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10 Essential Packaging Supplies for Starting an E-commerce Businesses
In e-commerce, packaging supplies play a critical role in ensuring that products arrive with customers safely and in good condition. From protective shipping boxes to branded presentation materials, packaging is more than just a practical necessity. It also forms part of the overall customer experience.
For new online retailers, choosing the right packaging materials early on can prevent damaged shipments, reduce fulfilment costs and strengthen brand perception. This guide explores ten essential packaging supplies that help e-commerce businesses ship orders securely while creating a positive unboxing experience.
Read more about how packaging influences brand perception in our article on how e-commerce packaging can support marketing.
Why Packaging Supplies Matter in E-commerce
Before selecting packaging materials, it is useful to understand the role they play within the fulfilment process. Once an order leaves a warehouse or packing station, it will typically pass through multiple handling points before reaching the customer.
Parcels are sorted by automated machinery, loaded into transport cages, stacked inside delivery vehicles and handled by several people along the way. During this journey packages may be dropped, compressed or shifted during transport.
This means packaging must perform two important functions. It must protect the product inside the parcel, and it must also present the brand in a professional way when it arrives with the customer.
A poorly packed order that arrives damaged or poorly presented can leave a negative impression and may lead to returns or refund requests. For growing e-commerce businesses, choosing appropriate packaging materials from the beginning helps reduce these risks.
1. Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated cardboard boxes are the foundation of most e-commerce packaging operations. These boxes are constructed from fluted corrugated board, where a wavy inner layer of paperboard is sandwiched between two flat outer sheets.
This fluted structure provides strength while remaining lightweight, making corrugated boxes ideal for shipping products through courier networks.
They are widely used across the logistics industry because they offer:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Protection against impacts during transit
- Compatibility with automated parcel sorting systems
- Recyclable fibre-based materials
Corrugated boxes are available in a wide range of sizes and board grades depending on the level of protection required.
Another advantage of corrugated boxes is their sustainability profile. Most corrugated packaging contains a high percentage of recycled fibre and can be easily recycled through household kerbside collections.
Corrugated boxes can also be custom printed to display brand messaging, logos or handling instructions, helping reinforce brand identity during delivery.
2. Kraft Paper Packaging Tape
Packaging tape is a critical component in securing shipping cartons. Kraft paper tape is widely used in e-commerce fulfilment because it provides strong sealing performance while remaining compatible with fibre-based recycling streams.
Unlike traditional plastic tape, paper tape is made from renewable paper fibres and can be recycled alongside corrugated cardboard packaging.
This makes it particularly attractive for brands seeking plastic-free packaging solutions.
Paper tape also bonds well to cardboard surfaces, creating a strong seal that helps prevent cartons opening during transit.
Businesses seeking more sustainable packaging materials may also be interested in our guide on how to make your e-commerce packaging more sustainable.
3. Paper Void Fill Material
Void fill materials are used to fill empty spaces within parcels, preventing products from shifting during transit.
Paper void fill is increasingly popular because it provides excellent cushioning while remaining fully recyclable.
Common formats include:
- Crumpled kraft paper
- Honeycomb paper wrap
- Machine-dispensed paper void fill systems
Paper-based cushioning protects products while avoiding plastic packaging waste. Customers also find it easier to recycle compared with foam or plastic fillers.
4. 4 x 6 inch Thermal Shipping Labels and Label Printers
Shipping labels are essential for identifying parcels and routing them correctly through courier networks.
Many e-commerce businesses use 4 x 6 inch thermal shipping labels, printed with a dedicated thermal label printer. Thermal printing uses heat rather than ink or toner to create the label image, which removes the need for cartridges and helps keep running costs low.
This format has become the standard across many courier platforms. Most shipping software and marketplaces generate labels in the 4 x 6 size, making them easy to print and apply during the packing process.
Thermal labels are typically supplied on rolls or fanfold stacks, allowing fulfilment teams to print labels quickly without cutting sheets or separating paper.
