Covid-19 and Packaging Box Printing in Malaysia
When Covid-19 hit Malaysia, it spread very fast. Cases went up to thousands in just a few days. Hospitals and ICUs were full, and many people lost their lives.
The Malaysian government had no choice but to shut down almost everything. Only essential businesses like food, medical supplies, and health services were allowed to operate.
No one knew when life would return to normal. Everyone had to change the way they work, sell, and run businesses. Packaging box printing in Malaysia was no different. We had to adjust to new rules, customer habits, and business challenges to survive.
Packaging Box Design during Covid-19
Covid-19 is highly contagious. Some reports even suggested that the DELTA variant could spread through the air. Many Malaysians, even if vaccinated, avoided crowded places like malls, supermarkets, and markets.
Because of this, customers no longer spent a long time shopping. Most people would pick what they needed quickly and leave. Packaging box designers had to adjust. Boxes needed to be simple, clean, and easy to read. The brand and the product had to stand out immediately, so customers could see what they wanted without wasting time.
Simple packaging also reduces printing costs. Using less hot stamping, spot UV, or other decorative finishes saves money. Product owners will appreciate the effort to manage costs during a time when budgets are tight.
Minimalist designs are also easier to produce in smaller quantities. With the uncertainty of Covid-19, businesses could not risk overproducing fancy boxes that may sit in storage for months. Simple and functional designs became the trend.
Packaging Boxes for E-Commerce
E-commerce became the strongest tool to sell products during Covid-19. In some countries like China, even shops that were open set up tables outside and used the internet to sell their products.
On mobile or laptop screens, packaging appears very small. Complex designs, shiny finishes, or detailed patterns may not even be visible. Packaging had to be simple and clear for online presentation. Brand logos and product information needed to be readable and easy to understand.
Hot stamping and spot UV became secondary for online sales because they are often not noticeable on small screens. What mattered most was clarity, visibility, and recognizability.
Strong packaging materials became more important than ever. Products must fit snugly in boxes to survive shipping without damage. A broken box or damaged product can make customers lose trust in your brand.
Even after vaccination, many Malaysians are still cautious. E-commerce will continue to grow, and packaging box printing must be ready to meet this demand.
Storage for E-commerce
Storage is one of the main challenges for e-commerce. Orders can come at any time, so sellers need enough stock to meet demand.
Packaging boxes should be foldable and stackable to save space in warehouses or storerooms. Businesses must plan their stock carefully to protect it from Malaysia’s humid climate. Damp storage can cause boxes to curl, warp, or weaken, which can be costly.
Estimating how many products and boxes are needed is also important. Running out of stock is a serious problem. Customers will go to competitors and may never come back. Convenience is key—storage issues can lead to lost sales and lost customers.
Practical tip: Use boxes that can be stored flat and assembled only when needed. This saves space and protects the boxes from moisture. Also, consider reinforced materials for heavier products, so boxes won’t bend or break in storage.
Packaging Box Safety
During Covid-19, there were many debates about packaging safety. Some said plastic packaging was safer, while others argued paper could spread the virus.
We know plastics are not environmentally friendly. Using more plastic harms the planet and increases waste. Packaging box designers had to balance safety with sustainability.
Covid-19 is still present, and following SOPs like wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing is essential. At the same time, we must not harm the environment. Packaging should protect people without creating long-term harm to the planet.
Practical tip: Use coated paper or cardboard for boxes that need to be moisture-resistant. Avoid single-use plastics where possible, and focus on recyclable materials.
Digital Printing
During lockdowns, many businesses could not operate, and demand for printed materials dropped. Digital printing became popular because it is cost-effective for low-volume orders.
Digital printing is ideal for leaflets, brochures, and small batches of packaging boxes. No printing plate or rollers are needed. You just need a design, press a button, and the printing is done.
This method helped businesses continue operating during uncertain times while keeping costs low. Digital printing also allows for quick design changes, which is useful when product designs or logos need updates.
Automation
Whether you print packaging boxes or run an e-commerce business, automation is very helpful.
During the Movement Control Orders (MCOs), many workers could not go to work. Automation helped replace manpower and keep operations running. For example, automatic machines for sticking labels, folding boxes, or packing products save time and reduce errors.
Manual work is slower and may risk mistakes, while automation keeps production consistent. Businesses that embraced automation were able to survive and even adapt faster to changing demands.
Practical tip: Small e-commerce sellers can use semi-automatic label machines or conveyor systems for packing. It may be an initial investment, but it pays off in time saved and reduced labor costs.
Final Thoughts
Covid-19 is here to stay, and e-commerce will continue to grow in Malaysia. Packaging box printing in Malaysia must adapt to these changes with simple, durable, and functional designs. Minimalist packaging, clear branding, and strong materials are now more important than ever to meet customer needs.
During this period, customers shop quickly and often online. Packaging that is practical, easy to handle, and visually clear will help your products stand out while keeping costs manageable. Durable materials also ensure that products arrive safely, maintaining customer confidence.
If you need guidance or support for packaging box printing in Malaysia, please contact us. We can help you create packaging that is functional, reliable, and ready for the new normal, so your business stays prepared and your customers stay satisfied.
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