Custom Printed Bags Archives | Star Stuff Group

Are Custom Paper Bags the Solution to Retail Packaging Challenges?

Retail packaging plays a crucial role in the shopping experience. It not only holds products but also acts as a touchpoint between the brand and the consumer. Custom paper bags have emerged as a popular choice for retailers looking to enhance their packaging. They offer a practical and stylish solution that excites customers and supports branding efforts.

This article will explore the multiple advantages of custom paper bags in retail, including their environmental benefits, design options, and practical considerations. By understanding these aspects, retailers can make informed choices that enhance their brand and satisfy their customers.

Benefits of Custom Paper Bags for Retail

Custom paper bags offer numerous advantages for retailers. They enhance the shopping experience by providing a practical and aesthetic solution for carrying purchases. Customers appreciate bags that are sturdy and easy to handle, making their shopping more convenient.

One key benefit is the ability to customise the bags to fit various needs. Retailers can choose the size, shape, and style that best suits their products. Some may need small, elegant bags for jewellery, while others might need larger, robust bags for clothing or groceries. This flexibility ensures that the packaging matches the product perfectly.

Custom paper bags also serve as a powerful marketing tool. Branded bags spread the retailer’s logo and message every time the customer uses the bag. This increases brand visibility and recognition. When customers carry a well-designed bag, it creates a positive impression of the store, encouraging repeat visits.

Additionally, paper bags offer a safe and secure option for carrying goods. They are durable and can handle a fair amount of weight, reducing the risk of breakage compared to thin plastic bags. This assures customers that their purchases are protected, adding to their overall satisfaction.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

One of the biggest draws of custom paper bags is their eco-friendliness. As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, consumers are looking for sustainable options. Paper bags are biodegradable, breaking down naturally without harming the environment. This makes them a better choice than plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Many paper bags are made from recycled materials, further reducing their environmental impact. By reusing existing resources, these bags help conserve raw materials and reduce waste. Retailers who use recycled paper bags can proudly highlight their commitment to sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious customers.

Paper bags are also reusable. Unlike single-use plastic bags, customers can use paper bags multiple times. This reduces the overall consumption of bags and minimises waste. Encouraging customers to reuse bags can build a cycle of sustainability and responsibility.

Moreover, the production of paper bags tends to have a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic bags. Since they are made from organic materials, the production process involves fewer harmful chemicals. This reduces pollution and helps in the fight against climate change.

By choosing custom paper bags, retailers can align their business practices with environmental values, contributing to a healthier planet while meeting customer demands for sustainable products.

Design Flexibility and Branding Opportunities

Custom paper bags offer retailers significant design flexibility. This adaptability allows businesses to create unique packaging that stands out. Retailers can choose from a variety of colours, sizes, and styles to match their brand’s aesthetic. From minimalist designs to vibrant, eye-catching graphics, the possibilities are endless.

Branding opportunities with custom paper bags are vast. Retailers can print their logo, tagline, and other brand elements directly on the bag. This turns each bag into a mobile advertisement, increasing brand visibility. Well-designed bags can attract attention and leave a lasting impression on customers.

Adding customised features like handles, ribbons, or special textures further enhances the bag’s appeal. These details can elevate the shopping experience, making it more memorable. Customers who receive a stylish, high-quality bag are more likely to reuse it. This extends the reach of the brand and keeps it in the minds of potential new customers.

Retailers can also create special edition bags for events or promotions. Holiday-themed or limited-edition designs can boost customer excitement. These special bags can become collectibles, enhancing brand loyalty and increasing sales.

Cost-Effectiveness and Practical Considerations

Custom paper bags are also cost-effective for many retailers. They provide value for money when considering their durability, customisation options, and eco-friendly benefits. While the initial cost might be slightly higher than standard plastic bags, the long-term benefits outweigh the expense.

Bulk purchasing can reduce the cost per bag, making it more affordable for businesses. Retailers can negotiate better prices with suppliers, especially if they’re buying large quantities. This allows even small businesses to take advantage of custom paper bags without breaking their budget.

