BLOG

Behind the Box

Unpack expert insights with a range of content from our packaging wizards, featuring in-depth guides, custom packaging tips and inspiring customer stories. Grow from beginner to pro with step-by-step articles on paper options, spot UV, Adobe Illustrator, image resolution, subscription boxes, digital proof guidelines, die-cutting, full color print techniques, ink coverage, corrugated cardboard, shipping strategy, box templates, and more from a trusted packaging industry leader.

blog
blog

How to Create PR Packages (And Make Them Successful)

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Content creators and influencers are transforming how consumers perceive, discover, and learn more about a brand. They also play a major role in how today’s shoppers make purchasing decisions, with 13% of consumers looking to influencers to inform their purchases.  Similarly, 69% of consumers are more likely to trust the opinion of influencers and loved ones over brand messaging. Furthermore, influencers direct 28% of buyers to...

How to Use QR Codes for Smarter Product Packaging (5 Examples)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Smart packaging is changing the way we approach product packaging from both a business and consumer perspective.  As...

How AI is Reshaping the Packaging Industry

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 13, 2024

AI seems just a few years away from becoming a ubiquitous part of our lives. Self-driving cars, smart...

10 Critical Packaging and Printing Statistics You Need to Know (2024)

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 13, 2024

After becoming aware of upcoming trends in product packaging, you might be looking for more reasons to review...

Candle Packaging: Standout Design Elements, Tips, and Ideas

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The value of the candle box market reached $3.48 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $5.80...

A Comprehensive Guide to Eye-Catching Ice Cream Packaging

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

We all scream for ice cream, but what makes us choose one brand over another? Captivating custom packaging...

Make a Splash with These 5 Creative Soap Packaging Ideas

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Soap packaging has come a long way from bland cardboard boxes. With the growing popularity of artisan cleansers...

Simplify and Shine with Minimalist Packaging Design

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Packaging is a canvas for creativity. For decades, the norm has been designs that scream "Over here!" with...

FOL vs. RSC Boxes: A Showdown Between Corrugated Boxes

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

With brands and customers actively seeking alternatives to plastic packaging, there's a rising demand for paper-based options in...

Hemp Packaging: Good For You, Better For The Planet

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Packaging is an essential—there’s no denying that. From food products to cosmetics, packaging is crucial to protect various...

10 Small Business Packaging Ideas to Elevate Your Brand

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Maximum impact, minimum resources: that's the essence of small business packaging. It's a subtle salesman, a product shield,...

From Cardboard to Cash: How Custom Packaging Drives Sales

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

A boutique bakery swaps generic containers for charming, colorful, whimsical cookie tins. Charmed by the unique packaging, customers...

Beyond the Box: Unwrapping 2024 Trends in the Custom Packaging Industry

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The year 2024 unpacks innovative trends that will make your bubble wrap burst with excitement. However, these packaging...

Discreet Packaging: The Ultimate Retail Embarrassment Cure

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Thanks to e-commerce, items we're ashamed to buy in-store are now available online. A OnePoll survey revealed that...

Optimizing Packaging for Marketing: 7 Client Engagement Keys

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Before consumers see your product, the packaging grabs their attention. Your box's material appeals to the sense of...

What is the RGB Color Model? What It Is & Why It’s Avoided in Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Color creation is a diverse process, varying according to the medium used. It also involves different color models,...

What is CMYK? How to Use the CMYK Color Model for Printing

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Understanding color systems is vital when you want your packaging design to look good in real life as...

What are Packaging Inserts? Intro to Types, Selection Tips, & Legal Compliance

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Don't you love to shake presents to guess what's inside?  Chances are, the content will jiggle if the...

How to Increase Your Ad Campaign’s ROI By Showcasing Custom Packaging (6 Steps)

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Packaging is the latest addition to the marketing "Ps" that include product, price, people, place, promotion, physical evidence,...

Where to Find Remarkable Patterns for Packaging Design

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Patterns are everywhere. The repeated arrangement of shapes, lines, and colors can frequently be found in nature, such...

How to Find an Incredible Packaging Designer (5 Critical Factors)

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Packaging designers are the secret stars behind popular brands, developing imagery and messaging that consumers love to recall...

Packaging Definitions: Complete Glossary of Printing Terminology

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Does it ever sound like your packaging designer is speaking a different language? Well, in some sense, they...

Cardboard vs. Corrugated Carton Boxes: A Definitive Guide

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Paper-based materials—such as cardboard and corrugated cartons—have become ubiquitous in shipping and shopping. Despite plastic's versatility and low...

Raster vs Vector: Essential Printing Guide to Image File Formats

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

If you’ve been working with packaging for some time, you’ve probably heard about rasters and vectors before. These...

Subscription Box Packaging Design Essentials You Need to Know

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The subscription box is an e-commerce marketing technique and distribution method involving the regular delivery of items selected...

Designing Custom CBD Packaging Boxes: The Complete Guide

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Still on the fence about whether to start looking for custom CBD packaging boxes to take your CBD...

Fragile Goods? How to Safely Ship Products (And Reduce Return Fraud)

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

With return fraud cases rising, businesses are putting more effort into packaging fragile items safely. Return fraud is...

