Do you want to know about the custom popcorn box materials? Learn about these kinds in detail and how they affect popcorn boxes.
Popcorn boxes are the unsung heroes of any movie night, celebration, or gathering. But have you ever thought about how valuable these boxes are? As per Imarc, the popcorn box market stood tall at US$ 13.4 billion in 2023 and is growing at a CAGR of 5.6%, achieving the mark of US$ 22.1 billion by 2032.
These seemingly humble boxes play a huge role in the enjoyment of your popcorn. Depending on the type of material, there are a range of these boxes on the market. Each type serves a different purpose and has a different audience base. Join us as we delve into the history of customized popcorn boxes and their diverse types and uncover the materials. Let’s get into it.
Evolution of Popcorn and Popcorn Boxes
The history of popcorn boxes dates back thousands of years. The ears of popcorn were discovered in the Bat Cave of west-central New Mexico, 4,000 years old. However, the first culture that practically used them was thought to be the Aztec Indians. They not only used them for snacks but also for decoration.
First popcorn box: In the beginning, the market for popcorn was not recognized. Only vendors and local shops used to sell them, and they either used handkerchiefs or paper boxes for packing. The first jumbled yet official popcorn bag appeared in 1885, named Tin Triangle Packages. This design was made by Charles Cretors, a Chicago-based inventor, and offers better heat retention.
Boom in popcorn box: This custom popcorn box wholesale got a real boom when the cinema niche and movie theaters rose in the 1920s. These industries adapted popcorn boxes to sell kernels to customers. It was the time when upgrades and new types surfaced in the market.
Access to the common man: However, these boxes were expensive, and only the elite could afford them. This problem was solved in the era of the Great Depression in 1930. The economic hardships forced brands to get affordable boxes, like single-use cardboard boxes. Post-World War II things in the 1950s put the cherry on top of these boxes. New materials, such as plastic, appeared on the market, making the production of these boxes even simpler.
Customization: The world of 1980 was very environment-conscious, as companies were trying to bring in green materials. This initiative also affected the popcorn boxes, and they incorporated substances like paper and recycled cardboard.
Current world: The current 2024 world has uncountable boxes and material types. Now, these boxes not only serve the purpose of product delivery; they also provide free marketing and increase client engagement.
Custom Food Boxes vs. Custom Popcorn Boxes
Popcorn boxes are usually classified under the category of custom food boxes. If we have to say that custom food boxes are the umbrella term, it won’t be unfair, and these popcorn boxes fall under this category. The following are some differences between them:
- Usage: Custom food boxes are used for plenty of products such as meals, snacks, and desserts. On the other hand, popcorn boxes are only used for the kernels of popcorn.
- Materials: Food boxes are made of sturdy materials. In contrast, popcorn boxes are made of lightweight materials.
- Design: The design of a food box depends on the type of food product. Contrary to that, the design of a popcorn box depends on the movie theme and cinema.
Types of Popcorn Box Materials
In the modern world, innovation and creativity play a lot of roles in packaging. New materials and types are evolving. Let’s have a look at these material types for custom popcorn packaging boxes:
- Cardboard: It is the basic choice for every classic box. This type is sturdy as well as lightweight. Moreover, it also offers customization.
- Kraft paper: This is the stronger type and is usually eco-friendly. The benefit is that kraft paper gives a vintage look.
- Plastic or metal tins: This type is mostly used to store popcorn for a long time. They are lightweight and quite strong. Plus, you can use them for outdoor activities and gifts.
- Biodegradable materials: Materials like compostable are considered degradable. Thanks to their eco-friendly benefits, they attract more clients and preserve the environment.
Types of Custom Popcorn Boxes
Based on the above types, there are a range of popcorn boxes. These are mentioned below:
- Classic Popcorn Boxes: This is the type that you more often see in cinemas. Mostly, they have red and white stripes to bring attraction and are simple in appearance.
- Gable Popcorn Boxes: These resemble gable-like houses. They are better for in-home parties and take-home parties.
- Themed Popcorn Boxes: Based on any occasion, such as Halloween or a holiday, theme boxes are good to target seasonal customers.
- Custom Popcorn Boxes: These boxes provide ultimate customization. You can personalize them with your logo, brand message, or event details.
- Windowed Popcorn Boxes: As the name indicates, they have clear windows in the walls. These boxes give you a glimpse of the inside.
- Ziplock Popcorn Boxes: These packs have a ziplock on the top. This helps you reseal the bag and consume the popcorn in portions.
- Foldable Popcorn Boxes: This is a relatively unique idea. Foldable boxes allow you to save space, and they are convenient to carry.
- Popcorn Tins: These are made of metal and are sturdy. Usually, you can get them from your nearest convenience store. Their purpose is to store the product for a long time.
- Popcorn Tubs: Popcorn buckets or tubs are used for pool sharing. They are large containers and make serving easy at big events.
Customization Tips for Popcorn Boxes
In today’s marketing world, a box with personalization brings more engagement than an ordinary box. The following are some tips that you can use to customize your box:
- Incorporate colors: Colors play a huge role in product selection. Rightfully chosen colors can affect first impressions by up to 90%.
- Use Graphics: Infographics and patterns differentiate your item and can engage users. They not only give relevant information but also introduce versatility. Up to 65% of brands use them for marketing purposes.
- Custom designs: You can also introduce custom designs, such as cut-outs. They are mostly ideal for colorful or flavored products to visualize. 1 in 3 clients are interested in customization.
- Introduce inserts: If you have big popcorn boxes like tubs, use inserts to make compartments. They offer portion control and let you place a variety of popcorn.
Conclusion
The quick summary is that there are different types of popcorn box materials, each catering to the different needs of the customers. The most common materials are cardboard, kraft paper, plastic, metal, and compostable ones. Depending on these materials, there are a range of product types, such as classic, gable, themed, custom, ziplock, foldable boxes, and more.
Based on the above types, if you are looking to produce cheap popcorn boxes for your brand, CPP Boxes can offer you its services. This is a US-based packing brand that offers plenty of box production, including popcorn. They can manufacture any box as per your needs and material choices. The best thing is that they offer free shipping with free design support.
