What Is FEFCO 0201? A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Box Style in Packaging
Ever wondered about those sturdy boxes that keep your online orders safe? Meet FEFCO 0201, the unsung hero of the packaging world! This box style is like the Swiss Army knife of shipping containers – versatile, reliable, and found just about everywhere. Let's unpack why the FEFCO 0201 is such a big deal in the world of packaging and explore its impressive features that make it a favorite among businesses and consumers alike. Feature Description Design Simple rectangular box with folding flaps Versatility Suitable for various industries and product types Eco-friendliness Made from recyclable corrugated cardboard Cost-effectiveness Efficient production and storage Customization Available in various sizes and can be branded
FEFCO stands for the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. They're the folks who came up with a handy system to classify different box styles. The FEFCO 0201 is their star player – it's the most common box type you'll see in shipping and packaging, recognized globally for its efficiency and adaptability.
Picture a simple rectangular box that can be folded flat. That's your FEFCO 0201! It's like origami for the packaging world – starts flat, but with a few folds, it's ready to protect your stuff. This design is a favorite because it's easy to make, store, and put together when needed. The genius of the FEFCO 0201 lies in its simplicity – it's a design that has stood the test of time and continues to meet the evolving needs of modern commerce.
Let's break down what makes a FEFCO 0201 box special, examining its key components and structural features that contribute to its widespread use: Flaps: It has top and bottom flaps that fold to close the box. These flaps are crucial for creating a secure closure and protecting the contents inside. The design of these flaps allows for easy opening and closing, making it user-friendly for both packers and recipients.
Score Lines: These are the creases that help the box fold neatly. Score lines are precision-engineered to ensure consistent folding and structural integrity. They allow the box to be collapsed flat for storage and transportation, saving valuable space in warehouses and during shipping.
Dimensions: Can be made in pretty much any size you need! This flexibility is one of the FEFCO 0201's greatest strengths, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of products from small electronics to large appliances.
Putting together a FEFCO 0201 box is a breeze. The flaps fold together like a puzzle, creating a secure package that's ready for shipping. This simple design is why it's so cost-effective to make and transport. The assembly process is intuitive, requiring minimal training for warehouse staff, which further contributes to its popularity in high-volume shipping operations.
These boxes are everywhere! They're the go-to choice for many industries, showcasing their versatility and widespread adoption: E-commerce: Your online shopping probably comes in a FEFCO 0201. From books to clothing, these boxes are the backbone of online retail packaging, providing a balance of protection and cost-effectiveness for millions of daily shipments.
Retail: Stores use them to stock and ship products. The FEFCO 0201's stackability makes it ideal for warehouse storage and easy transportation to retail outlets.
Food Packaging: They keep your groceries safe and fresh. Many food items, especially those that don't require refrigeration, are packaged and shipped in FEFCO 0201 boxes due to their ability to protect contents from crushing and environmental factors.
Electronics: Protecting delicate gadgets during shipping. The customizable nature of FEFCO 0201 boxes allows for the addition of internal cushioning or partitions, making them suitable for fragile electronic items.
The FEFCO 0201 is like a chameleon – it can handle all sorts of items, from fragile glass to heavy books. That's why shipping companies love them for moving goods around the world. Its adaptability to different product types and sizes makes it a universal solution for packaging needs across various sectors.
There are tons of reasons why businesses choose FEFCO 0201 boxes, making them a staple in the packaging industry: Cost-Effective: Simple design means cheaper production. The straightforward manufacturing process and efficient use of materials keep costs down, making FEFCO 0201 boxes an economical choice for businesses of all sizes.
Strong and Durable: Keeps products safe during bumpy rides. The corrugated cardboard construction provides excellent protection against impacts and compression, ensuring that contents arrive intact.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recyclable corrugated cardboard. In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the recyclable nature of FEFCO 0201 boxes aligns with sustainability goals and consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging.
These boxes are like the superheroes of the packaging world – they're tough, they're efficient, and they're kind to the planet. No wonder they're so popular! The combination of practical benefits and environmental responsibility makes FEFCO 0201 boxes a smart choice for businesses looking to optimize their packaging solutions.
Choosing the right FEFCO 0201 box is like picking the perfect outfit – it needs to fit just right. Here are some expert tips to ensure you select the ideal box for your needs: Measure your product carefully. Consider not just the dimensions of your item, but also any additional space needed for protective packaging materials.
