The Importance of Box Production and Innovative Packaging:
Creating the best packaging and box production can be one of the most successful ways of advertising your product. They serve as a major pull factor of the product you’re trying to sell. In a circumstance where appearance matters, you want to make sure your product packaging catches the eye of your audience. Boxes and packaging can come in a variety of shapes and styles all helping your product stand out.
As well as acting as a visual aid for your product, professionally designed and constructed boxes can prevent damage to goods and reduce waste, ensuring that products arrive at their destination in good condition.
Boxes and packaging can also act as a key communication method, containing essential information about your product such as branding, instructions, and safety warnings.
At Chroma we offer an extensive range of bespoke box and product packaging services. This can also include our dedicated studio team supporting you with the design.
Types of Boxes and Packaging
Folding Box Board (FBB): Folding Box Board (FBB) is a type of paperboard that is commonly used to create boxes and packaging. FBB is known for its excellent printing properties, high stiffness, and durability. It is a great option for designing smaller, intricate boxes for your product, which is a reason why FBB is such a popular form of box production in the cosmetic, beauty and retail industry.
Window Display Boxes: Window display boxes are a type of packaging that is designed to display and highlight the product inside. They feature either a transparent plastic or fully cut out window that allows consumers to see the product before they make a purchase. The clear window enables you to prominently display your product, which could play a key factor in drawing the customers attention. They are a popular choice of box production for retail companies, such as toy shops, looking to create a visually appealing and effective packaging solution highlighting the product inside.
Base and Lid Boxes: Base and lid boxes and packaging consist of two separate pieces; a base and a lid that fit together to create a complete package. This method of box production is commonly used for high-end products such as luxury cosmetics, jewellery, or electronics as they provide a premium packaging solution that is both functional and visually appealing.
Sliding Boxes: Similar to Base and Lid Boxes, sliding boxes consist of two segments, a sleeve, and a draw. Rather than the lid being placed on top of the box, this lid slides over the base to close the box, creating a tight seal. This form of box is not as popular due to the cost, however, sliding boxes are a great option for your bespoke and upmarket products.
Handled Boxes: Handled boxes are a type of packaging that is made from polypropylene (PP1) plastic and features built-in handles for easy carrying. Chroma’s handled boxes are eco-friendly and recyclable, made from paperboard and materials alike. The built-in handles make this box production popular with fast food and take-out food companies.
Cartons: Cartons are a type of box production made from a variety of varied materials as well as a range of different shapes and sizes. Cartons are best used for packaging small products like beauty cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others. They can also be used for packaging food and beverages. Carton packaging can also be customised with a range of features, such as coatings, laminates, or embossing, to enhance the visual appeal of the package.
Crashlock base: Crashlock boxes (also known as tuck end boxes) are a method of innovative packaging commonly used in the manufacturing and retail industries. Crashlock base boxes are popular for their quick assembly without the need for glues or adhesives to keep the box in place. They are commonly made from Folding box board or corrugated cardboard, which allows the print resolution to be a much higher quality.
Eco-Friendly Boxes: As a company that has sustainability in the forefront of our mind, Chroma produces range of Eco-friendly packaging. Our boxes and packaging come in a range of easily recyclable materials. As well as our boxes at Chroma being eco-friendly, we also use sustainable and recyclable ink where possible.
Magnetic Closure Boxes: Magnetic closure boxes are a type of innovative packaging that feature a magnetised flap or closure that keeps the box securely closed. They are commonly used for premium or high-end products, such as luxury cosmetics, jewellery, or electronics, and provide a sleek and sophisticated packaging solution. They offer a convenient and easy-to-use packaging solution, as the magnetic closure allows for quick and easy access to the product inside. Magnetic closure boxes are also reusable and can be repurposed for storage or other uses after the initial use.
Gift Boxes: Gift boxes are a type of packaging that are designed to present and package a gift in an attractive and visually appealing way. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including paperboard, plastic, or metal, and can be customized with branding, logos, or other design elements. Gift boxes are often used for special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays, and can be filled with a range of items.
Types of Inserts, Packaging, and Walls
Foam Inserts: Foam inserts are a type of innovative packaging material that is designed to protect and secure the product inside a box. They are commonly used in shipping and transportation to prevent damage to fragile or delicate items. They offer a cushioning effect that absorbs shock and vibration during transit and can also be used to organize and compartmentalise items within a box. Foam inserts are a cost-effective and reliable packaging solution that helps to ensure the safe and secure delivery of the product to its destination.
Box Walls: Box walls refer to the sides or panels of a box that provide structure, support, and protection to the product inside. Box walls can also section a box, adding different compartments to a box’s lay-out. They can be made from a variety of materials, including paperboard or corrugate and can be customised to meet the specific needs of the product and the application.
Packaging Filling: Packing peanuts are a type of loose-fill packaging material that is commonly used to protect products during shipping and transportation. They are made from expanded polystyrene foam and are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption. However, packing peanuts can be messy and difficult to dispose of, and can create static electricity which may cause problems for electronic devices.
Another option of packaging filling is Sizzle Pak. Sizzle Pak is a type of packaging material similar to Packing peanuts. It is used to cushion products during shipping and transportation. It is made from shredded paper or wood fibres and is used as a loose-fill packaging material. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, as it is made from recycled materials and is biodegradable.
Types of Box Finishes for innovative packaging
Emboss / Deboss: Embossing and debossing are finishing techniques used in printing and packaging design to create a three-dimensional effect on a surface. Embossing raises the design or text above the surface of the material, while debossing presses the design or text into the surface, creating a depressed effect. These techniques are achieved by using a metal die, which is pressed into the material with heat and pressure to create the desired effect. Embossing and debossing can be used to enhance the visual appeal of packaging and create a tactile experience for the consumer. They can also be used to add branding and logo elements to packaging, creating a premium and high-quality feel.
Di-Cut: Di-cutting is a process used in the print industry to cut shapes or designs into materials using a die. The die is a specialized cutting tool that is shaped to match the desired design or shape and is used to cut through the material with precision and accuracy. This technique is commonly used in packaging design to create custom-shaped boxes (like the window display box), labels, and other packaging elements.
Foiling: Foiling is a decorative technique used in printing and packaging design to add a metallic or glossy finish to a surface. Foiling involves pressing a metallic or pigmented foil onto the surface of the material using heat and pressure. Foiling is commonly used in packaging design to add a premium and high-end feel to products and can be used to highlight branding elements and create a sense of luxury.
Sleeves: Box sleeves, also known as box wraps, are a type of innovative packaging accessory that are used to cover or wrap around a box, providing an additional layer of protection and customisation. Box sleeves can also be used to add additional information or messaging to the packaging, such as product descriptions, instructions, or promotional offers. They are commonly used in retail packaging to enhance the visual appeal of a product and create a cohesive brand image.