5 key packaging trends in e-commerce that are here to stay

According to Eesti Pank, the total e-commerce turnover in Estonia in 2022 was 3.54 billion euros, which, according to the Estonian E-Commerce Association, already accounts for at least 20% of the total retail trade volume.

E-commerce has been in a constant state of flux in Estonia, but also worldwide. The last major challenge was the corona crisis, when, basically overnight, traditional commerce moved almost entirely online. This abrupt shift permanently changed e-commerce – the Estonian E-Commerce Association and the international media agency Mindshare conducted a nationwide survey which showed that 74% of respondents buy goods and services from online shops at least once a month. This represents 86% of the total Estonian population.

Increased volumes of e-commerce shipments naturally also mean more packaging used to ship goods. What will be the trends in e-commerce packaging in 2023?

Sustainability

Environmental friendliness is no longer confined to e-commerce and packaging. Many courier companies, technology firms and manufacturing companies are or have shifted their focus towards carbon neutrality.

The packaging studio offers 100% recycled, natural cotton in its range of product packaging. Cardboard and corrugated cardboard product packaging offers strength but also aesthetics.

Traditional plastic packaging has had its heyday – consumers are increasingly looking for differentiation.

A survey conducted by logistics company DPDgroup found that more than half of Estonian e-shoppers expect environmental responsibility from brands and companies alike. A third of respondents are also willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services.

The courage to stand out

New e-shops are springing up like mushrooms after the rain! This in turn creates very welcome competition, but it also creates a problem for e-shoppers – how to stay noticed and stand out.

Product packaging can be a powerful marketing tool to help customers remember your product and encourage them to buy again in the future.

In addition to the logo of the e-shop or the brand, Packaging Studio also offers the possibility to add personalised text to your product packaging, illustrated with different images according to the e-shop’s wishes. From traditional paper bags and cardboard boxes to custom-made packaging, the range of products can be adapted to your needs. To add a touch of glamour to your products, we recommend boxes with lids, where you can use a plastic lid to display the product without even taking it out.

Dare to experiment with colours, messages and innovative visual solutions!

Minimalist packaging

Strongly linked to the sustainability point. Excessive use and waste of materials does not appeal to the younger generation. Minimalist packaging also adds a certain prestige to a product – would you prefer to receive jewellery or a handicraft product in a huge box or a compact box tailored to the size of the product?

For a more detailed idea, check out the range of gift boxes from Packaging Studio. PS! the size of the packaging can also play a very important role in the cost of storage and transport logistics.

A personalised approach

We’ve probably all come across e-commerce orders where we’ve been pleasantly surprised – we’ve received a whole experience with a simple product. Adding simple touches, such as an accompanying token gift or printed materials with a personalised message, can give the customer an emotion that will stay with them when they make their next purchase decision.

Prints on quality packaging material provide an opportunity to display your e-shop and brand in a visual and memorable way, while adding elegance to the packaging.

Convenience

By this, we mean convenience for both the customer and the online shop. From the moment the parcel is assembled to the moment it is returned by the customer. A start-up or a smaller e-shop may be faced with the problem of where to fit its products, packaging, packaging material and other related supplies.

Foldable boxes from the packaging studio take up minimal storage space and do not require glue and tape to assemble. Made from strong cardboard and corrugated cardboard, the boxes protect the product in transit, while offering the customer careful design and ease of opening on delivery. The packaging is recyclable, which also makes the return process quicker and more convenient for both the customer and the e-shop.

2023. The keywords for e-commerce packaging in 2011 are: minimalism, sustainability, personalisation, differentiation and above all convenience. The quality of a product is not just about the product itself, but the whole buying process – from customer service to delivery.

By ensuring quality, speed and personalisation throughout the entire customer experience, you can emphasise this even more easily in your brand image such as your logo, message and packaging.