Logistics and the Role of Protective Packaging

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in Shipping Supplies

Logistics, shipping, and customer satisfaction relationship is symbiotic; neither can exist without the other and are experience mutual benefits. By definition, logistics are supply chain management; the monitoring, controlling, organizing and direction of supplies. Shipping is the means by which a product or package reaches a destination. Both of these concepts play an integral role in the ways in which consumers perceive your company/brand/organization.

The reasons behind the close relationship between logistics and customer satisfaction are twofold: 1. Logistics essentially determines when your package arrives, and 2. What shape is it in when it gets to the consumer.

Packaging plays a vital role in logistics and customer satisfaction. Not only does it aid as a marketing tool for your brand, but packaging with a focus on protecting your product will ensure that your product arrives at its intended destination not only in one piece, but in a condition that you can stand behind. It helps to avoid the costly problem of returns, shipping new, undamaged product and labour costs associated with the ordeal.

So, what is protective packaging and how can you adopt a packaging strategy with a keen focus on protecting your products?

Strategies for implementing an effective protective packaging model:

Customize. Consider custom box inserts to ensure that your product fits in the box with minimal wiggle room. Inserts are typically made of corrugated cardboard, or can also be a custom pulp mold. For shipping, regular slotted cardboard is used as the material is durable for transport, if you are considering using a stock box, consider using protective foam or custom cardboard dividers to ensure that there is minimal space for your product to move or become damaged during transport.
Packing peanuts. These guys have always had a bad rap as styrofoam is notoriously difficult to recycle. And while packing peanuts may seem like a no brainer, however there are things to consider when selecting packing peanuts. Most notably, changes in the material of the packing peanut. Green, eco-friendly alternatives such as corn starch based peanuts are more widely being used. These not only aid to give your brand a greener image, corn starch is biodegradable.
Size matters. Ensuring that your custom boxes fit your product perfectly will help to ensure that there are no damages incurred during transport. Cube optimization also helps to bring down the overall cost of packaging material, and reduces the overall environmental impact.