Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by DesignerPeople When you design packaging for your products, do you aim for flawless packaging? If you don’t, then it’s high time you should. Especially if you belong to the Indian automotive industry,...

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by DesignerPeople

When you design packaging for your products, do you aim for flawless packaging? If you don’t, then it’s high time you should. Especially if you belong to the Indian automotive industry, let’s decode some of the variables you should consider before starting your automotive packaging design and look at some inspirations.

Did you know the automotive industry accounts for over 40% of the global industry? It shouldn’t be a surprise, though, since an automobile is made up of thousands of components. In 2022, the global automotive packaging market was valued at USD 8,180 million. According to Precedence Research, the market size will reach around 11,830 million by 2029 and a whopping USD 13,870 million by 2032. This surge is due to the rising demand in India and the global market for automobiles and after-sales components.

How does Automotive packaging Influence customers?

Unlike other products like food, healthcare or electronics, automotive products are diverse. Hence, you might need help to be able to use the same packaging material for every component of an automobile. However, you can apply the same tactic while designing the packaging.

When you prepare a product, the most important consideration is how it will influence your customers. An apt automotive packaging design can encourage TRUST in subconscious associations for customers. The first impression they will have of your product will be through its packaging. So, you should make an effort to create honest and ethical packaging by using the right colours and maintaining the quality of the packaging material.

The suitable automobile pack also helps build anticipation and increase trust for your products. This, in turn, leads to increased brand loyalty as people will keep coming back to your brand for similar good experiences. Packaging does more than protect your products during transit. It’s a tangible representation of your brand identity. So, do design it wisely.

Types of Packaging in Auto Components

For automobile parts, one size doesn’t fit all! Just look at the diversity of the automobile parts, the chassis parts, engine parts, accessories, and other crucial electronic parts. Each of these is made of different materials and is of completely different sizes and shapes than the other. The main aim for an efficient automotive packaging is that it be adaptable and cost-effective.

1. Packaging for Engine Components

From delicate ignition parts to bulky engine block components, engine and drivetrain parts are quite diverse. So, they need utmost care while packaging and transporting. Using materials like heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, moulded foam, and custom-fitted boxes can shield the delicate parts well. Since these parts go through multiple transportation cycles, there is a high risk of potential damage. You should make bespoke shapes and structures to pack different types of automotive engines and gearboxes. Additionally, clear labelling with detailed instructions and barcode/ QR codes will help mechanics carry out the assembly processes easily.

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2. Automobile Packaging for Interior Parts

Interior parts and accessories come in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. You should design the packaging accordingly. Parts like seat covers and tire mats can have reusable fabric wraps with proper branding. On the other hand, parts like dashboard panels and in-car entertainment systems should be packed with strong low-slip films that can protect them against shock and vibration. These should be further covered with foams for light cushioning. Make sure that these wraps and films are visually appealing as well by having your brand Logo and other essential instructions printed on them.

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3. Automobile Packaging for Exterior Parts

By exterior automobile parts, we mean components like bumpers, headlights, mirrors, truck bed covers, etc. These parts are easily breakable, so you should use thermoformed plastic encasements that are lightweight and recyclable. Parts such as bumpers are irregularly shaped and hence need custom protection. And so do headlamps and tail lamps. For fragile glass products, you should use extra protection. Inflatable cushioning, pouches, and air pillows will make sure that they reach their destination crystal clear and flawlessly.

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4. Electronic and High-Tech Auto Part Packaging

Automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced now. This means there has been a rise in Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). So, your packaging design should focus on anti-static materials and precision fittings. Electronic control units, motors and batteries can be delicate, heavy or both. Use electrostatic discharge-safe packaging to prevent damage to sensitive electronic parts. You can also opt for high-speed bagging, which will help automatic fill and seal in varying sizes and capacities. Such packaging ensures that your packaging is reliable and flexible and optimises packaging throughout. You can also use multiple layers of fabricated and surface protection foam so that they are fully intact and undamaged.

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5. Sustainable Packaging in the Automotive Industry

There isn’t a single industry now that isn’t making efforts to make eco-friendly packaging solutions. Customers lean towards those brands that take sustainability measures and offer environmentally safe products. So, why should you be behind? Use biodegradable materials like moulded pulp and recycled cardboard to reduce carbon footprint. Such automotive packaging minimises waste generation while ensuring protection.

The mantra to achieve sustainability goals is to reduce, renew and recycle:

Reduce and minimise the use of harmful materials. Select renewable materials to slow down the depletion of resources. Recycle materials from other manufacturing processes and reuse resources like water.

Using such an automotive packaging design strategy reinforces both the company’s and consumer’s sustainability efforts.

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Factors that Influence Automobile Packaging

Here are the four major factors that you should consider for your automotive packaging Shape design.

1. Decide on the Materials

Before finalising the design, determine which materials you’ll be using for the packaging. Will it be plastic, cardboard, foil or a combination of these? You also need to decide which materials will go in the inner packaging and which ones will be used for the outer layers. Apart from the packaging, you should also have clarity on what sealing and palletisation will go into your packaging.

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2. Use Graphics and Imagery

Automobile packaging should always represent your brand’s identity. This means it should always have visual elements like logos, taglines, and company names. You should also use colours from your brand’s palette instead of other colours. The fonts and images (if any) on the packaging should instantly remind customers of your brand when they see it.

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3. Brand Awareness

The packaging design of your automobile products should reflect your brand’s values. If your brand uses bright colours, your packaging should use them too. If your brand is vocal about environmentally friendly practices, then you should opt for green marketing. Steps like these help customers remember your brand for what you are, just like a person. It also helps create brand awareness by building a strong narrative that customers relate to.

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