When employing a packaging selection it is important to consider the appropriate materials so as to find the best value and product security.
The intricacies of a packaging selection can sometimes go overlooked, but the materials used can play a major role in the safe and cost-effective shipment of an item. No matter the method - be it stretch wrapping, polyester strapping or the use of plastics - the right material is essential to ensuring that a product is safely secured in its package.
The world is growing more and more globalized so export and importing of products is not an anomaly. A coffee bean that is harvested could be cultivated in South America, shipped to North America to be processed and sent to any number of locations throughout the world to be consumed. For this reason it is essential for priority to be given to application assessment and the appropriate packaging selection employed to ensure stability across extended distance and constant changing of hands.
Engaging appropriate packaging selection
A company must consider the balance between both security and value when pushing a product to the market. On the one hand, a product needs to arrive safely but on the other hand it needs to be done so affordably so as to create a replicable solution. Each of these two factors will produce a different outcome in the packaging selection based on the character of package. For example, the vessel that holds a durable metal part will require a packaging strategy different than a package containing fragile glass. For example, consider the following points:
- dimensional properties and weight of product
- type of corrugated product being used as a vessel (i.e. recycled vs virgin corrugate)
- method of shipment
- total amount of products being shipped daily, monthly and annually
- expected transit from point A to B
- sustainability of the products utilized
Each of these aspects dictate just a few of the various inquiries that must be considered in relation to packaging selection.
Sustainability in packaging selection
A new initiative that has emerged as a major selling point for some companies in their packaging selection is sustainability. The use of recycled materials adds value to packaging solutions because such products can be reused multiple times or repurposed for other products and/or purposes.
Packaging World explains that steel is one product that displays its versatility. According to the news source, an industry report indicates that over 1 billion tons of steel have been recycled since 1988. The material exemplifies its cost savings and added value due to its strength but also its ability to be repurposed. Tin-plate steel in particular was recycled at a rate of 72 percent, making it the highest among packaging materials.
In other business sectors, fast food giant McDonald's announced that it will work to replace the current polystyrene foam cups with paper cups. This is a perfect of example of first assessing the forum of the product and adjusting the packaging decision therein. While the use of polystyrene has proven to be a viable packaging option, the company found that the polystyrene foam cups can lead to high amounts of plastic pollution in the ocean as a result. Alternatively paper cups will function with the same degree as the polystyrene foam albeit with less environmental backlash.
Environmental solutions, security and product value are all important aspects of packaging selection for consideration. Making decisions based on company values and overall goals will ensure the correct products are employed for safe and efficient delivery into the marketplace.
