Transparent Packaging in Shipping: When to Show, when to Shield

So transparent packaging is becoming super popular for a variety of reasons. It is a unique way to show the way that your packaging stands out. 

It offers faster sorting, especially for companies that put everything in bulk boxes. It also betters the customer's excitement, because they can see everything. Finally, there's fewer returns.   Having some visibility and transparency in your packaging is good.

But, there are a few concerns that come with this, which we need to be mindful of. 

The Problems with Transparency 

With transparent packaging, there's a few risks that come with this.

The first is theft.

Theft of packaging happens a lot.   It can happen when you’re shipping out the item, or during delivery.   When this happens, the item might get compromised.

The second, is privacy concerns. So many worry about their items being seen by everyone, leading to both theft and counterfeiting, so it’s another thing to worry about.

The third reason why people don’t like transparent packaging is UV. UV exposure will decrease the item, and it can cause issues with packaging, so it might not be best for certain items. 

Get Creative with Transparency 

One thing that you should do is not make everything transparent. Make a little bit of this transparent, so you can still see the item, but it’s not out there in the open for people to do something illicit with it.

For example, having a little window that customers can look into is good. you might even craft flaps that will help to show off the item. The same goes for panels, especially transparent ones, so you’re able to show off the item.

Then there's cutouts. Various cutouts will help to show what’s inside, giving its own unique sneak peek without compromising the integrity.

Ways to Offer Smart Transparency 

So we mentioned getting creative, but what can you do to make this special?

Film sections are one example. These are sections with a film that will show what’s inside, but not everything, offering its own protection and transparency. 

Reveal flaps, like mentioned earlier, is another example. These will reveal the item without showing the bigger picture of it. This can be fun with certain items like chocolates, in order to show what’s inside without showing everything. 

One other example is fogged plastics. These offer semi-transparency. Not enough to show everything that’s there, but close enough to give you a feel for everything that’s in there. 

Overall, with this type of packaging, you’re always going to have some kind of little bit of transparency to it, so make sure that you offer it in a smart way.

So Who’s Using This 

A lot of brands are taking the plunge and working with some transparency to help improve their packaging efforts.

Lots of food brands are using this type of packaging, especially when looking into their own packaging, and building something special. Lots of candy and other brands are using this.

Some high-end retailers might consider transparency in some areas to help make this really shine. While not every brand will use it, those that do usually offer a small look to what’s inside, not giving the full show just yet.

With transparent packaging, you build customer excitement with these packaging supplies and unique features. When you’re able to build packaging that’s see-through but also isn’t just a walking red flag, begging for thieves to grab it, it’s great. Be smart, be transparent, and be obvious about all of your packaging inside, and really show others the goodies smartly.