Technology

Packaging with Embedded Renewable Energy Solutions 

Salvatore GranLeave a comment

Some packaging is expanding outside of the box, and creating renewable energy solutions with the transit process. Some of these include solar cells and other renewable energy, such as water-powered or even solar powered elements that can be included in the packaging.   It’s unique, and something that some companies are looking at. 

But is it feasible? Can companies use the renewable energy incentives to power up their packaging, giving it the ideal state that it should be? Let’s find out how this new, and unique form of packaging is standing out, and giving people another type of eco friendly packaging incentive. 

Use for This 

The use for this is mostly energy-focused. Some companies have started to include solar-powered lights with their products, and it will charge these items without needing to plug it into the wall.   Some outdoor gear may also power it up through solar-powered energy, or even water power.   Put some water inside, and it will power it on the way to the customer so that they can use this immediately. 

It might seem strange, but lights and small devices thrive with this type of packaging, hence why some companies are investing in this type of packaging experience. 

The applications 

The applications for this are tech gadgets especially. Lots of tech items are powered by solar or wind functions, and many times, they come out of the box with some juice, a contrast to other companies that give these items, but they don’t effectively work until after there’s some charging done. 

Some camping equipment uses this too, because when you’re camping you’ll have solar and wind power, allowing you to use this item right away. 

Emergency kits also use solar-cell batteries to help with powering up. Again, when it’s being used in a more sensitive area, you’re going to want to make sure that you have power right away. This option gives it that, and so much more. 

The benefits 

There’s a lot of benefits that come with this. it adds more functionality and appeals to eco-friendly customers. There’s a sort of feature that customers like because they’re able to get it out of the packaging and then use this right away. it’s great as well for those who are worried about getting the item’s power quickly enough. For emergency items, time is of the essence. Giving them a way to power up and function is equally as important, and really improves the experience on multiple levels. 

The only drawback to this is the costs, because some customers want to be able to use this, and they might need to pay more for the packaging and batteries included. Factor that in, so you’re able to give customers the experience they want. 

Future trends 

There’s a lot of potential for this kind of packaging. The biggest one is wireless charging that’s compatible with the packaging, or integrated kinetic energy harvesters, where the energy is directly taken from the item and put into the product that’s there. It can give faster, better energy to the items that are there, improving the overall experience that one has when they’re utilizing this type of packaging experience. 

When you’re making your packaging appeal to people, you need to give them something reliable and unique. Eco Friendly brands should consider this type of packaging because it gives them another possibility, and really improves the overall experience. By doing this, more businesses are able to give their customers the things they desire, and it builds the brand and business, skyrocketing everyone to new, more profound heights that will really enhance their experience overall. 

Don’t Worry About Order Losses – Cut Down Your Packaging Supplies

Salvatore GranLeave a comment

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.

Three warehouse workers packing assorted products into a cardboard box
Three warehouse workers collaborate on packing assorted products into a shipping box.

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.

Worker pushing a cart loaded with labeled bins in a warehouse
A warehouse worker moves labeled bins of components through an organized parts-handling area.

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.

Maintain Privacy for Your Private Order

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Some items don’t need to make their presence known at the front door. In many cases, an easily identifiable brand logo, product name or small mailer can reveal more information about the customer’s purchase than they want others to know. This could potentially ruin a gift, identify a sensitive personal issue or attract the attention of a thief. Effective packaging provides protection for the contents by providing a neutral-looking package on the exterior, while protecting the contents on the interior.

Sealed cardboard box with a shipping label on a cluttered wooden workbench in a workshop.
A sealed cardboard box sits on a wooden workbench in a workshop.

Choose unmarked boxes (brown or white) for products that require anonymity. Use an opaque mailing envelope for lightweight and soft items as well. Inspect the mailer against a light source prior to purchasing a larger quantity. If you are able to view the shape, color or printing through the envelope then so will everyone else who handles it, including anyone carrying it down the hallway.

Following this review of the external packaging, examine the shipping label. Where allowed by company regulations, consider using a generic name for your business as part of the “From” section of the shipping label. Also eliminate any reference to product names, images, etc., from the shipping label. Using a brief order number can assist your staff in locating the sale but will also conceal the contents. The address and barcode must remain legible.

Never disguise relevant information that may be necessary for either the shipper or a Customs agency. A discreetly packaged item is not a misleading item. Cross-border shipments may require accurate and truthful customs documentation. You can provide confidentiality to the purchaser while complying with all applicable shipping requirements. Simply place all mandated data on the customs document and maintain the remaining portions of the outer packaging blank.

Your branding can await until after the recipient has opened the package. Print your logo, thank you letter, user manual, promotional material, etc., inside the package. Gifts often require a packing list (without pricing) as well. Include a link on your website for customers to select whether they wish to receive a priced packing list during checkout or simply a “Gift Packing List.” The surprise remains hidden safely but the individual receiving the package receives a friendly greeting nonetheless.

Streamline your process for packaging for employees. Store all plain boxes, transparent envelopes, and basic tape in one designated area. Include a discreet pack note to your order screen. Conduct an initial inspection and upon completion of this task, have a second employee inspect both sides of the package to ensure there were no stickers left behind containing product identification; old box prints; label notes; etc. This visual inspection takes very little time to complete and is a significant deterrent to errors.

Brown paper wrapped gift box tied with natural twine on wooden surface
A neatly wrapped brown paper gift tied with rustic twine sits on a wooden table.

Explain what “private” means within your context on your website. Explain that all packaging is neutral (the outside is plain and the sender’s name is non-descriptive), if that is indeed how you handle your packages. Avoid making claims that absolutely nothing can ever determine what is contained in the package. Transparency builds much greater confidence among consumers than over-the-top promises. If feasible, use environmentally-friendly paper wraps or boxes as well. They take up less space; produce less waste; and provide consumers with discretion without producing excess packaging materials.

Ultimately, your objective is straightforward: The consumer receives his/her merchandise and no indication of what was shipped exists anywhere on the packaging. The shipment arrives with fewer concerns — and that represents great service from beginning to end.