Subscription boxes are a hot trend right now! The market is expected to reach a massive $70 billion by 2027. 

These boxes, filled with curated products like beauty items, snacks, or even tech gadgets, are delivered straight to people's doorsteps each month. 

It's a win-win for everyone – customers get exciting surprises, and businesses get a steady stream of income.

Subscription boxes need cool, unique packaging to make them special. 

Since companies want their boxes to look different, therefore they can design and place orders for print shops to offer custom designs and packaging solutions. 

This creates a steady flow of orders for the print shop and helps them grow their business.

1. Stand out and offer something unique:

 

Subscription boxes are like getting a surprise gift package every month. Since companies know exactly when to send out these boxes, they can plan their printing needs better. 

This means they know how much to print and when to print it, which helps them use their resources efficiently and earn a steady income because they always have orders coming in.

2. Access to growing market demands:

 

Subscription boxes are like special deliveries with unique surprises inside. To make them even more exciting, companies want their packaging to be as cool as their products. 

That's where you come in! You can help your customers create amazing boxes with cool designs. Infact, web to print has helped many for creating custom packaging designs. It integrates with your online store so that they design and place orders easily. Moreover, they can import/design art, special inserts with messages, and even branded extras. 

This makes the whole unboxing experience a lot more fun and memorable for customers, making them feel special and excited to receive their box.

3. Boost Brand Image:

 

Lots of companies that send subscription boxes care about the environment. They want to use packaging that's good for the planet, like materials that can be recycled, break down naturally, or used again. 

If you're a print shop that offers this kind of eco-friendly packaging, you'll be very attractive to these companies because they're looking for ways to be more sustainable.

4. Increased Flexibility:

 

                                                           

 

Subscription box companies often need to print small batches of boxes for special occasions or limited-edition items. This is where digital printing really shines. 

Unlike traditional printing methods, digital printing doesn't require large minimum orders. This means companies can print exactly the number of boxes they need, saving them money and reducing waste.

Digital printing is also super flexible. If a company wants to make a quick change to their box design, it's easy to do with digital printing. This allows them to be more creative and adapt to changing trends or customer preferences. 

So, digital printing is a great option for subscription box companies because it's cost-effective, efficient, and gives them the freedom to create unique and exciting packaging.

Types of Subscription Box Packaging Print Shops 

1. Custom Printed Boxes:

 

                                                         

 

There are a few different types of boxes commonly used for subscription boxes. Corrugated boxes are the most common type. They're strong and sturdy, which is important for keeping items safe during shipping. You can also print cool designs both inside and outside of these boxes.

Rigid boxes are like the fancy dress clothes of the packaging world! They're made from thick, sturdy materials and give a really luxurious feel. These are perfect for high-end subscription boxes that want to create a special unboxing experience. 

 

Folding carton boxes are lighter and more flexible, making them great for smaller items like beauty products or snacks. They're also easy to fold and assemble, which is helpful for companies.

2. Eco-friendly Packaging:

 

                                                              

 

When it comes to eco-friendly packaging, there are a few popular choices. Recyclable materials are made from materials that can be turned into new products, like paper or plastic. These materials are often printed with water-based inks, which are also better for the environment.

Biodegradable and compostable boxes are even greener. Biodegradable materials break down naturally over time, while compostable materials can be added to compost piles to create nutrient-rich soil. 

This is a great option for brands that really want to minimize their impact on the planet. Kraft boxes are made from recycled brown paper and have a natural, earthy look. They're a popular choice for eco-conscious brands because they're simple, sustainable, and visually appealing.

3. Branded Inserts:

Imagine opening a subscription box. To keep everything safe inside, companies use special inserts. These inserts can be made of foam, cardboard, or even shredded paper. They not only protect the items but also provide a place for companies to add their branding with printed messages or information.

Box sleeves are like little jackets for your boxes! They slip over the existing box and can be easily changed for different seasons, holidays, or special promotions. This allows companies to keep their packaging fresh and exciting without having to redesign the entire box. 

Printed tissue paper is another great way to add a special touch. It's soft, eco-friendly, and can be printed with the company's logo or a fun pattern, making the unboxing experience even more enjoyable.

4.  Subscription Box Mailers:

There are a few different types of mailers used to ship subscription boxes. Poly mailers are made from a thin, flexible plastic and are great for lightweight items that don't need a lot of protection. 

Padded mailers are softer and provide extra cushioning for more fragile items. They can also be customized with your brand's logo or colors. 

Paper mailers are made from recycled paper, making them a great eco-friendly option. They're compostable and recyclable, which is important for brands that care about sustainability.

 

5. Bags and pouches as packaging items:

 

Packaging items can be subdivided into two types: drawing bags and reusable pouches

 

• Drawstring Bags - These are bags that close by pulling strings at the top (like a small backpack). They're often used for storing small, valuable items like jewelry. Think of those little velvet bags that often come with necklaces or rings.

• Reusable Pouches - These are bags that can be used many times (not thrown away after one use). They're good for the environment because they can replace single-use plastic bags. Customers can keep using them for different purposes after their initial purchase, making them a useful souvenir or gift.

6. Packaging Boxes Having Windows:

There are two types of packaging with window styles:

• Transparent/Custom Windows - These are clear parts in the box, usually made of plastic. Think of a cake box with a clear top that lets you see the cake inside, or a cosmetics box where you can see the lipstick or perfume through a window.

• Custom Cut-Out Windows - Instead of regular square or rectangle windows, these boxes have specially shaped openings. For example, if your company logo is a star, you could have a star-shaped window in the box. Or if you're selling a teddy bear, you might have a bear-shaped window to show the product inside.

7. Packaging With a Seasonal Theme:

Holiday-Themed Boxes - These are boxes designed for specific holidays. For example:

• Christmas boxes with snowflakes and reindeers

• Halloween boxes with pumpkins and spooky designs

• Valentine's Day boxes with hearts and romantic themes

Limited-Edition Designs - These are special designs that are only available for a short time. They make customers feel they're getting something unique. For example:

• A special summer collection box that's only available for one month

• A box designed for a collaboration between two brands

• A one-time special design for an anniversary celebration

Think of it like when McDonald's changes their cups and packaging for Christmas, or when candy companies make special Halloween wrappers - it's the same idea, making packaging more exciting and special for different occasions.

Final Words:

The subscription box business is booming, and print shops that can adapt to this trend will have a lot of business. To succeed, print shops need to offer a wide range of customizable and eco-friendly packaging options. 

Having a user-friendly online platform where customers can easily design and order their packaging is key. This will help attract both businesses (B2B) and individual customers (B2C), giving the print shop a competitive edge in the market.
 

Autor Bio:

Aston Koena is the Head,Business & Operations at ImprintNext, a cutting-edge web-to-print product designer tool that empowers print shops to offer seamless product customization. With a passion for innovation in the print industry, Aston helps businesses adopt tools and strategies that drive growth, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience.