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Ecommerce packaging is a term used to refer to any type of packaging that supports online purchases.
For the team at Cardboard Box Company, and the wider Logson Group, this can take the form of many different styles of boxes, cases and envelopes all designed to be easy to pack goods into, protect product through the supply chain and give a positive unboxing experience to the consumer.

With the third biggest ecommerce market in the world being here in the UK, the amount of packaging required to facilitate this is significant. Getting those goods from warehouse, retail outlet, distribution centre or workshop is a slick operation worth billions of pounds and corrugated is right at the heart of it all.
Understanding what is required from all parties in the process is key to establishing successful ecommerce partnership and we work closely with our customers to make this happen without exception.

What do businesses need from ecommerce packaging?
Businesses require ecommerce packaging to be functional, fit for purpose and cost efficient. We consider how easy the solution is to assemble, pack and open as all parts of the process need to suit be appropriate.
We understand customers need their ecommerce packaging to also protect products through the supply chain, reducing the risk of damage and the chance of customers being unhappy when receiving damaged goods. This also protects the reputation of the business supplying the products.
We also consider the diversification of the product range and how the packaging solutions we create can be adapted to keep the range as sleek as possible without shipping fresh air, requiring additional void fill and without complicating the shipping process unduly.
Sustainability is a big consideration for business and corrugated is one of the most sustainable packaging materials available to business to support their ecommerce operations.
Finally, depending upon the markets they operate in and the customer base they have, business may want their brand reflected in a variety of ways ranging from simple logo representation to a whole unboxing experience.
Achieving the balance of all these requirements is key to success and to delivering a superior customer experience.

What do consumers need from ecommerce packaging?
Consumers typically have specific distinct needs and expectations when it comes to ecommerce packaging and these will change in priority depending upon the product they have purchased. For example, if a customer has ordered a microwave the minimum expectation will be for the packaging to protect the product so it arrives intact. However, if they are purchasing a high end product on line they will expect the product to not only arrive intact but also give them a pleasurable opening experience.
Ease of opening is also another critical factor consumers. Packaging which is difficult to open or require tools to open (which can damage products within) can be very frustrating and negatively impact on the consumers experience. This is why achieving the balance of business, product and consumer friendly packaging is non-negotiable.
Consumers also like aesthetically pleasing packaging, especially when buying luxury or non-essential products. Attractive packaging that reflects the brand’s identity and adds an element of excitement to the unboxing process can significantly enhance the consumer experience. This visual appeal can create a memorable moment for the consumer, encouraging them to share their experience on social media, which in turn benefits the brand.
In addition, sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Many are more environmentally conscious and prefer packaging that is recyclable, biodegradable, or made from sustainable materials. Eco-friendly packaging not only aligns with their values but also impacts their purchasing decisions, as they are more likely to support brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, and this is why corrugated packaging is preferred by brands and consumers alike.

Why corrugated is best
Corrugated can meet these expectations of both business and consumers and this is why it is the preferred choice for many ecommerce businesses. For those who don’t currently use corrugated, there continues to be a growing shift as businesses seek more sustainable solutions to meet their own ESG goals and align with consumer demands for eco-friendly solutions.
When correctly designed by qualified professionals it is infinitely durable and its adaptability allows businesses to achieve the balance of product protection, easy packing and opening and aesthetics as required.
It also offers the ability for a range of print solutions to be applied to it bringing a whole other range of possibilities for businesses to choose from to find a corrugated packaging solution that optimises all elements of the supply chain and delivers a solution which meets the demands of the ecommerce industry.

2025 will see more businesses tackle their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies developing and implementing them across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
One Scope three emission (those which are indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company) is that of managing hard to recycle materials from the supply chains of businesses and their onward customers and consumers.
As one of the most sustainable and recyclable packaging materials corrugated is ideally placed to support businesses achieve these goals.
Here, we investigate how versatile corrugated is and the hard to recycle materials it can successfully replace.

Wood
Wood is a more sustainable material; however, it can still be very hard to recycle both commercially and domestically.
Corrugated can successfully replace wooden crates and pallet, with heavy duty corrugated board proving just as strong and infinitely more sustainable and recyclable.

Single Use Plastic
Plastic clearly still has its place in a modern 21st century, however single use plastic such as plastic ecommerce mailers and void fill can easily be replaced with corrugated and paper-based solutions.
As with most packaging solutions, the key to success here lies within the design and professional knowledge of how corrugated can best be utilised to provide recyclable alternatives.

