Why You Should Be Using Custom Packaging for Your Business

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In a market where packaging has a significant influence on consumer purchasing patterns, incorporating custom made product packaging into your business can elevate your brand’s appearance and capture the attention of potential customers.

Approximately one third of purchase choices are based on packaging, and in a market saturated with competition, your packaging choices are powerful in deterring or encouraging customer purchase decisions from your business. On average, consumers will make a purchase decision within 3-7 seconds and will choose an item based on several factors, with the packaging being highly influential.

Colour, design, and innovation within your packaging’s custom design all contribute to the overall appearance of the product, and these elements used in conjunction with one another can create a visually appealing product that can persuade buyers to select your product over your competitors. In a market defined by competition, this consumer behaviour can make or break your business and can help foster brand loyalty and preference within your existing customer base.

Colour

Colour is arguably one of the most influential custom-made product packaging features, with existing generalisations and associations being taken advantage of to elevate branding messages. For example, the utilisation of green, depending on context, can imply a variety of things such as sustainability and environmentally friendly branding, all natural ingredients or materials, or in a food context, a peppermint flavour. Through taking advantage of these generalisations, custom made product packaging can communicate a large amount of information to your consumers in a short amount of time.

Design

In addition to colour, custom made product packaging can aid in communicating a sense of luxury in its design, drawing in consumers and providing information about the quality of the product. Customisation offers flexibility in its design and composition, allowing businesses to tailor their packaging to their brand. Whether the brand is luxurious and high-end, or accessible for all consumers – packaging design can help communicate this to the consumer.

Brand Awareness

In addition to encouraging consumer purchases, custom packaging can increase and strengthen brand awareness, putting your brand in the forefront of potential customer’s minds. Through various customisation of packing such as custom printed boxes, custom printed folding cartons, and custom printed packaging boxes, your brand can reach a wide array of people who may have otherwise not had an opportunity to connect with your business, and can encourage conversions through brand recognition.

When consumers are looking to purchase a product from specifically your business, having easily recognisable packaging can aid this process. Easily recognisable fonts, designs, colours as part of your custom-made product packaging makes the conversion process seamless for your loyal customer, preventing them from converting with your competitors instead.

Custom Packaging Manufacturers

When utilised in the right way, custom packaging can make a huge difference for businesses when it comes to increasing conversions and customer loyalty. With the customisation of design elements such as colours, fonts, shape, and size, you can make your products stand out from the competition, and draw customers in.

Star Stuff Group are industry leaders in custom made product packaging, offering a wide variety of custom packaging options to elevate your brand and make your items stand out from the rest. They understand the importance of custom packaging and the benefits for your business, guiding you from the beginning stages through to supplying high-quality customised packaging options.

If you want to start your custom-made product packaging journey or simply want to speak to our team of experts, reach out to Star Stuff Group today.

 

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

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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.

 

 

Emerging Trends and Considerations in Pet Food Packaging 

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It is apparent as more suppliers continue to join the pet industry – the marketplace is ever increasing in competitiveness to vie for the pet owner’s attention and ideally gain long-term loyalty to a product or brand. As such, the role of packaging in terms of functionality, presentation, and information delivery has only further highlighted the role packaging plays in the products – production, delivery, sales and marketing plan.

Brands are evolving and so too is the detail and attention to the packaging element of the overall brand strategy. So what are some key packaging trends emerging?

  • Premium graphics
  • Realistic pictures of animals and / or incorporation of lifestyle images
  • Printed Products Images and / or ingredient components displayed on packaging
  • Nutritional panels becoming a more dominant feature
  • Use of emotive language to appeal on food quality- Holistic, All Natural, Complete Balance …
  • Promotion of sustainable packaging values and delivering on that promise with substrate choices
  • Unique finishes, graphic design with creative flair to provide a differentiating POP to a brand’s image – finishes that offer visual and tactile experiences to set them apart on the shelf

Packaging Considerations –

Production and fulfilment

What packaging type provides the most efficient pack and fill process to cater for your pack volume, quantity demands and packaging and presentation goals ?

Is product hand packed ? or machine automated ?

There are several factors to consider – for example – A pocket zipper allows for full top opening bag which converts into handy reseal lock for consumer use and to uphold product integrity during the consumption period – as such, this option might well suit a range of product fulfilment goals and functionality requirements.

Packaging Substrates

Product freshness – ensuring the right barrier to maintain product integrity against oxygen, water transmission rates and grease resistance variables, ensuring optimum preservation of flavour,  deliver longer shelf-life,  re-sealable zip locks to ensure product remains in optimum condition whilst being consumed.

As many new boutique and raw fresh ingredient – no additive products appear in the market careful attention is required to ensure the product is packed in a laminate substrate or appropriate packaging  that will provide the best product protection to preserve the integrity of the product at its best for the indicated shelf life.

There is growing demand for sustainable packaging substrates that reflect the values of the brand and appeal to target markets that actively seek out these credentials in the packaging chosen.  Fully recyclable products,  compostable and biodegradable structures are gaining more popularity and as an industry renewal products and improving technologies are seeing continued developments in sustainable options.

Pack Type  – Presentation Requirements

How is the product being packed for presentation  ?

*  Hang-sell,  Bulk Stack, On-shelf display, Counter Stand,  Refrigerator,  Freezer,   other  ?

– Flat bags and stand-up pouches with hang sell, easy open tear notch and zip lock reseal options

– Quad seal bags or flat bottom pouches for square base for stable bulk pallet or on-shelf stacking

–  Woven, non-woven sack bags ideal for large packaging weights

– Cartons for ease of stacking and presenting or laminated cartons for ambient storage

–  Tubs, Bags or printed rewind for packaging of frozen goods

How will it look ?   What are my branding objectives  – consider the emerging trends as earlier indicated.

