How to make product packaging boost your sales? A comprehensive guide

The industrial packaging market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow from $4.53 billion in 2024 to $6.79 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.83% during the period from 2025 to 2032, according to a report by Credence Research.

This growth is driven by increased demand in sectors such as petrochemicals, food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting the importance of packaging in maintaining product quality and safety during transportation and storage. The increasing focus on sustainable and effective packaging solutions is also driving companies to innovate and adopt new technologies that meet evolving market needs.

In this article, we will review the importance of product packaging, the tools and materials used, as well as the best practices to ensure safe and distinctive shipping that reflects the brand's professionalism and enhances customer satisfaction.

What is Product Packaging?

Product packaging is the process of using containers or materials to protect, store, and transport the product safely, while providing important information about it and visually attracting customers. However, packaging is not limited to the shape of the container only; the product goes through more than one packaging stage depending on the purpose.

Product Filling and Packaging Stages

Any product goes through four main stages of packaging, and each stage has a specific function:

• Primary Packaging: This is the direct container that holds the product and protects it from damage, moisture, or contamination. Example: a hair oil bottle.

• Secondary Packaging: An additional protective layer surrounding the primary packaging. It is often used during transport or storage and is discarded by the consumer after opening. Example: a cardboard box containing the oil bottle.

• Display Packaging: Used to display products attractively in stores, and often designed with the brand's identity to distinguish the product on the shelf.

• Shipping Packaging: Large boxes used to ship several units of the product at once in an organized and safe manner.

Product packaging has witnessed many developments throughout the ages until it reached the modern technologies available today.

History of Product Packaging Development Through the Ages:

Product packaging has gone through a long journey of development starting from ancient times when humans used natural materials such as tree leaves, animal skins, and pottery vessels to store and transport food. Then, in major civilizations such as the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese, more organized methods appeared, such as wooden boxes, baskets, and cloth bags, which contributed to protecting goods and facilitating their trade across commercial routes.

In the Middle Ages, these methods gradually developed, but remained manual and simple, until the nineteenth century, when the packaging industry witnessed a radical transformation with the Industrial Revolution. New materials such as corrugated cardboard and tin were introduced, and filling and packaging machines appeared, allowing for mass production. Packaging became more standardized and efficient, and was widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries to protect products and prolong their shelf life.

In the twentieth century, the function of packaging changed significantly. It was no longer just a means of preserving the product, but became a powerful marketing tool, in addition to the widespread use of plastic as a basic packaging material due to its lightness and flexibility, and companies' interest in the design and external shape of packages, to attract the consumer's attention and express the product's identity. Important elements were also added to the packaging such as the logo, nutritional information, warnings, and production and expiration dates, which enhanced the role of packaging in building trust and marketing the product.

Today, packaging has become an advanced field that combines innovation, modern technologies, and sustainability. Smart packaging technologies have emerged that allow product tracking and condition monitoring, such as packages that change color depending on the temperature or reveal product spoilage. Interest in eco-friendly packaging has also increased, with the spread of recyclable materials and biopackaging.

Thanks to the development of design and digital printing, packaging has become an interactive medium that reflects the brand experience and plays a direct role in influencing the purchasing decision.

The process of product packaging for shipping is of great importance to commercial activities, which we will review below.

The Importance of Product Packaging for Commercial Activities

Product packaging is not just a formality step before shipping; it is considered one of the most important stages that determine how the customer receives your product. It is the dividing line between a product left on the shelf and a product chosen immediately. Good packaging reflects the brand identity, enhances trust, and directly influences the purchasing decision.

The importance of commercial packaging can be summarized in the following axes:

1. Silent Promotion of the Product

Packaging is considered the product's interface, it is the first thing the customer sees, and it often forms a lasting first impression. Attractive packaging design is capable of drawing attention among dozens of products, and prompting the shopper to try the purchase even before knowing the product details.

2. Stimulating the Desire to Purchase

A well-packaged product arouses consumers' curiosity and increases their desire to acquire it, especially when shipping or delivery occurs. Professional packaging means a product worth trying, and this message is conveyed silently but very effectively.

3. Enhancing Brand Identity

Packaging can become part of the brand's identity itself, and even a tool to distinguish it in the market. Harmonious colors, clear fonts, and a well-thought-out design vision contribute to cementing the brand image in the customer's mind, which helps in repeat purchases and building long-term loyalty.

