Molded inserts are made from a mixture of recycled paper and cardboard fibers that are compressed and shaped to create a tight-fitting mold for fragile products like glass or electronics. Because it can be shaped to fit an item’s exact parameters, molded fiber is the ideal choice to secure e-commerce packaging.
4 Reasons to Use Molded Fiber for E-Commerce Packaging
Are you looking to improve your business’s sustainability, reduce product return rates or enhance the customer experience? What if we told you that one simple swap could help you accomplish all of these goals at once?
Here are four reasons to consider switching to molded fiber for your e-commerce packaging.
1. It May Reduce Damage-Related Returns
In 2024, retailers reported that nearly 17% of their yearly sales would ultimately be returned. With each return costing an average of up to $30 per product, that’s a statistic you can’t afford to ignore.
Consumers send items back for numerous reasons, but receiving a damaged or defective product accounts for 56% of cases. Some of the most vulnerable packages are those containing glass items, musical instruments, furniture and electronics. Common causes of in-transit damage include:
- Inadequate cushioning and bracing
- Too much empty space in the box
- Contact with moisture
- Rough handling
Molded fiber inserts are an effective solution because they fit tightly around the product to provide a barrier that helps absorb impact and keep the item from shifting around inside the box. They also put an extra layer between the contents inside and the external conditions outside like liquids or extreme temperatures.
2. It Optimizes Production
Fiber molds are easier to stack and store in warehouses, freeing up valuable floor space and simplifying organization. Unlike packaging that requires manual cutting, sizing and assembly, molded fiber is custom-fit for quick, easy insertion. Less time in the warehouse translates to faster order fulfillment and more time for workers to address other areas of operation. Simpler packaging can ultimately help reduce labor costs without compromising safety and security.
3. It Appeals to Eco-Conscious Consumers
Molded inserts are made from post-consumer, paper-based fibers, which makes them compostable, biodegradable, recyclable and better for the environment overall — especially compared to plastic packaging. This cuts down on landfill waste and minimizes energy and transport expenditures. Investing in sustainable packaging has many advantages for e-commerce businesses, including reducing your carbon footprint and cutting down on unnecessary plastic waste.
These benefits are a big selling point for eco-conscious consumers. Many are willing to pay almost 10% more on average for earth-friendly products and actively seek out businesses that align with their personal values. There is also a strong correlation between retailers that opt for sustainable methods and a sense of trust among younger generations in particular.
4. It Improves the Consumer Experience
Molded fiber inserts are much simpler to open. Instead of struggling with layers of plastic, adhesive and zip ties, customers can simply pop the mold off and recycle it afterward. Frustration-free packaging goes a long way in improving the unboxing experience.
Since the packaging is the first thing a new customer comes into contact with, it can make or break that crucial first impression. A negative experience stains your reputation, while a positive one encourages return shoppers and long-lasting customer loyalty.
Molded Fiber Applications in the E-Commerce Industry
Molded fiber is versatile, serving multiple purposes across industries. These are some of the most common.
Food and Beverage
Damage to food and beverage products is more than wasteful and expensive. It also puts other items in the same package, or even packages in the storage or transit facility, at risk of being ruined if the contents continue leaking.
Some states even require eco-conscious packaging alternatives by law. California signed the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) in 2022, which lists specific guidelines that food and beverage companies must meet by 2032. Making single-use packaging and food ware recyclable or compostable is one of its key goals. Molded fiber is a simple, biodegradable alternative that can help you stay compliant with evolving regulations.
Personal Care
Fiber packaging can help you craft a more visually pleasing presentation for personal care items like cosmetics and hair care products. The global green beauty market size topped $8 billion in 2023, and it’s projected to continue growing. While many brands are making the move to more socially conscious practices, nearly 80% of consumers report feeling skeptical about companies’ sustainability claims.
Imagine you are a consumer who has gone to great lengths to purchase an ethically sourced, environmentally friendly product. How would you feel if you were met with layers of single-use plastic packaging during the unboxing? Using molded fiber packaging lets your customers know right from the start that you’re serious about sustainability.
Home Goods
Home goods are among the heaviest consumer items to package, handle and ship. A tight, custom-fit fiber mold is the best way to protect products like candles, furniture, glassware, oversized frames and mirrors from getting scratched or broken during transit. Molded fiber is also lightweight, so you can minimize shipping costs without sacrificing a safe arrival.
Antiques and Collectibles
Antique and collectible items are sought after because of their rarity. Unlike most e-commerce goods, they can’t be easily replaced — in some cases, they’re even one-of-a-kind. Investing in secure packaging shows your clientele that you understand the importance of their purchase and that its value goes beyond monetary. That level of detail can go a long way in building a loyal customer base that returns to your business consistently.
Enhance Your E-Commerce Business With Great Northern Fiber Interior Packaging
Fiber Interior Packaging has a wide variety of sustainable, protective packaging solutions to help your e-commerce business thrive. If we don’t have what you want, we can create custom molds that accommodate your unique inventory. Contact us to learn more, and check out our e-commerce packaging solutions webinar, where we share valuable tips and industry insights to help you level up the customer experience and simplify fulfillment operations.
You can also explore our customers’ success stories to see how others in your industry are using protective molded fiber to reduce product damage.