Limiting shipping expenses often sits center stage in annual cost-savings initiative reviews. Analyses deep-dive into the product vessel, security and transportation as top factors of importance. Take for example, the use of reusable plastic containers vs the antiquated use of corrugated boxes.
A new study indicates that the use of corrugated boxes in the shipment of tomatoes is saving money when compared to reusable plastic containers.
Corrugated containers and managing safety
According to a recent study, corrugated boxes are more sanitary compared to reusable plastic containers (RPCs) when it comes to the shipment of produce, according to Packaging Digest.
Corrugated packaging to generate savings against RPCsThe news source reported that the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada, found that 64 percent of all RPCs failed sanitary standards and 56 percent of trays had a higher aerobic count than expected on a cleaned surface.
Corrugated boxes pack up the savings
A recent case study from the Corrugated Packaging Alliance recorded that corrugated packages also provide a 25 percent annual cost savings in shipping when compared to RPCs. It examined information provided by a grower in Mexico to analyze the transportation of 144 million pounds of Roma tomatoes to Houston, Texas.
The findings from report indicated that the use of corrugated boxes saves nearly $7 million every year when compared to RPCs. The use of the latter materials incurs high shipping and handling costs in addition to the expenses that come from washing them after each use.
"Grocery retailers are looking to improve profits by reducing costs throughout the entire distribution channel," said the CPA's Executive Director, Dennis Colley. "Transportation packaging is one area that retailers scrutinize for possible cost savings."
Strong versatility
Corrugated boxes have also been praised for their ability to be recycled. According to the report, supermarkets have been able to increase recovery to 91 percent in 2012, making it the most recycled packaging material internationally.
There are a variety of ways corrugated boxes can be used in a packaging solution. Depending on the product that is being shipped, a slide type box or folder type box and tray could be economically viable strategies. In addition to the structural versatility of the corrugated box, they offer a blank canvas for creative and eye-catching marketing. As stated by Mike Harwood, President of World Containerboard Organization, "boxes are a natural product, made from renewable wood fibre and are totally sustainable in our environment. Terrific retailers like Whole Foods, Publix, and Costco, just to name a few, realize that beautifully printed corrugated boxes also help them to sell more fresh produce to their customers."
