Skip to content 
When customers browse the retail aisle, they are spoiled with thousands of products (even similar ones). Thus, it’s pretty challenging for your products to catch the customers’ eyes.
Well, a different scenario with shelf-ready packaging. This packaging enables you to display multiple products in a single box with an eye-catching look. What is shelf-ready packaging, and why should your business consider it? Let’s explore everything about this modern packaging from A to Z!
What Is Shelf Ready Packaging?
First, what does “shelf-ready” mean, actually?
Shelf-ready means your products can go directly from their shipping box to the store shelf. And shelf-ready packaging (SRP) makes this process easier. The packaging is designed to be easily moved from delivery to the retail shelf without unpacking your products inside. Yes, this packaging doesn’t require any effort from the store staff to get your products one by one and place them on the shelves.
Shelf Ready Packaging vs Retail Ready Packaging vs Custom Packaging
If shelf-ready packaging is used to display your products in retail settings, what’s the difference from retail-ready packaging? And what makes it preferable compared to other types of custom packaging?
Shelf-Ready Packaging is a specific type of Retail-Ready Packaging (RRP). RRP is a broad term for any packaging ready for retail placement, including SRP and other forms, such as end-cap displays and freestanding units.
In brief, SRP focuses on the “Easies:” easy to identify, easy to open, easy to restock & display, and easy to dispose of. Meanwhile, RRP’s focus is broader, on the entire retail experience, from transport to the final customer purchase. Just a slight difference, right?
On the other hand, custom packaging boxes are boxes tailored to products’ specific needs. These boxes are ideal for retail display, shipping, or protection. Think of folding cartons, lovely gift boxes, or luxury rigid boxes.
Still confused?
Have a look at the comparison table below for a quick guide.
| Feature | Shelf Ready Packaging | Retail Ready Packaging | Custom Packaging Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Speed up the process of moving products from a shipping box directly to a retail shelf | A broad term for any packaging ready for retail placement | Create a unique and branded experience for products |
| Materials | Mainly made of corrugated cardboard | Mainly made of corrugated cardboard | Paperboard, cardboard, kraft, corrugated, and rigid |
| Design | Easily transformed into a shelf display | Immediate shelf placement | Designed to fit the product and brand aesthetic |
| Branding | Functional branding | Marketing impact | Consistent brand identity |
Why Switch to Shelf Ready Packaging?
Shelf ready packaging today has become a staple in modern retail settings. In fact, it’s projected to grow 2.4% worldwide between 2024 and 2032. From food and beverages (canned goods, snacks, drinks) to health and beauty products (cosmetics, over-the-counter medications), this packaging is ideal. Accordingly, many brands have benefited from using shelf-ready packaging.
Switching to shelf-ready packaging (SRP) improves retailers’ efficiency. At the same time, this packaging provides a better experience for both shoppers and brands.
Let’s explore the promising benefits this packaging offers.
- Increased Efficiency
SRP allows store staff to move products directly from the shipping box to the shelf. Hence, cutting down on stocking time and labor costs.
- Improved Organization
The packaging fits neatly on shelves. This way, it helps create a tidy, organized display that improves the store’s appearance.
- Better Shopping Experience
Easy-to-open designs with clear branding make your products easier to find. The result? A better shopping experience.
- Greater Brand Visibility
SRP provides more space for branding and promotional messaging. For greater visibility, you can also have your brand logo embossed on the packaging.
- Sustainability
The materials used to produce shelf-ready packaging are mostly recyclable, helping reduce overall material waste.
Overall, shelf-ready packaging helps you organize multiple products, provides a user-friendly shopping experience, and remains sustainable.
Types of Shelf Ready Packaging
Same as with other retail packaging, there’s no one-size-fits-all for shelf-ready packaging.
To help you get the right one, below are some popular types you can choose from.
- Perforated box: Featuring a perforated lid that is easily removed for display.
