As someone who has seen India’s food and beverage (F&B) industry grow and expand, you know calling this industry competitive would be an understatement.  

By now you also know, a food is a food, until your packaging drapes it with information and identity, and hence, packaging is more than just a protective measure—it’s a vital component of brand identity and customer satisfaction. 

For F&B businesses, especially those addressing the needs of quick service restaurants and large-scale operations, the choice of packaging materials is crucial because you need to take care of the perishability aspect of the goods that are packed in it.  

Corrugated boxes over the years have become the choice of brands because of their strength, durability, and circularity aspects. These boxes are shipped flat to save space and reduce transportation costs, but this means they need to be properly assembled on-site.  

Assembly of these rigid packaging solutions seems easy but one error and the whole lot would have to be discarded. Here are five indispensable tips for pan-India F&B brands to excel in assembling corrugated boxes: 

Choose the Right Corrugated Box Size 

Selecting the appropriate box size is paramount to ensure products fit snugly and are without excessive space that may lead to shifting during transit.  

According to a study by Smithers, right-sizing packaging can lead to significant reduction in damage, material usage and transportation costs. 

Thumb rule – Accurately measure your products + select corrugated boxes that provide adequate protection + minimize empty space. 

Master Folding and Taping Techniques 

Efficient assembly begins with mastering folding techniques. Ensure all flaps are neatly folded and securely sealed using high-quality packing tape.  

Unintended handling and shipping damages can be avoided, if the packaging team ensures proper sealing. 

Thumb rule – Fold all flaps + fold on the pre-scored lines + quality packing tape + seal seams properly 

Ensure Structural Integrity 

Corrugated boxes are sturdy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t pay attention to the structural integrity of the corrugated boxes during assembly.  

Depending on the items packed and mode of transportation, reinforce corners and edges to withstand stacking and transportation damages. Double taping and extra cardboard reinforcements could also enhance the strength of corrugated boxes. 

Thumb rule – Use double taping + reinforcements 

Labelling and Identification 

Labelling provides a unique identity to the packed boxes and labelling practice during box assembly facilitates efficient inventory management and shipping process.  

It’s imperative that you have a standardized labelling system that includes product information, barcodes, and handling instructions, which could potentially minimize errors, streamline warehousing and logistics. 

Thumb rule – Labelling helps in streamlining processes 

Quality Control Checks 

After assembly quality control checks should be rigorously followed to identify and rectify any issues that may sacrifice product integrity. 

 Inspect folding, sealing, and structural soundness before packing products. 

Thumb rule – Post assembly checks is as important as before and during checks 

Takeaway 

Understanding corrugated box assembly is essential for pan-India F&B brands seeking to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency and optimize cost.  

At Moglix, we help both big companies and startups rethink their packaging needs. We offer solutions that cover everything from individual products to the entire process of getting them. To know more about our packaging supply chain solutions for corrugated boxes, click here.