The busiest shopping season is upon us — and with online orders soaring, eCommerce brands everywhere are gearing up for a rush. From rising startups to international powerhouses, we’ve worked alongside businesses of all sizes to help them prepare for peak season success with the right packaging strategies in place.
According to Shorr’s 2025 Consumer Sustainability Report, a bold commitment to sustainability can make all the difference, with 70% of consumers preferring packaging with clear sustainability labels.
However, consumer data revealed that awareness varies. We’ll unpack several packaging tips to help your brand deliver a smooth, efficient, and sustainable holiday experience for your customers.
Easy-to-Assemble Packaging
When order volumes spike, every second counts. Ask the question: Can your packages be assembled with minimal training and onboarding without impacting the product quality? With many businesses hiring seasonal workers to maintain order demands, choosing packaging that’s intuitive, quick to assemble and easy to seal for your fulfillment teams is important. Simple packaging solutions can make a big difference in productivity — helping your team move efficiently through high-volume days without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
A little preparation will help your operations remain proactive during the holiday surge instead of being reactive.
Select Packaging with Clear Labels and Sustainable Certification
Empower consumers to recycle with confidence. Today’s consumers are looking for packaging that is recyclable and made with materials that don’t further contribute to their waste stream. During the holidays, waste goes up by 25%, or about 1,000,000 tons (the equivalent of 500,000 cars) each week!
Choose a distinct location where labels are visible and clearly indicate how the consumer can responsibly dispose of the package instead of resorting to the trash!
Avoid Costly Returns with Packaging That Protects
Nothing dampens the holiday spirit like the “clink, clink” sound of a damaged delivery. Right sized, protective packaging plays a key role in reducing costly returns and increasing customer satisfaction.
Choosing the right-sized box keeps your products snug and allows you to use protective inserts or cushioning materials where needed. Durable, well-fitted packaging not only protects your products but also reduces waste,
lowers shipping costs, and ensures every unboxing moment goes just as planned.
Most emissions in the product’s supply chain are associated with transportation. Protect the product to arrive successfully the first time and reduce its damage potential, keep the customer satisfied, and avoid unnecessary pollution and greenhouse gases.
Make Sustainability a Gift That Keeps on Giving
’Tis the season for sustainability, and consumers are paying attention to the details. According to our 2025 Consumer Packaging Report, 90% of shoppers say they’re more likely to buy from brands that offer sustainable packaging options.
Customers want to feel confident about their purchases, and packaging influences that perception. Whether it’s using recyclable materials, optimizing packaging sizes, or switching to paper-based alternatives, even small steps toward sustainability can strengthen customer loyalty and brand trust this season and beyond.
Think About the Long-Term Financial Repercussions Around EPR
Oregon and Colorado have already issued their fee structure for products sold in their states, with California soon to follow. Opt for lower-weight and right-sized packaging designs, with increased recycled content and sustainable material alternatives to drastically reduce your exposure to these fees.