More than 70% of consumers base their purchasing decisions on the quality of a product’s packaging. Because brands only get one chance at a first impression, package design and print quality are key to both attract new customers and continue to surprise and delight existing ones.
Advancements in packaging material quality and versatility mean brands have a variety of choices, but heavyweight paper stocks provide several unique benefits and advantages compared to other common packaging materials like plastic.
For instance, using a 130 lb. paper for packaging can help brands create interactive packaging that connects with consumers in a more tactile way. But there’s much more to what makes paper a superior packaging material. Sustainability, cost and the variety of paper options also play a key role, and, here, we’ll look at a couple of factors that make paper the ideal packaging material.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages paper has over other types of packaging materials is compatibility with the kind of finishing techniques that can make packaging unique. This can be a true differentiating factor in creating a deeper connection with customers.
For example, using paper for packaging applications allows for the use of finishings like die-cutting, perforation, foil stamping and ultraviolet (UV) coating. Not only do finishings like these increase the visual appeal of the package on a retail shelf or in photos on a website, but they can also be used to make the packaging more interactive and engaging. Plus, finishings can elevate your packaging and create a more premium look and feel to help set your products apart from the competition.
Paper packaging also allows for more creative folds, which can help increase the interactivity of your packaging and heighten the sense of anticipation that comes with unboxing a product.
With packaging made from other materials like plastic, it can be more difficult and costly to incorporate these kinds of unique finishings. However, the right heavyweight paper stock can provide durability, flexibility and versatility to create distinctive packaging that resonates with customers.
While other kinds of packaging materials like plastic can be recyclable, the recycling process is more complex, costly and time-intensive compared to paper packaging. First, the sorting process for recycling plastic packaging requires more equipment and manpower, making it a costly and resource-heavy enterprise. Plus, the strength and protection plastic packaging offers usually requires chemical additives that render the plastic a non-recyclable product.
Paper packaging is recyclable and can even use up to 100% post-consumer fibers without compromising visual appeal or durability; even heavyweight papers can be easily recycled to create a more eco-friendly approach to product packaging and shipping. Sourcing paper from forests that are sustainably harvested also helps brands adopt more eco-friendly packaging practices.
With The Heavyweights by Accent® Opaque, brands can leverage the design and durability benefits of a heavyweight paper stock that is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified for a more sustainable supply chain.
A coated sheet incorporates some kind of treatment or coating on the surface, giving the paper a more glossy appearance and slowing the rate of ink absorption into the paper. Different kinds of coating have different effects, and some provide enhanced levels of water resistance and UV protection.
The ability to choose between coated and uncoated paper for product packaging helps brands better adapt to the specs of an individual packaging application — a coated sheet is better equipped to produce vibrant images, whereas an uncoated sheet will dry faster given the accelerated ink absorption. That said, uncoated papers can be finished with full coating or spot coating for protection or to add special effects.
Choosing paper over other materials can help unlock more creative, cost-effective and sustainable packaging. And the right heavyweight paper can help increase the durability of your packaging without skimping on versatility. The Heavyweights by Accent Opaque is a premium, heavyweight paper stock that offers unparalleled production value to add a little extra heft to your packaging.
Learn more about The Heavyweights.