Consider the weight of what you're shipping. Heavier items may require stronger corrugated cardboard or double-wall construction for added support.
Think about how fragile your items are. Delicate products might benefit from custom inserts or additional padding within the FEFCO 0201 box.
Factor in the shipping method and distance. Long-distance or international shipping might require more robust packaging to withstand extended handling and varying environmental conditions.
You can even jazz up your FEFCO 0201 boxes with custom printing. Add your logo, some cool designs, or important information. It's like giving your box a makeover! Custom printing not only enhances brand visibility but can also include handling instructions or product information directly on the packaging.
When it comes to materials, you've got options. Single-wall boxes are great for lighter items, while double-wall boxes offer extra protection for heavier or more delicate products. Check out Labelprint24's options to find the perfect fit for your needs. They offer a range of materials and customization options to ensure your FEFCO 0201 boxes meet your specific requirements.
Let's see how the FEFCO 0201 stacks up against some other popular box styles, examining their unique features and best use cases: FEFCO 0401: This one has a lid and is great for heavier items. It offers enhanced stacking strength and is often used for archive storage or shipping bulky products. However, it's generally more expensive and less versatile than the 0201.
FEFCO 0203: Similar to 0201, but with extra flaps for added strength. This design provides additional protection at the corners and edges, making it suitable for items that require a bit more cushioning. The trade-off is slightly more complex assembly and higher material costs.
FEFCO 0427: A variation with a hinged lid, often used for display purposes or easy-access storage. While visually appealing and functional for certain applications, it's less suitable for shipping and more expensive to produce than the 0201.
While these other styles have their place, the FEFCO 0201 remains the most versatile and widely used. It's like the Swiss Army knife of boxes – it can handle most jobs with ease. The 0201's balance of cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and adaptability makes it the go-to choice for a wide range of packaging needs across various industries. Box Style Strength Versatility Ease of Assembly Cost-Effectiveness Sustainability FEFCO 0201 Medium High Easy High High FEFCO 0401 High Medium Medium Medium High FEFCO 0203 High Medium Medium Medium High
Ready to order some FEFCO 0201 boxes for your business? Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the procurement process: Decide on the size you need. Consider not just your product dimensions, but also any additional space required for protective materials or future growth in product sizes. Choose your material (single-wall or double-wall). This decision should be based on the weight and fragility of your products, as well as the shipping conditions they'll face. Figure out how many boxes you want. Consider ordering in bulk to take advantage of volume discounts, but be mindful of storage space and inventory turnover. Consider any custom printing or designs. This is an opportunity to enhance your brand visibility and provide important handling information directly on the packaging. Research suppliers and compare quotes. Look for manufacturers with a good reputation for quality and reliability in the packaging industry.
Companies like Labelprint24 offer a range of FEFCO box options, including the 0201. They can help you customize your boxes to fit your exact needs, providing expert guidance on material selection, sizing, and custom printing options. When working with a supplier, don't hesitate to ask for samples or prototypes to ensure the boxes meet your quality standards before placing a large order.
In today's world, being eco-friendly is super important. FEFCO 0201 boxes are leading the charge in sustainable packaging, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact: Made from recyclable corrugated cardboard, which can be easily processed in most recycling facilities.
Can be easily broken down and recycled after use, reducing waste in landfills.
Often made from recycled materials themselves, contributing to a circular economy.
The simple design minimizes material waste during production, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile.
Lightweight nature reduces transportation emissions compared to heavier packaging alternatives.
By choosing FEFCO 0201 boxes, you're not just getting great packaging – you're also doing your bit for the planet. It's a win-win! Many businesses are finding that using sustainable packaging like FEFCO 0201 boxes not only helps the environment but also resonates positively with environmentally conscious consumers, potentially boosting brand image and customer loyalty.
So, there you have it – the FEFCO 0201 box in all its glory! It's the most popular box style for good reason, offering a combination of benefits that make it the go-to choice for businesses across various industries: Super versatile and can handle all sorts of products, from delicate electronics to robust hardware.
Easy to make, store, and assemble, streamlining logistics and warehouse operations.
Cost-effective for businesses of all sizes, offering a balance of quality and affordability.
Environmentally friendly, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
Customizable to fit specific product needs and branding requirements.
Understanding FEFCO codes, especially the mighty 0201, is crucial for anyone in the packaging game. It helps you make smart choices that save money, protect products, and keep customers happy. The FEFCO 0201's widespread adoption across industries is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility in meeting diverse packaging needs.
