It doesn’t matter which carton or box you choose because they all do the same thing, right? Well, it matters more than some may think and choosing a carton is about much more than just getting your item from A to B.
So, you're looking to ship, move or store an item, and need a carton or box? Picking the right solution will not only ensure your items stay safe but can help you be more efficient and reduce costs. Lucky for you, we’ve packaged up everything you need to know to help you find the right carton for the job.
What to consider when choosing a carton
Choosing a carton solution is a lot like choosing a shoe, you need to make sure it's the right fit, and it’s built for the intended purpose. Getting these factors right will not only ensure your items are protected, but that it’s cost-effective and in some cases, your brand integrity is upheld.
1. What’s in the box?
Now this may seem like an obvious thing to consider, however, the size and weight of the item has a big effect on the carton you choose. You want to find a solution that will provide a snug fit and is durable enough for your items. Heavier items will require a more rugged and sturdy box that can withstand its weight, so it doesn’t fall through the bottom of the box.
Additionally, having a carton that’s too big for the item risks it moving in transit and being damaged or requiring an excessive amount of void fill. It can also mean you end up paying more in shipping costs, because some freight companies will charge based on size.
Another question to ask yourself here is does the item need temperature control? Of course, there are insulated protective packaging products for this, but there are also insulated carton solutions you could consider.
2. What do you need the box for?
Whether you’re shipping, moving, or storing items can have an impact on the carton or box you choose. Moving boxes are typically more rugged and durable to protect your valuable possessions, and Storage Boxes are similarly designed with reinforced walls to allow for stacking. While general shipping boxes offer versatility for the magnitude of products people send worldwide, from small and lightweight to tall and heavy. You want to pick a solution that is purpose built, so your product stays protected but isn’t excessive to the point it’s not cost-effective.
3. Do looks matter?
Presentation is becoming more important to consumers, they want an experience when they receive their packaging, like they’re receiving gift. So, when choosing a box or carton think about the person you’re sending to. If you’re in the B2C eCommerce space, consider a Mailing Box over a Shipping Carton to elevate the ‘unboxing experience’.
What are the different types of cartons and boxes?
Mailing Boxes are here to make your life easier when shipping products to customers — no staples or tape needed, just fold and send. They’re ideal for B2C eCommerce businesses where presentation is important and are the perfect solution to give your orders a quick and affordable ‘glow up’.
Signet stock a range of sizes so you can find one that fits your needs, and they’re available in a crisp white for a clean and minimalistic look or kraft brown for that eco-friendly feel. Signet’s Own Brown Mailing Boxes are also made from 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.
A General Shipping Carton is one of the most common types of boxes you’ll find and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to suit almost any application — Flat Cartons, Square Cartons, Long and Tall Cartons, and everything in between. Signet also stock an Adjustable Carton, so you can have one solution for various product sizes. Signet’s Own Shipping Cartons are made from 100% recycled materials and are fully recyclable.
The Heavy Duty Carton, as the name suggests, is suitable for heavier items. Signet's Own Heavy Duty Cartons are constructed with double flute walls for extra strength and protection and can hold up to 25kg. Like Signet’s other carton solutions, they are also made from 100% recycled material and 100% recyclable.
What is Flute?
Flute is the name given to the wavey shaped structure that's sandwiched in the middle of corrogated cardboard and is what gives it its strength. There are many different flute variations you can get ranging in thickness depending on the application. For added strength you can even layer them to get double or triple flute walls.
The Moving Box is designed specifically for getting your valuables safely to your customers and comes in three standard moving boxes sizes. With its extra strong and sturdy construct, they are ideal for packing heavy or fragile items and are made from 100% recycled materials and fully recyclable.
An Insulated Carton, or Signet's Cool Carton is the convenient, all-in-one solution for shipping cold chain products. It is a standard shipping carton that is lined with a 3mm foil insulated EPE foam to ensure temperature control during the shipping process — recommended to be used in conjunction with Signet’s Own Cold Gel Packs.
What’s next?
Now you’ve got your carton, you’re almost ready to put it to use, but depending on the type of carton and how it’s being used you might need a few extra accessories.
Top of that list is Packaging Tape — a perfectly packed carton is useless if it isn’t sealed correctly. When choosing your tape, consider both the product you’re shipping or storing and the environment it’ll be exposed to. Click here to take our packaging tape quiz and find the right solution for your application.
Next in line is Protective Packaging, to ensure your items arrive in the same condition they left the warehouse and so you can avoid expensive transit damages. There are two key types of Protective Packaging you should consider adding to you're packaging solution, protective wrap or cushioning, such as Geami, Bubble Wrap, and even PadPak for heavier fragile items, and void fill, such as FillPak, Kraft Paper and Newswrap to stop items from moving around in transit. Click here to learn more about what Protective Packaging solution is best for you.
The final piece of the packaging puzzle is identification, that’s right, Shipping and Handling Labels. Particularly if your carton is being shipped, make sure it’s clearly and correctly labelled, so it can get to where it needs to go efficiently and safely. You can also use Doculopes to attach shipping details to your deliveries, along with invoices and packing slips, all in one convenient bundle.
As you’ve discovered, there are several considerations that can affect the carton or box you choose. That’s why Signet stocks a wide range of effective and afforable packaging solutions, so you can find the one that fits your business.
Shop our range of Cartons and Boxes today or get our customer service team to help you find the right solution by calling 13 7446, emailing sales@signet.net.au, or Live Chat with us at www.signet.net.au.