Practical considerations include the ease of storage and transportation. Paper bags can be stored flat, saving space in storage areas. They are lightweight and simple to handle, making the logistics of managing them more straightforward.

Furthermore, the reusability of paper bags adds to their cost-effectiveness. Customers often reuse these bags for other purposes, which means they serve as ongoing advertisements for the brand. This extended use provides ongoing marketing benefits without additional costs.

In summary, custom paper bags strike a balance between affordability and quality, making them a practical choice for retailers looking to enhance their packaging.

Conclusion

Custom paper bags offer a multitude of benefits for retailers, from enhancing brand visibility to promoting sustainability. They provide a versatile and cost-effective solution that can meet various retail packaging needs. By opting for custom paper bags, retailers can improve their customer experience, show their commitment to the environment, and effectively market their brand.

Star Stuff Group provides innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions tailored to your needs. Our high-quality custom paper bags can help you overcome retail packaging challenges. Contact Star Stuff Group today to explore how our packaging solutions can elevate your brand and meet your unique requirements.

Environmentally Friendly – Soft Plastic Packaging: Compostable, Biodegradable, Recyclable – Which option is best?

in Custom Printed Bags, Custom Printed Pouches, Other Packaging We Do, Packaging

The reality is, there is no one simple answer, and to provide some perspective for your packaging objectives below are some factors for consideration;

Key priorities: What is the product you are packing? Certain products / ingredients may be restricted by the ideal substrate to provide the product with suitable barrier properties to deliver quality freshness and shelf-life essential to ensuring commercial viability of the product. Consider the benefits verses the compromises accordingly, to determine which substrate will achieve your desired goal outcome objectives, while still utilizing a sustainable approach.

In terms of soft plastics, whether compostable, biodegradable or recyclable, the challenge that exists is the reality that Australia’s current post-consumer waste recovery facilities are not where they ideally need to be to work alongside these packaging options. The availability of resource centers often differs greatly between government areas as well, which puts the responsibility back on the consumer to discard of the packaging correctly.

Compostable Packaging

To be accredited, compostable packaging must leave no toxic element to the environment after degradation. It is an important distinction to note that compostable products are deemed biodegradable, however not all biodegradable products are compostable. Important note: Compostable Packaging is not recyclable.

In Australia, there are two standards for compostable packaging: Compostable AS4736-2006: Which requires industrial composting under set conditions. It is only accepted with councils that offer a FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection service. Home Compostable AS5810-2010: This product is suitable for home compositing with food scraps and organic matter and garden waste, where a consumer has this facility available at home.

So what is the difference between packaging that is Compostable AS4736-2006 to Home Compostable AS5810-2010? The Compostable products that require industrial composting require a lot higher temperatures and specific processing conditions to break-down compared to Home Compostable products.

From a packaging substrate perspective, compostable substrates are gaining interest and popularity. The key issue that remains is our current infrastructure limitations on post-consumer waste processing to ensure the life cycle of the package is managed successfully to achieve composition. Many home compostable options also require specific environments for decomposing, meaning that household users would need an actual home-composting system at home, rather than discarding of the packaging into kerb-side collection bins for garden or waste.

Biodegradable Packaging

There are many definitions of Biodegradable Plastics, they are typically referred to as those products that are derived from a plant-based derivative. The most common plant based bioplastic is PLA (polylactic acid) and like compostable options, PLA bioplastics require specific parameters to be able to be processed to achieve biodegradability. Be sure to note, there is however many non-plant based biodegradable plastics and oxo-degradable products that have added filaments and chemicals that whilst they break down under specific parameters, they can leave harmful micro-plastics particles in the environment. Important note: Biodegradable Packaging is not recyclable.

Based on mounting scientific research, biodegradable and compostable packaging options that currently exist in Australia, coupled with the inaccessibility to appropriate waste recovery systems, means that these options are often a poor match for a major percentage of packaging uses.

Rigid plastics that fall into the main recycling code categories in most council areas of Australia are collected via regular bin collections. The challenge begins with the recycling of soft plastics, which do not flow through to material recovery systems as they are incompatible with current processing facilities and thus not recyclable through our kerb-side collections.

