Introduction
Commonly referred to as “oyster pail boxes,” custom Chinese takeout boxes have become a staple in both China and the United States. Crafted from folded white cardboard, these iconic containers were originally designed by American Frederick Weeks Wilcox as a convenient way to transport oysters. However, one designer added a Chinese-inspired design to it and added a characteristic red color to it. This redesign associated the boxes with Chinese culture.
Regardless of the history, custom Chinese takeout boxes have gained a huge popularity. Many industries such as fast food brands have found the use cases of these boxes in their businesses and now they are used worldwide. Let’s explore further the importance of these boxes, their customization, and applications.
Why Choose Custom Chinese Takeout Boxes?
Below are the points that highlight the importance of custom Chinese takeout boxes:
- Brand identification: A custom Chinese takeout box is a great way for a brand to identify itself among competitors. The reason is that they have a unique style and a distinguishing color. A signature color increases the brand identification by 80%.
- Attraction-grabbing packaging: Compared to traditional boxes that have typical geometrical shapes, Chinese boxes take an entirely different approach. Their pagoda-like top and wire frame handle differentiate them from others.
- Customer loyalty: Customer loyalty directly binds to a brand that provides value and Chinese takeout boxes affirm this claim. When customers get their orders in unique and well-designed packages, they feel valued, and their loyalty increases. More than 80% of US customers love to associate themselves with a brand.
- Enhanced customer experience: Since Chinese boxes have a different style and take an interactive approach, they present an enhanced customer experience. On top of that, they have an element of excitement with a ‘Thank You’ note. In this way, this package increases the overall brand perception and dining experience.
- Physical benefits: Apart from marketing benefits, custom Chinese takeout boxes offer various physical advantages. For instance, the steel wire handle makes it easy to carry hot food. Additionally, the strong cardboard material handles a large serving and maintains the temperature for a long time.
Customization Options for Chinese Takeout Boxes
When it comes to tailoring Chinese takeout boxes to your needs, the possibilities are boundless, Here are some of the customization tips at your disposal:
Materials
Having the ability to customize, you can choose any material for custom takeout boxes. Picking the right material is really important for any package as 67% of the US audience considers the packaging material before buying a product. Having said that, you can select from the following materials as per your budget or preferences:
- Kraft paper
- Cardboard paper
- Recyclable CCNB paper
- Wax or plastic-coated paperboard
Sizes and Shapes
When it comes to preparing custom Chinese takeout boxes, even the nuances matter. As per research of INSEAD, any change in the shape of the package can affect the customer’s consumption patterns. Therefore, you have to carefully select the right dimensions and shape. Either you can go with a traditional style for an orthodox product or get a unique style for any special occasion.
Printing and Colors
While designing a custom Chinese takeout box, there is a big role of colors. Most of the boxes have a red accent against a white background – a customary Chinese design. If you are going with another design format, your box doesn’t lose its traditional charm. Moreover, try to leverage advanced printing techniques like CMYK or PMS to bring your brand’s vibrant colors to life on the boxes.
Finishing Touches
Options such as matte, glossy, spot UV, aqueous coating, embossing, or even debossing can bring a significant change in the overall feel. This not only will provide an enhanced sensory experience but also lend a premium feel to the boxes.
Handles and Extras
These boxes come with factory-installed handles in the form of steel wire. You can change the physique of this handle to bring novelty. Furthermore, there is an option to add customization like ribbons or even personalized fortune cookies for a unique touch.
Protective Coatings
Moisture-resistant coatings ensure the boxes preserve the food’s integrity and temperature. For that purpose, you can include a varnish finish. Furthermore, increasing the solid content of your box material is also a great way to increase its tensile strength.
Custom Inserts
If your box is meant to deliver food items like fast food, and coffee products or as a storage container for small products, you can add a custom die-out in it. These inserts will hold the product securely and will also present them in an appealing manner.
Branding
With these takeout boxes, you have a lot of options for customization. Don’t forget to utilize this opportunity to ensure these containers represent your brand perfectly. Tailor every aspect of the box, from the logo to the messaging, to make your brand unforgettable.
Applications of Custom Chinese Takeout Boxes
Originally meant for Chinese food and oyster delivery, custom Chinese takeout boxes have now found a lot of uses. Their attractive and versatile design makes them suitable for the delivery of any item that can fit. The following are applications of custom Chinese takeout boxes:
- Fast food;
- Coffee or related products;
- Gifting industry;
- Storage boxes;
- Crafting projects;
- Use in events;
- Retail packaging.
Conclusion
To encapsulate the discussion, the custom Chinese takeout boxes are unorthodox packaging containers that are widely used on a large scale. They were made in America based on origami takeout box design. However, the addition of a red accent and a Chinese ‘Thank You’ note gave them Chinese branding.
You can choose them to uniquely present your product and differentiate your company. For customization, you can use rightful material, add attractive finishes, and insert any die-out in them. Thanks to their innovative design, they are now used in industries like fast food, gifting as well as retail packaging.