4. Maintaining Product Quality During Transport

One of the most important functions of packaging is to protect the product from damage, whether during storage or during the shipping process. Good packaging prevents breakage, leakage, or exposure to moisture or weather factors, which ensures the product reaches the customer in its ideal condition.

5. Providing Essential Information to the Customer

The package serves as a practical way to provide brief and clear information about the product, such as: materials used, production and expiration date, method of use, warnings, and others. This information is the basis for purchasing decisions, especially for food or cosmetic products.

6. Visually Representing Product Quality

Customers often "judge a book by its cover" and smart packaging is capable of expressing the product's quality through design, materials used, and even the opening method. Impeccable packaging suggests a high-quality product, and vice versa.

However, Packaging is One of the Biggest Shipping Challenges

In a survey we conducted among a sample of our customers, we asked them about the biggest challenge they face when shipping their products. The result was clear:

52% indicated that high shipping costs are the biggest challenge, followed by problems with good packing and packaging at 19%, then delayed delivery of orders to the representative and delayed arrival of shipments.

This clarifies that packaging is no longer a simple detail at the end of the supply chain, but has become an influential factor in shipping efficiency, costs, and the quality of the customer experience.

Therefore, in the next paragraph, we will take you on a comprehensive tour of the materials used in product packaging, the best practices for preparing professional shipments that maintain product quality and reduce costs and problems, and how systems like OTO PACK can simplify and speed up this task.

The Most Prominent Tools and Supplies Used for Product Packaging and Preparation for Shipping

The tools and supplies used for product packaging and preparation for shipping vary according to many factors, such as the type and nature of the products, their size, shipping requirements, the intended destination, and other controlling factors in this process.

Some of the most prominent commonly used tools and supplies for product packaging are:

• Shipping Boxes:

Which are used for the purpose of packing products and protecting them from damage during the shipping process, and shipping boxes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the different products to be shipped.

• Plastic Wraps:

They are supplies used to wrap products and protect them from external factors such as dust and moisture. This type of wrap is placed either on the outer boxes or directly on the products to provide more protection and security.

• Air Cushions and Cushioning Materials:

These are tools used to protect products from shocks and vibrations during the shipping process.

Protective Containers:

These are used to protect fragile or breakable products. There are multiple types of protective containers, such as those made of foam or reinforced plastic, which can provide additional protection from shocks during the transportation process.

• Protective Covers and Wraps:

These are used to wrap products with irregular shapes or those prone to leakage, as they provide additional protection for safe liquid shipping by preventing the leakage of liquid materials.

• Padded Bags:

These are used to protect sensitive products from scratches and damage during shipping, and padded bags feature soft inner layers to provide superior protection for products.

• Fastening Tools:

These include tapes, ropes, straps, and clamps used to secure shipments on pallets or inside boxes, helping to secure products and minimize their movement during shipping.

• Labels:

Which are used to write information such as: sender and recipient address, shipment weight, tracking code, and special instructions for handling the shipment, etc.

These are some of the commonly used tools and supplies in the process of product packaging and preparation for shipping, and it is worth noting that there are many materials used for product packaging according to the nature, type, and size of the product, the shipment destination, the distance traveled, and so on.

Some Materials Relied Upon for Manufacturing Product Wraps for Packing and Shipping

• Plastic:

Which is widely used due to its high flexibility that allows it to be shaped according to the nature of the product, contributing to its preservation against any external factors that could cause damage.

• Cardboard:

It is also commonly used, especially during shipping, due to its ease of shaping to conform to the product size, in addition to the availability of controlling the degree of strength and rigidity to preserve products and ship them to the final consumer without damage.

• Cotton and Fabric:

Some prefer it because it is eco-friendly, and this type of wrap is characterized by elegance, flexibility, and the possibility of printing on it in various and innovative ways.

• Glass:

It is characterized by not reacting with chemicals, so it is suitable for storing and shipping medicines. However, glass cannot be used to ship products over long distances and relied upon as an outer wrap for products due to the possibility of breakage and subsequent product damage.

Where can I get reliable packaging materials at the best prices?

