VBX Solutions' 2020 Highlights
sustainablepackaging
Although the year 2020 was filled with new challenges the VBX Solutions team continued to do what we do best, provide phenomenal packaging and kitting services! VBX Solutions has been offering packaging services at every step of the supply chain; from creative, to manufacturing, to overseas freight to domestic distribution to customer service after the sale for nearly 20 years. Here is a look inside of VBX Solutions 2020.
Girls Beauty Date Kit from Sephora Europe
First up we have the Favorites Beauty Date Kit from Sephora Europe. If you have not already created a date night kit, now is the time! Date night kits, whether it be for best friends or couples, are the hottest new thing with social distancing norms. It is such a convenient way to bring your customers a fun activity to share with a loved one straight to their home!
12 Days of Clean Beauty Holiday Kit from Whole Foods Market
Up next, the 12 Days of Clean Beauty Holiday Kit for Whole Foods Market. We absolutely had so much fun with this one! A calendar leading up to the holidays with some of your company’s most popular items is the PERFECT way to engage with your customer base! Whether your regulars are buying it for themselves or buying the kit to gift to a loved one, a countdown calendar is a great way to spread awareness about your goods and keep people coming back for more.
Reusable Cut-and-Sew Tote Bag from Aerie
Our 2020 recap would not be complete without this aerie cut and sew tote bag. Reusability is IN. Who wouldn’t love a branded bag that can be reused for anything? Another great feature of any reusable item is the sustainability that comes with it. Sustainability has become an everyday topic for a lot of consumers, so why not kill two birds with one stone when it comes to exciting your market?
Fragrance Sample Kits From Shoppers Drug Mart Canada
Another international beauty! Check out these fragrance kits from Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada! Kits have never been more important in retail than now. Sampler kits have become a real game changer now that samples can no longer be offered in stores. Aside from the new norms, samplers have always been amazing for providing a delightful experience to consumers.
Branded Package From Kendra Scott
Lastly, but certainly not least, look at this elegant Kendra Scott branded package! We love the look of this beautiful design. A package that speaks for your company is such an important part of any business. Is your brand packaging up to date and ready to show your customers what you are all about?
There you have it! A look inside a few of VBX Solutions 2020 releases. Along with the creations featured above, we produced so many other different styles of packages and kits! See something you like or are interested in? Reach out to us now at info@vivaboxsolutions.com so we can get your 2021 packaging vision started!
Looking for a solution? We can help.
Headquarters
9211 Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Rockville MD 20850
Satellite Offices
Dallas, TX
Paris, France
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
info@vivaboxsolutions.com
Phone
800-529-1988
Minimum Order Quantities:
RPET Totes: 3,000
Kraft Shoppers: 5,000
Rigid Boxes: 3,000
Folding Cartons: 5,000
Three ways to make your sustainability program successful
sustainablepackaging
Three ways to make your sustainability program successful
Sustainability is a way to take care of the earth that takes care of us. Times are changing regarding how people treat the planet, and the packaging industry is changing with those times. There has been a lot of progression in the green movement, but there are still plenty of opportunities and simple changes that can be made to keep up that progression. Packaging made with recyclable material is an important part of sustainability, but there is much more to it.
Now more than ever, consumers have been taking the initiative to research exactly what is making their products/packaging sustainable. Sustainability goes beyond recycling; the modern-day consumer is also interested in the amount of waste being used and other environmental benefactors to create the items they shop for.
There are three pillars for creating a greener packaging program: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As mentioned before, recycling is a key ingredient to sustainability but certainly not the only one. Reducing is another staple to an eco-friendly package. Reducing the amount of material or pieces used on packaging can save a plethora of resources and energy. Providing consumers with the opportunity to reuse your packaging also creates an opportunity to save materials and energy. A reusable package is the gift that keeps on giving. Keep reading to find out how you can apply reducing, reusing, and recycling to your companies packaging.
