Amid a growing preference for eco-friendly packaging materials such as bio-based plastics, algae-derived films, and mushroom-based packaging, heralding a reduction in the logistics community’s reliance on fossil fuels that are not biodegradable, plastic is fast becoming passé.
Last June e-commerce giant Amazon announced it had initiated the largest de-plastics drive in the United States’ history of packaging.
In an article on the topic, packaging platform magazine Talking Logistics said the growing trend of plastics falling out of favour highlighted how enhancing packaging could yield significant benefits for transportation and warehousing operations.
The month after Amazon’s announcement, members of the Indago supply chain research community were asked in a survey to what extent they were improving their transportation and warehousing dynamics.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) indicated that they had made packaging modifications in the past three years that had enhanced transportation and/or warehousing operations.
Among the 24 respondents, one logistics executive said: “We modified our product to allow for smaller packaging. Previously, it was a single box per pallet; now, we can place six boxes on a single pallet."
Other Indago respondents said: "We adjusted our packaging to support warehouse automation and reduce product overhang on pallets."
"Much of our packaging is dictated by our primary supplier. The fragility of our products also poses challenges in streamlining packaging as it increases the risk of damage during transit. Nevertheless, we continuously seek ways to minimise and streamline packaging without compromising product integrity."
"Our company manufactures medical devices that are unpacked for immediate use. Many of these devices were previously packaged with excessive air. By redesigning our products to be foldable, we have significantly reduced air space in packaging, allowing us to fit more products on pallets and trailers. This initiative was a collaboration between our R&D and supply chain teams."
"Our logistics team works closely with product and packaging designers to ensure packaging is cost-effective, sustainable, and compatible with warehouse automation processes."
"While reducing packaging costs is possible, it is important to avoid savings that lead to higher expenses in damage, handling, safety and quality."