Oto offers a smart and convenient feature through "The Marketplace", an integrated online store within the Oto platform, enabling you to purchase the boxes, bags, and packaging tools you need directly from the same control panel you manage your shipments from.

What distinguishes "The Marketplace" from Oto?

• Competitive Prices: The best prices for packaging materials in the Saudi market without the need to search or negotiate.

• Product Variety: Cartons, custom shipping boxes, bags, packing and cushioning materials, and more.

• Ease of Ordering: The purchase process is done in simple steps within the Oto platform - without leaving it or needing external platforms.

• Full Integration: When using packaging products from The Marketplace, they are fully compatible with the shipping needs registered in Oto.

Saving time and effort and reducing errors in order preparation starts with using accurately designed and studied packaging tools - and "The Marketplace" is the most suitable place for that.

Just log in to your Oto account control panel and go directly to "The Marketplace" page and choose whatever packaging materials you wish.

What are the Methods of Product Packaging?

The methods and techniques used for product packaging are numerous and include, for example:

• Vacuum Packaging:

This is one of the most effective methods of product packaging for preserving perishable products, especially foodstuffs. In this method, air is completely evacuated from the package before being tightly sealed, thus eliminating oxygen, which helps slow down the growth of bacteria and fungi, prolonging the product's life and maintaining its freshness and quality.

This method is frequently used in the food industries that need to preserve the freshness of the product and prolong its shelf life, such as  meats, fish, cheese and fresh foods, coffee, and nuts, etc.

• Shrink Wrapping:

This method relies on using a thin plastic film wrapped around the product, then exposed to heat, causing it to shrink and tightly wrap the product. This technique is frequently used to bundle products or stabilize them together for distribution to stores. This method is characterized by protecting products from dust and moisture, as well as easy storage and transportation.

It is suitable for water and beverage containers, assembled cosmetics or perfumes, small household items, or several products within one package.

• Cushioning Packaging:

This method is used to protect fragile or breakable products during transportation and shipping, where shock-absorbing materials are added, such as air bubbles (Bubble Wrap), foam, or corrugated paper.

This method is often used for packaging glass and porcelain, electronics, and sensitive or precise tools (such as medical or laboratory tools).

• Foil Packaging:

This is one of the advanced methods that provides high protection for sensitive products, especially those affected by light, moisture, or air. In this method, metal foils, often aluminum, are used to tightly wrap the products to preserve them from damage.

This method is ideal for products that require a completely closed environment to maintain their properties and quality, such as medicines, where it is used to wrap tablets and capsules, as well as in wrapping chocolate and fatty materials, which are quickly affected by heat and moisture. The role of this packaging is not limited to protection only, but also gives the product an elegant appearance and a luxurious touch that enhances its marketing value.

• Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly Packaging:

This method has become a key choice for many commercial activities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. This technique relies on using materials extracted from natural sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and plant fibers, to manufacture biodegradable or recyclable containers. This method not only preserves the environment but also reflects the brand's commitment to social responsibility.

This method is commonly used in packaging organic products, foodstuffs, and single-use tableware, especially in cafes and restaurants that adopt the (zero waste) philosophy.

• Smart Packaging:

Smart packaging represents a qualitative leap in the world of packaging, where the container is no longer just a wrapper that protects the product, but has become an interactive medium that provides immediate information and responds to surrounding conditions. This method of product packaging relies on integrating electronic or chemical elements into the package, such as sensors that monitor temperature, indicators that show product spoilage, or RFID chips to track product movement throughout the supply chain.

This technology is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, where it enables companies to monitor product quality, and gives consumers greater confidence in its safety.

Important Considerations When Choosing the Right Packaging for Your Products

If you ship your products yourself or through your own representatives, choosing the right packaging method is an essential element to ensure shipping quality and customer satisfaction. While shipping companies often rely on standardized cardboard boxes, your commercial activity needs packaging solutions that are consistent with the nature of your products and your brand identity.

Here are the main factors you should consider:

• Target Audience Identification to design packaging that reflects your brand identity and leaves a distinctive impression.

• Understanding Product Characteristics to choose materials that ensure product protection during transport.

• Considering Production Factors such as material cost, manufacturing speed, and variety of sizes.

• Pre-preparing Products by collecting and packaging them in a way that facilitates their shipment upon request.

