The use of metalized boxes that is packing boxes made from coated cardboard or paperboard boxes with thin layers of metal like aluminum or gold/silver color is a tendency of packaging. These packaging is an exceptional solution as it provides numerous advantages in terms of aesthetics and use as well as from the ecological perspective. But when it comes to disadvantages, there are also some considerations to make when using metalized boxes. Consequently, the following article will be dedicated to analyzing the benefits of using custom silver and gold metalized boxes while also outlining the possible drawbacks of such a decision.
Benefits of Metalized Boxes
High-End, Luxurious Appearance
Of course, the choice of silver and gold metalized packages, including the boxes, is mainly due to the attractiveness of these products. Gold colored and silver cardboard boxes reflect an air of luxury, which is synonymous to expensive. This enables those brands in various sectors including clothing and accessories, electronics, beauty and personal care products, food and drinks and others to convey the image of a premium brand. It adds shine on the stores and is appealing to the eye which makes people buy those products. Luxury brands have their clients, and such packaging, which can be done on biodegradable paperboard with recyclable inks, will be suitable for them.
Excellent Barrier Properties
Aesthetically pleasing boxes also successfully shield their contents from light, moisture, and oxygen because of their very thin metal covering. This helps to lessen damage and spoiling of packed or perishable goods. Metal is significantly more effective at preventing the flow of oxygen and water vapor than plastic or wax barriers. Because metalized cardboard boxes lock in freshness and extend product shelf life, they are advantageous for a variety of applications.
Lightweight Despite Metal Coating
Because there is a very thin layer of aluminum, silver, or gold applied to the cardboard, this package nevertheless benefits from being lightweight. This keeps the cost of delivery low even if the boxes have a shiny, upscale appearance. Comparing the small weight to heavier or thicker forms of metalized packaging helps preserve the environment. By adopting paperboard packaging covered with ultra thin metallic protection instead of heavy packaging materials, firms may also avoid the issue of transportation emissions.
Recyclable and Renewably-Sourced
A large number of the contemporary metalized boxes can be made of paperboard or cardboard derived from renewable and well managed forests. It means that they can be easily recycled together with other paper products if facilities for cardboard recycling are available locally. By selecting a such packaging paper derived from renewable materials with metal coatings that are also environmentally friendly, brands can embrace sustainability. This appealing factor leads to the increased uptake of the social responsibility concept to use of these boxes by environmentally conscious brands in various industries.
Challenges of Metalized Boxes
Increased Costs
Though they fully offer functionality and conductivity together with aesthetics, custom metal printing and coating add up to the costs as compared to the unprinted or non-metalized stock packaging. A thin layer of metal is applied on packaging materials and there are specific equipment and processes that are used. There are also added cost implication in getting graphic designs and printing in the event that the company decides to add custom images and brands on top of the metalized base. For small businesses that may be operating on very lean budgets, the branded slim boxes while offering an impressive long-term shelf value may be too expensive at acquisition.
Limited Recyclability Confusion
Another drawback of these boxes is that most recycling facilities do not accept metalized paper packaging even if many boxes are made of renewable and recyclable paper materials. As consumers are not fully informed about the recycling limitations, a significant number of metalized packaging boxes may still go to landfill sites, thereby lessening the environmental advantage of paperboard to plastics. To enhance the overall sustainability, there was a need to label all packaging and enhance the acceptance of these packaging recycling in the local markets. Safe food liner coatings that may be used in these boxes can also make the running of these boxes through paper repulping recycling facilities challenging.
Special Handling Required
It is also important to make some adjustment in storing, stacking as well as transporting the packaging in order to minimize the possibility of damaging the metalized surface. Any kind of abrasions or lines in metalized boxes makes them appear less attractive to place in shelves. It is important to note that brands with no experience in handling thin packaging materials might require special handling. Controlling and training the workers on proper way to handle the boxes reduces damage and affects product quality.
If thoroughly evaluated at the point of purchasing, brands stand the benefits of the boxes’ eye-popping appearance and higher technology.
