Benefits of optimized packaging – The upsurge of global trade, multiplied by electronic commerce, has increased the transportation of goods to unprecedented levels. In today’s competitive market, companies specializing in product shipping recognize the significance of optimized packaging for their success. By prioritizing and achieving efficient packaging solutions, these businesses gain a competitive edge and set themselves apart from the competition. The benefits of optimized packaging extend beyond mere aesthetics and play a crucial role in streamlining operations and improving customer satisfaction.
What is packaging optimization?
Packaging optimization consists of a series of processes by which it is possible to find the right packaging design for the goods to be transported and the chosen route.
Optimized packaging must therefore strike a balance between safety and cost reduction to guarantee stable and safe shipping & handling while being eye-catching when arriving in perfect conditions at the customer’s doorstep.
This process can be applied to all levels of packaging:
- An optimized primary packaging, which is the one that usually gets to the end user, must use the necessary amount of packaging material to protect the product it contains.
- The optimization of secondary and tertiary packaging will be essential in guaranteeing the goods’ protection during their transportation, avoiding over-packaging and under-packaging.
In summary, having an optimized packaging design depends on defining the size, and the materials to be used, designing the structure of the package, and testing it to verify whether it complies with safety criteria.
This last step focuses on the simulation of hazards that might compromise the integrity of the loads during the distribution cycle (vibrations, shock, crushing, etc.) to evaluate their performance and resistance. In this context, transport simulation machines allow companies to simulate these forces under laboratory conditions and design optimized packaging that can withstand the distribution cycle.
Benefits of an optimized packaging
Benefits of optimized packaging – Cargo safety
Optimized packaging is synonymous with a package that guarantees the safety of the goods that it carries. This, in addition to guaranteeing the safety of all actors involved in the distribution cycle to the end customer.
Benefits of optimized packaging – Economic savings
Attaining optimized packaging through an adequate packaging design implies, on one hand, adjusting the size and weight of the package. This allows for major cost savings since the space required to transport the load in the chosen means of transportation is reduced.
In this regard, we can mention IKEA as a paradigmatic example: in 2015 they redesigned the packaging of one of their products, reducing its volume by 50%, which translates into the use of approximately 7,000 fewer trucks and savings for 1.2 million euros per year, as informed by the Wall Street Journal.
Studying and testing your product packaging enables you to use the right amount of materials, as well as the right components for each product and distribution cycle.
This results in safer packaging and improves load stability, significantly eliminating economic losses due to shrinkage during transportation.
A damaged product has a direct consequence on costs since the cost of replacing it could be up to 17 times the shipping cost, according to information published in Packaging World.
Moreover, optimized packaging can simplify packing processes, which reduces man hours and machine operation hours while eliminating costs.
Benefits of optimized packaging – Environmental sustainability
Developing an optimized product packaging design allows the material used to be reduced, which in turn results in less packaging-related waste.
In addition, packaging optimization helps reduce the greenhouse gases generated during production and transportation and leads to less squandering of resources, less waste to be recycled, and less energy use.
Likewise, companies are starting to incorporate new sustainable materials that adequately protect the product while being recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable to reduce their impact as much as possible.
Benefits of optimized packaging – Compliance with regulations and standards
The growth of global trade has led to the emergence of international standards and government regulations that regulate distribution within the supply chain.
Testing aimed at attaining optimized packaging also addresses these standards & regulations, based on the types of goods being transported or the selected transportation method.
As an example, we could mention Directive 2014/47/EU, which establishes a series of guidelines to improve safety in road transportation across the European territory and ensure cargo stability. This directive includes the EUMOS 40509 testing method on cargo securement.
Benefits of optimized packaging – Marketing
Research in packaging optimization drives the development of innovative designs that prioritize both product safety and visual appeal. By leveraging advanced techniques and materials, companies can create packaging solutions that not only protect the goods but also enhance their brand presence in the market. Through continuous research and improvement, packaging optimization contributes to the overall success and differentiation of products in today’s competitive landscape.
In this way, packaging can become an important factor that motivates the consumer’s purchasing decision, since it not only provides the customer with information but also differentiates the product and generates a narrative around the brand.
Engaging in research focused on load safety during transportation has multiple benefits. Firstly, it ensures that goods reach end customers in optimal condition, leading to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Secondly, it helps companies build a reputation for reliability and quality in their product delivery, further enhancing customer trust. Lastly, prioritizing load safety demonstrates a commitment to providing a positive customer experience and reinforces the company’s overall brand image.
Working on optimization to achieve eco-friendly packaging is aligned with current-day customer expectations, which demand companies to work toward sustainability.
Who can benefit from an optimized packaging
The economic savings resulting from packaging optimization are advantageous for various companies involved in the packaging industry. This includes packaging manufacturers, as well as retail, e-commerce, logistics, and transportation companies. Embracing packaging optimization not only leads to cost reductions but also brings about other significant benefits for businesses operating within these sectors.
Furthermore, attaining optimized packaging guarantees maximum efficiency and safety in all processes for all those involved in the distribution cycle.
Among them, we could mention those used in the transportation and commercialization of particularly sensitive products, such as pharmaceutical and food packaging.
Do you want to know more about how to attain optimized packaging? At Safe Load Testing Technologies we have a track record of two decades in packaging-related transportation simulation. Contact us and let’s talk about how we can help you.
