As we are almost near the end of 2020, it's becoming more and more apparent which packaging trends are sticking around this decade. To name a few: digital printing, personalized packaging, minimalist designs, and sustainable solutions. And of the many shapes and sizes packaging takes, the one format accommodating these trends best is the mailer box.

Thanks to their highly customizable designs, easy-fold branded mailer boxes reign supreme year after year. They're darlings among digital printers, hallmarks of an ever-popular craft aesthetic, and highly sustainable in more ways than one. As the new decade pushes forward, it's safe to say that mailer boxes aren't going anywhere. Let's take a closer look at a few of the reasons why.

A Striking First Touchpoint

Gone are the days when first contact was reserved for brick-and-mortar stores. If you're a small retailer, you're likely relying on third-party platforms to generate sales. Unfortunately, when people shop for your product on Amazon or Etsy, your brand identity isn't always taking canter stage. As a result, your packaging is often the first true touchpoint between the consumer and your brand.

And when it comes to creating memorable touchpoints, mailer boxes make waves. For one, they transform into stunning display cases when opened, providing a "ta-da" factor and highly appealing unboxing experience.

Moreover, because of the interlocking flap, mailer boxes give your business additional real estate. Often, brands print digitally both inside and outside the box, thus reinforcing their identity. You can even leverage inside space to print playful extras such as discount offers, personalized messages, and other goodies.

Simply put, the mailer box's unique opening creates a conversation of sorts with the consumer. It reveals your identity gradually and, in doing so, leaves a lasting first impression.

Beautiful Packaging at a Low Cost

Because of their appealing, display-case design, mailer boxes let you impress your clients without having to break the bank. In fact, of the many materials used to design mailer boxes, unbleached kraft board—the most affordable—remains among the most popular.

This dressed-down aesthetic is often favored by brands that want to distinguish themselves from overly glossy, mass-produced goods. It's a clean, natural look that emphasizes the quality of the product itself. Additionally, kraft board serves as a table rasa on which your printed brand identity pops.

Of course, the appeal of kraft board depends on the type of packaging you opt for. For instance, on a shipping box, the application may seem more practical than design-driven. Mailer boxes, on the other hand, feature an aesthetic that meshes beautifully with the low-cost material.

Sustainable Designs

Now more than ever, consumers are making sustainable decisions with their dollar. Often, those opting to buy their goods from smaller businesses and startups—as opposed to multinational brands—fit the same profile as those paying attention to packaging. For these savvy customers, 100% recyclable packaging is perceived as added value.

Indeed, eco-packaging isn't distinct to mailer boxes. At Flourish, our shipping boxes, folding cartons, and rigid gift boxes are all fully recyclable. With that said, mailer boxes offer a wide range of sustainable solutions beyond their recyclable design. For one, their closures don't necessarily require tape or other waste-creating adhesives. Additionally, mailer boxes feature a sturdy build that reduces the need for other packaging materials such as Styrofoam and bubble wrap (same goes for rigid gift boxes).

Also favored among eco-conscious consumers is fit-to-product packaging. Over the last few years, there's been an increasingly high demand from consumers to eliminate waste. Such a demand has prompted packaging printing companies like ours to expand sizing options. When we launched in 2017, we offered 15 mailer box size options. Today, we provide sizing from 2"x2"x2" to 20"x20"x6" in ¼-inch increments!

Fully Customizable Packaging Solutions

Thanks to their exceptional, flexible designs, mailer boxes remain one of the most sought-after packaging solutions. And with the help of digital packaging printing, mailer boxes are more customizable than ever before. We make it easy to create your own packaging with just a few clicks. Chose your mailer box size, upload your graphics, add text, and place your order in less than a minute. As supporters of small businesses, we also process orders of as little as one unit.