Packaging is an essential part of any business. Companies know and value this, especially these days, causing the industry to flourish. This is why gone are the days when packaging only involved boxes or cartons.
With the evolution of the packaging industry, companies now realize its impacts on supply chain management. As noted, to be able to achieve an effective and successful SCM, packaging systems must have efficient connections to logistics, productions, marketing, and the environment.
Accordingly, it is essential to start at the beginning, and discern which materials to use.
- Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are very durable, which is why consumers choose this when moving homes, or storing various kinds of house items. Alongside benefiting customers, it helps the entire logistics to be more efficient. Moreover, it helps keep the products more secure and safe, ensuring the quality of the items.
Apart from their durability, cardboard boxes are also versatile. They can adapt to suit different products of varying shapes and sizes.
In addition to this, they are very ideal in terms of branding. Plain cardboard is already effective for packaging, whether rigid or flexible packaging.
- Bubble Bag Envelopes
Bubble bag envelopes are effective packaging for small items. This is more applicable for electronics and glassware products.
The function of this packaging is that it removes all the unnecessary tension when shipping and delivering semi-fragile items, such as mentioned above. They are designed to keep the items safe and secure from the load and pressure outside.
This type also helps companies to have standardized package sizes. By doing so, supply chain can produce higher line utilization as the change-over times are essentially reduced.
In addition, smaller packages cost less to ship. Hence, transportation spend can be reduced to a significant share.
- Corrugated Paper Rolls
Generally, corrugated cardboard packaging is the “backbone” of supply chain management, as per experts. They are one of the most used materials in the packaging industry.
This applies to corrugated rolls, as well, which are typically used for the corner edge of the products. They are to keep these areas safe and secure from external elements that may cause damages to the items.
- Corrugated Boxes & Cartons
Corrugated boxes appear similar to cardboard boxes. But, keep in mind that these two are not alike.
The latter is made of thick paper stock, or sometimes, heavy paper pulp. Whatever the raw material is, it is not as resilient as corrugated boxes.
Corrugated boxes are made up of layers of raw materials instead of just a single sheet. Typically, there are three layers: inside liner, outside liner, and a medium between the two liners.
Unlike cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes can withstand various external elements. They remain sound even after exposure to shocks, temperature changes, and moisture.
While corrugated boxes and cartons are not indestructible, like all other packaging materials, they provide a much higher level of security and protection.
- Foam Edge Guards
Foam edge guards, as its name states, are a security for the edges of products. They are cost-effective protection for various items, whether it may be for commercial or industrial, or even domestic purposes.
Usually, you will see these protection guards on mirrors and frames. While others may use corrugated paper rolls, these are more rigid to protect sharp edges. Hence, there are more utilized on items that come in rectangular, triangular, or square shapes.
Many companies also use foam edge protectors on home furniture. Tables and chairs are the most apparent products that usually have these guards upon delivery and shipment.
- Kraft Paper Rolls
Kraft paper rolls are another ideal packaging material for any product. They are usually used to wrap items for further protection against damage and tear. But, many companies today utilize them for perishable goods and other consumables. This is why they are very common in spirits packaging, considering that they are for void fill.
These paper rolls are affordable too, making them cost-effective. However, the biggest variable that makes this material quite expensive is that they are a bit heavy.
So, when buying Kraft paper rolls, expect that the cost for shipping is high. Accordingly, it is recommendable for you to purchase multiple rolls per purchase.
- Plastic Carry Bags
Last, but not the least, is the plastic carry bags. They are usually utilized and found in most retail businesses today. But, instead of mainly using it for the actual products, they are mostly utilized for promotions, exhibits, trade shows, and advertisements.
This is a great packaging material because you can use it for the branding of your company and products.
Final Thoughts
The goal of supply chain management is to provide the utmost satisfaction to customers. But, there are numerous factors that may hamper or negatively impact the process, and these include the packaging.
As you may know, packaging affects the product’s quality. Alongside this, it also has impacts on the costs, speed, flexibility, longevity, and dependability of the items.
Hence, it is vital for companies to know which materials for packaging will optimize all of the given variables. These seven given types above may just help with that.