Product size and function in terms of packaging

There is a growing trend for product convenience and tailored nutrition for specific breeds in terms of treats, supplements, nutritional and medicinal products.

  • Product convenience – single serve packets are gaining popularity
  • Product Promotion – Sample Packs – provide consumer confidence to secure bulk order after trial
  • Packs with handles for easy of carrying – as is appropriate
  • Single dose supplements or medicinal products to control distribution
  • Windows to see the product or real pictures
  • Zip-locks, closures and pack type to suit pack weight, from small dose to bulk bags
  • Consider easy to carry, easy to open, ability to reclose, easy to read print

The role of packaging remains in the forefront of relevance to the overall branding and marketing strategy for products.  At  Star Stuff Group we take a consultive approach and make a point understand your brand and brand objectives and we can advise on packaging types, ideal substrates for your products, and provide optional features and complimentary products such as unit cartons and shippers through to promotional display stands, shelf wobblers / talkers and on-product promotional options plus more.

With over 30 years experience in the packaging industry utilising cutting edge technologies with state of the art production processes we produce exceptional quality products to present your brand at it’s best.

Consider the vital role that packaging contributes to building your overall product brand identity,  contact Star Stuff Group for all your packaging solutions!

Links –  Pet Food, Treats, Nutritional, Medicinal Packaging

Contact:  1300 885 044

Email:      [email protected]

Sustainable Packaging

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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

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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.

 

Saint Hemp Packaging

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Star Stuff Group recently worked with Saint Hemp, a product line developed with Hemp being the key ingredient. David the CEO of  Saint Hemp, runs his business out of Sydney, Australia. Saint Hemp is very deliberate with the ingredients they have chosen in their product line. Everything is grown and processed right here in Australia. Their vanilla comes from real vanilla beans. Their chocolate comes from raw cacao. They blend and pack everything in a dedicated hemp foods facility in New South Wales. And there’s no nasty cross contamination – all of their products are certified by HACCP Australia for food safety.

It was important in working with Saint Hemp, as a packaging supplier, to advise and create perfect packaging for their wonderful products. Together we were able to achieve their custom stand up zipper pouches in line with their branding.

Ceo of Saint Hemp has David kindly shared this glowing review of our service.

“We recently used Star Stuff Group for our packaging pouches. Everyone who sees our packaging thinks that the pouches are excellent quality. The Star Stuff Group team has been very helpful and efficient. Nothing is ever too much and Justin gave us so many options when it came to choosing packaging that would work for our products. Im so impressed with the vast array of options that Star Stuff Group offer.  There is nothing they can’t do. In addition, I also had our business Marquee printed. Overall I am very pleased with the service I received. I would be happy to recommend the company to other potential customers.”

For your free packaging quote, feel free to contact our sales team on [email protected].

Shop at Saint Hemp via their website https://sainthemp.com

 

5 Reasons to use Custom Display Stands in Retail

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1. Elevate Your Company’s Brand

Custom display stands can elevate your brand and bring about more exposure to your products. Display stands are in front of customers constantly, this places you at the forefront of your consumers minds whilst in stores.

2. Its Customizable

Display stands allow you to uniquely and creatively display your brand. Imagine being able to find the perfect hue to celebrate your ideal product placement. The size, shape & configuration can be designed to fit anywhere on the wall, the floor, or counter.

3. You Can Increase Revenue

Increasing revenue is important for any business, and display stands for retail can play into the flow of how people buy. According to Point of Purchase Association International, over 70% of products are still bought in store. Even though online sales are increasing, by utilising display stands, you’re placing yourself in a better situation in physical brick and mortar retail stores, where someone can actually walk in, see, and buy your product. That’s putting your resources to good use.

4. Customer Convenience

Convenience is becoming crucial in the world of business. Those who make it easy for customers to purchase, will be more successful. By having a customised display stand placing your products in clear sight of your target market. Customers  tend to purchase when things are more convenient & and in clear sight.

5. Relative Low Cost

Prime Retail Shelf space is expensive & competitive. Gain the advantage over your competition by using our customised Wall, Floor & Counter Display Stands. Our Star Stuff Graphics sales team is more than happy to help.

Contact us today for your free quote: [email protected]

Tips on How to Create Eye-catching Packaging

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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.

 

All Wrapped Up

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AUSPACK 2019 held at the Melbourne Exhibition & Conference Centre, exceeded all expectations and was the biggest, best and most successful show in its 34 year history, with visitor numbers higher than ever before. As this was our 1st time exhibiting at this particular exhibition, we had no expectations.

Arriving and setting up our display stand on the Monday, needless to say that we were excited, but at the same time a little nervous at the sheer size of the trade show. After several hard, hot hours of setting up – We were ready! The trade show ran from Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th March 2019, 9am to 5pm everyday.

Tuesday morning started slowly, but this was to be expected after speaking to several other colleagues also exhibiting. By 11am, things had certainly picked up, and we had a steady stream of visitors and potential new customers. This same steady stream, carried on the entire week, and we enjoyed a healthy mix of visitors ranging from existing customers, to potential new ones. Everyone expressed a high level of interest, and expressed their willingness & desire to do business with a family owned & managed business.

As everyone knows, although participating in any exhibition or trade show is extremely expensive, and hard work, the really hard work starts once the trade show has ended. It’s at this time that we need to spend time following with each & every person – making sure that their questions are answered and we are providing a quotation as per their requests.

In all, AUS Pack 2019 was very successful for us, as not only did we gain a lot of potential new business, but the exposure was immeasurable.

Here’s to an even more successful AUS Pack 2020!

Stewart Webb – Managing Director

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