cut packaging allows you to create a box that displays your product in an eye-catching way, while still keeping it protected. It could include special holes and gaps in the packaging to help customers see inside the box, or to read the labels on items that are packaged together.

By using CAD, the shape and design of your box is pretty much only limited by your imagination. You can create packaging that embodies your brand and captures the attention of your target market. And by being more closely tailored to the size and shape of your product, die cut packaging is more economical, so it can help to cut your costs and even your impact upon the environment.

Take your packaging to the next level and enjoy an eye-catching and cost effective solution. Get in touch with us today to arrange a free packaging review and discuss the range of ways die cut packaging can help your business.