The world has changed in the last six months. The present global pandemic has pushed us into even more of a virtual world, with consumers relying heavily on the internet to keep entertained, to connect with their family and friends, and to make their frequent purchases. 

With so many stores now offering delivery or curbside pickup, many consumers are opting to purchase items online instead of going in-store. This presents a challenge for brands that were previously only available in-store - without the guarantee of a consumer physically seeing or touching your product, how can you differentiate your product in a picture?

This is where product packaging can make a huge difference. With so many developments in packaging technology in the last few years, brands have tons of options to make their packaging stand out. Here are a few examples of quick and easy ways to differentiate your packaging: 

Less is More

Minimalism has been a trend in packaging for the last few years, but that doesn't mean you have to choose boring colours. Opting for a bold label stock or a metallic font can make your simple packaging stand out on a screen.

Get Flexible

More and more brands are opting for flexible packaging for many reasons. For products that are typically packaged with rigid packaging, like cardboard or plastic tubs, using flexible packaging can make your product stand out amongst the competition. A great example of this is Chobani, who use flexible pouches for this yogurt pouch (pictured), which offers them extra space for visual impact and offers their customers a travel-friendly snack!

Playing it Safe

With certain products, consumers are just looking for functionality. This means that the product is packaged in a way that is:

• Easy to store
• Easy to open and/or reseal (for protection and freshness)
• Travel-friendly
• Tamper-proof

Without being able to physically inspect the product, consumers need to feel reassured that their product is packaged in a way that will remain protected and safe from contamination before it gets to them. With functions such as tear notches, tamper-evident shrink seals or labels, and child-resistant zippers, you can offer this guarantee to your customers. 

These are just a few ways that you can differentiate your packaging and even add value to your potential customers. For more information on how brands are adapting to e-commerce right now, check out the following blog posts from our e-commerce series:

• E-Commerce and the Alcohol Industry
• E-Commerce and the Beauty Industry
• E-Commerce and the Food & Beverage Industry
• E-Commerce and the Sports Nutrition Industry

Have a general packaging question or want to find out more about differentiating your packaging for e-commerce? Reach out to us through our online contact form or request a quote to connect to one of our packaging experts!