Best Packaging Practices for eCommerce Sellers (2025)

In our previous blog, the packaging guide for eCommerce sellers, we talked about various packaging considerations and packaging material that you can use for your product packaging. Along with multiple packaging techniques, it is essential to focus on certain packaging practices that help in improving your packaging strategies and keep your customers fulfilled!

Read on to find out some of the best practices that can help you enhance the packaging of your product and improve the customer’s experience.

Why is Packaging Important?

The packaging is a significant step in the shipping and fulfilment process. Besides protecting your products from any wear and tear, it is your brand’s first impression in-person when the package shows up at their door. For this reason alone, it holds a tremendous amount of importance for your eCommerce store. Through ideal practices, you can give your package an overall check and amp up its safety, appearance and other essential features.

Since there are different types of packaging based on your budget, size and branding; the packaging practices differ by a considerable margin. Depending on the factors mentioned above – there are going to be different practices you will need to follow.

Types of Packaging

Standard Packaging or Utility Based Packaging

Utility packaging refers to the simplest form of packaging. It includes an envelope or a box along with any important fillers. Utility Packaging is suitable for brands that have developed trust with their customers and don’t need to spend a lot on packaging strategies and design. Moreover, for brands that are starting or who want to ship overseas, this kind of packaging is perfect. Some of the best practices for utility packaging would be:

• always seal your package at all edges with proper water-resistant and pressure-resistant tape.
• To package in a way that focuses on the safety of the product rather than the unboxing experience.
• To package your product for safe transport, i.e., using boxes filled with fillers like bubble wraps, foam peanuts, airbags etc.

Branded Packaging

To make the packaging experience more enhanced for your customers, you can use other elements to make your packaging stand out. For starters, you can get your brand name printed on the packaging material you are using. A simple corrugated box is an ideal choice as it is cheap, but you can opt for boxes in which your brand name and logo are printed. For instance, when the clothing brand “Nineteen Apparel” started its sales, it used to send its products in a thick, sturdy box with ‘Nineteen’ written all over it. This leaves a good impression of your brand in the minds of your customers. 

Custom Packaging

Custom packaging is ideal if you want your customers to have an elated unboxing experience. It is of a slightly high budget and requires extra attention to detail. In addition to following the standard packaging practices, you can make use of colourful fillers like-coloured foam peanuts, printed tissue paper to make your package stand-out.

A tissue paper wrapping adds an extra layer of curiosity, and a pop of colour gives the whole package an elegant look. You can also add discount coupons for your buyer’s next purchase. This way – you not only impress your customers but also make them look forward to their next purchase.

Other options include adding personalised notes to the package. It makes the customer believe that you put extra effort to make this package a customised one. You can also add free samples as nobody ever says no to free stuff. Besides, it adds value to the buyer’s purchase, making them believe they got more than what they paid for while also making them aware of other products. 

Beauty retail eCommerce giant, Nykaa adds free samples to the buyer’s cart automatically once they purchase a product of a particular amount.

List of 10 Packaging Materials for Good Packaging Practices

Here are the different types of packaging materials that can help pack your goods effectively by protecting and securing them until they reach the end customer:

1. Paperboard Boxes: Paperboard boxes are great for packing items like books, CDs, and DVDs. Made from thick cardboard, they have a foldable lid for easy access. However, they don’t protect well against moisture, so they might not be ideal for items that need extra protection. For eCommerce packaging, consider adding moisture-resistant liners if needed.

2. Foam: Foam, made from expanded polystyrene beads, is reusable and offers excellent cushioning. It’s often used to protect delicate items during shipping. One downside is that foam doesn’t come with a lid, so you might need to use masking tape to secure it. Foam is ideal for packaging fragile items and electronics.

3. Aluminium Foil: Aluminium foil comes in large rolls and sticks to surfaces, making it useful for wrapping baked goods or leftovers. It might not be the best choice for shipping food because it doesn’t hold up well against moisture. For eCommerce packaging, consider alternatives for items needing longer shelf life or better moisture protection.

4. Corrugated Fibreboard: Corrugated fibreboard, or cardboard, is often used for shipping due to its strength and protective qualities. It’s more expensive than Kraft paper but provides better cushioning for fragile items. It’s a popular choice for eCommerce packaging because it’s sturdy and customisable.

5. Polythene: Polythene, a type of plastic sheet, offers great insulation and is commonly used in the food industry for temperature control. It’s good for protecting items from rain but isn’t waterproof or UV-resistant. It is best for protecting frozen or temperature-sensitive goods during shipping.

