The right packaging for subscriptions

Introduction: the important role of packaging in subscription models

Subscription packaging is all about efficiency, ease of use and a strong brand experience. Whether you are shipping food, supplements or other products, the right choice in flexible packaging; such as stand-up pouches, boxpouches or side gussets is essential.

But what exactly should you pay attention to when your packaging is in a letterbox should fit? How do you make sure the product lies properly, does not slide and the customer has an optimal experience?

In this blog, we discuss step by step The key factors to consider when sourcing the right packaging for your subscription model.

1. Letterbox box size: how much space do you have to pack your products?

A letterbox box has reduced dimensions, so your packaging should fit in here perfectly.

Maximum dimensions for a letterbox parcel in the Netherlands (PostNL):

Length: max. 38 cm
Width: max. 26.5 cm
Height: max. 3.2 cm
Weight: max. 2 kg

What do you need to consider?

How many packs per box? Do you have several flavours and want 2, 3 or 4 bags neatly side by side in the box, without pressing together?
Packing thickness: Packaging that is bulging may not fit well in a letterbox box. Furthermore, it may also create empty space, which means you can pack less efficiently and incur extra shipping costs. The more efficient packaging is, the more cost-effective it is.
Avoid air in the packaging: Avoid unnecessary air in the bags to save space and shipping costs.

2. Which type of flexible packaging is best?

Standing bags (also called 'stand-up bags')

Stays nicely upright, ideal for branding
Possibility for a resealable zipper
A little trickier to fit in a flat letterbox box and depending on your product, it may start to slide. Then the box no longer fits through the letterbox.

When to choose?

If you have a luxury look want and packaging well-protected should remain, for example for premium food products or supplements. When consumers store these upright, the stand-up pouch is very handy. With a zipper when the bag opens and closes more often.

Side Gusset Bags

Super-compact and flat, ideal for letterbox size
Efficient in use of space and cost-saving in shipping
Often no zipper, less suitable for products that are opened several times

When to choose?

If you have a compact, economical and efficient shipping option needed, as with powders or dry foods.

Rectangular packaging (also called 'box pouches')

Stable shape, easy to stack
Efficient packing without sliding
Can be fitted with valve and with zipper

When to choose?

If you want packaging that upright yet efficiently in a letterbox box fits, ideal for coffee or luxury food products.

3. Avoid sliding in the letterbox

A loosely packed product that slides during transport can arrive damaged and looks unprofessional. The unboxing moment does not get the full attention it deserves. This can disappoint the customer and possibly influence buying behaviour negatively.

Tips to avoid sliding:

Tailor-made packaging - Choose packaging that perfectly matches the inside dimensions of the letterbox box, or have a letterbox box custom-made for your bags.
Use filling material - For extra protection, you can opt for padding material such as silk paper or paper shreds. The silk paper can be printed for extra perception.
Solid base & sealing - Make sure the bag keeps its shape with the right choice of material and does not wrinkle or collapse.

4. Resealable packaging or not?

With subscription products, it is important to think about how and when the customer uses the product.

When to choose a zipper?

If the product not at once is consumed (e.g. tea, nuts, supplements).
If you additional protection against moisture and air need.

When no zipper is needed?

If it is a single-use product is
If the packaging has the function of a refill packaging

Alternative to a zipper

Choose a heat seal with tear notch, so the customer can easily open the packaging without unnecessary thickness. Note that some recyclable materials do not tear as well, so a tear notch may not be effective. In that case, a laserline be a better option. However, keep in mind that this may affect the shelf life of the product.

5. Sustainability: how to make the best choice?

More and more customers expect packaging sustainable and recyclable are.

Best options for sustainable flexible packaging:

Mono-material bags (PE or PP) - Fully recyclable within existing waste streams.
Paper-coated flexible packaging - Biodegradable, but less suitable for products with a long shelf life.
No aluminium layer (ALU-free) - Prevents unnecessary material combinations that are not recyclable.
I'M Green PE - A sustainable alternative where the raw materials come from renewable sources instead of fossil resources. This PE is recyclable within the same residual stream as standard PE (SPI code 4).

We help and advise you in choosing the best recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions.

6. Branding and experience: ensure an unforgettable unboxing

A subscription pack is not just a shipping tool - it is a marketing tool which creates customer loyalty.

Attractive full-colour printing with logo and brand identity
Matt or glossy laminate for a premium look
A transparent window so customers can see the product
QR code on packaging with additional information or exclusive content
Personalisation - for example, the customer's name on the packaging for a luxury experience
Papertouch finish for additional experience

Nicely designed packaging increases the likelihood of repeat purchases, keeping the subscription running.

Conclusion: the perfect subscription packaging makes all the difference

The right flexible packaging in a subscription model ensures efficient shipping, a better customer experience and fewer returns. By considering size, material, resealing and branding, you offer packaging that is not only practical, but also reinforces your brand.

Do you want perfectly fitting packaging for your subscription service? We are happy to help you with tailor-made packaging solutions!

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