There are several initiatives with various councils that currently exist. The most prominent recycling stream for soft plastics is with REDcycle (with Retail Drop off points) where soft plastics are being collected, recycled and processed into new products. To be accepted into this stream, there are several guidelines and parameters set that dictate not only what substrates are accepted, but also the overall maximum percentage of some substrates allowed. Currently, these rules include the majority of soft plastic packaging you currently see in stores; however, these are ever changing, and new rules will be coming into effect in line with APCO’s (Australian Packaging Covenant Organization) 2025 National Packaging Targets. The proposed new guidelines will see zero tolerance for common substrates such as PET, PVDC, Aluminum Foil among many others. These guidelines are a work in progress, however, packaging consumers should be aware of these changes so they can better prepare their packaging systems in a way that meets sustainability targets, as well as compatibility with their product.

In simplist terms, the 2025 National Packaging Targets for soft plastic recycling will encourage users to preferably use a polyolefin (mono/single layer) of PE or PP, or a combination of both or multiple layers to suit the application. The films will also ideally be made up of clear unpigmented substrates, or minimal or selected colors set out by APCO. Users will also need to ensure that combinations of packaging (such as labels onto secondary packaging) are produced using the same substrates, where separation cannot be done (e.g. PP labels on a PP pouch). Lastly, consumers should, where possible, incorporate a percentage of recycled content, as well as utilize an ARL (Australasian Recycling Label) to educate end-users on what, where and how to recycle their package.

The optimal packaging for your product will fundamentally be determined by the actual product being packed and it’s needs, as well as the companies’ overall values, goals, and objectives relative to the sustainable targets set out by APCO. Ticking sustainable objectives in packaging should be prioritized but should always be done without compromising the product integrity, quality, freshness, and shelf life.

Fortunately, Star Stuff Group are well experienced in all things packaging and are constantly keeping up with the ever changing standards for sustainable packaging, so that we can offer our customers accurate and relevant information. We have a wealth of knowledge covering all soft plastic substrates, and can recommend suitable options for all packaging uses, so that you feel comfortable you are making the correct decision for your products.

Sustainable Packaging

in Custom Printed Bags, Custom Printed Pouches, Other Packaging We Do, Packaging

Roughly about 35% of the packaging materials used in Australia are paper, board (cartons etc.). Another 30% of the packaging market is plastic which includes PET, PVC, polypropylene and polystyrene. Plastics have rapidly gained share from being only 10% of the market in the early 1960s.

Roughly 60% of these packaging materials are recycled. The balance of packaging ends up in landfills where they can take thousands of years to disintegrate completely, releasing toxic harmful gasses in the process.

We have recently seen a shift in the need for more sustainable packaging options from existing and new customers. At Star Stuff Group we pride ourselves on our ability to grow and expand on what we offer, to readily match our clients requirements.

In the next two weeks we will be launching all new sustainable packaging options that are 100% Recyclable and 100% Compostable. To keep up to date with our launch, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

Packaging is Your Silent Salesman

in Custom Printed Bags, Custom Printed Pouches, Other Packaging We Do, Packaging, Rewind, Film & Shrink Sleeves

The truth is, this team is not simply made up of people alone. Your product packaging is the silent member of your sales team, a key driver of your products success.

Whilst your sales team can be on the phone calling potential customers or at an event to speak to anyone who might be interested in your product, the one place they can’t be, is on the shelf next to the competition. It is here that the silent and arguably most powerful member of your sales team steps into action Your Packaging!

Consumers nowadays are inundated with product options. It seems almost impossible at times to get your products noticed on busy supermarket shelves. This is why it is so incredibly important that your packaging speaks for your product. So, how can your silent salesmen earn their money?

The Shape

This could mean conforming to the industry standard and doing what has always worked well for the competition, or it could mean standing out from the crowd and daring to do something different. The shape of your packaging needs to work well for your product. The shape you choose will have a lot to do with aesthetics but you’ll also need to factor in practicality, storage and ease of use if you want packaging that supports your product and adds value beyond the sale of your product.

