With 31% of UK shoppers now prioritising quality when they buy (Ideagen), substandard packaging is no longer an option for brands. That’s why many businesses in the UK are embracing sustainable cardboard inserts, using them to improve packaging, reduce the risk of product damage - and the costly returns this can cause - and provide customers with that all-important positive unboxing experience.
In this blog, we explore what cardboard inserts are, the benefits they offer, and how they can help elevate packaging strategies to the next level.
Cardboard inserts explained
Cardboard inserts are added to packaging to protect products and create a memorable unboxing experience for the right reasons. They’re designed to keep items securely in place as they journey from A to B, preventing movement and reducing the risk of damage. Receiving damaged goods can quickly erode consumers’ trust in the brands they buy from. And trust matters - 88% of consumers who trust a brand say they would buy again (Deloitte). That’s why being known for delivering a consistent, positive unboxing experience is central to building a loyal customer base that keeps coming back to buy time and time again.
Prioritising protective power
Cardboard inserts for boxes are custom-designed and tailored to fit products of various shapes and sizes perfectly. They can be die-cut, folded or layered for different product needs - to the exact shape and size of the products being packed. Because of this, they keep goods secure and safe, reducing movement during shipping and minimising the risk of damaged products in transit. With such a secure fit, inserts help to prevent scratches, scuffs, dents and breakages, helping products to arrive in the condition that they were packed. They’re also lightweight yet sturdy, protecting products, without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
The product protection that comes with cardboard box inserts is vital for keeping consumers happy, as fewer damages lead to fewer returns and replacements, saving businesses time and money. It’s a cost-effective approach to packaging that strikes a balance between protection and minimising the chances of damage without shipping costs spiralling. With 48% of consumers willing to pay more for quality customer service (Forbes), having products that arrive in perfect condition sets brands apart, with customers knowing they can rely on their order turning up in the condition they expect.
A sustainable alternative
Cardboard box inserts offer a recyclable, cost-effective solution compared to foam and plastic inserts. Whereas plastic and foam inserts are often made from non-recyclable materials, cardboard is a sustainable, recyclable alternative. A great example of this in action is how games brand TipToi made the switch from plastic to paper-based inserts - an innovation that not only met their packaging needs but also saved over 160 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, highlighting the real environmental impact of making the move to cardboard. Plus, with the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in the UK, putting greater pressure on businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging, switching to recyclable cardboard inserts is a smart move for all types of manufacturers.
Filling the packaging void
Cardboard packaging inserts also reduce void space within the box, making sure products fit securely without too much empty space around them. They help to reduce the need for additional packing materials, such as bubble wrap, by making better use of available space in the box. This minimises waste and makes packaging more sustainable, which resonates with eco-conscious shoppers. In fact, 49% of people say they would pay more for sustainable packaging and delivery (Deloitte Global). Plus, with less empty space, packaging becomes more compact and easier to transport, which can also help lower overall shipping costs.
Unmatched unboxing experiences
The importance of packaging in the unboxing experience is high for many customers, with nearly half of UK shoppers thinking so (Internet Retailing). Cardboard inserts for boxes help brands to create a memorable unboxing experience for customers by featuring branding, instructions or product details, adding a personal touch that reinforces brand identity.
By helping to keep products secure, shipping inserts help customers receive a perfectly presented package, creating a sense of excitement and boosting satisfaction. This improves the overall unboxing experience, giving customers a premium shopping moment that leaves a positive, lasting impression. Ready-to-drink (RTD) hard seltzer brand Arrowtown used this to its advantage, combining inserts with their bespoke can packaging that stands out, makes a statement and showcases the beverage brand. Not only does this boost customer satisfaction, but it also strengthens brand reputation, highlighting the business’s commitment to keeping its customers happy.
Industry-inclusive packaging solution
As packaging inserts for boxes are made to align with the products being packed, they’re used by a wide range of industries. From gaming and electronics to health and beauty, food, drink and more, cardboard inserts offer bespoke protection for products of all shapes and sizes.
For example, despite being in very different industries, Gymkhana and Bee Natural Wax Melts both use packaging with sustainable inserts to protect products in their postal boxes.
Cardboard packaging inserts are especially valued in industries that ship fragile or high-value items - such as technology, electronics, and premium beverages - where protection and presentation are key. Equi London used to receive customer complaints about their health and beauty supplements arriving damaged, so they added packaging inserts to stop this from happening. Now, they enjoy protective packaging they can be proud of.
At Smurfit Westrock, our experts help brands to reap the many rewards of cardboard inserts by creating customised solutions focused on product protection and sustainability. With the Smurfit Westrock team by your side, your business can add box inserts to your packaging setup to ensure safer shipments, enhance customer satisfaction and support you on your sustainability journey. Get in touch to find out more today!