The Three R’s of Sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce:
Reducing the amount of materials and energy being used to create your brands packaging supports sustainability. There are a few simple ways your company can reduce the amount of waste being used on your packaging. In earlier times, luxury packaging meant going all out with boxes inside of bigger boxes, inside of bags, with plenty of wrapping paper and a ribbon on top. But current times are different. The idea of less is more can certainly apply to luxury packaging. By keeping it elegant, yet simple, you can still wow your customers and reduce waste at the same time. Another way your company can provide outstanding packaging while still hitting the goal to reduce, is combining your box and your bag into one package. If you’re asking yourself ‘How can that be possible?’ or ‘What does that even mean?’ take a look at the bag below. By using a more box-like structure and attaching a handle to the top, we were able to eliminate the need for a separate box and a bag. Eliminating the need for both leads to a reduction in the use of resources.
Reuse:
Reusable bags and packaging are a GREAT way to support sustainability. Reusable bags are nothing new to the world of eco-friendly packaging. You can find these types of bags everywhere, from the grocery store to the mall. Providing reusable packaging to your customers eliminates the need for continuous waste, supports eco-friendliness, and provides your customers with a piece of your company to hold on to. Want to take it a step further? Create your reusable package with recyclable material. After all the uses your customer gets out of it, the product can go on to be generated into something new. For example, cotton canvas tote bags are both recyclable and reusable.
Reusability is more than just tote bags. Any durably made box, bag, or even gift with purchase can prevent waste by providing the consumer a convenient reusable package.… take a look at these Sephora Favorites boxes. Once they have served their original packaging purpose, they can go on to be used again for whatever the customer needs. Items that can be kept and reused for reasons outside of shopping lead to less waste in landfills.
Recycle:
Recyclable material is the key component to eco-friendly packaging. There are plenty of combinations that can be made to keep your company’s packaging eco-friendly. It’s as simple as switching from unrecyclable ink to a soy-based ink.
Some examples of eco-friendly packaging components include:
· Mono Material (consisting of only one material)
· Paper Handles
· Post-Consumer Papers
· Poly-Mailers
· Natural Materials- Cotton and Canvas
Choosing the wrong finishes can render your eco-friendly design un-recyclable. So how does your package composed of recyclable materials magically become nonrecyclable? Those finishing touches and add ons being used may very well be the culprit. If any part, no matter how small, of your package is not recyclable, the whole package will end up in a landfill.
Some examples of nonrecyclable packaging components include:
· Laminations
· Foils
· Poly ribbons
Once any of these materials has been added, it doesn’t matter that the main components are eco-friendly, it is still deemed nonrecyclable as a whole. If you want your brand’s packaging to be truly sustainable opt for environmentally friendly inks, finishes and adornments.
Some examples of eco-friendly inks and finishes include:
· Soy-based inks
· Water-based varnishes
· Vegetable based inks
There is a lot to consider when thinking about your sustainable packaging program. VBX Solutions can help you explore your options, and work with you to find the best solution for your brand. To learn about these options email us at info@vivaboxsolutions.com.
Looking for a solution? We can help.
Headquarters
9211 Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Rockville MD 20850
Satellite Offices
Dallas, TX
Paris, France
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
info@vivaboxsolutions.com
Phone
800-529-1988
Minimum Order Quantities:
RPET Totes: 3,000
Kraft Shoppers: 5,000
Rigid Boxes: 3,000
Folding Cartons: 5,000
There's Still Time to Design Your Way into a Great Holiday 2020 Season
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Seasonal Packaging: Brand Recognition at Your Fingertips
How important is seasonal and holiday packaging to brands? Considering that packaging has become the primary face of any brand and product, regardless of the time of year or season, it is safe to say it is extremely important. A company’s brand tells a story—it adds personality and animation into the consumer’s perception of that company. As brands compete for attention in an ever-growing market of products, packaging has become key to helping brands rise above the clutter and there’s no better time than the holidays to put a limited edition special pack or promotional kit in-stores/online. There’s just enough time to start and finish a project efficiently (adding to your ROI) if you get going in April.
A Quick History Lesson
While holiday or seasonally-themed product packaging may seem like a relatively new concept, the act of packaging gifts has been around for centuries. Originating in Asia, around 2nd Century B.C., the Song Dynasty would gift money to government officials in ornamental envelopes made of bamboo, hemp, and rice.
In the West, elaborate packaging was much slower to catch on. The Christmas card wasn’t developed until 1843, and took until the 1860’s to gain increased popularity.
Especially around Christmas, the increase in popularity of cards eventually led to the development of Victorian decorative papers to accompany the cards. These papers, however, were expensive to produce and were only affordable to the wealthy.
