Grab a box, and your hands determine its size before your eyes do. The weight, the squared edges, the manner in which the lid lifts: buyers take all of these as a reflection of the product inside. Those signals are controlled by rigid packaging, which is why it is the most prevalent packaging type for fragrance, jewellery, tech, and gift products. Empress Packaging is creating custom rigid boxes as well as luxury item boxes for brands throughout the USA.
What information about a product does weight provide a customer?
Rigid boxes are constructed from a stiff greyboard that is covered with printed paper, and the thickness of the greyboard determines the level of heft and stiffness. The thicker the board, the heavier it is, and the more expensive it will be to ship. State the thickness in mm, typically in the range of 1.5mm to 3mm, as the term heavy duty varies between suppliers.
What should be the opening mechanism of the lid?
The shoulder-neck box has a two-piece design that fits so tightly that the lid rises gently, releasing air, which many people associate with high-priced electronics. Magnetic flaps snap softly and frequently open products. Drawer boxes slide out like a reveal, and book-style boxes open like a cover. Select the appropriate motion for the product, then test a motion using real hands.
Staging the reveal
The first glance in the luxury packaging boxes is as important as the outside. The product is securely held in place with a fitted insert that prevents the product from getting lost in the tray or from over-straining the lid. There is tissue, a ribbon pull, a printed inner wall, and a message card to open. While each layer is inexpensive individually, it will take seconds longer to pack it to determine which layers are worth it.
Does the customer want to keep the box?
A box that is rigid and sturdy is reused for storage, travel, or gifts and is kept longer in the customer's home after the product has been used. Reuse can be a design feature that can be planned for: an inner color or a printed lid that remains attractive when empty and a size that will contain something of value.
What are high-end finishes?
Soft-touch lamination, foil stamping, embossing, debossing, and textured wraps are all indicators of high-end packaging, and the best premium packaging makes only a few uses of one or both of these methods. The dark soft-touch wrap is more prone to scuffs and fingerprinting than a glossy wrap. Spot gloss will provide contrast on a matte surface without adding color.
There are times when rigid simply is not enough.
Rigid boxes are more expensive per piece, require more production time, and are shipped assembled compared to folding cartons. Carton space is consumed for assembled boxes too, so consider a collapsible rigid box. They are ideal for flagship products, gift tiers, and launches where product presentation is a key factor in selling. For regular volume lines, a well-finished folding carton may be able to carry the same brand at a reduced price if luxury product boxes can be reserved for those items that warrant it.
FAQs
Q: What should be the thickness of the board?
A: Relate it to product weight and stacking. Thinner boards work well for light products, and heavier bottles and sets require thicker boards. Request samples of two thicknesses.
Q: Magnetic closure lid or lift-off lid?
A: Magnets are best for frequent opening and closing, and quick, tidy access. A lift-off lid is good for a ceremonial reveal. Use the correct insert.
Q: Can rigid boxes be recycled?
A: It's paper-based with paperboard and paper wrap, but can be complicated with magnets, foam, foil, and plastic laminates. Paper or pulp inserts and fewer laminates are a help.
Q: What do I need to send for a quote?
A: Include product dimensions, weight, the finishes you would like, and quantity. There is physical evidence of it prior to mass production.
Get a free quote on custom rigid boxes.
Send your product information, and will quote you to create custom rigid boxes around the experience you desire. Get a free quote at empresspackaging.com, email [email protected], or call (888) 900-7629.