7 Ways to Add Value to Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated packaging has always been appreciated for its strength and reliability and we know our customers appreciate it as a sustainable option, so we wanted to look at how to get more value beyond the high levels of protection it provides. Here are seven practical ways to make your corrugated packaging work harder for you.

1. Make smart design choices

Well-designed corrugated packaging doesn’t just protect—it can save money, too. Bespoke packaging, designed to specifically fit your products, means less wasted space, less void fill, and lower shipping costs. Clever structural features, like fitments that hold items in place or designs that double as retail-ready displays, add functionality and convenience. By working with a packaging partner on custom solutions, you can reduce material usage, simplify logistics, and deliver a polished look.

Read how we added value to Norfolk Melting Pot's Advent Calendar

2. Let customers know your packaging is sustainable

Consumers care about eco-friendly packaging, and corrugated is well regarded thanks to its recyclability and use of recycled material. Printing clear messages on your packaging communicates your choice and helps reassure your customers that you’re doing what you can to reduce your impact on the environment.

Does your packaging still have some single use plastic or foam elements? Let our design team help replace these with corrugated alternatives.

3. Turn packaging into a brand ambassador

Your packaging is often the first thing a customer sees—and first impressions matter. With the right graphics, colours, and finishing touches, a simple box can become a powerful brand statement. You can add logos, bold designs, or seasonal promotions without breaking the budget. Even subtle branding, like a splash of colour inside the box or a printed message under the lid, can transform an ordinary unboxing into a memorable experience that customers want to share.

Read how we helped Bumboo delight their customers with perfect packaging

4. Add useful and essential information

Sometimes items have specific instructions to ensure their safe handling and shipping. For example, some products must be stored and transported upright, or need to be unpacked or stacked in a specific way, so print informative detail clearly on the packaging so it is easily visible.

5. Add smart features

Packaging isn’t just physical anymore—it can be digital, too. Adding simple features like QR codes or barcodes can connect packaging to your supply chain and to your customers. For example, QR codes can link to assembly videos, recycling tips, or special promotions. Behind the scenes, these codes also help with stock management and traceability. It’s a low-cost way to bring your corrugated packaging into the digital age and add extra value for both your business and your buyers.

6. Include clever design features

Sometimes a product’s packaging goes beyond just protection. If the items being sent are sensitive or confidential, the packaging needs to be tamper-proof. This means creating a closing mechanism that breaks once its opened – providing peace of mind the contents haven’t been accessed or used.

7. Deliver a Great Customer Experience

A box should be more than just functional—it should be enjoyable to open. Easy-open tear strips, resealable closures, and neat interior designs all make life easier for the customer. Inside, you can use dividers to present products in an organised and attractive way. A thoughtful unboxing moment doesn’t just impress customers; it encourages them to post and share online, giving your brand free exposure.

Corrugated packaging has come a long way from being “just a box.” With the right mix of branding, smart design, sustainability, digital features, and customer-focused touches, you can turn packaging into a value-added part of your business strategy. The result? Lower costs, happier customers, and a stronger brand presence—all packed neatly into one box.

Talk to our friendly team about adding value to your right sized packaging.

 

 

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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