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Rigid packaging is a common option for certain kinds of goods, principally because of the support and luxurious feel it gives. It’s also known as premium packaging because of its weight and cost. This article will explore the purpose of rigid box packaging and how it is constructed as well as its drawbacks and advantages and provide some examples of successful ones to think about.
Let’s get started!
What are Rigid Boxes or Set-up Boxes?
Rigid boxes are strong paper-based boxes made of thick (often 3-mm) chipboard and wrapped in decorative specialty papers. They are also called gift boxes, set-up boxes, and high-end packaging.
Rigid boxes are an excellent packaging solution that is commonly used for;
Board Games
High-end products, e.g. Jewelry
Gifts
Additionally, Rigid packaging provides an elegant feel that improves the experience of unboxing for customers which gives you more opportunities to create a compelling brand identity.
Rigid boxes have a range of branding options by printing and finishing, including;
Hot stamping
Embossing/debossing
Coatings
Decorative elements
Rigid Packaging vs. Flexible Packaging
It is likely that you know how rigid and flexible packaging differ based on their names. Rigid packaging is a growing segment of packaging comprised of heavy paperboard. It is a reference to solid, hard packaging in contrast to the alternative flexible packaging.Â
The rigid packaging, as it is referred to, doesn’t alter its shape. It is built to last and provides solid support, as well as being comparatively more luxurious in appearance and feel. But, it’s not as sturdy or durable as other packaging options like corrugated however, it will still provide your products with a solid design.
Flexible packaging On the other hand is able to bend easily and can be molded into any shape you require. The main difference, in this case, is the fact that it can be used in a variety of ways. Flexible packaging is basically all packaging that can be bent easily like the folding carton and comes in a variety of sizes.
It is essential to know the difference between rigid and non-rigid boxes. Set-up or rigid boxes are constructed from heavy and strong paperboards to make elegant packaging solutions. But the rigid packaging industry encompasses a variety of materials like glass and metals.
In this case, we will be focusing on rigid cardboard boxes.
Rigid boxes are only a tiny, but rapidly growing part of the massive flexible packaging industry. The market for rigid paperboards was worth US$ 496.72 billion as of 2016 and is growing at an impressive annual rate (CAGR) in the range of 5.8 percent!
Types of Rigid Packaging
The two rigid boxes are the partial-finish and full-finish rigid boxes.
Partial Finish
The partial finish is a kind of rigid packaging in which the chipboard and wrapping aren’t completely completed. The wrapping only serves to cover the outer edges, while the inside of the box is clearly visible and unfinished, meaning that it’s not fully completely finished.
Partial finished rigid boxes are constructed using a single piece of chipboard that has perforated lines of the crease that allow for wrapping and folding with no additional exterior layer, which exposes the grey or kraft chipboard left exposed.
The partially finished rigid boxes take considerably less time to make since less material is required during the building process.
In summation;
- Wrapped to only complete the edges of the boxes
- The chipboard’s rigidity is not finished and visible.
- The chipboard’s interior is one piece, with perforated lines of the crease and folded
- Tape can be used to secure chipboard prior to wrapping it
- The chipboard finish may be coated with White as well as Kraft.
Full Finish
In the full-length finish, there is no chipboard visible as the box is completely wrapped. Chipboard with a thinner thickness is also utilized in the form of a chipboard with a 2-3mm thickness. The chipboard inside is divided into sections for each side of the box. it is laminated using different finishing options based on your requirements.
Full-finish rigid boxes come with the option of an extra layer of wrapping that can be colored white (default) as well as printed.
In Summary;
- Completely wrapped so that there is no chipboard left exposed
- The chipboard in the inner box is separate pieces for each of the faces of the box.
- No tape is used prior to wrapping boxes.
- The chipboard is thinner (or graybeard) in 2 – 3 millimeters thicknesses
- Laminated with various finishing options
Tube Packaging
Also known as rolled-edge tube packaging rigid tubes are an eco-friendly and unique packaging material for people who want for a way to distinguish themselves and appear unique.
The rigid tube is one form of rigid packaging which is cylindrical in its shape with no corners. It typically comes in a shoulder-neck or telescopic design of opening.
The most well-known example of a tube made of rigid is the Pringles container. Rigid tubes are used to package smaller items such as cosmetics, drinks as well as stationery items. an easy opening technique.
Magnetic closures
The satisfying “snap” of the magnetic closure box can be a bit addictive since the two magnets of the rigid boxes bind for secure closure. Magnetic closure boxes are made of two magnets in rigid boxes which are locked together to securely close the box.
Due to its durable and solid construction, consumers are likely to be reluctant to dispose of these boxes and it is a long-lasting alternative since boxes that are rigid can be excellent storage solutions for makeup, jewelry, and much more (depending on the dimensions and the size of the bag).