As gift-giving became more accessible to the masses, packaging became more popular as well. Ranging from wrapping paper and ribbons to printed boxes and unique containers, more varieties of packaging were created to satisfy holiday and seasonal needs.
So, what are some of the best ways to rise to the top during any season, holiday, or event? Here are a few steps to determining how to choose the best packaging for your target customers, all year round:
1. Choose your holiday (or season, or celebration…)
Depending on your product, some holidays will be more effective for holiday packaging. Foods and beverages normally do well on all occasions—Valentine’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, for example. Other products might find it harder to make connections as easily, but could make a huge splash with seasonal milestones that are aligned with their brand voice and point of view.
As an ever-increasing number of celebrations pop up on a global scale, like Pride week, Women’s Day, Earth Day, and China’s Single’s Day, products and packaging can find ways to attract more consumers and boost brand recognition and loyalty.
For example, Skittles found a way to support Pride week with their “Give the Rainbow” packaging, where they changed their rainbow-colored candies and packaging to white.
2. Order appropriately
When planning seasonal and celebratory packaging, there are more things to consider than design. As exciting as it may be to showcase great packaging for the occasions, be sure your forecast is dialed.
There are ways to avoid this, of course. One way is to include packaging changes that can be removed, such as a label or ribbon. Another way is to make limited time only GWP or PWP special-packs that are easy to gift and typically under $29 retail encouraging busy shoppers to buy more than one.
3. Show them something special
During high-purchase holidays, vying for shoppers’ attention is competitive. Adding a touch of creativity to primary and secondary packaging designs are ways to rise above the noise.
Nutella proved this with its idea of offering customers the chance to personalize jars with their names or to purchase original packaging designs labeled as “limited editions” (7 million designs, to be exact)—to great success. We’d love to see them do this again with multiple trial-size snacks that are fun to dip — would be great social media fuel.
4. Make it sustainable
Sustainable packaging is also a way companies can reinforce special packaging—for holidays, celebrations (like Earth Day), or an all-year commitment, especially with millennials and Gen Z, though not limited to them. Consumers are more conscious than ever about reducing their ecological footprint and demanding companies provide more environmentally friendly packaging. One way to respond to this is by offering reusable packaging such as ornate bottles, good TSA bags, dopp kits, clutches, or hinged cases. The Body Shop is known for this, often presenting its gift ranges in tins that buyers can put to other purposes once they have used the product itself.
5. Create something luxurious
Clearly, product packaging for holiday, seasonal, and celebratory events must be extraordinary and special in some way. To stand out, you need a great packaging design for the products you provide (primary) and the secondary packaging so you can boost sell-through, paying attention to both the visual and tactile elements.
Luxury packaging is an art, and a custom box can be the canvas. Here are some practical tips for creating experiential packaging that keep consumers coming back for more:
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Visual: Choose the right color! Simply put, the right color sells more. Human eyes are especially attuned to the subtle influence of color and, of course, it helps if the color you imagine during the design is the actual color that prints. Special, custom colors and finishes are a great way to give packaging a one-of-a-kind, distinctive look. Those custom colors stand out in wall of brown boxes, greens and reds and Christmas time, or the standard “natural” colors that line the shelves.
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Tactile: The sense of touch is important, and as Vivabox has said many times before, it is usually one of the only physical touchpoints a consumer has with a brand. Human beings are wired to respond to physical touch, so the experience is important to brand recognition and loyalty. For example, because consumers are influenced by the look and feel of packaging when making purchase decisions, a well-designed custom box can be embossed (raised lettering or artwork) or it can be debossed (recessed), it can be coated in felt, RPET, papers that feel like wood or linen, and so much more.
Every consumer is influenced by packaging. It’s important to remember that the person buying your product is more than likely buying it for someone else. Since they are buying for other people, first impressions matter, mainly because many consumers consider the outside packaging to be a reflection of the quality of the product inside.
Although holidays and certain seasons can be busy, your brand and business can benefit from these packaging strategies, if planned correctly. Vivabox can help your brand meet modern packaging needs for any holiday or seasonal event. Contact us for details.
Looking for a solution? We can help.
