Packaging inserts are a vital part of your presentation, especially if your products are fragile. The purpose of packaging in general, but especially inserts, is to protect the contents of the package.
What is a Packaging Insert?
An insert prevents components from moving around within the outer packaging, while simultaneously acting as a base for your product. Through the use of a trap insert, they also keep the component in its most aesthetically-pleasing position.
Inserts are especially important for boxes with window cutouts, where the product is viewable without having to open the box. Furthermore, they prevent shocks from affecting the product, both internal and external.
Types of Inserts
There are many different materials for packaging inserts, and each has its own purpose. A packaging insert should be determined by weight, shape and size of the product it will be holding.
Paper
You may associate the word “paper” with something light, and all-around not strong, but looks can be deceiving. Forget what you think you know about this material!
It’s true that paper is flexible and lightweight, but it can safely protect your products, especially when you consider the different thickness levels that paper comes in.
There are two major types of paper we use for inserts – corrugated and paperboard.
Corrugated paper is stiff and used to create our corrugated boxes. They are cut precisely to fit into boxes and you’ll typically find them in a grid layout to separate bottle beverages. The corrugated insert is also used to separate the product from the walls of the outer packaging, preventing shocks to components.
Paperboard is thinner and easier to fold, which makes it perfect use as a divider of products without causing complete separation.
Paper is easily the most popular insert material and with good reason! Paper can be folded, maintain structure, and are easily recyclable.
Use with – bottles, bulky products, heavy plastic products, food items
Foam
Foam is a more popular option if your product is prone to scratches or is very fragile.
More often than not, foam inserts are actually cut smaller than the product it is securing, ensuring it stays in place during transport. Whereas paper inserts are rigid, the foam insert fills empty space and can even moderate temperature depending on usage.
The foam insert can be cut into the exact shape of the product (for example, a perfume bottle) down to the last MM, while weighing next to nothing. It even has paper beat in the weight department!
If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to the foam insert, you might want to consider a velvet overlay. Add a touch of class while also remaining cost-effective.
Use with – expensive items such as jewellery and perfume
Pulp
Molded pulp is made of recycled paper or newsprint. It’s actually the most cost-effective option on this list and is easily recyclable.
It’s used for things other than typical packaging too – think of the last time you picked up coffee for the office. Those coffee cup trays? Yep, molded pulp.
They’re very sturdy and can come in various thickness levels, making it a great option for heavy yet delicate items. These inserts are most popular in the electronic industry to protect items like printer toner, laptops, and so forth.
Use with – electronics, large household appliances, tools
Whether you need to put together a sample box, create a gift card holder, or package a fridge, there’s a protective insert for you.
Ensure that your products stay safe to maximise your customer’s experience with your brand – it’s utterly essential!
Thanks for explaining the different kinds of packaging inserts and the benefits of using each. My sister is planning on establishing her own perfume business and she asked for my help in deciding how she will ship out her orders. Foam inserts sound like a good option for fragile items like you mentioned, so I think I’m going to follow your advice and suggest this to her so we can start looking for distributors.