Additionally, its structural design gives it a distinctive and luxurious experience. The magnetic closure gives the most elegant experience of unboxing that your customers will be sure to cherish forever!
Magnetic closure boxes come in collapsible or standard designs.
While the traditional style is more robust and robust The collapsible magnetic closure container is packaged and delivered flat which can dramatically cut down on shipping and handling costs.
The boxes that are collapsible usually come with double-sided tape which adheres to the collapsible surfaces of the box. This makes it no longer collapsible for your customers. If you don’t pay attention Your customers will not even be aware that they’re collapsible to start with. Genius!
Telescopic rigid boxes
Telescopic, also known as telescope rigid boxes could also be described in the same way as top load, 2-piece rigid boxes as well as the lid as well as tray rigid packaging, with the lid separating from the base horizontally.
This is the traditional Monopoly Game Box or iPhone box style of opening, but the boxes appear and feel very different.
High-end telescope boxes (like smartphones) are constructed using precise measurements in order to permit friction and a slow opening speed which means that the base will slowly open from underneath the lid.
Telescopic boxes are stronger than rigid boxes because there are four sides of the lid as well as the base, which overlap when closed.
This makes it a great choice for products likely to be used several times, which makes it a durable packaging choice.
Partially lid boxes can be described as a form of telescopic rigid container where the lid only covers a portion of the bottom, which makes it much easier to open and close.
Drawer Style Rigid Boxes
There’s something satisfying about pulling the drawer out, particularly one that is small and box-shaped that has a brand-new item inside of it.
Drawer-style rigid boxes are referred to as slide, slide, or matchboxes as they are opened similarly to matchboxes.
With either the ribbon pull that is attached or a semi-circle thumb hole, these drawer-type rigid box designs are comparable to telescopic rigid boxes however, they are on the opposite side literally.
Telescope boxes are ideal for any product you wish to ensure they are level and straight in case a client opens the box.
The option of opening horizontally rather than vertically can be a good way to prevent accidents or even accidents, as in this video of a man dismantling his brand-new iPhone in the course of an interview.
Drawer-style containers can be constructed with mechanisms integrated for child safety to stop children from opening items that could cause harm.
Book Style Rigid Boxes
The book-style rigid box is an innovative and ingenuous rigid packaging choice because it opens just like an actual hardcover book. It is made with a straight or rounded spine to make it appear like a book. magnetic attachments are also included in this rigid packaging design.
Although this is an original packaging design, it is a great way in helping to build the brand’s identity based on the niche you are in. An excellent example is pairing your candle’s brand with books for an unboxing experience that is optimal.
Shoulder Neck Rigid Boxes
This kind of box is made up of multiple layers comprising a different nick, or shoulder inner layer. is able to be a lid over. This is a great kind of packaging option if you need to create an unforgettable unboxing experience as it is customizable to reflect your brand’s colors and designs!
After you’ve decided which kind of rigid packaging you like The second step will be to decide the contents that will be inside. Designers usually leave the neck part of the rigid shoulder box exposed in order to create the impression of a multi-layered or multi-packaging which can create an atmosphere of mystery for consumers as they view an expensive product.
Additional Packaging Materials
Other packaging materials such as boxes are very sought-after in the design of rigid packaging. Inserts for packaging are highly recommended if you’re trying to have the perfect packing experience in a rigid box.
A customized packaging insert’s created specifically for your product and helps it to stay put for an enhanced appearance and also provides the highest level of shock-proofing even in the event of droppings or rough handling.
There are occasions when products are round or rectangular and fit inside a rigid box in a perfect way, however, cases of this are less common.
Custom inserts typically come in
- Paperboard
- Corrugated
- Molded pulp
- Foam
- Plastic
The Cost of Production and Construction
The structure of rigid boxes is unique to any other type of packaging. Much like the process of wrapping gifts they are constructed by carefully wrapping papers around solid boards.
The boards are usually grey or Kraft color, which is made from recycled fibers. They are also available in white or other colors for the base. Each chipboard is individually attached to form a rigid box.
Making rigid boxes is an extended production process, which could take up to a week longer to create than other packaging types.
The majority of rigid box production procedures involve some level of assembly by hand and quality checks that go into greater depth to look for any flaws and to ensure that the product meets high-quality standards.
These boxes are also more expensive than the other packaging materials that are discussed in the Alternatives section. As high-end packaging rigid packaging is one of the more costly kinds of packaging.
It can cost up to 3 times the price of alternatives to paper packaging like folding cartons or corrugated packaging rigid boxes are extremely popular in the world of luxury retail.
The price increase is very easily justified by the majority of brands because premium packaging can bring an enormous amount of value that is perceived to both the brand and product.
