Packaging optimization makes the packaging process more economical and efficient for the supply chain. Retailers are looking for package optimization to get better at choosing the right type, size and quantities of materials to save costs throughout the supply chain. This is one of the most critical factors in brand perception. Companies like Apple or Starbucks are considered premium brands because of the care they take in product packaging.
In recent years, e-commerce has become a staple for many businesses. This has become especially crucial since the COVID-19 pandemic, where every business must be online to be successful and sell products to its customers. The main purpose of packaging in the e-commerce industry is to protect the product from the warehouse to delivery at the customer's door. Packaging not only protects the product, but also helps create a good first impression on the customer.
There are reports that have detected a 30% increase in consumer interest when the company pays close attention to the packaging of its products.
What exactly is packaging optimization?
In the simplest sense, "packaging optimization" means using intelligent packaging that is designed to contain, inform and protect your products as they are transported from a manufacturer, warehouse or distribution center to a final (consumer) destination.
There are many factors that determine the state in which the product reaches its final destination:
- Choose the right packaging materials. Both primary packaging (designed with aesthetics, ease of use, ease of opening, user experience, and store display in mind), as well as secondary and tertiary packaging (designed to protect and withstand environmental, transportation, and handling hazards).
- Selection of the correct amount of packaging for the environment and the supply chain. Bad packaging can cause damage to the product that generates losses and increases reverse logistics. But excess packaging also affects the environment and production costs.
- Choose the correct package design. Not only is the image and visual design important, it is also important to take into account when designing packaging the type of materials, the impact of its manufacture, efficiency and costs in the supply chain (storage and transport).
- Selection of the proper amount of protection. Beyond the choice of the type of protection in the reservoir to avoid damage during transport and handling, there are another series of requirements to take into account. Barrier protection for food or pharmaceutical products to maintain their shelf life is another important detail.
- The importance of product design. The best package is a robust product. If the product is already designed to be robust, with the best materials and sufficiently resistant, we will need minimal packaging to protect it on its journey to the customer.
Benefits of packaging optimization in the supply chain
- Cost savings
- Damage reduction
- improve efficiency
- minimal carbon footprint
- effective delivery
- Reduction in package dimensions
- Sustainability
- Increased functionality in packaging design
- Cost reduction in packaging tests