Next time you receive a package, take a moment to appreciate the humble FEFCO 0201 box. It's not just a box – it's a marvel of modern packaging engineering! Its simple yet effective design represents decades of innovation in the packaging industry, continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of global commerce and environmental responsibility.
And if you're in the market for some top-notch packaging solutions, don't forget to check out what Labelprint24 has to offer. Your products (and the planet) will thank you! With their expertise in FEFCO box manufacturing and customization, you can find the perfect packaging solution tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your products are well-protected and your brand stands out in the competitive marketplace.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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The design of these flaps allows for easy opening and closing, making it user-friendly for both packers and recipients. Score Lines: These are the creases that help the box fold neatly. Score lines are precision-engineered to ensure consistent folding and structural integrity. They allow the box to be collapsed flat for storage and transportation, saving valuable space in warehouses and during shipping. Dimensions: Can be made in pretty much any size you need! This flexibility is one of the FEFCO 0201's greatest strengths, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of products from small electronics to large appliances. Putting together a FEFCO 0201 box is a breeze. The flaps fold together like a puzzle, creating a secure package that's ready for shipping. This simple design is why it's so cost-effective to make and transport. The assembly process is intuitive, requiring minimal training for warehouse staff, which further contributes to its popularity in high-volume shipping operations. These boxes are everywhere! They're the go-to choice for many industries, showcasing their versatility and widespread adoption: E-commerce: Your online shopping probably comes in a FEFCO 0201. From books to clothing, these boxes are the backbone of online retail packaging, providing a balance of protection and cost-effectiveness for millions of daily shipments. Retail: Stores use them to stock and ship products. The FEFCO 0201's stackability makes it ideal for warehouse storage and easy transportation to retail outlets. Food Packaging: They keep your groceries safe and fresh. Many food items, especially those that don't require refrigeration, are packaged and shipped in FEFCO 0201 boxes due to their ability to protect contents from crushing and environmental factors. Electronics: Protecting delicate gadgets during shipping. The customizable nature of FEFCO 0201 boxes allows for the addition of internal cushioning or partitions, making them suitable for fragile electronic items. The FEFCO 0201 is like a chameleon – it can handle all sorts of items, from fragile glass to heavy books. That's why shipping companies love them for moving goods around the world. Its adaptability to different product types and sizes makes it a universal solution for packaging needs across various sectors. There are tons of reasons why businesses choose FEFCO 0201 boxes, making them a staple in the packaging industry: Cost-Effective: Simple design means cheaper production. The straightforward manufacturing process and efficient use of materials keep costs down, making FEFCO 0201 boxes an economical choice for businesses of all sizes. Strong and Durable: Keeps products safe during bumpy rides. The corrugated cardboard construction provides excellent protection against impacts and compression, ensuring that contents arrive intact. Eco-Friendly: Made from recyclable corrugated cardboard. In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the recyclable nature of FEFCO 0201 boxes aligns with sustainability goals and consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging. These boxes are like the superheroes of the packaging world – they're tough, they're efficient, and they're kind to the planet. No wonder they're so popular! The combination of practical benefits and environmental responsibility makes FEFCO 0201 boxes a smart choice for businesses looking to optimize their packaging solutions. Choosing the right FEFCO 0201 box is like picking the perfect outfit – it needs to fit just right. Here are some expert tips to ensure you select the ideal box for your needs: Measure your product carefully. Consider not just the dimensions of your item, but also any additional space needed for protective packaging materials. Consider the weight of what you're shipping. Heavier items may require stronger corrugated cardboard or double-wall construction for added support. Think about how fragile your items are. Delicate products might benefit from custom inserts or additional padding within the FEFCO 0201 box. Factor in the shipping method and distance. Long-distance or international shipping might require more robust packaging to withstand extended handling and varying environmental conditions. You can even jazz up your FEFCO 0201 boxes with custom printing. Add your logo, some cool designs, or important information. It's like giving your box a makeover! Custom printing not only enhances brand visibility but can also include handling instructions or product information directly on the packaging. When it comes to materials, you've got options. Single-wall boxes are great for lighter items, while double-wall boxes offer extra protection for heavier or more delicate products. Check out Labelprint24's options to find the perfect fit for your needs. They offer a range of materials and customization options to ensure your FEFCO 0201 boxes