In the years that have gone by, online shopping has seen significant growth as consumers have become more at ease when it comes to buying a wide range of products online. This happens to include temperature-sensitive as well as perishable goods, including the likes of food, wine, and, of course, pharmaceuticals.
It is well to be noted that shopping online goes on to offer convenience and time-saving benefits as compared to the traditional method of going to a store physically. Besides, it enables consumers to, in a seamless way, compare prices and search for ratings and reviews. With the latest technological advancements that have cropped up, brands now have the capacity to make the utmost use of digital packaging to customise their packaging in order to meet the specific needs and also the preferences of their consumers. This includes providing information such as coupons, personalised suggestions, and instructions, as well as putting forth sustainability claims.
Apart from this, the progress made in terms of cold chain technology happens to be crucial for the success of online shopping as it makes sure of the secure as well as dependable transportation of products that require specific temperature specifications. Advancements when it comes to refrigeration systems, temperature monitoring devices, and also packaging materials have greatly assisted in maintaining products at their exact temperature range across the overall supply chain, right from the manufacturer to the end customer. Executing these measures can impactfully minimise the chances of product spoilage, upgrade the overall quality of the product, and, at the end of the day, lead to higher levels of customer happiness and, if we may say, respect.
With the continuous improvement that has been taking place and the increasing ease of e-commerce platforms, in addition to their flexible options and faster delivery services, it is highly likely that the popularity of shopping online, including that of the purchase of temperature-sensitive items, will consistently surge in 2023 and the years to come.
As per one of the predictions, online grocery sales throughout the United States are anticipated to reach $160.91 billion in 2023, thereby representing around 11% of the total grocery sales. Online grocery sales in the United States will be exceeding $235 billion by 2026, thereby representing approximately 15% of the overall U.S. grocery market.
Additionally, modern consumers now have a wide range of options that are available to them as far as ordering food online is concerned. Speciality food as well as meal kit sales have witnessed significant growth alongside everyday grocery items, and this trend, in all possibilities, is expected to continue. As per the inferences made by the Specialty Food Association’s 2022 survey, a whopping 76% of consumers reported buying of specialty food, hence setting a new record.
As per another piece of research done in 2023, it is projected that the global market for meal kit delivery services will go on to experience a CAGR of 15.3% from 2023 right until 2030, ultimately reaching a value of $64.3 billion by the decade-end.Â
The surging acceptance of online grocery shopping as well as meal kit delivery services has made it crucial for e-commerce companies to focus on cold chain advancements as well as selecting packaging that’s appropriate. This is especially significant for companies that strive to provide a diverse selection of fresh and perishable goods to their set of customers. To set the business apart, it is crucial to select the right packaging for e-commerce food items. This goes on to make sure that the quality and freshness of the products are in tandem with what consumers would personally look for.
When looking out for food packaging, one must consider looking for features such as freezer- or oven-ready compatibility, easy-to-open convenience, and reclosable designs, in addition to the packaging that helps extend shelf life, is damage-resistant, and also prevents leaks. To prevent the degradation of substances, retain the quality of the product, and ensure its safety for consumption, it is vital to have sufficient protective packaging. Consumers are highly concerned about choices that prioritise recycling as well as waste reduction.
When it comes to the digital grocery realm, where consumers have many options to choose from, it is crucial for packaging, including both food packaging as well as transit packaging, to collaborate effectively so as to provide the convenience and scale that consumers seek.
Preserving the flavour and aroma of wine
The e-commerce wine sales industry presents a significant opportunity for growth. The e-commerce share of wine sales across the United States has experienced significant growth, increasing from a mere 0.3% in 2018 to nearly 3% till last year in 2022. This upward trend is expected to continue, thereby suggesting a promising future for online wine sales.
Choosing the appropriate protective packaging is crucial for the success of online wine shopping. It goes on to play a vital role in maintaining the correct temperature of wine shipments when it comes to transportation and storage, thereby protecting the quality of the wine throughout the entire supply chain.
Wine happens to be a fragile item that can be easily influenced by changes in external and internal temperature. Exposing wine to temperatures that are either too high or may be too low for extended periods of time can result in spoilage or even loss of its flavour and aroma.
Cold chain advancements can help online wine retailers expand their product offerings to customers by enhancing temperature control during the course of wine shipments. This improvement enables retailers to provide a broader selection of wines, including high-end and rare varieties that necessitate precise temperature management. This can also help elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers are more likely to receive wines that come in good condition and taste as desired.
