Management of many products packed into one brand name turns out to be very difficult as a result of many aspects, shipping needs, and consumer demands that bring extra variation and expenses connected with packaging. And what can be a solution? It is a packaging system that would unite flexibility, functionality, and brand representation.
How to Choose Packaging for Multiple SKUs: A Guide to Standardizing Sizes, Materials, and Branding begins with meeting the products and looking for ways to make packaging simpler.
Why Standardization of Packaging Is Important for Multiple SKUs
In a business environment, it is more convenient to deal with diverse stock-keeping units (SKUs) by means of their standardization. In contrast to the design of individual packaging for each product, businesses utilize packaging that has been properly chosen in terms of size, materials, and branding.
The benefits of this kind of process include decreased packaging costs, better inventory management, improved efficiency in the warehouse, and proper representation of the brand.
Startups in e-commerce, retailers, and manufacturers need to use a good multi-SKU packaging strategy to succeed.
1. Categorize Products Based on Their Sizes and Packaging Needs
First of all, it is necessary to figure out the dimensions, weight, fragility, shape, and packaging needs of the items in each SKU category.
Similar products can be categorized based on their sizes as small, medium, and large items. For example, when packaging the products in a skincare line, there will be different sizes of boxes that are used to ship the bottles rather than custom boxes for all products.
Not everything needs to fit into the same standard box. Fragile, shaped, or high-quality products will need special packaging.
Tip: Make a packaging size matrix in order to define which box, pouch, insert, or other protection should be used for each SKU.
2. Choose Appropriate Packaging Material
It depends on the weight of the product, fragility, storage conditions, transportation distance, and environmental friendliness.
Common materials include:
- Corrugated cardboard: Suitable for packaging of shipping cartons and cushioning of products.
- Paperboard: Should be used when making retail boxes, cosmetics, accessories, and consumer goods.
- Flexible packaging: Should be used for clothing, dry products, and some personal care products.
- Molded pulp or paper inserts: Are effective for maintaining product separation and restricting movement in the package.
When choosing packaging materials for various SKUs, consider the following factors – durability, unit price, printing, availability, and recyclability in your target country.
Limiting the number of packaging materials will simplify the procurement process, but remember that the safety of your product comes first. Try out your packaging in real-life situations prior to implementing it in the packaging of all your products.
3. Packaging Sizes Standardization with Retaining Flexibility
It is much more realistic to choose several packaging sizes rather than one universal one.
Calculate your products carefully and consider the additional volume for protective inserts, closures, and cushioning. Too large packaging will increase your shipping cost, and too small packaging may damage your products or spoil their appearance.
It makes sense to select a few core standard sizes for the vast majority of SKUs and resort to custom-made packaging only where it is required.
Consider the efficiency of storage, cost of shipping, minimum order quantity, and lead time from suppliers. You want to create a balance between simplicity and specific product needs.
4. Develop a Unified Branding for All SKUs
Package designs are usually the first physical touchpoint customers get with your brand. Even though the products will be different, the packaging must convey a connection between them.
Start by using consistent brand elements, which include your logo, typeface, colors, label placement, and tone of voice. Next, incorporate SKU-specific information, like the product name, color variant, size, or product code.
For instance, a food brand may have the same package design across all the flavors of its food product but a different accent color and product information.
With this strategy, you are able to have consistent packaging branding without making it impossible for customers to differentiate your products. Make sure the necessary information is included.
5. Finding a Balance Between Cost, Sustainability, and Suppliers’ Reliability
The least expensive packaging does not necessarily mean the most cost-effective one. Consider the total cost of materials, printing, warehousing, pack labor, transport, breakages, and MOQs.
Select suppliers who are capable of ensuring consistency in size, materials, printed colors, and on-time delivery as your SKU range increases.
When it is feasible to do so, opt for right-sized packaging, recycled content, and designs that eliminate unnecessary elements. Assess environmental claims according to the relevant standards and your target market’s recycling infrastructure.
If you’re ordering in bulk, make sure to obtain packaging samples for testing its fit, durability, assembly time, and visual consistency.
6. Create a Reusable Packaging Standard
Create documentation of your packaging specifications in one source. Document approved dimensions, materials, design files, label placement, SKUs, and suppliers.
Check packaging specifications whenever you introduce new products or SKUs. This will prevent unnecessary packaging variation by your team members.
Creating a documented packaging standardization process makes it easier to onboard employees, forecast demand, and expand to new markets.
Conclusion
Selecting packaging for multiple SKUs requires finding the right balance between standardization and customization. By standardizing sizes, materials, branding, and suppliers, companies can streamline their processes while ensuring a consistent customer experience.
Do you need packaging solutions that are suited to your product line? Check out Yiruixing Packaging to find packaging solutions for your company. Get in touch with Yiruixing Packaging to know more about your product, packaging, and branding requirements and create a packaging solution for your products and branding as your business expands.
FAQs
How can you standardize your packaging for different SKUs?
Categorize products based on their dimension, weight, protection, and transportation requirements. Choose the set of packaging sizes and materials and allocate them to the right SKU.
Does every SKU have to use the same packaging material?
Not really. While similar products will have similar packaging, fragile, heavy, moisture-sensitive, or oddly-shaped products will need special packaging for proper protection.
How many types of standard packaging does a business need?
No universal size exists. Begin with the minimum range to safely fit most products, and extend it based on need demonstrated by tests.
How can brands keep their packaging consistent among SKUs?
Utilize the same design principles regarding logos, colors, fonts, and overall layout. Distinguish variants using product names, labeling, accent colors, or visible SKU information.
Does packaging standardization cut costs?
Yes, it could simplify the purchase process, reduce inventories, storage space, and packing times. Cost savings will depend on volume, pricing, mode of delivery, and packaging fitment for each product.
