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Packaging is typically viewed as an expense only but should really be viewed as an investment to be actively managed.
Packaging consists of 3 primary components; External packaging aka known as corrugate, inside packaging aka known as dunnage, foam in place, peanuts, etc. and then finally the product itself. External packaging’s job is singular, keep its primary shape and protect the internal packaging. Internal packaging needs to contain the product and keep it safe from the external packaging. The product itself needs to have some durability to it or that can be its own issue (fluorescent light bulbs will get broken even with the best packaging available). Those three components need to work in tandem with each other for the best chances of a successful and damage free delivery.
Packaging itself is really only paper, just higher quality paper, but paper nonetheless, and it has a life cycle of value. A typical box is 3 pieces of paper, external, internal flute (looks wavy) and then internal paper. The challenge lay in understanding boxes usually have one useful life and then should be used as a storage box in a closet, or recycled.
Interestingly there have scenarios where less is actually more! Let me explain. A double wall box may better serve the product with a higher quality corrugate in a single format. You get better performance, a happier customer, and you spend 20% less overall, because the reality is that you’re actually paying for less liner feet of packaging.
For perspective, a small parcel that moves cross country, or even just across the state, will be handled approximately the same amount of times, 15-18 times, between origin and destination. The only real difference being the miles that package travels between those steps.
View your packaging as an opportunity to not only protect your product, but also wow your customers with quality protection, while you possibly save some money too!
Mike Blair, the Parcel Coach, has been helping businesses save on their parcel shipping for 36 years. For this and more helpful advice watch youtube.com/@ParcelCoach.