The Attractiveness

Innovative Design, bright colours, different finishes, familiar icons and branding work well in this initial Eye-catching phase and can help you to get the consumer closer to the shelf and more into the sales zone. Once they get within a few feet of your product, your packaging can really do its talking and start selling your product. Unusual shapes, good use of colour and interesting graphics & embellishments will push all the right buttons to your target audience. It is important that in the conversion zone, the one where your customer picks up your packaging, that the design and aesthetic of your packaging is able to do its job and close the deal – and says “Choose me”

The Quality

It doesn’t matter what the nature of your product is, it will never do your brand any harm to invest in the best quality packaging. Attention to detail is the most important aspect when trying to sell to your audience – for example, has your packaging given the consumer everything it needs to in terms of information, functionality & overall appeal– and has it has been carefully thought out? Investing time now in your packaging design, means you can deliver the best sales pitch right on the supermarket shelf.

Speak to us today about creating the best packaging for your products.

Tips on How to Create Eye-catching Packaging

in Custom Printed Bags, Custom Printed Pouches, Other Packaging We Do, Packaging, Rewind, Film & Shrink Sleeves

The packaging identifies the product and reassures consumers that their purchase is the right one. However, this can only occur when brand owners match the qualities of the product’s packaging with what consumers desire. Packaging should never prevent consumers from making a purchase. To get this right, there are some tips that marketers and design experts should apply.

1. Begin Early

Begin Designing the Packaging Early in the Product Development Process. Draft several ideas in order to get a visual of what the end product should look like. Compare what some of the competitors have done with their packaging. Packaging ideas might also come from products in a different category. Develop mock-ups based on target market research. Consumers are the best source for expressing what they want to see or need.

2. Keep it simple

Less is more for many products. Trying to oversell a product through its packaging can have the opposite effect. Make sure the packaging performs what is necessary, nothing more. The product should be easily transportable, include applicable warning, and also preserve and protect the product.

3. Consider Branding and Positioning

Market Positioning and Branding are important factors to consider. Knowing the target market for a specific product includes identifying their expectations for the product. Investigating the end users will help determine the most effective and eye-catching packaging. Find out how competitors products are failing to meet needs and exploit it.

4. Identify How it will be sold

Selling products over the Internet is a slightly different animal than having products in a brick and mortar store. Consumers are unable to touch and feel the product before buying, so the packaging must appeal to other senses. Still, a product that sits on a shelf has to standout from the competing products enough for consumers to buy it.

5. Think Green

Many consumers are becoming more conscious of how the products they buy affect environmental issues. Most people recycle and expect product packaging to also be friendly to the environment. Developing eye-catching packaging designs that double as eco-friendly packaging can also boost sales.

6. Hold the Consumer’s Attention

Target market research will reveal ideas that will get and hold consumers’ attention. The average consumer has a short attention span and may need many whistles and bells before deciding to buy the product. However, the packaging should not have so many trends and colours that it becomes irrelevant. Finding the perfect balance may come through trial and error. Maintain consumer loyalty by making slight changes to the packaging at least every two years.

7. Consider it an Investment

Investing in high quality packaging will appeal to consumers’ belief that they are buying something of value. Remember that packaging represents the brand and if the perceived value is low based on how the product looks, consumers will not quickly make a purchase.

8. Protect your product

The exterior details are important to catch the attention of consumers and potential consumers. However, the packaging should also preserve the product until consumers are ready to use it. Consider how long the product might have to remain on the store shelves or in the supply chain process. Slow-moving consumer goods might take several months or years to reach its final destination. Therefore, the packaging materials should be able to withstand the elements with which it comes into contact.

9. Consider Possible Production and Manufacturing Constraints

Determining how the packaging is filled with the product is important. Production and manufacturing constraints may hinder how the packaging is designed and needs to be a part of the initial process. Ongoing discussions with the manufacturing department will ensure that the design aligns with what works best. Work from a short list that takes into consideration the production and manufacturing equipment and staff, as well as what consumers want to see.