These didn't make it into this weeks newsletter, but if you're packaging products in screw cap bottles or looking for alternatives to tear strips, these could be for you. https://www.blueoceanclosures.com/launch-of-paper-plug-a-new-opening-concept/

One of the most important packaging decisions for an e-commerce business is choosing the right box for the product. The goal is not simply to make the package look attractive, but to balance product protection, shipping costs, customer experience, and material usage. A good starting point is to measure the product carefully, including its length, width, and height. The box should provide enough space for protective material without leaving excessive empty space. An oversized box can increase shipping costs and may allow the product to move around during transportation. The product itself should also determine the packaging material. Fragile items may require stronger board and additional protective layers, while lightweight products may not need heavy-duty packaging. For brands that want more control over dimensions, appearance, and branding, a Custom Packaging Box can be designed around the specific product rather than relying on standard box sizes. Another important consideration is the customer experience. Packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with an online brand. Clean construction, easy opening, appropriate sizing, and clear branding can make the unboxing experience more professional. Finally, businesses should test their packaging before using it at scale. A simple drop test, compression check, and trial shipment can reveal weaknesses that may not be obvious during the design stage. For e-commerce sellers, what has been your biggest packaging challenge so far: product protection, shipping costs, box sizing, or the unboxing experience?

Your days of sneaking a peek for collectible cards by shining a light through the packaging are numbered. Toppan have developed a 98% light-shielded pack to hide their collectibles: https://packagingeurope.com/news/light-shielding-paper-pillow-packs-hide-rare-trading-cards-before-opening/14359.article Check out this story and more in this week's newsletter: https://bakeandbag.com/newsletter

Does anyone else have a Black List? Those people you won't do business with? My list includes categories: Too slow, Too Expensive, Frauds, Gross Over Packaging. This supplier definitely falls into the Gross Over Packaging category. Mouser Electronics is a US company with a UK division. This was my first order from them and their prices were good, their website straightforward and the products had tons of data and 3D drawings. All good signs until I received this box of plastic for 17 small components. It also makes no sense to me - it's bad for the environment, the zip lock bags were taped shut so couldn't be reused and took time to cut them all open, they don't provide any protection other than moisture and it would have cost them a ton of time to bag them all at their end. If I had a commercial premises, it would also have added to commercial waste costs. Why not use paper bags, or moisture coated paper bags and seal them with the label that's being stuck on anyway?

I came across this video on Instagram. If, like me, you thought China was cheap because of low cost labour, have a watch of this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTy0QlkCq2o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== (If you're in the fashion industry, check out his video on Shein products too). Another video shows how even the Chinese don't like Temu products. They call them scavenger products, made from low quality parts that don't meet the quality requirements of the reliable manufacturers.