By BCI
5 May 2024
Have you ever stopped to think about the strategy behind that perfectly designed product display that you see in a retail or grocery store? Or the way your favorite computer unboxes as you smoothly unfold, unwrap, and lift out the product from its packaging? It’s not just about the eye-catching graphics (although those are important too). It’s all about the unseen hero — packaging structural design.
Think of packaging structural design as the skeleton of your packaging. It’s the blueprint that determines how your product is housed and protected, and ultimately how it interacts with the consumer. It’s about functionality, ensuring your product arrives safely and is easy to use.
It’s simple to understand why packaging structural design is so crucial and why designers begin with the structure. Let’s delve deeper and explore how Buckeye Corrugated, Inc.’s packaging structural design team creates graphically compelling displays and packaging that protect products while thrilling customers.
The primary function of any packaging is to protect its contents. Whether it’s a sensitive piece of technology or a work shirt, your packaging needs to withstand bumps, jostles, and the rigors of transportation. Packaging structural design plays a critical role in achieving this. Designers consider the product’s weight, fragility, and stacking requirements to create a structure that offers optimal protection. This can involve using specific materials like corrugated cardboard for sturdiness or strategically placed cushioning for fragile items.
Packaging that’s a struggle to open or damages the product during the opening process is a surefire way to frustrate consumers. Effective structural design prioritizes functionality. Think about the box that houses the computer again. While its main function is to protect the product inside, you want there to be an experience from the time the outer carrier is cut open to the time the product turns on. The entire experience extends to all types of packaging, including how snugly the inner package fits within the product packaging. It also includes how the package seal is broken and how the top lid then slides off. It all needs to be smooth to reflect how easy the product will be to use after it’s been opened. This is what we mean by extending your brand experience through product delivery. Everything has a purpose and a reason for it.
In packaging structural design, everything matters. Consider not just how the product will look on the shelf but also its journey — from storage and transportation to when the packaging is disposed of after it’s been opened. Designers work to create space-saving structures that allow for efficient packing and stacking during shipping. This minimizes transportation costs and environmental impact. Additionally, by optimizing the size and shape of the packaging, designers can maximize the use of shelf space in stores, allowing retailers to display a wider variety of products.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging. Packaging structural design plays a vital role in promoting sustainability. Designers are constantly innovating and developing structures that use less material or incorporate recycled content. This can involve using thinner yet stronger cardboard materials, designing recyclable packaging solutions, or minimizing the use of unnecessary inserts and cushioning. It’s why, as part of our corporate sustainability initiatives, BCI participates in the Paper and Packaging Board’s Box-to-Nature Program that educates consumers on how to recycle their boxes.
Packaging structural design is a marriage of art and science. It requires an understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and consumer behavior. Designers use sophisticated software to create 3D models and rigorously test prototypes to ensure the final product meets all functional and performance requirements.
By investing in well-thought-out packaging structural design, you’re not just protecting your product; you’re also enhancing the user experience, optimizing logistics, and aligning with sustainability goals. It’s a win-win for your brand, your customers, and the environment.
At BCI, we understand the critical role of packaging structural design. Our team of experienced designers combine creativity with engineering expertise to develop packaging solutions that are functional, protective, and sustainable. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and product requirements, ensuring the final design exceeds expectations.
Ready to create packaging that protects your product, delights your customers, and minimizes your environmental footprint? Contact BCI today, and let’s discuss your packaging needs. We’ll help you build a strong foundation for your brand with exceptional packaging structural design.