Ultimate Guide to Product Display and Custom Cardboard Display Boxes

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Despite the massive shift to e-commerce over the previous few years, retail stores are still incredibly important in...

Everything You Need to Know About Kraft Paper Boxes

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Traditional product packaging materials have been harmful to the environment. However, the increasing environmental awareness among consumers has...

Custom Labels: Essential Guide on Types and Design for Printing

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Are you designing a product or packaging label?  If so, it’s critical to understand the basic types of...

Rigid Boxes: A Complete Guide to Luxury Packaging

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

There are generally three types of boxes in the packaging industry: folding cartons or paperboard boxes, corrugated boards,...

Ultimate Guide to Custom Packaging Inserts

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Are you looking for a way to elevate the look of your packaging and protect the products inside?...

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Shipping Boxes

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

First impressions count and, in the age of e-commerce, the first point of physical contact many customers have...

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Paper Bags

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

When you think of advertising, what word or phrase first springs to mind? Maybe it’s the TV show...

The Ultimate Guide to Mailer Boxes

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What’s both stylish and can be shipped directly in the mail? A mailer box! These not-so-humble box mailers...

21 Box Design Ideas to Pump Up Your Packaging

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Did you know that by deciding to ship or display your items in a cardboard box, you’re already...

The 3 Levels of Packaging: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Packaging

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

You might not think much about the product packages that arrive on your doorstep.  But did you know...

4 Most Popular Types of Paper Grades in Packaging

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

As you explore the world of custom packaging, you’ll likely run into the terms paper grade and paper...

Stock Packaging vs. Custom Packaging: What’s The Difference?

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

You’ve created an amazing product. Now it's time to get it into the hands of eager customers.  You’ve...

What is Kraft Paper? Discover the Unique Eco-Friendly Benefits for Durable Packaging

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Sustainable packaging is booming, with no signs of slowing down. People are aware of the environmental impact of...

What is Window Patching? Understanding the Window Patching Process in Printing & Packaging

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Think about the last time you visited a bakery. Chances are, the boxes have an opening on top...

What is Carton Packaging? Folding Carton Packaging Explained.

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Carton packaging is an incredibly popular choice for product packaging. Everything from cereal to cosmetics comes in carton...

What is Corrugated Packaging? How Corrugated Packaging is Made & When to Print with Corrugated Material

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Corrugated packaging is everywhere. More than 95% of all goods consumed in North America are packaged and transported...

GSM vs. PT Unit System: Main Differences and Which is Best for Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

When it comes to printing materials, it's common to see things measured in units like GSM or PT. ...

What is Foil Stamping? How Hot Foil Stamping Works in Printing & Packaging

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Have you ever wondered how some packaging gets its golden shine? Or what gives some custom boxes a...

The Ultimate Guide to Corrugated Boxes: Corrugated Packaging 101

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Chances are, if you glance around wherever you are right now, you'll see a corrugated box or two....

What is Varnish? How Varnish Is Used in Printing and Packaging

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Varnish can make a huge difference to the appearance of your custom printed packaging. When you need your...

What is Die Cutting? What Die Cut Means in the Die Cut Process

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Die cutting is used in the printing and packaging industry to refer to the cutting out of different...

The Ultimate Guide to Carton Boxes: Carton Packaging 101

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Glance in any pantry, peek into any fridge, look into the far reaches of a closet.  Guess what...

What is Custom Packaging? Top 6 Benefits of Branded Packaging

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The days of throwing your products in an unmarked box and shipping them out to your customers are...

What is UV Coating? Make Your Colors Pop With UV Coating for Printing

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What is UV Coating? UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a clear and shiny liquid coating that's applied...

What Are The RGB & CMYK Color Models In Printing? Learn Color Modes.

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Color can make or break a product’s packaging design. Think about the red and yellow arches that are...

Soft Touch Coating vs Soft Touch Lamination: Use The Best Printing Finish

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

In the printing world, the phrase "soft touch" refers to any type of finishing that adds a softer...

What is Spot UV? Benefits of Spot UV Coating and Finishing for Printing

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

When it comes to packaging and printing, you’ve probably come across the phrases Spot UV Coating or Spot...

Embossing vs. Debossing: Which is Best for Packaging and Printing?

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

As you design your product's packaging, you might've come across the phrases embossing and debossing, and wondered what...

Matte vs. Gloss Lamination for Packaging: What’s The Difference?

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

During your custom packaging process, you’ll need to choose how you want your products laminated – with matte...

What is Offset Printing? Differences Between Offset and Digital Printing

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What is Offset Printing? Offset printing is a popular printing press technique, which transfers ink from a plate...

What is Aqueous Coating for Printing and Packaging?

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Have you ever wondered why your fingerprints don’t stick to product packaging? Or why some packaging looks dirtier...

What is the Pantone Color Matching System (PMS)?

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What is the Pantone Color Matching System (PMS)? The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color system...

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Packaging: Which is Right for You?

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

In August 2020, TikTok influencer, @theerinmarie, went viral after she posted an unboxing video of her latest Chanel...