meet your specific requirements. Let's see how the FEFCO 0201 stacks up against some other popular box styles, examining their unique features and best use cases: FEFCO 0401: This one has a lid and is great for heavier items. It offers enhanced stacking strength and is often used for archive storage or shipping bulky products. However, it's generally more expensive and less versatile than the 0201. FEFCO 0203: Similar to 0201, but with extra flaps for added strength. This design provides additional protection at the corners and edges, making it suitable for items that require a bit more cushioning. The trade-off is slightly more complex assembly and higher material costs. FEFCO 0427: A variation with a hinged lid, often used for display purposes or easy-access storage. While visually appealing and functional for certain applications, it's less suitable for shipping and more expensive to produce than the 0201. While these other styles have their place, the FEFCO 0201 remains the most versatile and widely used. It's like the Swiss Army knife of boxes – it can handle most jobs with ease. The 0201's balance of cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and adaptability makes it the go-to choice for a wide range of packaging needs across various industries. Box Style Strength Versatility Ease of Assembly Cost-Effectiveness Sustainability FEFCO 0201 Medium High Easy High High FEFCO 0401 High Medium Medium Medium High FEFCO 0203 High Medium Medium Medium High Ready to order some FEFCO 0201 boxes for your business? Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the procurement process: Decide on the size you need. Consider not just your product dimensions, but also any additional space required for protective materials or future growth in product sizes. Choose your material (single-wall or double-wall). This decision should be based on the weight and fragility of your products, as well as the shipping conditions they'll face. Figure out how many boxes you want. Consider ordering in bulk to take advantage of volume discounts, but be mindful of storage space and inventory turnover. Consider any custom printing or designs. This is an opportunity to enhance your brand visibility and provide important handling information directly on the packaging. Research suppliers and compare quotes. Look for manufacturers with a good reputation for quality and reliability in the packaging industry. Companies like Labelprint24 offer a range of FEFCO box options, including the 0201. They can help you customize your boxes to fit your exact needs, providing expert guidance on material selection, sizing, and custom printing options. When working with a supplier, don't hesitate to ask for samples or prototypes to ensure the boxes meet your quality standards before placing a large order. In today's world, being eco-friendly is super important. FEFCO 0201 boxes are leading the charge in sustainable packaging, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact: Made from recyclable corrugated cardboard, which can be easily processed in most recycling facilities. Can be easily broken down and recycled after use, reducing waste in landfills. Often made from recycled materials themselves, contributing to a circular economy. The simple design minimizes material waste during production, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile. Lightweight nature reduces transportation emissions compared to heavier packaging alternatives. By choosing FEFCO 0201 boxes, you're not just getting great packaging – you're also doing your bit for the planet. It's a win-win! Many businesses are finding that using sustainable packaging like FEFCO 0201 boxes not only helps the environment but also resonates positively with environmentally conscious consumers, potentially boosting brand image and customer loyalty. So, there you have it – the FEFCO 0201 box in all its glory! It's the most popular box style for good reason, offering a combination of benefits that make it the go-to choice for businesses across various industries: Super versatile and can handle all sorts of products, from delicate electronics to robust hardware. Easy to make, store, and assemble, streamlining logistics and warehouse operations. Cost-effective for businesses of all sizes, offering a balance of quality and affordability. Environmentally friendly, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Customizable to fit specific product needs and branding requirements. Understanding FEFCO codes, especially the mighty 0201, is crucial for anyone in the packaging game. It helps you make smart choices that save money, protect products, and keep customers happy. The FEFCO 0201's widespread adoption across industries is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility in meeting diverse packaging needs. Next time you receive a package, take a moment to appreciate the humble FEFCO 0201 box. It's not just a box – it's a marvel of modern packaging engineering! Its simple yet effective design represents decades of innovation in the packaging industry, continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of global commerce and environmental responsibility. And if you're in the market for some top-notch packaging solutions, don't forget to check out what Labelprint24 has to offer. Your products (and the planet) will thank you! With their expertise in FEFCO box manufacturing and customization, you can find the perfect packaging solution tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your products are well-protected and your brand stands out in the competitive marketplace. