12 Small Business Packaging Ideas

As the eCommerce industry becomes more and more crowded, innovative packaging is emerging as a critical strategy for small businesses to differentiate themselves from the competition. 

While big brands can afford to invest in cutting-edge packaging designs, small businesses need to be more resourceful in order to stay ahead of the curve.

There are many possibilities when it comes to creative packaging, but it can be tough to know where to start. To help you get inspired, we’ve rounded up some of the most innovative small business packaging ideas from around the web.

1. Eco-friendly Packaging

As consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment, eco-friendly packaging is becoming increasingly popular. If you’re looking to appeal to environmentally-minded customers, there are a few things you can do to make your packaging more sustainable.

First, consider using recycled or recyclable materials for your packaging. This could include anything from recycled paper to biodegradable plastics. You can also ditch the traditional packaging altogether and opt for something more creative, like using recycled newspapers or magazines as packing material.

For example, if you have a wig business, exploring eco-friendly custom wig boxes that are made from sustainable materials not only enhances your brand’s commitment to the environment but also adds a unique touch to your products that can resonate with eco-conscious consumers. These innovative packaging solutions can become a defining feature of your brand, showcasing your dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility.

Another way to make your packaging more eco-friendly is to ditch the plastic wrap and packaging peanuts in favor of biodegradable alternatives like cornstarch packing peanuts or recyclable paper.

2. Match Product Design and Packaging

Your product design and packaging should go hand-in-hand. This means that they should match in terms of style, materials, and colors.

For example, if you’re selling a natural beauty product, your packaging should reflect that. It could be made from recycled materials and feature earth tones. If you’re selling a luxury item, your packaging should be sleek and modern.

Your packaging should also match the overall style of your brand. This will help customers to instantly recognize your products on the shelves.

3. Unique Shapes and Sizes

One way to make your packaging stand out from the rest is to get creative with the shape and size. Think outside the box when it comes to the dimensions of your packaging, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials.

For example, if you’re selling jewelry, you could package it in a unique shaped box made out of recycled paper. Or if you’re selling clothes, you could ditch the traditional rectangular box in favor of a circular box or a reusable tote bag.

4. Custom Printing

Another way to make your packaging more unique is to add custom printing. This could include anything from your company logo to fun graphics or patterns. If you’re selling products that are meant to be given as gifts, you could even add a personal message on the packaging.

There are a few different ways to add custom printing to your packaging. One option is to use stickers or labels. Another option is to invest in custom-printed packaging, like tissue paper or gift wrap.

5. Luxury Materials

If you’re selling high-end products, it’s important to use packaging that reflects the quality of your products. Luxury materials like velvet, leather, and satin are all great options for giving your packaging a luxurious feel.

You can also use unique finishes to make your packaging more eye-catching, like foil stamping or embossing. If you’re selling products that are meant to be kept and used for a long time, like coffee mugs or cooking pots, consider using packaging that can double as storage, like a reusable drawstring bag.

6. Handmade Packaging

If you’re selling handmade products, it’s important to use packaging that reflects the care and attention that went into making the product. Handmade packaging can be as simple as using recycled materials or adding a personal touch with a hand-written note.

If you’re selling products that are made from natural materials, like wood or stone, consider using packaging that highlights the material, like a box made from reclaimed wood.

7. Exterior Logo Stickers

One way to make your packaging more branded and professional is to add exterior logo stickers. This is a great way to promote your business and give your products a high-end look.

You can find exterior logo stickers in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. You can also have them custom-printed with your company logo or a fun design.

8. Interior Packaging

If you’re selling products that are meant to be given as gifts, it’s important to put thought into the interior packaging as well. This is what will ultimately make or break the unboxing experience for your customers.

There are a few things you can do to make your interior packaging more special. One option is to add a personal touch with a hand-written note.

9. Thank You Notes and Offer Cards

One way to show your customers that you appreciate their business is to include a thank you note or offer card in their order. This is a great way to build relationships with your customers and encourage them to come back and shop with you again.

You can find thank you notes and offer cards at most office supply stores. You can also have them custom-printed with your company logo or a fun design.

10. Be Compact and Use Space Efficiently

Even if size matters, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Unnecessarily large packaging can lower the quality of a product, whether you’re picking it up off the store or getting it delivered to your home. Also, consumers who care about the environment will consider it wasteful.

To avoid this, only use as much packaging as you need to protect your product. This means that you should use the smallest possible container and fill it with the least amount of cushioning material. You should also make sure that your packaging can be easily recycled.

11. Make It Functional and Useful

Your packaging shouldn’t just be there to protect your product and make it look good. It should also be functional and useful for the customer.

One way to do this is to use packaging that can be reused or repurposed. For example, you could use a box that can be used as storage after the product has been removed. You could also use a reusable drawstring bag instead of traditional wrapping paper.

Another way to make your packaging more functional is to add features that make it easier to use. For example, you could include a built-in handle or a pour spout on a food product. You could also include instructions or how-to guides on the packaging itself.

12. Avoid Excess Packaging

In addition to using too much packaging, you should also avoid using packaging that is excessive or unnecessary. This includes things like using too much tape, using multiple layers of packaging, or using packaging that is not recyclable.

If you’re not sure whether something is necessary, ask yourself if it’s truly needed to protect the product or if it’s just there for aesthetic purposes. If it’s the latter, then you can probably do without it.

Final Thought

There are a lot of small business packaging ideas that you can use to make your products stand out from the competition. The key is to find packaging that reflects the quality of your products and the individuality of your brand.