- Display box: Opens from the top to create an attention-grabbing display.
- Tray display style: Features an open-top tray that holds multiple products securely during transport and display.
- Foldable style: The box ships flat, saving space in transit, and can be quickly assembled into full displays.
- Flat tuck displays: They pop open and assemble easily, with tuck-in flaps that provide a secure closure without glue.
How to Design Shelf Ready Packaging
Before designing the ideal shelf ready packaging, you should consider some essential factors.
What are they?
- Understand your product: Consider your product’s size, shape, and fragility.
- Consider your audience: Design for your specific, targeted customers.
- Check retailer guidelines: Understand the specific requirements of your target retailers, including branding guidelines and shelf limitations.
Now, it’s time to start designing your SRP.
As mentioned above, SRP focuses on the “Easies:” easy to identify, easy to open, easy to restock & display, and easy to dispose of. Accordingly, when designing the right shelf-ready packaging for your business, keep these key “Easies” principles in mind.
Let’s break it down.
Easy to Identify
Use clear branding, including your logo, brand colors, and tagline. Make sure all the branding elements are visible from multiple sides. With PMS or CMYK color models, you can also print product images for better visibility.
Also, remember to include information such as your products’ flavors, sizes, and certifications.
Easy to Open
Design your SRP for easy, tool-free opening. This will reduce staff time and the risk of product damage. For example, you can opt for perforations, tear-away tops, or other mechanisms that turn the outer box into a display.
Don’t forget to provide clear opening instructions for retail staff.
Easy to Restock and Display
Choose a layout that works as a display, such as a tray with a removable top. Ensure your shelf-ready packaging is stackable. Eventually, you can optimize the design to fit standard shelf depths and configurations.
Easy to Dispose of
Choose recyclable, biodegradable materials like cardboard or corrugated options. To further minimize the environmental impact, try avoiding unnecessary materials like tape or shrink wrap.
Pro tips: Remember to prioritize functionality. Start with the functional needs of stocking and displaying, and then design your shelf-ready packaging accordingly.
Inspiring Shelf-Ready Packaging Examples
Given the benefits and functionality of shelf-ready packaging, it’s not surprising that many global brands choose it.
Let’s get inspired by the famous brands and their shelf-ready packaging!
- Nestlé with Perforated Shelf Ready Packaging
The big brand uses a perforated box style for displaying confectionery and snacks like KitKat and Smarties. This type of SRP provides easy access for shoppers and a neat presentation.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G) with a Foldable Display Style
Procter & Gamble prefers the foldable SRP for displaying a wide range of consumer goods. This shelf-ready packaging type ensures their products are well-presented and easy to find on store shelves.
- Coca-Cola with Tray Display
The brand chooses corrugated shelf trays, often with tear-away tops, designed to hold cans or bottles. This design allows store staff to place the entire tray directly onto the shelf. Meanwhile, the prominent branding ensures high product visibility.
Where to Get Shelf Ready Packaging?
Nevertheless, switching to shelf-ready packaging (SRP) improves retailers’ efficiency. At the same time, this packaging provides a better experience for both shoppers and brands.
So, are you ready to boost your product visibility in retail settings?
You can get, and even create, branded shelf-ready packaging by working with our experts!
FAQs
What is shelf ready packaging?
Shelf ready packaging is specialized packaging designed to be easily moved from delivery to the retail shelf without unpacking your products inside.
What’s the difference between shelf-ready packaging and retail-ready packaging?
Shelf-ready packaging (SRP) is a specific type of retail-ready packaging (RRP). RRP is the broader category that includes SRP and other forms, such as end-cap displays and freestanding units.
What are the types of shelf ready packaging?
Popular types of shelf-ready packaging include perforated, display box, tray display, foldable style, and flat tuck displays.
What are the benefits of choosing shelf ready packaging?
Shelf ready packaging offers benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved organization, better shopping experience, greater brand visibility, and sustainability.
