Innovative packaging solutions for online retail

E-commerce is booming. At the same time, the expectations and demands of end customers are rising, which smaller online shops also want to meet. They also want to serve their customers with professional packaging that looks smart, shows cost efficiency and is also sustainable.

By developing compact packaging portfolios, packaging specialist Smurfit Kappa not only bundles the latest packaging innovations on the market, but with its eShop also helps small businesses to have shipping packaging at a professional level.

According to the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh), industry sales in the private customer business grew to more than 100 billion euros for the first time in 2021. The growth compared to the previous year was 19 percent. Total internet trade via online shops and marketplaces between companies, including production connection trade and wholesale, reached a volume of more than 180 billion euros.

Smurfit Kappa recognised this trend several years ago and has successively and consistently tailored its portfolio of professional packaging materials to target industries. The company offers every shape and size adapted to the needs of large customers with individual requirements as well as standardised from the online shop for smaller quantities directly on demand. In doing so, Smurfit Kappa has continuously analysed the most diverse segments and translated them into customised packaging portfolios.

Nico Heitmann, Head of Business Development & Marketing, at Smurfit Kappa says: "The rapid growth of the e-commerce market, especially since the start of the pandemic, is enormous - as is the growing demand for shipping packaging from the fastest growing sectors. Yet the wide range of packaging solutions for each application can be 'almost overwhelming', so that customers quickly lose track of the best options. This is why we have developed our online packaging portfolios."

Tamper-proof packaging for the healthcare and beauty industry

Some goods that can be ordered online require special protection against tampering or theft. Smurfit Kappa has therefore developed, for example, the tamper-evident packaging "Tamper Evident Pack", which is part of the new Health & Beauty packaging portfolio. The Tamper Evident Pack has a clever sealing mechanism, does not require any adhesive tape at all and ensures that the goods arrive safely at their destination. This protection works for both first-time shipments and returned items.

Skin care brand Paula's Choice, known for its safe beauty products, turned to Smurfit Kappa to meet its growing packaging needs. The brief was to supply three different sized boxes within a very tight timeframe. Smurfit Kappa was able to meet Paula's Choice's original specification of 14,000 large, 100,000 medium and 30,000 small boxes within the tight timeframe.

Luxury brands from SMCP with e-fashion portfolio packaging

SMCP, whose brands include Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, needed a completely new packaging portfolio to optimise its internal processes and online shipping. Together with Smurfit Kappa, an all-round solution was found here, with chic shipping packaging for the company's current e-fashion portfolio.

Shipping solutions for the flower trade

Through Corona, there has been a boom in flower shipping as flower shops have had to stay closed for long periods of time. The flower packaging portfolio for the mail order business includes both cut flowers and potted plants as well as gift packaging. All packaging options ensure that the customer receives the delicate goods in perfect condition. The size and features of the packaging can be customised to suit products. The material is made from renewable raw materials and is 100% recyclable.

Boris Maschmann, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in the DACH region, on the customising strategy: "In the past, packaging was just packaging. Today they are part of the brand experience. At the same time, they have to fit in terms of shape and size, be sustainable and the price must also be right. We have specialised in such solutions. We have penetrated the market deeply - based on both customer experience and collected data - and have developed packaging portfolios that reduce complexities and significantly cut development times."