One of the fastest developing industries in terms of packaging is the fresh cut flower industry. Its trends are just like any other market – they vary on location, culture and time period.
Flower packaging is one of the greatest opportunities to let your creativity truly shine. You can show originality through the arrangement of flowers, colour combinations, accessories and packaging of the flowers themselves. The flower industry uses everything from paper boxes to cellophane to package arrangements – but which types of packaging are the most popular at the moment?
In this blog post, we’ll look at 4 major markets: American, Japanese, European and Canadian. How can the markets improve and what can we learn from other countries? Packaging trends are always advancing, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curb or you’ll get left behind.
American Flower Market
A large portion of the American market is flooded with the use of cellophane to wrap flower bouquets.
Traditional bouquets wrapped in printed cellophane or tissue paper are the most popular type of packaging. Usually, florists will tie these bouquets with ribbon, twine, or even tape depending on the visibility of the fastener.
Another well-known option for American florists is the glass vase. These vases are reusable and easily dress up any arrangement, although they do not relate the flowers to the florist.
Aside from glass and cellophane wrapping, corrugated boxes and folding cartons are used as vase holders for transport purposes. They are sturdy, and have a perforation in the middle of the surface in order to keep the vase stable on its way to its final destination.
American florists use the tried and true methods – simple wrapping and glass containers. They go for practicality and by using simple packaging, florists show creativity through the flowers themselves.
JAPANESE FLORAL PACKAGING
“Tsutsumi” is the Japanese art of packaging. We think this word is easily presented through their fresh flower packaging.
The Japanese market shows true innovation when it comes to packaging, and their flower industry is no exception.
Japanese florists incorporate multiple materials, and even include items that relate to their culture. They are known for their flower wrapping abilities and there are books entirely devoted to it.
In Japan, florists use a combination of products including:
- rigid boxes
- cones
- bags
- folding cartons
- tissue paper
- jars
They also use other elements that signify Japanese culture such as silk, bamboo, paper fans and other paper elements. In terms of colours, the Japanese prefer natural tones to showcase the vibrance of the flowers as well.
In Japan, flowers are more than simply a gift or decoration. The provoke powerful emotions and are an integral part of their thinking.
Different flowers have different meanings, and the term “Hanakotoba” refers to the form of the language of flowers. With this way of thinking, it’s easy to see that flower packaging is considered a home for their flowers.
EUROPEAN MARKETS AND FLOWER PACKAGING
Fresh cut flowers as an industry in general began in Europe, specifically the United Kingdom.
Currently, the Netherlands is the centre of production for the European floral market as well as being international suppliers to many countries. They even have a flower market in Aalsmeer, which is the largest one in the entire world.
With so much attention on this market, it is important to be both environmentally responsible and dynamic in packaging decisions, while maintaining creativity. The European flower industry utilises the same packaging items as other markets – sleeves, boxes, carriers and wrapping sheets. However, European florists place a large emphasis on reusable and recyclable packaging.
In fact, there is a growing demand for atmospheric packaging. This type of packaging helps to modify the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide present inside of cut flower packages. This increases shelf life for flowers and also helps florists by saving both time and money during transport.
Smart packaging is also on the horizon in European markets. This type of packaging uses antimicrobial, anti-oxidation and nanotechnology along with other modern technology, such as tracking controls. This adds value for florists unseen before in the industry.
CANADIAN FLOWER INDUSTRY
In the Canadian industry today, there is a mix of cultural influences within the flower industry. Most businesses utilise the traditional method, much like the Americans. There are many vases and paper-wrapped bouquets sold daily in Canada. Few will use the Japanese or European approaches to flower packaging, but that is all about to change!
In order to stand out among the competitors, it is essential to differentiate yourself in every way possible. As there are certain limitations to the variety of flowers that one can include in a floral arrangement, every bit of individuality counts.
After studying this market diligently, our custom packaging specialists have come up with new products to introduce to the market and complement beautiful flower arrangements.
So What Now?
We have taken bits and pieces of each of the aforementioned markets and combined them into one comprehensive set of packaging. We are able to offer the standard tissue paper and vases – but there’s a twist!
Our vases are made of thick paper which can be recycled after use instead of wasting shelf space in your customers’ homes, or worse, the landfill. By switching to paper products, you can help your customers do their part to combat environmental changes.
The LeKAC team has even come up with various carriers based on the aesthetic that you are trying to achieve. Choose from 4 main styles and attach ribbon handles for easy transport.
We create all of our flower packaging from paper of varying thickness levels, which means that they are all eco-friendly.
Our baskets are perfect for immediate display in a client’s home, and our boxes are sturdy enough that they are a present in their own rite. More so, the everlasting roses are a big trend in the flower industry and our rigid boxes can help you fulfil that luxurious look you’ll need!
With the help of LeKAC, innovation is one less thing to worry about. We strive to be your one stop shop for all of your custom needs, and will not stop until you are satisfied. We are launching a brand new catalogue specifically for this industry and cannot wait to hear your thoughts!
Stay tuned for more information, you won’t be disappointed. If you can’t wait, go ahead and contact us! We may even have a special promotion available for you…
