This article reflects information as of 2021. For the latest details, please contact us.
Written by:
Hello! For this installment of our e-commerce series, I'll be writing about the types and features of packaging materials. Depending on the company or service, packaging can carry original designs, so — along with the product itself — it can be part of the fun. I use ZOZO a lot myself, and beyond the usual ZOZO-designed boxes, they've done really interesting things like a Star Wars collaboration and boxes adorned with Basquiat artwork. Let me introduce a few packaging materials like these!
https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/2019-10-15/zozo-basquiat/
https://www.walkerplus.com/article/129686/
Various Packaging Materials
Cardboard boxes The most common packaging material. Their box shape firmly protects the contents. They also give users a sense of trust and reassurance. ASKUL price: A3 × 295 mm high, pack of 30, 2,703 yen
Thin cases (mail-service cases) → Thin cardboard sized to fit mail-service regulations. Often used for shipping small items. You see them a lot because they're also common on flea-market apps. ASKUL price: pack of 60, 2,017 yen
Thick-paper envelopes / thick-paper cases Envelopes and cases made of thick paper for mail-service shipping. They share the same characteristics and uses as mail-service cases — but they're more of a bargain. No assembly needed, so packing goes quickly. ASKUL price: A5 size, pack of 25, 563 yen
Bubble wrap (air-cap) → The go-to for protection. Can be used both to wrap and protect items and to fill gaps. You can cut it to any size, so it adapts to all kinds of shapes. There are also bag-type versions — just slip the item inside, which is very easy. ASKUL price: 1,200 mm wide × 42 m roll, 1 set (30 rolls: 1 roll × 30), 32,940 yen
Mirror mat (Minafoam) A polyethylene-foam sheet with excellent cushioning and flexibility. Usable for a wide range of applications, including glass, ceramics, and food. ASKUL price: 300 × 300 mm, 1 set (10 sheets × 80), 18,223 yen
Delivery bags / delivery envelopes → Gusseted bags used for shipping clothing, small items, documents, and the like. They allow faster packing than cardboard boxes. ASKUL price: delivery bag (paper), white, extra-small size, with sealing sticker, 1 set (200 sheets: 100 × 2), 4,760 yen
Buffer material → Often used to fill gaps in cardboard boxes. Comes in many types, including paper, air-filled, and foam. ASKUL price: air type, 1 bag (1,000 pieces), 80 mm × 125 mm, 6,690 yen
Packing tape Tape used to seal the bottom and top of cardboard boxes. Comes in many varieties, including OPP tape, paper kraft tape, cloth tape, and masking tape. ASKUL price: 0.05 mm thick, 48 mm × 100 m, 1 set (10 rolls: 5 rolls × 2 packs), 1,320 yen
In Closing
This time I wrote about a few packaging materials. When you start an EC service, getting your materials ready is important. As I looked into it, I was surprised at how expensive they can be. I hope this is useful for anyone — individuals or companies — thinking of starting an EC service. We also offer EC support services like the one below. If you're interested, please feel free to get in touch!