In terms of trends, Palfrey-Smith says the demand for sustainable and custom packaging solutions continues to grow, with planet friendly materials leading the way. He explains that recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options align with consumer expectations and regulatory trends aimed at reducing environmental impact. For e-commerce businesses, Palfrey-Smith continues, these sustainable packaging solutions are particularly attractive as they reinforce brand values while meeting customer preferences for environmentally conscious products. Additionally, custom and short-run packaging facilitated by digital printing has proven profitable, enabling brands to create tailored and unique designs. “Eye-catching packaging serves as an extension of the brand and becomes an asset in creating shareable moments, such as unboxing experiences shared on social media, which drive organic marketing and brand visibility,” he adds. As for ASC, Palfrey-Smith says its latest and most popular packaging solution is the ‘Box Builder’ tool, which enables customers to design bespoke cardboard boxes tailored to their specific requirements. The platform allows for precise customisation of box dimensions, styles, materials, and printing options, ensuring the packaging aligns with the product and brand identity. “The demand for this solution primarily comes from e-commerce businesses, retailers, and manufacturers seeking packaging that enhances their brand presence and provides optimal protection during transit,” Palfrey-Smith says, continuing: “By offering flexibility in design and order quantities, the Box Builder caters to both small enterprises and large corporations aiming to create a memorable unboxing experience for their customers. “Businesses that invest in quality, custom packaging can transform this touchpoint into a memorable brand encounter that reinforces customer perception and promotes social sharing.” Palfrey-Smith’s comments offer an apt conclusion to this feature, packaging is simply so much more than making products look good on a shelf. It offers brands, marketeers, and retailers the opportunity to create a more memorable buying and user-friendly experience for the consumer. Of course, print has a hugely important role to play in this. Brightly coloured products will be sure to catch the eye but by adding special effects such as embellishment will create an even bigger impact to those browsing and handling the packaged products. Add in environmental considerations and how goods are packed, and this can also impact buyer behaviour. To put it simply, the world of packaging is very much your (and your customers’) oyster. In order to draw the attention of consumers, new technologies and techniques are essential to stand out from the crowd. ◄ James PalfreySmith, commercial manager at ASC Cartons, says packaging still presents substantial opportunities for growth Businesses that invest in quality, custom packaging can transform this touchpoint into a memorable brand encounter that reinforces customer perception and promotes social sharing 56 January / February 2025 - Issue 352 www.printmonthly.co.uk PACKAGING SOLUTIONS ▼ More brands are turning to paper-based packaging such as cardboard
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