Deciding how you will package your product is one of the most important decisions to make in branding (or rebranding) your company. After all, few things can make or break a sale like presentation, and packaging is the most critical part of your product's presentation to your customers. Additionally, packaging must protect your product against damage, be cost-efficient, and properly advertise your brand. With so much riding on your product's packaging, here are the top three things you should consider before choosing a packaging design:

Product packaging serves several important purposes. It protects items during shipping, makes storage easy and, ideally, presents your product in a way that will entice customers to choose it over the competition. Many manufacturers and producers underestimate the negative effect that poor packaging design can have on sales.

As a consumer, you may not realize the role a perfect packaging design plays in your purchasing decisions. The package must convey enough information about a product to pique your interest and inform you of its purpose—all without being overbearing. As a retailer, you want your packaging to promote your brand, protect the product, and show your customer why your product is perfect for them. Good packaging is an investment for your product and your brand.

Environmentally friendly packaging design can give businesses a competitive advantage on the market. Eco-friendly business practices demonstrate compassion and awareness, which can be a persuasive factor in helping customers choose between you and the competition. In addition, companies who invest in green packaging also stand to save money in the form of shipping costs, material costs, and reduced waste. Studies by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) show that companies that actively seek out ways to make their operations more eco-friendly see their ROI increase by as much as 18% over companies not making these efforts.

Packaging is often the first impression customers have with a product. It is important to consider exactly what your packaging is saying about your product. Since the new year is traditionally a time for reinvention, here are some interesting packaging trends to consider for 2017.

This past October, Walmart held the Walmart Sustainability Summit and launched the new Walmart Sustainability Playbook. As a manufacturer of consumer goods, see how you can fall in line with the Walmart plan and how flexible packaging can provide you with increased sustainability in the year ahead and beyond, whether you are directly affected by Walmart or not.