When it comes to packaging in Australia, it’s not just about putting your product in a box or bag. The right design does three important jobs: it protects your product, carries your branding, and shows customers the value of what’s inside before they even open it. At The Packaging People, we like to keep things simple: focus on the three P’s of packaging design – Protection, Printing and Perceived Value. Get those right, and you’re setting your brand up for success.
Protecting your product
Let’s start with the basics. Packaging has one clear job before anything else: protect your product. If it arrives damaged, all your effort in design and marketing goes to waste. The type of protection you need depends on the product itself and how it’s being moved from A to B.
Ask yourself:
- Will it be shipped in bulk to retailers and stacked in warehouses?
- Does it need to be palletised and handled with forklifts?
- Is it heading straight to customers via couriers or postal services?
- Is your product sensitive to heat, humidity, moisture or extreme cold?
A jar of jam, for example, needs strong boxes and dividers to prevent breakage. A delicate art print may need flat rigid mailers and protective sleeves. Skincare products could require airtight packaging to maintain freshness and avoid leaks. Every detail counts.
It’s also worth thinking about sustainability at this stage. Protective packaging doesn’t have to mean wasteful packaging. There are plenty of eco-friendly options now that balance durability with a lighter environmental footprint. If you’re unsure what fits your product best, our team can guide you to a custom packaging solution.
Printing and how to get it right
Once you know your product is safe, it’s time to think about how your packaging looks and communicates. Printing is often the first thing people notice, and it’s your chance to set the tone for your brand.
Printing has three main roles:
- Identify the product: Make sure customers can instantly tell what they’re buying.
- Inform: Include details your customers need to know, from ingredients to instructions. In some industries, this is a legal requirement, such as food hygiene or safety standards.
- Promote: Use your packaging as a mini billboard. Your logo, tagline, and design choices can all help connect with your target audience.
For brands testing the market or launching a new product, printed pressure-sensitive labels are a smart option. They’re quick to produce, affordable, and flexible. If your design changes or regulations update, you can adjust your labels without losing your entire stock of packaging.
Once your product is established, custom printed packaging steps things up. Imagine receiving a coffee subscription in a beautifully printed, branded cylinder tube versus a plain brown box. One feels generic, the other feels premium, and that difference matters. Investing in high-quality printing adds to the overall customer experience and can make your product stand out against competitors.
Adding perceived value
The final P is where packaging design really pays off. Your packaging doesn’t just protect and inform; it also shapes how people feel about your product. Investing in custom packaging can elevate your brand and make your product feel premium, regardless of its price point.
Shoppers make quick judgments. Before they touch or taste your product, they’ve already formed an opinion based on its look and feel. Packaging that feels considered and high-quality suggests that the product inside is worth it.
Different markets call for different approaches:
- Retail shelves: Products need an eye-catching design to grab attention and hold it. A distinctive colour scheme or clever opening mechanism helps your product stand out.
- Industrial or commercial markets: Here, efficiency matters more than aesthetics. Packaging should be easy to handle, stack, and open, saving customers time and money.
- Premium products: For higher price tags, like luxury candles or skincare, the packaging must match the cost. Think smooth finishes, embossed logos, or textured materials that elevate the unboxing experience.
It’s not just about the first impression either. Reusable or recyclable packaging can add long-term value, showing customers you care about quality and sustainability. That attention to detail builds trust and keeps people coming back.
Nail the three P’s with The Packaging People
We’ve seen how small tweaks to packaging can have a big impact. Switching to sturdier boxes can cut down on damage during shipping. Updating print design can refresh a brand without changing the product itself. Adding perceived value through better finishes can move a product into a whole new market.
Shop online for a range of packaging supplies that will help you ace the three P’s, or get in touch with our team today for expert advice on custom packaging in Australia.