Compared to other aspects of your business, packaging your products to be shipped to your customers may seem like a simple thing. But when you break it down, there is a lot to consider and a number of important decisions to make. This guide takes you through the basics.
Choose the correct box
When sending packages from Cambodia, selecting the right box is key. Whether it’s an international or domestic shipment, shipping in Cambodia often involves different types of transportation, including road, air, and sea. Road conditions can vary, with some rural areas having less developed infrastructure and unpaved roads, which may lead to rough handling. Additionally, the heat and humidity in Cambodia can affect packaging materials, so it's important to choose a box that can withstand these conditions.
Opt for a sturdy, appropriately sized box for your products. The box should fit your items snugly, leaving space for cushioning material to prevent movement. For heavier or more fragile items, double or triple-wall boxes are more appropriate. There should be a manufacturer stamp which tells you more about the strength and durability of the box or, failing that, consult your box supplier.
Wrap each product individually
As a country with diverse shipping routes, Cambodia’s businesses can face varying levels of infrastructure and conditions. Individually wrapping each product ensures that they are better protected from shocks and rough handling during transit.
There are basically two types of packaging – external and internal. Unless you're shipping items that require specialized packaging (e.g., liquids, powders), always choose a high-quality, corrugated cardboard box. Avoid reusing old boxes, as they lose rigidity and may not provide the necessary protection for your goods.
Internal packaging is equally important. It cushions your product and fills gaps inside the box to prevent items from moving around. While Styrofoam used to be a popular choice, it has now been banned in many countries due to its environmental impact. Fortunately, there are many other sustainable options, such as biodegradable packing peanuts or paper-based alternatives, which are just as effective in cushioning your products.
Here is a simple chart showing some of your parcel packaging options and what they are best used for.
Protect goods with cushion and fill
While major infrastructure projects like the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway and the Techo International Airport are enhancing connectivity, rural areas still face challenges such as less developed infrastructure and unpaved roads, which can lead to rough handling during transit. Additionally, the heat and humidity in Cambodia can affect packaging materials, making it crucial to choose packaging that can withstand these conditions.
Using the right cushioning materials is crucial to minimizing these risks. Fill empty spaces in your package with foam peanuts, air cushions, or biodegradable alternatives. This reduces the chance of breakage and prevents items from shifting during transit.
Top tips:
- Wrap items individually – for maximum protection from shocks and vibrations.
- Use dividers – to prevent goods knocking into each other and causing damage.
- Keep items from moving around – secure them in place to reduce the risk of breaking.
- Place items in the middle of the box – so they don’t tilt during transit. Use plenty of padding to secure them in place.
Marketing tip: How to personalize your packaging
While packaging’s primary purpose is to protect your product so it can be safely delivered to your customer, it can also do so much more.
Packaging can be a powerful marketing tool, allowing communication with your customer when they’re feeling most positive towards your brand – when their order arrives. At its most basic, you can use packaging to bolster your brand image using consistent colors, logos, messaging, typography and other brand elements. While your outer packaging may be a cardboard box, it needn’t just be plain brown! Consider using packing tape in your brand colors and custom-designed labels.
You can also synergize your packaging with your advertising. For example, if you’re running a social media campaign using a particular headline, why not look into adding it to your packaging? You can also cross-promote your social media campaign by adding a hashtag.
Other opportunities include: tying in your packaging with particular events – for example, Valentine’s Day or Christmas; including a personalized, handwritten thank-you card (perhaps with a personal discount code); and adding free samples of related products.
Creative packaging, personalization, free samples, and discounts are all powerful ways of encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Packaging designed for returns: Easy to open and re-seal
Returns are a fact of life in the age of e-commerce. While offering free returns has cost implications for your business, many customers will only shop from retailers that operate a free returns policy. It’s a dilemma you have to weigh up and make a decision about.
Whatever you decide, a return is actually another opportunity for your business. By making it as hassle-free and simple as possible, you will encourage the customer to buy from you again, even though this particular purchase hasn’t worked out. Therefore, always include a return label and clear instructions. Regarding the actual packaging, pick a box that is simple to open (perforated, for instance) and simple to reuse and reseal, perhaps with an adhesive strip included.
By putting some thought into it, you can make the returns process a positive customer experience and a way of differentiating yourself from your competitors.
Sustainable packaging in Cambodia
Cambodia is actively embracing sustainable packaging practices to reduce its environmental footprint and support the global push toward greener business operations. In early June 2025, Cambodia officially joined the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), further committing to the advocacy of more efficient, sustainable packaging standards across the region. As international trade continues to rise, adopting sustainable practices is becoming increasingly vital, and Cambodia is positioning itself as a leader in this movement.
Additionally, the Cambodia Packaging Center (CPC) was officially launched at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in December 2024. The CPC acts as a hub for researching and promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions, cementing Cambodia's role in the development of sustainable packaging practices in South-East Asia.
Make no mistake — sustainability is now a significant concern for consumers. A 2024 survey by PwC revealed that consumers are willing to spend an average of 9.7% more on sustainably produced or sourced goods, even amidst cost-of-living and inflationary concerns.1 With growing environmental awareness, opting for sustainable packaging can be crucial to the popularity and success of your brand. Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly solutions, and failing to meet these expectations can directly impact your business reputation and bottom line.
For more tips on sustainable packaging and insights on how it can benefit your business, read our article on green packaging.
Other considerations when shipping overseas
Of course, packaging is important. But, no matter how much thought you put into it, it could end up pointless if customers are disappointed by a needless delay to their shipment or annoyed by surprise additional costs.
We can help you navigate international trade by enabling you to calculate your customs duty, tax and other fees, so you can pay them up front. Plus, you can get the correct HS (Harmonized System) codes and check your shipment’s compliance with any country’s import and export regulations.
You can do it all, using our free Global Trade Services toolkit.
Packaging Basics Checklist
- Assess your product
- Choose appropriate packaging materials
- Ensure your goods are protected
- Use your packaging as a marketing tool
- Make sure it’s returns-friendly
- Choose green packaging alternatives
- Navigate customs with our Global Trade Services toolkit
So, your packaging will ensure your shipment arrives at its destination in one piece, but what about on time? That’s where DHL has you covered. With a DHL Express Business Account, you’ll have access to a range of expedited shipping solutions to help you meet your customers’ expectations.
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