Unlocking unboxing
02 Jun 2025
unboxing
/ʌnˈbɒksɪŋ/
noun
noun: unboxing; plural noun: unboxings; noun: un-boxing; plural noun: un-boxings
1. an act or instance of removing a newly purchased product from its packaging and examining its features, typically when filmed and shared on a social media site.
Turn the clock back a couple of decades or so and unboxing was a term yet to be invented.
A phenomenon which arrived through the rise of ecommerce and social media channels, the first unboxing experienced was reputed to have taken place in 2006.
Since then, with the unprecedented growth of social media platforms, unboxing videos across all sectors have flourished with some channels potentially making millions from them.
It is perceived that its roots lie in the fashion and gadget world, however any business striving to establish, develop and nurture a strong social media following is reaping the benefits of tapping into the unboxing experience.
Helping to build brand awareness, brand engagement and playing into the hands of influencers businesses are seeking the support of packaging partners to help them deliver these online and social media experiences.
So how do we achieve the perfect unboxing experience for our customers?
Achieving a positive unboxing experience
Our design teams are hugely experienced in developing unboxing concepts for everything from luxury jewellery gifts to subscription mailers, to high end technology products.
Working with business and brands to ensure brand identity is at the forefront of the design, they design packaging, which is functional, in that it protects products contained within, yet is a pleasure to open and unveil what is contained within.
They do this by developing a clearly defined brief with each customer, outlining objectives and ascertaining what is a priority.
For some customers it is about the outer print, for some it is about the inside print. The latter is often used to engage with the consumer directly, perhaps telling a story, giving instruction or offering a discount code for repeat purchases.
Not just for consumers
Whilst much of an unboxing experience is about the marriage of ecommerce and social media it would be foolish to think this phenomenon is purely consumer driven. You may be supplying your components to a manufacturer but taking the opportunity to reinforce your brand, highlight the pride and quality of your product and illicit comment will all encourage repeat business, brand loyalty and great PR – after all word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox.
Stephen Ward, head of Supply Chain Design, Boxes and Packaging Northern Region commented; “Unboxing is a term that has diversified over time and is used across all industries and refers to the opening of any product now, be that in a consumer or corporate environment.
“Visual appeal has always been important to packaging, but for this type of packaging it is everything. Our expertise in this area allows us to create some eye catching, individual solutions for our customers and to capitalise on the unboxing phenomenon in new and interesting ways that may not make it to social media but will undoubtedly make an impact on those receiving and opening the packaging.”
/ʌnˈbɒksɪŋ/
noun
noun: unboxing; plural noun: unboxings; noun: un-boxing; plural noun: un-boxings
1. an act or instance of removing a newly purchased product from its packaging and examining its features, typically when filmed and shared on a social media site.
Turn the clock back a couple of decades or so and unboxing was a term yet to be invented.
A phenomenon which arrived through the rise of ecommerce and social media channels, the first unboxing experienced was reputed to have taken place in 2006.
Since then, with the unprecedented growth of social media platforms, unboxing videos across all sectors have flourished with some channels potentially making millions from them.
It is perceived that its roots lie in the fashion and gadget world, however any business striving to establish, develop and nurture a strong social media following is reaping the benefits of tapping into the unboxing experience.
Helping to build brand awareness, brand engagement and playing into the hands of influencers businesses are seeking the support of packaging partners to help them deliver these online and social media experiences.
So how do we achieve the perfect unboxing experience for our customers?
Achieving a positive unboxing experience
Our design teams are hugely experienced in developing unboxing concepts for everything from luxury jewellery gifts to subscription mailers, to high end technology products.
Working with business and brands to ensure brand identity is at the forefront of the design, they design packaging, which is functional, in that it protects products contained within, yet is a pleasure to open and unveil what is contained within.
They do this by developing a clearly defined brief with each customer, outlining objectives and ascertaining what is a priority.
For some customers it is about the outer print, for some it is about the inside print. The latter is often used to engage with the consumer directly, perhaps telling a story, giving instruction or offering a discount code for repeat purchases.
Not just for consumers
Whilst much of an unboxing experience is about the marriage of ecommerce and social media it would be foolish to think this phenomenon is purely consumer driven. You may be supplying your components to a manufacturer but taking the opportunity to reinforce your brand, highlight the pride and quality of your product and illicit comment will all encourage repeat business, brand loyalty and great PR – after all word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox.
Stephen Ward, head of Supply Chain Design, Boxes and Packaging Northern Region commented; “Unboxing is a term that has diversified over time and is used across all industries and refers to the opening of any product now, be that in a consumer or corporate environment.
“Visual appeal has always been important to packaging, but for this type of packaging it is everything. Our expertise in this area allows us to create some eye catching, individual solutions for our customers and to capitalise on the unboxing phenomenon in new and interesting ways that may not make it to social media but will undoubtedly make an impact on those receiving and opening the packaging.”
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