The packaging journey in an e-commerce world
Traditional retail uses a packaging system optimized for palletization and the retail display which considers the fact that the product is handled on average five times on its journey. E-commerce disrupts this by replacing the retailer with the consumer as the focal point of the supply chain and creating a more complex logistical process that can find the product handled manually up to 20 times or more.
These differences require the packaging to be changed to handle that additional abuse as well as designed with the consumer in mind. Here we look at the journey your product packaging takes in the new e-commerce world.
Product Design
The design of your product should be considered the start of your packaging supply chain journey. Novel product designs, from shape to material strength and weight will dictate the type of packaging you will need to select and design.
Packing Design
Many times you may receive a product in a box that is many times the volume of the product. This unnecessary over packaging wastes material and can make shipping more costly due to increased total volume. Consider packaging options that can provide the protection you need while minimizing package volume. This can be accomplished with stronger packaging material to how you place products in the package.
Transport & Delivery
With e-commerce, boxes will be leaving the loading dock onto various delivery vehicles on its way to the customer. It can be handled many times by different people before ending its journey on the doorstep of your customer. Ensure your product arrives safely by using the correct sizing of packaging made with durable material that can tolerate the manual handling, vibrations during transit, and return logistics.
“Unboxing”
Many online shoppers view the “unboxing” of your product as an experience in and of itself. Simple designs or personalized packaging can lead to a more positive experience compared with having to sift through foam or crumpled paper to get to a small item inside a massive box. Also, consider how packaging can facilitate customer returns and if they could reuse the box should a return have to be made.
Disposal
Being environmentally friendly is an aspect of a company that many consumers hold important. Try to use packaging materials that can be either recycled or boxes that the consumer can repurpose. You can include recycling messages and logos on the packaging to remind the consumer that they should recycle it and not throw it in the garbage.
The e-commerce world adds a level of complexity that is not present in traditional retail systems. It is important to consider the entire journey from product design to packaging disposal when designing your product packaging.
NPP Group is the supplier of choice for many leading brands in Ireland. Founded in 1984 we have a long history of delivering innovative solutions, quality products, and unrivalled service and will work in close collaboration with customers to provide quality packaging products and solutions for your needs.