The growth of ePharma is being driven by convenience, affordability, and accessibility
As per one of the studies, the seamlessness of online shopping has also reached the pharmaceutical industry. It mentions that around 80% of the U.S. population is connected to ePharmacy, and there is a growing trend towards the direct-to-patient model.
Temperature-controlled packaging happens to be crucial in various sectors, including the storage as well as transportation of medications, vaccines, and other pharmaceutical products. These items are highly sensitive to temperature and can often lose their efficacy or pose risks if they are not kept at a specific temperature.
Insulated box liners as well as vacuum-insulated panels happen to be packaging materials that play a crucial role when it comes to safeguarding temperature-sensitive medications. They go on to provide the necessary protection to ensure the safe passage and storage of pharmaceuticals throughout the entire supply chain, right from the manufacturer to the end customer.
Exploring the Significance of Packaging
The current shift towards online shopping needs a comprehensive packaging system that can effectively cater to the demands of e-commerce. It goes beyond the mere act of having the items placed in a corrugated cardboard box for transportation.
Let us look into primary packaging, specifically food packaging. It is essential to reduce damages during the shipping process, extend shelf life, and also prevent leakage. The ultimate solution lies in the appeal of the brand and its ability to come up with a positive experience for customers. The choice of the most apt packaging solution can make a significant difference in whether a customer will be fine and choose to shop with you again, regardless of whether it is through e-commerce or any other mode.
This brings us to protective packaging. Reducing packaging waste and enhancing reusability happen to be significant factors. Additionally, it ensures that your products will arrive fresh as well as undamaged. Packaging requirements can be tricky to navigate due to the variations that exist in various parts of the country. The conditions can vary from day to day, relying on factors related to weather and also the distance travelled.
One of the key issues that online retailers go on to face is pinpointing the right kind as well as the balance of packaging materials. It is important to strike a cord between using too much and too less of packaging.
When it comes to developing an e-commerce packaging strategy, it is imperative to consider the following factors:
Product protection: which is essential during shipment. By using void fill and padding, one can ensure that your product remains safe and secure. Not only does this safeguard the product from damage, but it also makes sure to keep the package organised and presents it in a more professional manner. Besides this, it contributes to an amicable experience for the recipient when they unpack the package.
Cold chain packaging: goes on to provide temperature protection for sensitive products while also reducing the need for void fill and potentially lowering freight costs.
The cost of distribution: happens to be significantly impacted by last-mile delivery, which is known to be both expensive as well as time-consuming. It accounts for 53% of the overall shipping cost, which includes fulfilment expenses.
When considering shipping costs: it is important to take into account package composition and size and the use of dimensional (DIM) weight. DIM weight happens to be a pricing technique that is provided to a shipment based on its volume and not its weight. To address the increasing dimensional weight fees, it is advisable to utilise smaller and more dependable protective packaging, and also vacuum packaging, for e-food.
The package opening experience: serves multiple purposes, with the primary ones being protection as well as preservation. However, it also plays a crucial role in establishing an immediate contact with the end consumer and presents a possibility to create a memorable experience when it comes to the brand.
Effective packaging goes on to play a crucial role in any e-commerce strategy
Creating effective packaging for e-commerce happens to be a complex task that requires careful consideration, as there is no universal solution that works for all situations. This can make the process seem overly complicated. Achieving seamless integration as well as compliance with regulatory safety standards requires an integrated approach to align all aspects of packaging solutions, both internally and externally.
Experts can recommend the apt packaging solution for a specific scenario based on factors like the type of product being packaged as well as considerations like durability, temperature control, and, of course, moisture resistance. In addition, they take into account the shipping distance and the mode of transportation. They will also implement testing procedures to make sure that products are adequately protected throughout the entire shipping process.
For instance, if temperature control is important, the layer thickness of TempGuard insulated box liners can be customised to achieve specific thermal performance. This is done through thermal modelling, which helps to maintain desired temperatures during one- and two-day ground shipping. The curbside recyclable solution happens to be designed to be printed on one side, allowing for additional branding opportunities. It is particularly well suited for numerous applications, such as pharmaceuticals and perishable foods.
In addition, it is also significant to take into account how packaging aligns with sustainability objectives, which is a growing concern for both businesses and consumers. Choosing the most suitable packaging to minimise product waste can greatly reduce the carbon footprint. This is because the consequences of such waste go far beyond the immediate impact, encompassing factors like the energy required for manufacturing as well as the greenhouse gases emitted from waste in landfills.
In the face of increasing online rivalries, brands have the opportunity to stand out by offering superior packaging options. These solutions not only enhance the consumer experience but also push repeat business, bring out the essence of loyalty, and also create a stellar reputation.