Some Tips to Speed Up the Process of Packing and Packaging Products for Shipping

Here are some tips you can take to speed up the process of packing and packaging products for shipping:

• Choose the right container for product packaging: You should choose boxes that will contain your products without leaving unnecessary empty space in the package, which contributes to reducing shipping cost, thus avoiding increasing the volumetric weight of the shipment compared to its actual weight.

• Training Workers: You should train the workers inside your warehouse to pack and package products quickly while maintaining accuracy and preserving product safety.

• Organizing and Categorizing Inventory: You should manage your inventory professionally so that you can quickly access products inside the warehouse when requested. You can create an account on Oto to professionally manage your warehouses through the advanced OTO PACK warehouse management system, which allows you to manage your inventory and speed up the process of packing, packaging, and categorizing products, thus speeding up their shipment and delivery to consumers.

• Advance Preparation: As an e-store owner, it is essential to be aware of the peak times for your sales movement and then work on preparing products for shipment immediately upon request, which will contribute to speeding up the product shipping process and reducing time.

It is worth mentioning that there are many innovative trends in the product packaging process that have given this process another dimension and made it more efficient and qualitative.

The Most Prominent Modern Innovative Trends for Effectively Packaging and Safely Shipping Products

In light of the massive technological developments, many innovative trends related to the process of filling and packaging products have emerged to maintain their quality and ship them safely. Among the most prominent of these trends are:

First: The Trend Towards Sustainable Packaging:

This is an approach that aims to design, use, and recycle packaging materials in ways that limit environmental impact, which is achieved through adopting a set of practices and materials that reduce the consumption of natural resources, limit waste, and reduce carbon emissions.

One of the main aspects of sustainable packaging is the use of sustainable and biodegradable materials, which include alternatives to oil-derived plastic, such as biodegradable bioplastics derived from organic materials, and plant fibers, such as recycled paper and cardboard.

Sustainable packaging also aims to improve resource efficiency by designing packages with appropriate size and weight for the product, and improving packing and packaging processes to reduce loss and waste.

Recycling and remanufacturing are also encouraged by providing an effective collection and recycling system, and encouraging consumers to reuse packaging materials where possible.

Second: The Trend Towards Smart Packaging:

This is a concept related to packaging technology that allows for advanced and smart functions for packaged products. Smart packaging uses modern technology such as sensing, monitoring, and communication to improve the overall performance of the packaging and provide additional benefits to consumers and manufacturing companies. There are many advanced features and technologies that can be relied upon to implement the smart packaging process efficiently.

For example,  accurate sensors are included in the package to monitor and control various factors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and gas leakage. These devices send their data to remote monitoring and control systems to help improve supply chain management and ensure product quality.

In addition, tracking technologies can also be included in smart packaging, such as barcodes and RFID technology, to track products throughout the supply chain accurately and effectively,  and these technologies help improve inventory management and reduce loss and product manipulation.

Smart packaging also allows consumers to interact with products in new and innovative ways. For example, digital displays or QR codes can be included in the packages used for packaging to provide additional information about the product or usage instructions. Wireless communication technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) can also be used to interact with mobile applications and smart devices to achieve an interactive consumer experience.

In addition to its benefits for consumers, smart packaging can also provide advantages for manufacturing companies. Through sensing and monitoring technology, inventory management, distribution, and production planning can be improved. It can also help detect counterfeit or non-genuine products and combat packaging manipulation.

Conclusion

Product packaging plays a decisive role in promoting the brand and providing consumers with a unique and distinctive experience that contributes to strengthening their loyalty to the commercial activity. The packaging process is also a distinctive sign between one brand and another, as it is the true expression of product quality and the quality and solidity of the commercial activity.

To provide a distinguished packaging experience, it is essential to:

• Choose the appropriate material for product packaging to preserve them during the shipping process.

• Rely on eco-friendly materials in the cover design process.

• Use distinctive wraps that can be recycled and used for other purposes.

• Make the cover expressive of the product inside it.

• Focus on attracting consumer attention through a cover design that contains an image or a story.

• Make the cover closely related to the brand.

We have finished addressing some of the axes related to the packaging process, and we hope that you have benefited from this presentation of the ideas we discussed throughout the article, which will help you distinguish your brand and give you a competitive value.