Packaging Options: A New Necessity in a Changed World

As the world continues to adjust to a new normal as a result of the fallout from the current pandemic, packaging items such as bags, labels, and stickers may not be top of mind, but they should be. Presentation is everything—especially with a record number of people staying home, shopping online, and ordering takeout. It is imperative that companies not only leave a lasting impression with their customers, but also show they value their business.

Maribeth Sandford of BAG MAKERS notes that the company is seeing strong demand for packaging products to help navigate COVID-19. “The world has changed, and businesses and schools are looking for ways to create a safe environment for staff, customers, and students,” she explains. “In many ways, bags have become a new necessity. For example, bags are fulfilling the need to keep things clean, sanitized, and safely packaged.

“Many essential workers—like doctors, nurses, and first responders—now need to change clothing before returning home,” she continues. “Customers have been ordering our reusable Aurora Tote, which can be washed and air-dried, to transport uniforms and scrubs. School lunch programs continued even when schools were closed due to state orders. Schools relied on products like our S.O.S. Bags to individually package and distribute meals to students.”

Furthermore, schools and businesses are looking for ways to safely seal packages of books or supplies for students or customers. Printed adhesive multi-purpose labels fit the bill and can also be used to mark six-foot social distance spacing on the ground, or to secure meal containers, pharmacy items, or PPE kits, Sandford adds. Businesses and schools also have started using digital full-color plastic covers and other plastic bags for added protection from high-touch items in shared public spaces—including chairs, remote controls, keyboards, and silverware.

Sandford also notes that as many businesses remain closed to in-person meetings, more people are turning to shipping products or materials, resulting in the company’s plastic and paper mailers trending. Use a distinct color or stamp to deliver for added emphasis.

In addition, there has been an increased demand for bags to accommodate the surge in restaurant delivery, drive-thru, and take-out orders, as well as grocery delivery, according to Sandford. “Customers are looking for bags that can zip or seal for added safety and protection, like our Grab and Go Bags, or that are insulated to keep contents hot or cold, like our Therm-O Totes. Paper Shoppers that are affordable and can hold large containers are also popular, like our Brute Paper Shopper that features a sizeable 10-inch gusset.”

Sandford comments that with many corporate cafeterias and lunchrooms closed due to the pandemic, employees are often opting to bring lunch from home and sit outside to eat. “Employers have been asking for insulated lunch bags, like our Therm-O Super Snack, to serve as affordable but functional gifts for staff.

“Finally, as quarantines and social distancing requirements continue, Americans are taking advantage of parks, bike paths, and hiking trails to safely get fresh air and sunshine,” Sandford adds. “Bags that help people keep their personal items close while they are on the go are trending, such as our backpack collection or Hang-Around Bag, which can snap onto a bike’s handlebars to hold a phone, water bottle, and wallet during a ride.”

Over at Southern Plus, Brannon Craig sees an increase in gift-giving opportunities during the pandemic, which has resulted increased sales in the bag segment of the business. “Presentation is so important in gift giving, and most promotional products are given as gifts to someone!” he affirms. Southern Plus has a multitude of bag options that Craig says are upscale and retail-inspired for gift-giving. “Some of the more popular bags used for this purpose are our Shanti Tote, Colibri Tote, Namaste Tote, and The Firefly! These four are smaller, laminated jute bags that are versatile, eco, and elegant. We also have many wine totes and carriers that are used often as gift bags (and not only for wine/spirits). Our customers find that ‘kitting’ items in a nice bag not only makes a great first impression on the recipient, but also makes ongoing impressions on others as they are used for other purposes!”

Southern Plus has two laminated non-woven bags (the Gold Metallic Shopper Tote and Vogue Tote), which Craig reports have a very high perceived value, but are incredibly low cost. “The Gold Metallic bag has been used by power brands (like Nike) to ‘set the gold standard’ in gift giving,” he elaborates. “Our Vogue Tote was used years ago at the Academy Awards as ‘the gift bag’ for the celebrities who either presented or won an award! (Rumor has it that there was over $100K of bling in each one, proving how important a bag can be to be the wrapping of a great gift!).”

The company also offers many of its luxury throws in a clear, vinyl, zippered bag to give it a retail look and feel, Craig adds, and to allow other things to be inserted into the clear “package” as a gift. “As an employer, what employee wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a nice fleece throw as a holiday gift?” he comments. “But insert a microwave bag of popcorn, and a Redbox gift card, with a note saying, ‘Enjoy Your Holiday’ and you’ve elevated the gift to something more personal and special (without adding much cost). The packaging allows for this. We also offer our two newest throws (Alpaca Blanket and Himalayan Throw) with a decorative ribbon! Recipients of these two luxury gifts always perceive a much higher value as a result of this added decorative touch!”

Custom branding on ribbons is a relatively easy way to add value to packaging. Its versatility allows it to be tied on gift boxes, shopping bag handles, and even gift card folders. There are endless colors and patterns to choose from to really dress up packaging. The same holds true for labels. They can also be put on bags, products, tags, and gift wrap. It is another relatively easy way to leave a lasting impression!

Packaging is an essential component of “delivering” a complete message. Custom brand the bag or box, attach decorative ribbon and/or attach a label imprinted with a logo. Proper packaging is so much more than gifting or delivering a product safely—it is another opportunity to create a long-lasting impression that will result in repeat business!