6. Plastic Bags: Plastic bags are lightweight and cost-effective for shipping. They are easy to handle but can be flimsy and are not recyclable. They are best for non-fragile items or when you need to keep costs low, but be cautious of potential tearing or water damage.

7. Rigid Boxes: Rigid boxes are sturdy and versatile, making them ideal for retail and eCommerce packaging. They can hold various items, from clothes to toys, but they take longer to produce and can be more expensive. Their durability and premium feel make them a popular choice for high-value items.

9. Kraft Paper: Kraft paper is durable and can be folded or flattened without losing its shape. It’s cost-effective but lacks cushioning, so it might not protect fragile items well during shipping. Adding a lid or additional padding can help with protection. Kraft paper is good for eco-friendly packaging options and for wrapping items securely.

8. Stretch Film: Stretch film is used to wrap around boxes to secure them and prevent tampering. It’s useful for bundling items but can’t be recycled easily, which affects its environmental impact. It’s a good option for securing packages, but eco-friendly alternatives should be considered when possible.

10. Shrink Film: Shrink Film wraps tightly around items, keeping them secure and intact. It’s useful for small goods and has an adhesive backing that ensures everything stays in place. However, it requires some air-drying time before shipping. Shrink film is ideal for packaging items like jewellery or other small products securely.

Packaging Resources

Any strategy you pick, you need to make sure it is cost-effective for your business. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan accordingly. To achieve any of these packaging, you will need to procure packaging materials. Here is a list of resources that can help you do so.

Shiprocket Packaging

Shiprocket Packaging is a smart packaging solution, designed to reduce weight discrepancies and provide you with the most cost-effective and high-quality corrugated boxes and courier bags for your business. With Shiprocket packaging, you can map your packaging inventory with product inventory and standardise your fulfillment process to reduce errors and weight disputes. The best part is that the products are 100% recyclable and sustainable and you can purchase them without any minimum order commitment.

Why should you buy packaging solutions from Shiprocket?

• Free shipping and on-time delivery are available all over the country.
• Save costs without compromising on the quality.
• Return items within 15 days for an exchange.
• 100% secure payment.

Packman

Packman is a leading eCommerce packaging material manufacturing firm in India. It manufactures corrugated boxes, security bags, courier bags, air bubble wraps, tapes, and all kinds of diverse packaging materials. They house a variety of packaging products that are available at reasonable rates. They even offer branded and customised packaging options.

Vijay Packaging System

They are manufacturers and exporters of different forms of packaging materials including boxes, films, pouches etc. They hold the latest designing and engineering technologies, which is one of the best in the world.

U-Pack

U-Pack is a Mumbai based firm which deals in design, printing, manufacturing and distributing a wide range of packaging materials that include corrugated boxes, cardboard boxes, BOPP tapes, Bubble Wraps, Courier Bags, Stretch Film, etc.

PR Packagings

PR Packagings is a manufacturer for eCommerce packaging materials. Located in Delhi, it is renowned for the production of various kinds of packaging boxes and labels.

Asha Packaging

Asha packaging is known for the production of corrugated boxes made of different materials like jute, plastic etc. They also manufacture other packaging essentials such as foam nuts, bubble wraps etc. They cater to various industries like textile, food and beverage, jewellery and household items.

Best Practices for Packaging

Do these things to keep your packaging game at the top:

• Design Your Packaging with Customer’s Best Interest

Your packaging should cater to your consumers. It’s crucial that your product’s packaging helps them understand quickly what your product is and how it can benefit them. Good branding on packaging provides instant education, so make sure your design communicates clearly and focuses on what’s in it for your customers.

Don’t get too caught up in showcasing your brand’s name or logo. Instead, let your packaging serve your consumers. Use familiar industry terms and phrases to avoid confusing your audience. At the same time, add a unique touch to your design to balance familiarity with originality.

• Test Quickly and Efficiently

Before rolling out a full production run, try smaller market tests with different packaging options—think about structure, shape, graphics, materials, and messaging. Quick prototypes help you see how a package might look and perform in the real world, allowing you to adjust based on early feedback.

Short-run market tests let you create prototypes quickly and efficiently, leading to a more optimised production process. This approach helps reduce initial costs and allows for a quicker turnaround on improvements. Testing smarter and faster can ensure your packaging truly resonates with customers and drives sales.

• Highlight What Makes Your Product Special

What sets your product apart from others? How will it make its position in a crowded market? Identify what makes your product unique and highlight these features clearly on your packaging.

In today’s competitive market, it’s essential to communicate your unique selling points effectively. Whether through vibrant colours or distinctive shapes, make sure your packaging visually and textually represents what makes your product special.

• Plan for the Future

Launching a new product is a big investment, so make sure your package design is ready for the future. Think about how your packaging will fit into your overall visual strategy and how it will adapt as your brand evolves.

Design with eco-friendliness in mind, tell a compelling story about your product and anticipate shifts in consumer behaviour. Your packaging should be easy to open and use, and it should align with your brand’s values and messaging.

• Make Customer-Centric Package Design 

Consumer preferences are always evolving, so adapt your packaging design to meet current trends. Focus on attractive, on-brand colours, quality printing, and readable fonts. Your packaging should be customer-centric, innovative, and engaging to stay relevant.

In 2024, consumers faced more choices than ever, with shorter attention spans and higher expectations. Your packaging needs to be engaging, forward-thinking, and aligned with consumer values to stand out.

• Personalise Where Possible

Personalisation can make a big impact. While individual personalisation is valuable, broader personalisation strategies can also be effective. For instance, QR codes can provide personalised messages or special offers to a wide audience, enhancing customer engagement and trust.

Research reveals that nearly 80% of buyers are more likely to purchase from brands that provide personalised experiences, and 71% feel frustrated with impersonal shopping experiences. Using QR codes and other personalisation tactics can improve consumer satisfaction and brand perception.

• Tell a Story and Create Shareable Content

Storytelling is powerful. Consumers today value transparency and authenticity, so design packaging that tells a story to connect with the audience on a personal level. Shareable content and limited-edition designs can boost brand advocacy and keep your audience engaged across social media.

Millennials and Gen Z, who make up a significant portion of today’s consumer base, are particularly fond of brands that align with their values and engage in meaningful storytelling.

• Be Creative with Your Copy

Packaging isn’t just about visuals—your copywriting matters, too. Modern packaging often features casual, creative text that reflects the brand’s personality and connects with consumers, especially younger demographics.

Use friendly, clear language that resonates with your audience and enhances your brand’s voice. A recent trend shows that relaxed, conversational copywriting paired with empathy and clarity creates effective packaging that appeals to today’s consumers.

• Put Sustainability First

Sustainability is key in eCommerce packaging. Consumers prefer eco-friendly options today, so focus on packaging that minimises waste and promotes recycling. Brands like Anomaly by Priyanka Chopra are leading the way with recyclable materials and reduced plastic use.

According to Trivium Packaging, 67% of consumers want recyclable packaging and are willing to pay more for it. So, if you adopt a sustainable approach to eCommerce packaging, it can attract new customers and strengthen your brand’s reputation.

• Use Minimalism to Enhance Brand Identity

Minimalist designs are timeless and effective. They help your product stand out without distractions. Clean, simple packaging can also align with sustainability goals by using fewer materials. Brands like McDonald’s have successfully used minimalism to modernise their image and create a positive emotional impact.

Minimalist designs often offer an upscale presentation and can reduce material waste, making them a smart choice for both aesthetic and environmental reasons.

• Engage Multiple Senses

Make your packaging memorable by appealing to multiple senses. Soft-touch finishes, scents, or scratch-and-sniff elements can enhance the unboxing experience. Remember, packaging isn’t just visual—it’s about how it feels and interacts with consumers.

As more shoppers associate a package’s touch and feel with the quality of the product inside, investing in a multi-sensory experience can significantly impact customer satisfaction.

• Consider the First Interaction

Whether your product is purchased online or in-store, the initial interaction with your packaging is crucial. For eCommerce, focus on creating a memorable unboxing experience. Enhance the opening process and consider sustainability by shipping products in eco-friendly containers.

With 95% of purchases expected to be made online by 2040, the eCommerce experience is becoming increasingly important. Use packaging to add elements that enhance the unboxing experience and strengthen your brand connection.

Conclusion

These were some of the best packaging practices for your eCommerce business to provide your buyers with a pleasant order experience when they receive their product. For more helpful tips and posts related to how you can grow your eCommerce business and make shipping delightful with Shiprocket, India’s #1 eCommerce shipping solution. Click here to learn how you can switch to eco-friendly packaging practices for sustainable logistics.