Packaging Inserts: Types, Benefits and Selection

Protective packaging has taken the shape of a necessity for products passing through tough shipping procedures. It prevents physical damage and keeps fragile items secured for valued customers. Packaging also preserves the quality and functionality of the premium goods. This minimizes product returns and enhances customer satisfaction.

To keep the products firm in their position, the packaging manufacturers have come up with the Packaging Inserts. These are crafted in custom dimensions to enhance the brand value and leave a lasting impression on target customers. They are excellent shock absorbents and lessen the risk of damage or movement. To understand it more, let’s have a look at the article below:

What are Packaging Inserts?

Packaging inserts are components placed inside the product packaging to ensure their protection during shipping, storage, or handling. They are custom-designed considering the shape and size of the products placed inside the packaging.

Packaging inserts are shock absorbents that prevent product damage from shock or vibrations. They fill void spaces to restrict product movement and maintain the shape of fragile items. They can be customized using the brand logo, message, and product name to enhance the unboxing experience. They are also used to promote upcoming products and improve sales volume.      

What are the Different Types of Packaging Inserts?

Packaging inserts are selected based on product type and packaging requirements. However, there are various types of packaging inserts, some of which are mentioned below:

• Cardboard Inserts

Cardboard inserts are versatile components manufactured using cardboard of different thicknesses. These are primarily used as cushions to avoid potential damage and minimize product movement. They can be personalized using cutouts, designs, or shapes to elevate the product outlook. They are also crafted as dividers to place multiple products within a box without any collision.

• Plastic/Molded Pulp Inserts

Plastic inserts are the components placed inside the packaging to protect and present the products in the competitive marketplace. They are manufactured in precise dimensions to showcase the products and enhance brand reputation. Blister packs, Clamshell packaging, Skin packaging, and custom inserts are common examples. 

Molded Pulp inserts are eco-friendly components made with recycled paper pulp in custom dimensions to design the perfect fit for products. These are manufactured using biodegradable and compostable materials. They are mostly used for delicate electronic and food items due to their great cushioning properties. They are more sustainable packaging options than the traditional packaging inserts.

• Foam Inserts

Foam inserts are components manufactured using foam material to provide brilliant cushioning, absorb shocks, and reduce the chances of potential product damage during transit. These are cut in precise shapes and sizes depending on the product dimensions. They are utilized to make the product reach customers in their pristine condition and earn customer satisfaction.

• Corrugated Dividers

Corrugated dividers are the components crafted using corrugated cardboard to create individual product cells within the packaging. They are designed to keep the multiple products separated yet together for delivery to the worthy customer. Corrugated dividers provide structural support and efficiently utilize the space available within the box. This gives an organized appearance to the products and ensures their protection during the tough shipping process.

What are the Benefits of Packaging Inserts?

Packaging inserts offer a wide array of benefits. Here are a few key benefits:

• Product Protection

Packaging inserts provide excellent cushioning to the products during storage or shipping. They reduce the risk of potential damage and keep the products snugly fit in their defined position.

• Product Presentation

Packaging inserts elevate the visual appeal of the products and offer them an impressive presentation for retail or online platforms. They can be customized using a logo, artwork design, and other elements to reinforce brand identity.

• Customer Experience

Packaging inserts put a lasting impression on the customers. They enhance customer engagement and offer them an amazing unboxing experience.

• Cost-Effectiveness

Packaging inserts incredibly reduce the costs associated with product returns or damage claims. They are cost-effective and offer great advantages to the brands requiring a great package of security with presentation.

• Sustainability

Packaging inserts are manufactured using recycled cardboard or molded pulp to ensure sustainability, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness. They reduce the amount of waste in landfills and contribute to a healthier environment.

How do you choose the right packaging inserts?

Choosing the right packaging inserts involves the careful consideration of the following factors:

• Assess the Type of Product

Packaging inserts are chosen based on product type and its custom dimensions. The inserts should fit in the packaging box and provide adequate product support. Consider the weight and fragility of selecting the right packaging material for the packaging inserts. This is imperative to ensure product protection and presentation to impress potential buyers.

• Identify Protection Needs

The identification of product protection requirements is crucial for brands dealing with delicate items. The packaging inserts should absorb shocks and limit the movement of products to avoid scratches or scuffs. The right selection will help you maintain the product’s shape while keeping it safe from humidity or moisture.

• Keep Costs in Mind

Conducting a cost-benefit analysis could help you choose the right packaging inserts to fulfill the product needs. Determine the production volume based on the material quality, thickness, and the customization options you choose to enhance your brand recognition. The analysis of product protection, impact on customer experience, and potential of cost-savings will help you choose the best packaging inserts for your product.

• Think about Sustainability

Make sustainability your priority while choosing the best packaging inserts for your products. The inserts manufactured using eco-friendly packaging materials or renewable resources break down naturally in the environment. This also reduces the wastage of materials and makes the brand focus on minimalistic designs to showcase the product functionality.

What are Promotional Inserts?

Promotional inserts are the additional items placed inside the product packaging to fulfill the branding goals, enhance customer engagement, and offer customers an amazing experience. The designs are customized considering the product packaging needs and the customer preferences. This encourages customers to make repetitive purchases and efficiently drives company sales.

What are the types of Promotional Inserts?

There are different types of promotional inserts, some of which are mentioned below:

• Discount Cards

Discount cards are the popular promotional inserts that offer customers financial benefits while making future purchases. These are mostly included in product packaging to attract new customers and drive business sales. This is a cost-effective approach used to impress the target audience with the visually appealing packaging design. 

• Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are a powerful tool used by brands to strengthen the customer relationship and elevate the unboxing experience. This is a goodwill gesture that showcases brand loyalty with its valued customers. The professional design elements sincerely express gratitude to reflect the brand aesthetics.

• Instruction & Information

Instruction & information are the significant packaging inserts used by the brands for promotional and practical purposes. They give customers essential information and make them better understand the product features. The clear and concise document mostly contains “how to use”, safety information, and the risks associated with the product usage.

Why Use Packaging Inserts?

Packaging inserts are used for a variety of following reasons:

• Prevent product damage during transit.
• Offer products great cushioning during storage or handling.
• Fill empty spaces to minimize the movement of products.
• Maintain the shape of delicate products.
• Decrease the amount of product damage or returns.
• Provide instructions and information about the product.
• Give customers an amazing unboxing experience.

Are Packaging Inserts Eco-Friendly or Harmful to the Environment?

Packaging inserts can be both eco-friendly or harmful to the environment depending upon the material used in its production process. However, it is highly recommended to opt for sustainable packaging options as they are manufactured using recyclable resources. Eco-friendly packaging inserts are biodegradable and compostable. They decompose naturally over time and hold the least environmental impact.

Where to get Customized Packaging Inserts?

To get customized packaging inserts, you should contact a specialized manufacturer holding a wide range of designs, materials, and dieline templates. Box Agency is a hub of packaging professionals working incredibly well to give your products the desired protection and presentation features. Our packaging inserts hold no compromise on the quality of materials. They are crafted in precise dimensions to ensure the safety of products. The brands could discuss their set of requirements with our designers to get the packaging inserts manufactured in accurate size and shape. We offer free shipping through DHL or FedEx. So, place your order and enjoy the ride towards the brand’s progression.