Whether it is food or medicine, packaging for export is crucial in ensuring that products sell successfully across borders. Different cultures and habits come into play and influence sales results. The same applies to the specific territory and the economic and demographic aspects of the destination country.
Best-selling packaging for export: the six pillars
According to the results of a new study conducted by Constantia Flexibles, six main factors are responsible for the sometimes noticeable differences between the various approaches to packaging for export.
1. Geographical location
The location of the destination country affects the route and time of transport. The functional choice of packaging material for export is decisive. The pack must protect the goods from external factors. In addition, food requires adequate storage and expiration timeframe.
2. Legal framework
Compliance with quality standards and sometimes complex procedures is essential for packaging abroad. The information needed on the packaging and labels is not the same throughout the supply chain. For food, for example, strict safety standards are in place.
3. Environmental background
Weather conditions significantly influence choosing the suitable packaging material for overseas. Tropical climates require different conservation protections than dry areas. A bag of chips from the European plains can explode 2,000 meters above sea level.
4. Cultural aspects
When the product is finally at the point of sale, it must meet the customer’s demands and stand out from the competition. Shopping habits evolve slowly; not all consumers like to throw themselves into the news. Using colors and shapes can evoke positive and negative associations with foreign packaging. In China, for example, white is the color of mourning, unlike what happens here. Demographics such as average age and population distribution between rural and urban centers also affect packaging design.
5. Economic situation
The proper packaging for foreign countries depends on the economic context. Providing single portions and practical takeaway boxes will be good if the target audience is employees who often go in a hurry. The demand for eco-friendly and recyclable materials is usually proportional to the average income.
6. Spread of eCommerce
The rise of online shopping is changing the packaging market. The differentiating features attract customers’ attention when products are visible and tangible on a shelf. In online stores, purchase decisions are rarely made based on the packaging but instead on advertising or marketing actions. Once the goods leave the warehouse, packaging again comes to the foreground. Safe shipping and a WOW effect are instrumental in creating customer loyalty when opening the package.
Conclusions on packaging for export
In short: are you an exporter of products and looking for advice on packaging abroad? Packly can meet every customization need with the proper formats and safe and ecological materials. Create a prototype.