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Keisha Sarpong needed a new work bag to ferry her documents and laptop to the office. But as she started looking, she realized she didn't want the bag to make her look too much "like a lawyer with a briefcase" when she went to happy hour, Sarpong, a 30-year-old nonprofit worker who also runs a TikTok fashion account, tells me. Oh, and it'd be nice if it had enough space for her to take it on a trip. Basically, she wanted a bag that could do it all. The bag Sarpong eventually settled on features a stylish black leather finish, a laptop sleeve, and plenty of space for a water bottle and notebooks, plus an adjustable strap that can secure it on a rolling suitcase. It may not be perfect for everywhere, but it's pretty close. Sarpong's search isn't an isolated instance of a picky shopper. She's part of a growing cohort of consumers demanding more from the products they spend their hard-earned money on. It's not just bags that you can work and play and travel with. It's air fryers that can cook almost anything. Makeup products that double as skincare items. Or even an unassuming ceiling lamp that, you see upon second glance, is also a smart projector and speaker. Faced with rising prices and increasingly busy lives, Americans are arming themselves with products that work like a Swiss Army knife. "If I'm going to invest in a quality staple, I want to make sure I'm going to get a lot of use out of it. I'm really drawn to pieces that are multifunctional," Sarpong says. It's not just her bag that she's making work overtime — she also tells me she owns travel cubes that do triple duty as a purse organizer and cosmetics pouch. That's where she stores her all-in-one makeup products, which can be variously used on lips, cheeks, and eyelids. Whether it's higher prices, hybrid work, or an ever-rising obsession with efficiency and optimization, there are a slew of reasons Americans are looking for stuff that can fill more than one role. And as tariffs threaten to raise prices even further, people are trying to find value wherever they can get it. For businesses, expanding their product offering to fill different parts of customers' lives can insulate them from fickle tastes and cushion their bottom lines in leaner times. As multifunctional goods become ever more popular, it's clear that we're living in a three-in-one economy. American consumers are wrestling with a lot of uncertainty these days. Years of COVID-driven inflation have left people unsure of just how much things are supposed to cost. Economic upheaval has people worried about their jobs. And businesses are skimping on the quantity and sizes of their products (whether it's smaller portions at restaurants or fewer sheets of toilet paper per roll) — leaving Americans wondering whether they're really getting a bang for their buck. All these factors are pushing people to look for deals wherever they can: In a recent survey of consumers by the accounting and consulting firm EY, 77% of respondents said they were actively changing their buying habits to seek better value. How do you make your dollar go further in this environment after you've already followed the classic budgeting advice? Hybrid products could be a tool in consumers' inflation-fighting toolbox. Inflation-weary consumers are increasingly turning to these products, especially for appliances and tech gadgets, says Steffen Schenk, the managing director of NielsenIQ's North America tech and durables sector. For example, he points to combination microwave-roaster-grill air fryers that save time and space in small kitchens and self-cleaning robotic vacuums with built-in mops. NielsenIQ has seen growing consumer demand for smart kitchen appliances and tech wearables. "The reality is that convenience is now one of the key drivers of choice across most categories," Schenk says. "And once again, having those multifunctional devices really helps with that." Kristen Jauregui, a 35-year-old payroll specialist who runs a lifestyle blog, has been putting a bigger emphasis on budgeting than she has in the past amid the chaos of tariffs and elevated inflation. Jauregui tells me that she's consuming much more mindfully, whether it's buying less, doing more price comparison before hitting " check out," or looking for products that serve more than one occasion. "If I can find something that is multifaceted or can be used in more than one aspect, I will absolutely buy that over a product I can only use once," Jauregui says. Jauregui has been optimizing her closet for both work and play. Ever since the pandemic, she's swapped out high heels for more comfortable loafers and sneakers that can be worn straight from the office to a night out. Another hybrid product Jauregui has recently started using is solid shampoo, a bar that can be used as shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body soap. These bars — which Jauregui purchases from the beauty brand Kitsch — have saved her money and time, as Jauregui no longer needs to buy travel-size containers of different toiletries when she goes on trips. According to consulting firm Capgemini, big companies like L'Oreal are hopping on the trend and launching their own solid shampoo products. In addition to everyday essentials, consumers are turning to products with various uses to justify their desire to splurge. Hardcore austerity has never been America's strength — when sales spiked after the 2001 stock market crash, former Estée Lauder CEO Leonard Lauder called the need to partake in small luxuries during major downturns the " lipstick effect." After all, if the lipstick you purchased doubles as a moisturizer and blush, you're getting much more bang for your buck. Nowadays, consumers stressed from constant budgeting might forgo expensive vacations but still decide to treat themselves to a little retail therapy, Schenk says. If