In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, where online shopping has become a way of life for many, packaging materials have become increasingly crucial. Every product purchased online requires suitable packaging to ensure safe delivery to the customer. Two common packaging options that have gained prominence in recent years are custom shipping boxes and custom poly mailers. Although both serve the purpose of securing the product during transit, they differ in several aspects.
What are the differences between custom shipping boxes and custom poly mailers?
Let’s find out from Packman Packaging, India’s top manufacturer and supplier of custom corrugated boxes states the differences between custom shipping boxes and custom poly mailers.
· Material – Custom shipping boxes are typically made of cardboard or corrugated material, providing a sturdy and protective packaging option. Custom Poly mailers, also called polyethylene mailers are lightweight and flexible packaging solutions.
· Durability – Custom shipping boxes are highly durable and can withstand considerable pressure and weight. They are ideal for heavier or fragile items that need extra support during transportation.
Poly mailers are lightweight but still durable, offering protection against moisture and minor bumps during transit. They are suitable for lightweight and non-fragile items. They are self-sealing, effective, and can be affixed with customized company logos.
· Shapes and Sizes and Space – Custom shipping boxes come in various shapes and sizes, allowing businesses to tailor the packaging to suit the specific dimensions of their products. They provide ample space for branding, labelling, and additional inserts like promotional materials, providing a cohesive and professional look to the package.
Poly mailers are available in various sizes but are more suitable for smaller or non-fragile items due to their design. They take up less storage space and are cost-effective in terms of production, shipping, and storage due to their compactness and lightweight nature. However, they have limited space for branding and promotional information compared to custom shipping boxes.
· Branding and Designing – Companies can easily brand shipping boxes by printing their logos, designs, and information on them. This adds a professional and personalized touch to the packaging.
While poly mailers can be printed on, they have limitations in terms of design and branding compared to shipping boxes. The surface area for customization is smaller.
· Eco-friendly – While cardboard is recyclable and biodegradable, it does consume more raw materials and energy to produce compared to some other packaging options. However, efforts are being made to improve its sustainability and reduce its environmental impact.
Polyethylene is recyclable, but the process is less common and not as widely available as cardboard recycling. Efforts are being made to promote the use of recycled and biodegradable poly mailers to mitigate their environmental impact.
· Cost Considerations – Custom Shipping boxes cost more than custom poly mailers due to sturdy materials, complex manufacturing (cutting, shaping, and assembling cardboard), and higher customization costs, primarily driven by the larger surface area of boxes.
Poly mailers use lightweight, less expensive polyethylene, reducing manufacturing costs.
The choice between custom shipping boxes and custom poly mailers for Indian e-commerce depends on several factors
Product Type: If you primarily sell small, non-fragile items, custom poly mailers might be a more cost-effective and practical choice. For larger or delicate items, custom shopping boxes may be better.
Brand Image: Consider your brand image and the kind of packaging that aligns with it. If you want to convey a premium or eco-friendly image, custom boxes may be more suitable.
Budget: Evaluate your budget constraints. Custom poly mailers are generally more budget-friendly compared to custom shopping boxes.
Sustainability: If environmental sustainability is a concern, poly mailers might be seen as less eco-friendly due to the plastic material. Custom boxes made from recyclable or biodegradable materials could be a better choice in this aspect.
Now that you have some information about custom shipping boxes and poly mailers, you can make the right decision for your organisation.
