3 Must-Know Subscription Box Packaging Tips for Food & Grocery Brands

3 Must-Know Subscription Box Packaging Tips for Food & Grocery Brands

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Whether you currently follow a subscription box model or are considering it, one thing is clear: food and grocery subscriptions have given consumers the convenience and creativity they’ve been craving. Factor in the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased desire for healthy foods and variety, and you likely have experienced accelerated growth in recent years. 

Since food and grocery subscriptions have gained momentum, it’s needless to say that you should start looking for memorable ways to stand out from your competition – without breaking the bank. Here are three things you should be doing for your subscription boxes (plus, an extra tip on how you can save time on them). 

Use Branded, High-Quality Exterior Packaging

Since brand consistency can increase revenue by 23%, you want your packaging to align with your company in every way possible. Since your shipping boxes are the first thing a consumer sees when they get their highly-anticipated order, sturdy and visually appealing components can reinforce your brand and make a good impression. Attractive, on-brand packaging will likely make your consumers excited to open their delivery, which adds value to the entire experience. Stylish packaging may even pique the interest of neighbors and passersby, earning you more business while simultaneously boosting brand recognition. Plus, no one wants to receive a crushed package with spoiled goods inside, and then have to go through the trouble of dealing with customer support and coming up with what to cook for dinner. 

What packaging component is the best option to create a consistent, high-quality experience? 

Corrugated shipping boxes are the packaging component of choice for eCommerce orders – especially for food and grocery brands – and it’s no wonder why. Their durability and customizability enable you to keep your packaging fashionable and functional so that you can provide a down-right delectable consumer experience. 

Corrugated boxes are made of three layers: inside and outside liners, and fluting sandwiched between, which are all glued together with professional-grade adhesive. They are much stronger than a traditional cardboard box, yet still lightweight, making them the perfect option to ship heavy items and withstand handling. Plus, they’re highly customizable – you can design these boxes using different materials and features, like corrugated inserts, innovative closures, colorful designs… the list goes on. 

In terms of sustainability, corrugated boxes can be made with natural kraft, so consumers will be delighted to know they can recycle these components. You can also make corrugated boxes out of recycled paper, too.

Incorporate the Right Interior Components

Since you’re shipping food and grocery products, you need to make sure they stay at a safe temperature throughout their journey from your warehouse to the consumer’s doorstep. Use insulating materials, such as:

• Foam, wool, or fleece liners 
• Thermal panels 
• Ice packs 

These can help you keep your products safe and sanitary and combat fluctuating or harsh temperatures. Of course, you will also need to use food-safe contact materials to uphold safety and compliance regulations. 

If your products don’t require temperature control, consider using packing peanuts, void fill, air pillows, or kraft paper to prevent them from jostling around and breaking. You want to avoid using plastic or non-recyclable components. 

Keep in mind that with your consumers, less is more – you don’t want to overpackage your products. People are becoming increasingly concerned with their environmental impact, and using excessive amounts of packaging materials can drive people away from your brand. Keep your interior components minimal, yet high-quality, and don’t skimp on the essentials. In addition to reduced waste, less packaging means lighter weight packages, which equates to lower shipping costs – it’s a win-win!

Don’t Forget Those Finishing Touches 

Those last touches you add to each shipment can make all of the difference and act as a powerful marketing tool. Attention to detail and consistency with these components is key – make sure your logos, patterns, typography, colors, and other design elements match your branding. 

Design a brochure that features the recipe instructions, step-by-step. Include a folded card that has special promotions or simply says “thank you.” Send flat cards with product inspiration and ideas to empower people to get creative in the kitchen. Use branded accessories, like stickers and seals and interior pouches to keep your products organized and secure. 

If you’re trying to minimize your environmental impact, opt for the iconic QR code – simply send a flat card featuring one, and upon scanning, your consumers will be able to enjoy the same content without generating as much waste. 

Regardless of what finishing touches you send your consumers, it’s important to note that these are opportunities to emotionally connect with consumers and show that you value them – which do wonders for building brand loyalty and awareness. 

How Can You Simplify Your Brand’s Packaging Process? 

The secret to saving time, energy, and resources you’d spend on designing the perfect packaging components is to partner with a full-service provider. Different from hands-off packaging manufacturers, an end-to-end provider will help you create an authentic subscription box experience. 

At Edge2Edge, we’re proud to be the packaging partner of choice for many leading brands in the retail space. As industry experts with a robust supply chain and innovative capabilities designed to set you apart, you can rest assured that you won’t be spinning your wheels. 

Our team of dedicated advisors is just a click away! Contact us today to create your very own showstopping food and grocery subscription box.