The Best Ways to Reduce Packaging Costs: Thinking Outside the Box

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

If you're looking for ways to reduce packaging costs while increasing profits, you're in luck. There are several...

The Complete Guide to Custom Retail Packaging

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Tired of seeing your online ecommerce sales totals fall far below your forecasted numbers?  Disappointed you can't seem...

The Beginner’s Guide to Ecommerce Packaging

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Often overlooked and underappreciated in the world of ecommerce logistics are the boxes and packaging in which you...

How to Make Your Packaging Social Media Shareable

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

You might not think at first glance that "packaging" and "social media" go together, but that all changes...

The Ultimate Guide to Standout Product Packaging Design

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Not long ago, product packaging was just that - packaging. Sure, you had a few forward-thinking brands that...

What is a Dieline? How to Make a Dieline for Packaging and Printing

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What is a Dieline?  In the packaging and printing world, a dieline is a template that ensures that...

How to Design Cosmetic Packaging That Sells, Step-By-Step

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The lifestyle industry is booming. Thanks in large part to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, everyone...

The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Custom Boxes (With 5 Real World Examples)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Admit it. We’ve all done it. You’re not meaning to be nosy, but you can’t help but notice...

Product Photography: How to Take Epic Product Photos (+Why You Should)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Ever order something online without seeing a picture?   I didn’t think so. Very few people want to...

Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging: Interesting Recycling Facts and Resources

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Every single day, brown boxes and packages with a smile logo are circling around the globe.  A few...

The Beginner’s Guide to Shipping Strategy

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

So, how many gifts did you order online this past holiday season?   One gift, two gifts, or...

6 Important Elements All Quality Custom Boxes Have In Common

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

What’s the first thing most people see when they see your product on a shelf, or find it...

Box Templates: The 18 Best Packaging Box Template Resources

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

A box is a box is a box. Right? Well, not exactly – especially if you need a...

The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Packaging (+5 Companies Doing It Right)

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

For the past few years, online sales have been heading up, up and up – with no signs...

How to Design and Personalize Holiday Packaging

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

The holiday season is a truly sensory experience: the aromas of cinnamon and gingerbread, the sound of Christmas...

Wedding Card Boxes: Must-Know Tips For the Perfect Box

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Planning a wedding is a highly emotional – and often stressful time.   You want everything to be...

9 Tips For Shipping Military Care Packages Safely and Securely

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

There are nearly 195,000 American soldiers stationed overseas.   And whether they’re located in South Korea, Afghanistan, or...

Top 16 Creative Packaging Design Ideas for Inspiration

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Does creative packaging design still matter at this time when most consumers shop online?  Statistics show that it...

The Ins and Outs: Box Design Tips You Need to Know in 2024

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

I’m not an impulse shopper, but I can tell you that, on occasion, I’ve bought something purely based...

How to Recreate a Retail Experience with Ecommerce Custom Packaging (Subscription, Retail, etc.)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Packaging is all about enhancing the customer experience.   Beautiful and effective custom packaging can help you retain...

The Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing Custom Boxes (+Tips To Save Money)

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

There are so many beautiful options out there when it comes to custom boxes.   By going custom,...

Why Big Businesses Buy Custom Printed Boxes (And You Should, Too)

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

It’s just a box, right? Not nowadays. Boxes are no longer merely a way to get your goods...

How to Craft Killer Packaging Without Breaking the Bank (At Any Budget)

Erica Campbell Erica Campbell Last Updated: March 1, 2024

If you’re in the business of shipping goods to your customers, you already know that beautiful presentation is...

Box Sizes: How to Measure a Box for Box Dimensions (+Top Box Styles)

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

These days, you can ship just about anything in a box.  There's a box for nearly any size...

The Ultimate Guide to Shipping and Fulfillment

Asif Muhammad Asif Muhammad Last Updated: March 1, 2024

It’s official. You are rolling. You’re no longer shipping a couple of stray items a month. Nope –...

How Much Do Custom Boxes Cost? Less Than You Probably Think.

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Money, money, money. If you’re running a business, money’s something that’s constantly on your mind. You no doubt...

How to Save on Shipping Costs: 8 Effective Packaging Strategies

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

No matter what you’re selling – whether it’s high-end vases or cheap party favors for preschoolers – you...

Surprising Ways That Custom Boxes Will Actually Save You Money

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

You’ve got a great product, so don’t skimp on your packaging.   Shelling out money on boxes may...

Beginner’s Guide to Box Design: How to Nail Packaging Box Design

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

We’ve all heard the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Good advice – no doubt. ...

Master The Unboxing Experience: The Beginner’s Ultimate Guide

Alex Jasin Alex Jasin Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Looking for some free advertising, where your customers do all of the marketing for you?   Savvy marketers know...

7 Affordable Ways to Make Your Product Packaging Pop

Amanda Jane Rivera Amanda Jane Rivera Last Updated: March 1, 2024

In 2021, consumers spent a whopping $870.78 billion on the web. That’s up from $453 billion just 4...

Ready to think outside the box? Let's get started!

Get in touch with a custom packaging specialist now for a free consultation and instant price quote.

blue colored shape
blue colored shape
blue colored wave shape