Vape branding is about more than a name or logo on a box. Branding is about creating a consistent look with packaging, the information on the products and how they are presented to customers. There are safety and legal requirements that packaging should meet for businesses operating in the UK vaping market.
It may sound obvious, but packaging is a process. The package should be designed around the product, the material it is made from, the size of the box and the information customers need to know. An effective packaging strategy can help the products be easily identified, protect them during transport and keep all the products organized.
If you’re just starting out your vape business or looking to refresh the packaging on your current products, here are a few things to keep in mind when working on your vape branding.
1. Start With a Clear Vape Branding Strategy
Take the time to think about what your business needs before buying packaging. Vaping products come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s not always one shape of box that will fit all.
Start by considering the essentials, like product size, weight, storage requirements and ways the packaging will be transported.
These important points in your mind will make it much easier to choose the right box structure and communicate your needs with the packaging manufacturer.
The other thing to think about is clearly identifying the product. To keep the important information easily accessible across different packaging designs, have the same information in different places.
2. Choose the Right Materials for Vape Packaging
Choosing the right material can affect the performance of your packaging. Some products need lightweight cartons while others need stronger materials to support them.
Voice a few options:
Folding carton board – ideal for light items or small boxes.
This cardboard is made of corrugated plastic and provides extra strength and cushioning during transportation.
Rigid board: Provides an additional structure for products that need support.
Paperboard: Paperboard may be considered by businesses seeking to use recyclable packaging options.
Consider the thickness, durability, printability and performance of each material when choosing a material for your printed product.
The objective is to find a material that protects the product without creating unnecessary packaging costs.
3. Get the Right Fit With Custom Vape Boxes
It may seem like nothing, but packaging size is a critical issue for many businesses. If the box is too large, the item may move around in the box; if the box is too small, it may be awkward to fit or remove the item from the box.
Custom vape boxes give businesses the ability to choose the size of the boxes to match their products as well as build in pockets for additional support.
Before approving a design, check the measurements of the product, the board thickness, the folds and the opening mechanism.
It’s always helpful to request a sample before placing your order for a large quantity. This will help find the correct size or design before production begins.
4. Give Vape Cartridge Packaging Extra Attention
Cartridges come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For each cartridge, the appropriate packaging may be different from a standard box.
Vape cartridge boxes are usually equipped with inserts or compartments inside to help hold the components in place.
Consider the following in making such packaging:
Accurate cartridge measurements.
The right material thickness is necessary.
Support requests.
Protection during storage and transport.
Simple handling and storage.
Details like these can result in less movement and better packaging structure.
5. Make Product Information Easy to Read
A clear labelling is also an essential part of responsible vape branding. Electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine and refills must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (T&R).
Depending on the product, it may be required to have information about the ingredients, nicotine level, the batch number, warnings for safety and precautions.
The nicotine warning text must be in the appropriate wording, size and placement.
Before approving packaging artwork, businesses should check Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance.
Keep in mind that folds, printing effects and other design elements should never obscure important information. Keeping the information visible is always an imperative.
6. Consider Child-Resistant Packaging
Safety of products should be considered from the outset. Nicotine-containing products sold in the UK are required to be packaged in child- and tamper-proof packaging.
Before choosing a packaging solution, businesses should know what standards are relevant to their products.
Some are designed with special closings and packaged with tested techniques, but a regular cardboard box with a flap is not automatically child-resistant.
Always check testing requirements and supporting documentation before you approve a packaging structure.
7. Keep Your Product Packaging Consistent
If your company offers a variety of vaping products, you may find that packaging can be as simple as just labeling your products.
Different products can follow similar structure specifications while displaying their own exact product information. This simplifies packaging design and makes updates easier.
Standardisation of certain box dimensions can also help when storing and manufacturing.
But, consistency does not mean using the same packaging for every product. Each item still needs its own packaging that meets its own safety and labelling requirements.
8. Check Printing Quality Before Production
Quality of print makes all the difference in the final product. Blurred text, poor alignment and unclear information can cause difficulties, particularly when necessary details need to be retained easily.
Select the printing method that best matches the packaging, artwork and number of orders. Digital printing may work well for smaller runs, while some other methods may be better suited for larger orders. Be sure the text, alignment, print quality and all warnings are in place.
Lastly, be sure your special finishes aren’t in conflict with any relevant information or regulations.
9. Find a Reliable Packaging Manufacturer
Choosing a packaging supplier is another important step, as a manufacturer with experience in custom boxes can guide you on selection of materials, dimensions, box design and production specifications.
Sharp Custom Boxes is a company businesses should consider when looking for custom packaging.
Ask for a sample before you place your order. Check the materials’ strength, measurement, fold quality, and overall construction.
Definitely discuss minimum order quantities, production time lines and delivery time frames with your rep. This can save you time later.
10. Follow UK Vape Packaging Regulations
Vape packaging requirements in the UK must be considered before artwork is drawn up. Depending on the product, these might cover product notification, labelling, safety and presentation.
Companies should adhere to the rules on the sale of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and refill containers and not use prohibited elements or health claims, nor use designs that could appeal to children.
Before finalising your design, always check for guidance from the MHRA and any other relevant government departments.
The right early compliance ink and print design for a business can save time and money in artwork changes, delays in production, and extra costs.
Conclusion
Everything related to vaping branding is important. Choose the right material, choose the right size of box, choose clear details regarding products, and select safety features for a good vape packaging solution.
From vape boxes to cartridge packaging, businesses should take care with every aspect. They should take samples, work with reputable producers and ensure their packaging meets the requirements of the UK market.
With a little planning and attention to detail, you can create a consistent packaging system that will protect products, easily identify information and allow for easy distribution. Read more: Discreet Vape Packaging UK
