Packaging is one of the essential elements for puzzles. Many believe that it is even more important than the actual contents of the box😉. Such a box is especially crucial for the kind of customers when they come across a given product for the first time.
Corrugated cardboard puzzle packaging. Laminated and linearly glued.
It is impossible to assess the quality and content of the product itself (because of the sealed packaging). As a consequence, the packaging is all they have to examine the product and what they can expect to find inside. So the box is responsible for the "first impression" and to a large extent it has a huge influence on the purchasing decision.
Read this article to learn about the types of puzzle packaging, and discover which of them may be the best choice for you.
We can break down most puzzle packaging into two categories: one-piece and multi-piece boxes. Furthermore, these types include two subcategories, meaning laminated or single-material packaging, as well as glued or non-glued packaging.
The center of an unfolded corrugated cardboard box. Foldable packaging without the use of glue.
Thanks to wrapping, we can refine our print and obtain interesting product features. This action “in itself” improves the aesthetics and makes the colours more intense. In addition, it allows us to achieve a matte, gloss or even structured surface. Boxes with a characteristic canvas pattern or even soft-touch boxes are also becoming increasingly popular.
Wrapping increases the resistance of the package to cracking at the fold line.
When the entire shape of the box forms a uniform body, we refer to it as one-piece packaging. This means that to open it and remove its contents, we have to move a part of the packaging in relation to the whole. In this case, it is of importance to refine the packaging by wrapping. This considerably improves the durability of the packaging, and especially its resistance to cracking at the bend point.
Two-piece packaging. Paperboard lid, corrugated cardboard bottom.
Two-piece packaging in most cases does not have any folding elements. But this does not mean that their quality is inferior. After all, when two elements are overlapped often, the box corners could crack. When closing the packaging and when the planes are not in perfect alignment, a pressure is exerted on the walls to the outside. This causes (on a micro scale) the bending of the walls relative to each other and the corner as a bend point.
Who is the end customer of your product?
Where do you want to sell your product and how it should be presented?
What packaging effect do you want to achieve?
What will be inside the box and how much should it all weigh?
Two-piece packaging can usually be called horizontal (when the main dimensions of the box base are larger than its height). This is contrary to one-piece packaging with a closable bottom. Vertical packaging allows us to attach handling elements (such as a string on their upper part). This is a very interesting option, especially for products addressed directly to the youngest customers.
One-piece boxes are also easier to open. Furthermore, in the case of one-piece packaging (and a smaller product), it is possible to design boxes with a euro hanger. This solution works perfectly, especially for products intended for retail chains.
Paperboard packaging with a euro hanger.
We could say three types of packaging predominate in puzzles and games for children:
two-piece solid cardboard packaging,
one-piece corrugated cardboard packaging, laminated with one side bleached,
paperboard packaging with a euro hanger.
Packaging made of solid and laminated cardboard.
Choosing the packaging for your products is not as simple as it might seem. Bear in mind that the packaging is a kind of visual identification of the company, and may determine how the product is perceived by consumers.
If you want to create your own puzzles, and you care about the high quality of not just the contents but also the packaging, then contact us. We are always happy to take care of the entire production, "from A to Z".