One could be forgiven for having a somewhat staid view of corrugated packaging. It’s easy to think of it as simply protecting products in transit, but today, full-colour printed corrugated packaging is proving to be a powerful asset in terms of efficiency, branding, and sustainability.
Corrugated packaging has evolved significantly beyond its traditional application, enabled by technological advancements in areas such as design software and QR codes, with corrugated packaging printing driving a change in mindset for brand owners. Indeed, brands are now recognising corrugated packaging’s potential to enhance brand image, improve customer experience, and provide agility and efficiency within supply chain management.
The blank canvas of corrugated packaging is ideal for transforming into stunning, brand-defining designs that provide a unique and engaging unboxing experience. Designs that can be customised to particular market segments or customer personas, as well as adapted into a multitude of shapes, sizes, and models, for eye-catching, innovative corrugated packaging solutions. And, of course, for those brands still seeking durable packaging, corrugated packaging offers almost unparalleled benefits over other materials, with high levels of cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
competitive consumer landscape, speed to shelf is a crucial factor in achieving brand success. As highlighted by McKinsey’s “State of the Consumer 2025” report, consumers are demanding more personalised, timely experiences, and brands must be able to adapt swiftly to shifting preferences and trends. For converters, digital corrugated packaging printing is emerging as a key differentiator, empowering brands to respond with unprecedented agility.
Unlike traditional methods, digital printing significantly reduces lead times and eliminates the need for costly setup processes, such as plate making. This means that a run can be composed of many variations or even personalised boxes, without additional printing costs. This enables converters to streamline workflows and move packaging from concept to shelf more rapidly than ever before, in as little as a week. The result is a faster go-to-market strategy, allowing brands to capitalise on time-sensitive campaigns or seasonal opportunities with minimal delay.
Speed to shelf isn’t just about urgency – it’s also about precision. Digital printing enables small-batch customisation, allowing for the creation of shelf-ready packaging, point-of-sale displays, and ecommerce-ready boxes that visually and emotionally appeal to target consumers. This flexibility helps brands test designs, update messaging, and roll out campaign-specific packaging – all while reducing waste and inventory costs.
Furthermore, digital presses offer ”just-in-time” production capabilities, ensuring converters can meet tight deadlines without overstocking or disrupting traditional production. Even for conventional corrugated producers, digital capabilities can be integrated to absorb short runs, manage late-stage edits, or fulfil last-minute promotional pushes.
News Courtesy: Spnews