Metal
Again, metal can be challenging to recycle and dispose of responsibly, however in certain situations, depending upon application and usage corrugated can be a worthy replacement offering unrivalled strength, durability and increased flexibility in terms of product storage.
It can have a very positive impact on global supply chains, allowing greater utilisation of container space and reducing pack weights and therefore shipping costs.

Robust and resilient
The beauty of corrugated is the wide variety of board grades or types of material available which brings endless options for customers seeking to replace those hard to recycle materials with more sustainable ones.
More robust and resilient than many appreciate, corrugated can replace so many hard to recycle materials through innovative design often providing not just a replacement but a better and more sustainable solution.

EPR legislation
Ultimately, Extended Producer Regulations (EPR) are there to create a more circular economy and increase recycling. However, it does mean that businesses are now financially obligated to meet the costs of managing their packaging waste.
Whilst this is proving challenging for some, it does support ESG principles and in some scenarios will be the driving force to businesses to seek alternative packaging supplies.

2025 will therefore be a year, we believe, that an increasing number of business seek more sustainable and recyclable packaging and that they will endeavour to source this from more local suppliers to reduce the number of ‘packaging miles’ it travels. This too, will support elements of ESG policies.
With the team at Cardboard Box Company having years of experience and a commitment to designing, manufacturing and supplying the latest and most innovative corrugated box solutions alongside tried and tested FEFCO styles, business can be assured of a packaging partner that delivers on every level.

To access the benefits for your business contact the team on 01254 232223 or email them on info@thecardboardbox.co.uk

We are very pleased to announce that we are finalists at the 2025 Red Rose Awards hosted by Lancashire Business View Magazine!
Celebrating the best of Lancashire business for the 15th year, we’ve been shortlisted in the Design Team of the Year category, reflecting our superb design team and their achievements, particularly in the last twelve months.
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company said; “Reaching the finals of these prestigious local awards is a great result for our design team and the business.
“We have been renowned for our award-winning construction and print design for many years and to be able to showcase this to businesses in our region on a wider platform is very pleasing.
“My warmest congratulations to all other finalists and to the awards team for organising and hosting this event to highlight business success in our region.”
The team cited many reasons as to why they were deserving of this award not least the pioneering print work they do, the winning of two FIA awards in summer 2024 and the constructional design prowess the team displays to its customers.
Tom Penman, Graphics Manager added; “This is a wonderful result for Marc (Stobbs), me and all our graphic, print and constructional design team, and we look forward to the award evening in a few weeks’ time.”
The Red Rose Awards 2025 is to be hosted on Thursday 13th March at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
All the finalists can be found here, whilst tickets for the event and further information can be found by visiting https://www.redroseawards.co.uk/

Kristian Howson is our Design Optimisation Manager.
Having studied Illustration at college he joined his family’s businesses which specialised in die-making for the packaging industry. After five years he moved on, after the family business ceased trading. It was a glance through a local newspaper when he saw a CAD design job advertised at CBC. He applied and the rest is history.
He was promoted to his current role in 2023 and now has a role which has two main parts.
One is to design the structural aspects of packaging, creating samples, and preparing jobs for production receiving work from our sales team, through emails, or by visiting customers.
Alongside this he focuses on production optimisation across all elements of the process. This can involve redesigning boxes, enhancing machinery, or creating more efficient manufacturing routes. He assists customers with their packing, whether it’s manual or automated work so the CBC team can create packaging solutions which suit customers operational requirements. By identifying the source of the customers problem and he determines what needs to be done to improve the situation.

Just for fun…

If you didn’t work in corrugated, what would you do?

I feel it may be something active. Although creative, I’ve always enjoyed sports. Knowing there aren’t many rich artists or designers, a career in the sports industry would probably be my second choice, but plain brown cardboard boxes are just too appealing!

A fact people may not know about you

Through CBC I’ve been lucky enough to take part in two Red Bull Soapbox Races and finished first in vehicle design. We achieved international stardom for the design (short period) with newspapers in Japan, America and Australia contacting me.

What you like to do outside of work

In my spare time I mainly climb, hike, wild swim, and gym. I train in the gym in the mornings and climb in the evenings, it’s very rare I’m caught sitting around doing nothing but if I am I will probably on my PS5.

