While reducing packaging supplies can cut costs as well as minimize garbage, going so far as to eliminate all packaging supplies could lead to order loss. What we want to find out is not the least amount of packaging supplies necessary; however, what is the most efficient way to select packaging supplies which can both safeguard an order and include minimal amounts of packaging supplies which have no functional value.
Take one of your regular shipments and lay out all the materials that were used in this shipment including the box, tape, labels, padding, and any plastic bags. Examine each of these items individually and ask yourself, “What is this piece of packaging doing?” Is it protecting? Is it sealing? Is it identifying? Is it organized? If the answer is no to any or all of these questions, there is probably little or no reason for the item.
One good place to start with a reduction in packaging supplies would be in the selection of the box itself. A box that is significantly oversized compared to the product contained within requires additional packaging supplies (filler). An oversized box will require more room to transport and store.
Another area in which unnecessary packaging supplies can exist is in the type of tape used. While longer pieces of tape may appear to strengthen a package, research has shown that often times just a few pieces of tape strategically applied across the primary seams of a package provide adequate sealing. Test various types and lengths of tape on multiple packages to determine how much is required to safely secure a package.
When selecting packaging supplies, consider if two different supplies are providing the same function. For example, perhaps your product does not need to be wrapped in multiple layers and then surrounded by additional packaging supplies. Perhaps one single well-suited type of protection will suffice. Prior to implementing any new packaging practices, test each procedure prior to implementation on customer shipments, particularly those items which are fragile.
Inside of your own business, reusable packaging supplies can serve as a means to reduce excess packaging materials. Reusable containers can be used to move products from one work station to another rather than having to utilize a new box each time. Strong partitions can be reused for moving groups of products. These minor adjustments can result in reduced volumes of materials discarded daily.
In addition to recycled and recyclable packaging options, it is essential to remember that labeling does not ensure suitability for every shipment. Weak mailers can tear during transit requiring reshipment of the original product resulting in increased waste. When selecting materials ensure that they meet the strength requirements based upon the weight and shape of the product.
Photographs can aid employees in avoiding excessive usage of packaging supplies. Photograph a properly packaged shipment and display the image near their workstation. Illustrate the correct dimensions of the box utilized, proper application of padding, and location of tape placement. Pictures tend to be more easily followed than lengthy instructions.
After approximately four weeks check on the effectiveness of your efforts. Assess the number of damaged shipments received by customers, customer complaints related to damaged goods, and the volume of materials used in packaging. If damage remains low while volume decreases, your efforts were successful. Conversely, if increases occur, take corrective action promptly before issues escalate into significant expenses.
To accomplish reductions in waste effectively, evaluate each step carefully. Evaluate one shipment, eliminate unnecessary components, and thoroughly test the revised process. Properly selected packaging supplies should enable products to arrive safely while decreasing the mass, complexity, and ease-of-preparation of each shipment.