Headquarters
9211 Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Rockville MD 20850
Satellite Offices
Dallas, TX
Paris, France
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
info@vivaboxsolutions.com
Phone
800-529-1988
Minimum Order Quantities:
RPET Totes: 3,000
Kraft Shoppers: 5,000
Rigid Boxes: 3,000
Folding Cartons: 5,000
6 Ways to Use Packaging Strategies in Marketing
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The concept of using product packaging as an effective and memorable marketing tool has been around for over 150 years. For over a century, companies have utilized creative packaging strategies to ensure that their products resonate in the minds of consumers and stand out against the competition. From the iconic shape of a Coca-Cola bottle to popular cereal-box mascots Snap, Crackle, and Pop, using product packaging as a means to cement a brand identity in the collective conscious is nothing new. However, thanks to advances in technology, we are now able to incorporate product packaging strategies into marketing more seamlessly and effectively than ever before. Creative minds at companies across the United States work tirelessly to make more and more innovative packaging decisions so that their products will be the ones their consumer base remembers.
With the abundance of packaging options available to product manufacturers, it can be difficult to select one that stays on-brand, creates excitement and appeal, and helps distinguish the product from its peers at a single glance. While you want to form a lasting impression among your audience, you also want to make sure they understand what your company and its products stand for, so they can build loyalty to your brand. Here are seven of the most popular ways to use a strong product packaging strategy in your marketing campaign.
Keep it Green
As we continue to become more conscious of our collective carbon footprint, we are more interested in purchasing products with eco-friendly packaging. By choosing to package your product using biodegradable or reusable materials, you are letting your consumer base know that your company is deeply committed to preserving our environment. You can put your target audience’s mind at ease by using responsibly-sourced materials, such as plant-derived plastics, recycled cardboard, or natural fibers, in your product packaging, so that your consumer base feels good about supporting a company that cares about our planet.
Insta-Worthy Inspiration
We live in a society that loves to share photos of everyday life, and no platform makes it easier than Instagram! Your consumers are constantly on the lookout for “Insta-worthy” photos that will generate buzz on social media. Consider a packaging strategy that absolutely pops in a picture, whether your packaging is luxe, rustic, or just downright quirky. By packaging your product in a highly attractive way that looks amazing on Instagram, filter or no filter, you’re on your way to having it picked up by a brand influencer. This kind of exposure could skyrocket your business overnight!
Stay True to You
When consumers think of your brand and products, what adjective do you want them to use to describe you? The answer to that question can go a long way toward deciding on a strong packaging strategy. It’s important to let your choices be guided by your brand values, not the other way around. For instance, a family-owned company that makes and sells artisanal cheese probably will want their products to evoke imagery of tradition, legacy, and old-fashioned quality, while a company that manufactures high-end cosmetics may opt for ultra-luxe packaging that puts consumers in mind of glamour and celebrity status. No matter what type of product you sell, it is always important to make sure your packaging is in line with the rest of your branding.
Make it Limited
One sure way to generate excitement is to release limited edition products complete with special packaging. Perhaps you want to market goods that are only seasonally available, such as special coffee blends or candle scents, using holiday-themed packaging. Or maybe you have created anniversary-edition packaging to commemorate the number of years your company has been in business. No matter the occasion, a packaging strategy based on a timely or seasonal offering creates a sense of urgency that drives consumers to buy the items you are selling before they run out.
Send a Message
Does your company place value on being an ethical and responsible voice for certain political and social issues faced by members of you target audience faces? A number of companies choose to use their packaging as a platform for sending messages that correspond with the core beliefs of their organization. For instance, if your company is committed to promoting children’s literacy, you may want to use a packaging strategy that incorporates famous quotes from beloved children’s books. Similarly, if you own a business that strongly supports animal rights , you may wish to include messages that echo your commitment to the cause on all of your product packaging. You can use your products to educate your consumer base, which can make a huge impact on our society!
Simplify…and Save!
Sometimes the most effective packaging is none at all! If you are trying to convey a brand image of simplicity, it may be best to employ a minimalist packaging strategy. If, for example, you wish to reduce the wasted space created by standard food item packaging, such as a box or can, perhaps try to use a slimmer, more streamlined container to stand out. Not only does a packaging decision like this help distinguish a particular brand from the rest of the competition, but it also can help a company save money by cutting down on packaging costs. Additionally, a simplified container can add value for consumers who wish to cut down on unnecessary bulk for easier storage and disposal. By keeping it simple and designing product packaging that carries a lower profile than that of your competitors, you’re actually helping it stand out from the rest of the competition!