It’s fair to say most people aren’t keen on change, indeed, it’s a basic human instinct to protect our routines and endeavour to remain in control of situations.
However, in a business committed to continuous improvement this could have proved challenging. Yet, it was nothing that a little reframing couldn’t fix to enable us all, in every role in the business, to help us all change together.
This is where our ‘Change Champions’ initiative was born.
Launched in the business just a few weeks ago, the senior leadership team took the decision to ask the entire Cardboard Box team to lead a new continuous improvement initiative, deciding what needed changing in the business to make improvements in output, cost saving, material efficiency, wellbeing, health and safety and general site improvements.
Most pleasingly, over 20 people took the opportunity to play their part in shaping the future success and longevity of the business.
“After running some trial projects in the past, we’ve found we had greater engagement from everyone at all levels by asking for key stakeholders to help solve issues that directly impact them,” said Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Many companies still take a more autocratic route to force necessary changes to improve productivity, but for us it’s about being a better business in every way – as efficient and productive as we can be, whilst ensuring our team is happy and supported at work.”
After the volunteers came forward, discussions took place which resulted in ten team members identified to spear head the changes in ten areas of the business – the areas of the business where they are the experts.
A range of challenges across the business were also prioritised, and a programme put in place to make the changes necessary.

Daniel concluded; “It’s been eye-opening to see common problems identified across the business but by creating the Change Champion team, it’s already starting to feel they can solve any issue in a positive and inclusive way.
“It is reducing resistance to change, building stronger teams and driving autonomous conversations crucial in helping us reach our health and safety goals which encompass our teams mental and physical health and wellbeing, and the financial health of the business.”

Nathan Czuczko joined our team in 2018 and is a graphic designer within our Design Department.
Having spent five years as a Graphics Operator (whilst still at college) for Event Broadcasting Ltd where he contributed to the Matchday coverage for Blackburn Rovers, creating and managing real-time graphics to enhance the fan experience, he moved into his full-time role with us.
His role is hugely varied, but briefly Nathan creates and adjusts artwork to ensure it meets flexographic machine tolerances, maintaining precise specifications for high-quality output.
Additionally, he manages the ordering and coordination of print plates, facilitating smooth production and accurate reproduction of designs.

Nathan commented; “No two days are really the same because of the huge range of corrugated packaging we manufacture and the graphics requirements of our customers. With so many print options available it’s about making sure the right print methodology is selected and the graphics created accordingly to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers.”
After college, Nathan began to search for a full-time role and CBC presented the perfect opportunity at the right time, offering Nathan a chance to start his career immediately in a professional setting.
“CBC felt like the ideal path for me allowing me to apply my skills and learn without additional years of university, said Nathan. “It was definitely the right decision, and my professional and corrugated knowledge continues to expand and develop daily!”
Just for fun…
If you didn’t work in corrugated, what would you do? – I’d definitely still be pursuing something in design, I love to create.

What you like to do outside of work? – I enjoy live sports, especially going to football games and darts matches.

We are very pleased to share that at an unannounced BRC audit recently, the team retained the highest BRC accreditation possible – AA+.
Visitors from the accreditation body for BRCGS called to do a full inspection and were delighted with the standards and procedures kept by the Cardboard Box team.

“Grading is achieved through a rigorous certification process and achieving the grade of AA+ BRCGS is a fantastic accomplishment by the entire team,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Having the highest accreditation, particular when it was unannounced, gives assurance to our customers that we operate at the highest standards, always.”

BRCGS is a globally recognised accreditation body that evaluates company practices and procedures to ensure they are operating at the required standards across all elements of the business including health and safety and legal requirements.

Customers also benefit from knowing that products are manufactured consistently to the highest standards of quality and safety. Furthermore, the team constantly strive to be the best in its field bringing confidence to the supply chain and beyond.

Dan concluded; “This audit saw us have just one minor non-conformance. To achieve this status for the second year in a row highlights the commitment our team has to maintaining high standards.

“My thanks go to the team for their professionalism towards the process throughout all that we do.”

BRCGS certification is used in over 130 countries across the globe and sets the benchmark for good manufacturing processes.

Product returns can be the the bane of a manufacturers life.

But the good news is that product returns can be reduced or virtually eradicated when the correct packaging is chosen.
Design Manager, Marc Stobbs, explains how the team take designs from concept to completion and why customers benefit from choosing the Cardboard Box Company team.

