Apparently, packaging inserts are not about filling that empty space inside your product packaging. Let’s imagine when your customers open a box and find a delightful display or surprise that makes them smile. Well, that’s the real power of custom inserts. They are the best investments your business should make as they can provide better product protection, deliver your marketing messages, and improve the customer experience. So, let’s discuss them further with our detailed guide!
What Are Packaging Inserts?
In brief, packaging inserts or pulp inlays are materials you can add to your product packaging. They serve various purposes, such as protecting your product, informing, and even making customers feel more valued.
Types of Packaging Inserts
Various packaging insert examples can truly transform your ordinary packaging into something extraordinary. Let’s check some types of packaging inserts below!
Foam Inserts
Made of polyurethane foam, EVA foam, or PE foam, these famous inserts provide cushioning and protection for your fragile products, ensuring they arrive perfectly and luxuriously. You can also add custom printing as a premium touch that elevates your brand.
Best for: Luxury or fragile products and tech gadgets.
Cardboard Inserts
Cardboard inserts are made of Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) or kraft paperboard, which makes them flexible and affordable for almost any product. By printing your brand’s logo or a promotional message on them, they become a subtle marketing tool.
Best for: Cosmetic & skincare products, food products, and subscription boxes.
Paper Inserts
Paper inserts are produced from heavy, thick paper that’s often used for printing, perfect for thank-you notes, instructions, or promotional materials. Plus, your brand-oriented colors can add a personal touch to every package.
Best for: Product information, thank-you notes, promotional messages.
Corrugated Inserts
Corrugated inserts are made of corrugated material with flutes for strength and stability. They can give your products a professional look while ensuring they are safely secured during a harsh shipping journey.
Best for: E-commerce packaging and products that come in bottles.
Rigid Chipboard Inserts
Crafted using chipboard (recycled or virgin paperboard), rigid chipboard inserts offer a premium feel and better product safety. Better yet, you can also customize them to create an unforgettable first impression.
Best for: Jewelry items, perfumes, and gift products.
Molded Pulp Inserts
Molded pulp inserts are eco-friendly and reliably strong options as they are produced from recycled paper pulp, bamboo pulp, or other plant-based fibers. They will protect your products while aligning with your business’s sustainability efforts.
Best for: Electronics and household products.
Fabric Inserts
Velvet or satin are some examples of fabric inserts that can add a luxury touch. And yes, they are printable, too!
Best for: Watches, jewelry items, and luxury goods.
Pop Packaging Inserts
Pop packaging inserts are made of paperboard, plastic, or flexible film, which are ideal for creating a memorable unboxing experience. These inserts encourage sharing on social media to widen your brand’s reach.
Best for: Social media campaigns and limited-edition products.
Let’s make it easier with the table below!
| Types | Materials | Features | Products |
| Foam Inserts | Polyurethane foam, EVA foam, or PE foam | Provide cushioning and protection | Luxury and fragile products, tech gadgets |
| Cardboard Inserts | Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS), or kraft paperboard | Flexible and affordable | Cosmetic & skincare products, food products, and subscription boxes |
| Paper Inserts | A heavy, thick paper | Can add a personal touch to every package | Product information, thank-you notes, promotional messages |
| Corrugated Inserts
| Corrugated material with flutes | Provide strength and stability | E-commerce packaging and products that come in bottles |
| Rigid Chipboard Inserts | Chipboard (recycled paperboard or virgin paperboard) | Offer a premium feel and better product safety | Jewelry items, perfumes, and gift products |
| Molded Pulp Inserts | Recycled paper pulp, bamboo pulp, or other plant-based fibers | Protect products while aligning with sustainability efforts | Electronics and household products |
| Fabric Inserts | Velvet or satin | Add a luxury touch | Watches, jewelry, and luxury goods |
| Pop Packaging Inserts | Paperboard, plastic, or flexible film | Create a memorable unboxing experience | Social media campaigns and limited-edition products |
Make Your Packaging Remarkable with Printing on Custom Inserts
No doubt, a box insert serves a practical purpose for product packaging. However, with the help of custom printing, it becomes a personal touch, a conversation starter, or a marketing tool.
Check out some packaging insert ideas that can make your packaging more remarkable.
- A thank-you card: A thank-you card with your logo embossed can draw customers’ eyes and make them remember your brand for longer.
- Discount coupons: Who doesn’t like to get a discount? Keep those customers coming back by adding discount coupons as your packaging insert!
- A care instruction card: Printed inserts with product details and information can make your products user-friendly.
So, what printing should you choose?
Full-color digital printing for inserts will deliver vibrant colors and sharp details. You can also try foil stamping or embossing your logo to create an experience your customers can literally feel. Plus, if your business is committed to sustainability, you can use eco-friendly inks that align with your brand’s values.
The Benefits of Packaging Inserts for Boxes
Whether you sell your products in a retail or online setting, a custom box insert should be at the top of your list. Many businesses have been using them, and so should yours. Here are some valid, beneficial reasons to use them!
Protect Your Products and Brand
Packaging inserts protect your valuable products with the utmost care and precision during transit. They create a cushion that ensures your products will arrive safely. Thus, helping you avoid product returns and negative customer feedback. But that’s not all! This level of care shows your customers that you want to deliver only the best and turn every package into a moment of excitement. As a result, they will surely trust your brand.
Create a Long-Lasting Relationship with Customers
Customized inserts are the perfect opportunity to elevate your brand’s image. They can turn a simple transaction into a memorable moment. It’s not just about your product anymore; it’s about the feeling your brand delivers in every unboxing. When customers experience that, it’s more than just business—it’s a long-lasting relationship.
Help Your Marketing Efforts
Personalized inserts, like discount coupons or promo codes, can turn your packaging into an opportunity for a future sale. Even better, they can drive repeat business and word-of-mouth free promotion.
Add Value to Your Products
Inserts are the perfect place to provide guidance, whether it’s a how-to guide, product safety instructions, or useful tips. This way, you can add more value to your product and convince more customers.
Eco-Friendly Effects
You’re not just protecting your products by choosing eco-friendly options like molded pulp or paper inserts. More than that, you’re protecting the planet; thus, customers will feel proud of their purchase.
A Business ‘Stand Out’
Custom inserts give you the perfect chance to stand out. Imagine beautifully designed foam packaging inserts for a delicate piece of jewelry in rigid boxes. These small but unforgettable touches create a wow factor that keeps your brand top-of-mind.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Insert?
Of course, the perfect packaging insert isn’t just about protecting your products. It is more about presenting your brand’s image and creating a memorable customer experience.
Here’s how to choose the right custom insert for your product and business!
- Consider your product’s fragility
You can choose foam inserts or molded pulp inserts for delicate or fragile products. These inserts provide maximum protection. With their eco-friendly feature, they will showcase your brand’s commitment to quality.
- Match your brand’s vibe
Opt for custom printed inserts to deliver unique designs or personalized messages that match your brand’s vibe.
- Give the premium feel
If you offer luxury products, rigid chipboard inserts will make them look more elegant and premium.
- Focus on sustainability
Consider eco-friendly options like paper inserts or molded pulp. These options provide green values while providing functional protection.
Summing Up
Indeed, adding packaging inserts into your product packaging isn’t just about filling space. Instead, they provide benefits like protecting your valuable products, elevating your brand, marketing your product, adding product value, and being eco-friendly.
From foam inserts, paper inserts, and cardboard inserts to rigid chipboard inserts, they can really make a huge impact on your business. Plus, when you add custom printing, you’re not just sending a product—you’re delivering a branded experience that customers will always remember.
