A Guide to Pros & Cons of Four Major Packaging Materials

Various types of packaging materials are available to fulfill the individualized requirements of the products. According to a report shared by Global Market Insights:

“The market value of the packaging materials was around USD 1.33 trillion in 2023.” 

This huge market volume is divided by the multiple types of available packaging materials. Each type has its pros and cons. To choose the right option for your product packaging, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks of all materials.

In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of 4 major packaging materials. Read on!

Importance of Product Packaging Materials

Material has great importance in defining the structure, sturdiness, and visual appeal of a product's packaging. An appropriate material helps you make packaging that not only fits your product but also exudes an elegant charm.

A robust and durable packaging material caters to the safety of the product packed inside. For instance, if you want to pack and ship fragile items, you can go for sturdy corrugated boxes. These multi-layer packaging boxes provide a cushioning effect to delicate products packed inside preventing the bumps of transit.

Choosing the right packaging material also helps you attract your customers and market your products. A suitable material supports printing helping you add persuasive imagery and captivating text to engage buyers.

Branded Vs Non-Branded Packaging Materials

You should know the difference between branded and non-branded materials if you want to use your product packaging as a marketing tool. Both types of materials are distinctive and robust. However, branded ones help boost your brand, while non-branded ones just deliver the products.

Branded Packaging Materials

It is a type of packaging material that supports printing. Using this feature, you can print your brand logo and persuasive imagery on this material to boost your brand. 

Pros

Packaging material incorporated with your brand elements makes people remember your brand identity. Whenever they plan to buy the product again, your name will promptly come out in their mind. 

Branded packaging also looks appealing for your social media unboxing video helping boost your business. This type of packaging also develops a sense of trust in customers persuading them to buy your products without doubting their quality and features.

Cons

Branded product packaging material always costs you more than regular packaging. The reason is that you need to pay extra for customization. However, some packaging companies are also available that provide custom packaging at a wholesale price.

Manufacturing and personalizing branded packaging also takes a lot of time without a doubt. If you go for this type of packaging your supply chain might get disturbed.

Non-Branded Packaging

Non-branded packaging material is plain and simple containing no brand elements. This type of packaging material is used just to pack, store, and ship products.

Pros

Non-branded packaging materials are cost-efficient and easily available in the market. You do not need to break the bank to buy packaging made from this material. Also, easy availability of these materials allows you to streamline the supply chain of your business without hassle.

Cons

The visual appeal of non-branded packaging materials can not tempt customers. Packaging made from these materials also looks so boring that you wouldn’t want to use them for a PR marketing campaign.

Paper-Based Packaging Materials

Paper-based packaging is becoming popular due to its remarkable features. According to a report shared by Data Bridge Market Research:

“The global paper packaging market volume is expected to grow from US$ 138,707.95 billion in 2023 to US$ 214,492.80 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.60%.

These materials are durable and sustainable options you can choose for your product packaging. These materials can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some important types of paper-based packaging options for you to consider:

Cardstock Box Packaging

Cardstock is one of the most reliable and elegant materials for your product packaging. Most of the retail boxes are made from cardstock. The reason is that this material can be personalized in your required shapes, and you can easily print your desired graphics on them.

Pros

The cardboard is flexible and easy to tailor to your required shapes and sizes. You can also print your desired graphics and texts on these boxes to make them persuasive for your customers. Also, cardboard packaging boxes are biodegradable and recyclable making them environment-friendly.

Cons

Although cardstock is one of the most reliable packaging materials, it also comes with some drawbacks. Cardboard boxes are more expensive than other paper-based packaging (except rigid boxes). Despite its high price bracket, it is not as durable as rigidstock.

Corrugated Mailers

Corrugated cardboard is a multi-layered paper-based packaging material. This material is famous for its ultimate durability and ability to provide a cushioning effect. Corrugated mailers are mostly popular for shipping heavy yet fragile products with utmost safety.

Pros

Corrugated material is famous for its sturdiness. It provides ultimate protection to the products packed inside them. Despite being durable, they are lightweight, lessening the shipping weight and saving the cost of delivery.

Cons

Corrugated boxes are not as visually appealing as cardboard and rigid. Also, you cannot use water-based ink to print on these boxes as their surface is porous which is not best for printing.

Kraft Bags & Boxes

Kraft packaging materials are one of the most sustainable options when it comes to paper-based packaging. You can personalize this material to give the shape of bags or boxes.

Pros

The 100% biodegradability and recyclability of kraft paper make it one of the most sustainable packaging materials. Also, it is an inexpensive material that provides you with durable and reliable packaging at a reasonable price.

Cons

Kraft paper is not as durable as other types of packaging materials. Kraft packaging is best for packing lightweight products. Also, like corrugated boxes, the porous surface of kraft packaging also fails to support water-based printing inks.

Rigid Stock Boxes

Rigid stock is a premium and luxurious material option for your product packaging. Rigid packaging boxes are mostly used to pack high-end products.

Pros

The premium feel is one of the primary benefits you can enjoy if you go for rigid packaging material. With its timeless feel, it can enhance the perceived value of your products helping you earn more profit. Rigid boxes are also famous for their sturdiness making them perfect to protect the items packed in them.

Cons

One of the main cons of using rigid boxes is that you need to pay a premium for these boxes. Rigid stock is one of those few paper-based packaging materials that are not 100% sustainable. The reason is that they do not decompose naturally. Also, the shipping weight of these boxes is more as compared to others which can add to the product delivery costs.