When choosing the right packaging strategy for your product, keep in mind that, first and foremost, you must choose something that will resonate with your target audience and cause them to select your brand over others on the market. The more you know about your chief consumers, the more you will be able to make informed packaging decisions based on what matters most to them, By sticking to your core brand values and knowing your audience, you can effectively market yourself using distinctive packaging that sets you apart from the crowd!
Looking for a solution? We can help.
Headquarters
9211 Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Rockville MD 20850
Satellite Offices
Dallas, TX
Paris, France
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
info@vivaboxsolutions.com
Phone
800-529-1988
Minimum Order Quantities:
RPET Totes: 3,000
Kraft Shoppers: 5,000
Rigid Boxes: 3,000
Folding Cartons: 5,000
The Rising Appeal of Sustainable Packaging: A Win-Win for Businesses.
sustainablepackaging
“Sustainable packaging” is a growing conversation that has been in the primary and secondary packaging industry for a while now, but even more so in the past couple of years with growing commitments from big box stores like Walmart, food providers like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, and technology companies like Dell.
These companies are responding to consumer demand and increasing environmental regulations—and both will only increase shortly. According to a 2016 Research and Markets report, the global sustainable packaging market will reach about $440.3 billion by 2025.
So what does this mean for businesses that have not fully converted to sustainable packaging yet? It means that even though businesses may not have time to find the right packaging that meets company goals, environmental regulations, and consumer demands simultaneously, leaning toward sustainability is inevitable.
Here are a few key points to be aware of when thinking about choosing more sustainable packaging:
1. A common concern is that sustainable packaging will increase the price of the product, and companies try to avoid passing cost increases off onto the consumer. What is interesting is that these increases are not as much of a deterrent for consumers as long as they are getting the guilt-free trade-off.
Even if there is a slight increase, for now, many consumers are finding sustainable packaging is worth the additional cost, as it contributes to the entire consumer experience.
GlobalData’s report, “Innovation Scenarios in Sustainable Packaging Materials,” explains that their research has found that two-thirds of consumers worldwide think living an ethical or sustainable lifestyle is vital to creating a feeling of well-being.
Said another way, this means that your commitment to sustainable packaging now contributes to the strength of your brand and point of difference.
2. Because plastics are a petroleum-based product, as petroleum prices rise (partially in response to current US tariffs, partly due to the rise in sustainable products, and partially due to dwindling petroleum resources), so will the price of plastics.
According to the Australian Academy of Science, who is a large proponent of more sustainable packaging, they explain how “Conventional plastics are manufactured using petroleum, coal or gas—all non-renewal resources susceptible to a volatile market of rising cost and demand, coupled with dwindling reserves.”
Increases will then level the playing field for more sustainable packaging, which helps companies make more cost-effective and conscionable decisions. Not only will companies be on the right side of environmental history by committing to more sustainable packaging options, but they will also be on the right side of pricing–it’s a considerable PR boost while the consumer is watching.
3. Another element of packaging that consumers find imperative is aesthetics. In a 2015 Trending Packaging study, appearance was considered a critical factor in purchase decisions. Consumers look for packaging that has the following:
Colors
Appealing graphic design
Letter type and size (especially for an aging population)
Overall brightness of the package
Sustainability, especially with glass containers, reusable and re-sealable packaging, 100% recyclable packaging, and packages with endurance (such as wood).
In a University of South Carolina report, it was explained that researchers found consumers experienced attractive, renewable packaging as a reward.
Similarly, the neural mechanisms in the brain associated with the experience of reward showed increased activation when participants chose aesthetically pleasing and sustainable packaging.
As your business starts to consider the future of your packaging, keep in mind that there are ways to go green, satisfy business needs, keep consumers happy and guilt-free, and increase your brand appeal.
Vivabox can help you design an eco-positive package and supply-chain through our professional design, sourcing and kitting services to meet your eco-commitments and build your brand.
Looking for a solution? We can help.
Headquarters
9211 Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Rockville MD 20850
Satellite Offices
Dallas, TX
Paris, France
San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
info@vivaboxsolutions.com
Phone
800-529-1988
Minimum Order Quantities:
RPET Totes: 3,000
Kraft Shoppers: 5,000
Rigid Boxes: 3,000
Folding Cartons: 5,000