Understanding the challenge

The first thing we do as a sales and design team is understand the challenges the customer is facing with regard product return.
Is the volume of product return too high? – The answer is almost always yes!
Is the return always for the same thing? – Most often it is and this indicates a weakness in the way the product is packed or the packaging used.
Why is the current packaging failing? –Could it be that it’s too complex to pack goods into and therefore open to human error?
Is it that the design is wrong? – Fundamentally, the design is the most common reason why product damage and return occurs.
Once these facts have been ascertained the team begins to work on a new solution exploring board grades and most importantly, how a new pack can be designed to better support the product.

The design process

Detailed product information is collated. This is not just the size and specification of the product. It is also about understanding how products are packed, how they are dispatched and through which transport or courier method, and how easy it is for the customer to unpack upon receipt.

Once this information is understood a new design is created. Board grades are considered, designs explored to ensure requirements such as easy assembly, easy packaging and easy opening are achieved as required.

Depending upon the product type appropriate testing can be undertaken specific to our industry or specific to the industry requirements and tolerances of our customer. This includes testing for hazardous and dangerous goods; a process which our team can ably offer support and guidance on. It is at this stage that the design will be sampled and sent to the customer for approval. Currently, further amendments can be made until final sign off is given.

Depending upon the requirements of the customer print is also considered as part of the design process. Our graphics team understand the full print capabilities of our machinery portfolio and can work with customers existing artwork, or create new artwork, to manufacture everything from one colour print to six colour print that equally matches digital quality.

Print testing and approval are approved once the construction and robustness of the design has been agreed, to ensure print design is accurate and meets the requirements of the box or pack design.

Protecting the brand

A combination of good design and good print ensures that the packaging we supply supports all elements of your business operation.
Having high product returns due to damage can be harmful to brands, and therefore it is important to get every part of your packaging right to protect your product, your brand and your reputation so that recommendations, repeat business and customer loyalty occurs.
This is particularly important when product damage occurs in a retail environment, such as supermarkets or stores, through shelf ready or display packaging that has not withstood the rigours of the supply chain.

Manufacturing everything corrugated

Cardboard Box Company manufactures the full range of corrugated packaging solutions from high volume FEFCO cases to highly specialised solutions that feature complex design and print.

Why don’t you and your business begin to benefit from our expertise?

Give us a call on 01254 232223 or email us info@thecardboardbox.co.uk

Heading into Q4 can be a challenging time for businesses.
Managing supply and demand, movement of stock and balancing warehousing and distribution, all whilst keeping customers happy during any peak period can present issues.
However, one problem that can be solved is ensuring you have the correct packaging to store and distribute your products through the supply chain. Or to take your products into retail outlets through bespoke point of sale packaging to catch the eye of consumers and capitalise on the festive spending period.
Right place, right time
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is choosing a packaging partner who can help you get your products in the right place at the right time.
This means that your products will leave the production line and be packed, stored or distributed as required, safe in the knowledge that the packaging specified will protect the produce at all stages of the supply chain.
If you are dispatching direct to the customer through ecommerce channels it is equally important that the product arrives intact, and that the customer unboxing experience is positive.
Design with purpose
Key to the success of any packaging is the design, and our team of constructional and graphic designers are on hand to create the perfect solution.
Whether it’s transit packaging to get goods from A to B, a smart ecommerce solution or any eye-catching point-of-sale or retail ready solution our team interpret customer briefs with accuracy and flair.
This translates into packaging solutions that fulfil all requirements whether its boxes with product info and product codes for easy location and stock management in warehouses, or boxes that really stand out in retail situations. Rest assured our team has it covered.
Managing demand
So, the packaging is looking perfect, but one other aspect that needs to be considered is how demand is managed.
Our teams work with yours to ascertain anticipated demand and build a production schedule to suit this.
However, we recognise that consumers can be unpredictable and that this may have an impact on the amount of packaging required to get you through.
This is where our customer service team comes into their own; building a relationship with you and keeping in regular contact to ensure any additional requirements are met.
Giving much reassurance to our customers, this level of service means customers who typically experience an uptick in demand are confident in our ability to meet that demand.
Matt Herd, Commercial Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “We are experienced and have an assured confidence allowing us to support our customers and meet their packaging requirements.
“By forming partnerships with them, we understand the facets of their business and how they operate, which allows us to tailor a solution taking into account design, print, warehousing and delivery.”
To speak to a member of our team about any packaging requirement, including those to support peak period demand contact us on 01254 232223 or info@thecardboardbox.co.uk