consumer sentiment continues to decline and tariff-induced uncertainty drags down the US economy, Schenk expects the lipstick effect to kick in during the back half of this year. "If you look at some of the trends we're seeing around self-indulgence, wellness, and so on, we would expect a similar lipstick effect in this cycle," Schenk tells me. Young people tend to be the early adopters, but if something is hybrid, it makes everyone's lives easier. Sarpong has already been indulging in some lipstick effect shopping — literally. She's a big fan of the beauty brand Rhode's pocket blushes, which come in a small, unassuming cylinder, not unlike a glue stick. The pigment can be used as a blush, lip color, or moisturizer. "It's in the name. It's a nice handheld size, so I can bring it with me everywhere," Sarpong tells me. "I can touch it up on my cheek but also my lips. It's a nice two-for-one." Multifunctional products can help consumers use some "girl math," as TikTok would say, to justify those nonessential splurges during economic hardship. After all, if the lipstick you purchased doubles as a moisturizer and blush, you're getting much more bang for your buck. In addition to acute economic drivers, longer-term trends have also increased consumer appetite for products that do it all. One is the pandemic-driven downfall of the five-day in-office expectation. As the divide between where work ends and where the rest of our lives begin has become less clear, consumers seek products that can cross over from one side of the divide to the other. This cross-functionality appears to appeal especially to Gen Z and millennials. Saoirse Cleary, the creative strategy director at the marketing agency MG Empower, tells me that the younger generations' emphasis on work-life balance makes them more open to trying new products that offer unique wellness or lifestyle features, such as athleisure wear and multifunctional makeup products. These demographics are also much more likely to find these multifunctional products through social media channels rather than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Convenience seeking isn't just a Gen Z or millennial thing, though. "Young people tend to be the early adopters," Cleary added. "But if something is hybrid, it makes everyone's lives easier." Yet another driving factor for the three-in-one economy is Americans' desire to optimize every part of their life. Devices and goods that fulfill multiple needs can feed people's drive to be the best, healthiest, or most efficient. Schenk, from NielsenIQ, tells me smartwatches that track health metrics while keeping time have been especially popular. From 2019 to 2023, the number of new products in the wearables category jumped from 5,000 to 80,000 — an increase not seen in any other product category, NielsenIQ GfK Market Intelligence says. Oura rings, which provide users with various biometric data. Everybody wants to self-optimize, so everything you buy has to be the best version of what you could get. "People started out with just wanting to track their steps with a wearable device or on their phone, and now it's about period tracking, sleep tracking, and heart rate tracking," Cleary says. "You have to highlight the hybrid benefits of a product nowadays," Cleary adds. "Everybody wants to self-optimize, so everything you buy has to be the best version of what you could get." Amid this consumer phenomenon, companies are increasingly leaning into the desire for multifunctional goods to add to their bottom lines, especially when those products can satisfy people's craving for a "little treat." Cleary tells me that appealing to people in various walks of life can expand the awareness of a brand outside its core constituency, which helps to lure in new customers who may not have run into the company's offerings otherwise. "A bag that functions for work, the gym, and social outings can be embraced by minimalists, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts alike, creating crossover appeal that strengthens a brand's reach," she says. Cleary adds that in her work helping global brands develop their influencer marketing strategies, she's seen companies launch multifunctional product campaigns. Multiuse products can also deepen relationships with existing customers, especially during an economic downturn. When companies launch value-rich products that make people's lives easier, they build trust within their customer base. On the other hand, price increases and a decrease in perceived product value isolate cash-sensitive shoppers. With consumers like Sarpong and Jauregui putting more thought into their purchases, a multifunctional aspect helps brands make buyers feel like they're getting the best option. Twice in the past few years, the fragility of our global economic system has been pushed to the forefront. When the pandemic hit, businesses shut down, and a toilet paper shortage had people rushing to store shelves. Now, as businesses grapple with tariff-driven uncertaint y and DOGE drives federal worker layoffs, consumers are feeling déjà vu. For everyday people, there isn't much you can do to shield yourself from breakdowns in complex supply chains or policy decisions made in DC, but changing your consumption patterns is one actionable way to exert your economic agency. "The way that we've used technology has changed. The way that we shop has changed. The way we interact with people has changed. So I try to make sure that anything I purchase is multifaceted," Jauregui tells me. "I've changed how I purchase makeup and skincare products because I want to make sure they're versatile," Jauregui adds. "If something happens tomorrow, and the world shuts down, will I be able to find a way to get this?"