For growing e-commerce businesses, thermal label printers help speed up packing operations and reduce printing issues at the packing bench.
5. Document Enclosed Wallets
Document enclosed wallets are transparent adhesive pouches applied to the outside of parcels. They are used to hold paperwork such as invoices, packing lists or customs documents.
These wallets protect documents from moisture and damage while ensuring the paperwork remains visible to delivery companies and customs authorities.
They are particularly important for international shipments where customs declarations must accompany the parcel.
6. Compliment Slips and Loyalty Inserts
Compliment slips and loyalty inserts help personalise the unboxing experience. These printed cards allow brands to include thank you messages, promotional offers or information about future product launches.
For small businesses, this type of printed insert can be an effective way to encourage repeat purchases.
Examples include:
- Discount codes for the next order
- Customer thank you messages
- Product care instructions
- Referral incentives
Small touches like this often improve customer satisfaction and increase repeat purchase rates.
7. Decorative Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is widely used in e-commerce packaging to enhance the presentation of products. Wrapping items in tissue paper can elevate the unboxing experience while adding a sense of care and attention.
Many brands choose coloured or branded tissue paper to reinforce their visual identity.
For fashion, beauty and gift products, presentation can be just as important as protection. Tissue paper helps create a premium feel even when products are shipped in simple cardboard cartons.
8. Custom Printed Packaging Tape
Custom printed packaging tape is another effective branding opportunity. By printing logos, brand colours or slogans onto tape, businesses create consistent branding across every shipment.
This approach also helps parcels stand out within delivery networks and reinforces brand visibility.
Branded tape can be produced using several printing methods depending on volume and colour requirements.
9. Reliable Printer and Paper
A reliable printer is an essential part of any packing operation. Businesses regularly need to print shipping labels, invoices and packing slips.
Laser printers are commonly used in fulfilment environments because they provide fast print speeds and durable output.
Using good quality paper also improves readability and ensures printed documents remain clear during handling.
10. Packing Station Consumables
A well organised packing station improves fulfilment speed and reduces errors. Basic packing tools should always be available to packing staff.
Typical packing station supplies include:
- Tape dispensers or tape guns
- Scissors and box cutters
- Marker pens and labels
- Postal scales
- Staplers and glue
Keeping these tools organised helps streamline the packing process and improves productivity.
Example Setup for a Small E-commerce Packing Station
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Compact Digital Setup
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Keyboard and monitor
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Print and Scan Equipment
- All-in-one printer and scanner
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Manual Sealing Tools
- Tape dispenser or heat sealer
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Basic Binding Supplies
- Stapler
- Glue stick or glue gun
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Weighing Equipment
- Digital postal scale
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Packaging Materials
- Corrugated boxes
- Padded mailers
- Paper void fill
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Label Supplies
- Integrated shipping labels
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Office Stationery
- Pens, scissors and notepads
This type of setup is compact, affordable and suitable for start-up e-commerce businesses operating from small warehouses or home offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What packaging supplies are essential for starting an e-commerce business?
- At minimum, businesses require shipping boxes, packaging tape, void fill material, shipping labels and packing station tools.
- What is the most sustainable packaging option for e-commerce?
- Fibre-based packaging materials such as corrugated cardboard boxes, paper tape and paper void fill are widely considered sustainable because they are recyclable and often made from recycled fibres.
- Why is packaging important for e-commerce businesses?
- Packaging protects products during transit, reduces returns caused by damage and contributes to the overall customer experience during the unboxing process.
- Can packaging improve brand recognition?
- Yes. Custom printed boxes, branded tape and packaging inserts help reinforce brand identity and make parcels more recognisable to customers.
Ready to take your e-commerce packaging to the next level?
The Packaging Club specialises in bespoke packaging designed specifically for e-commerce brands. Our custom packaging solutions help businesses improve presentation, reduce shipping costs and create memorable unboxing experiences.
Working with leading UK manufacturers, we offer a wide range of print techniques including flexographic, lithographic and digital printing.
Learn more about our bespoke packaging services
Photo by Kampus Production
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