less ismore


industrial and distribution companies to provide blocking, bracing and cushioning. Foam based packaging is of


particular benefit for companies transporting fragile, delicate and expensive products, due to its premium protection performance. To give an example from my own experience, one customer that was using cradle card to protect car alternators in transit switched to a foam mould solution to reduce damage costs which were in excess of £70,000 per annum. As well as eliminating damage, the solution managed to maintain a fast packaging method and reduce packaging storage.


value analysis carried out to ascertain which solution will deliver the maximum financial benefit. For example, if a company is experiencing significant damage costs, then the introduction of a more premium or fit-for-purpose protective packaging solution will prove more cost effective in the long term as losses incurred via breakages and resulting redeliveries are reduced.


TESTING...TESTING Once this stage is completed, a


number of tests should be performed, in-line with standards set out by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), to ensure the packaging solution will protect the product in ‘real’ terms. Previously the lightweight


packaging options for companies delivering goods have been limited, with polystyrene being the popular choice in both mould and chip form. Now however, the market contains a variety of different options that can be tailored to fit the product – resulting in a reduction in waste packaging and costs. The development of suspension, inflatable cushioning and foam moulding packaging gives distributors a much wider range of packaging choices – and proper guidance should be given to make the correct purchasing choices.


POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Suspension packaging can offer a lower cost solution, while also reducing carbon footprints, whilst inflatable cushioning systems offer a versatile, compact, high- performance packaging system that can be used for cushioning, blocking and bracing, and void fill applications. These systems should include options for film strength to accommodate a variety of applications – making them a


Packaging Gazette 29


popular choice across a range of industries. Also, due to the relative ease of manipulation that inflatable cushioning systems can undergo, there is minimal need for handling of goods during the packaging and shipping process. To minimise packaging volume


and weight, many companies are turning towards foam based protective packaging solutions. Liquid foam based solutions can mould around a product within its outer packaging to help companies reduce packaging weight and size. Fitting any size of application, foam based solutions are often flexible enough to package a wide variety of products, including everything from construction materials to medical instruments, and have been chosen by a number of engineering,


A BALANCING ACT Modern organisations need to find a balance between quality, cost and sustainability. They have obligations to board members, consumers, stakeholders and the communities in which they operate – all of whom need to be considered in decision making. Taking products from the


warehouse to the shop floor can be a long process; however, if thought through and planned effectively it needn’t be an expensive or laborious one. Many companies are unaware of the options available, how much they could realistically cut back on packaging waste and – moreover – how much money it could save them. It is worthwhile shopping around, and making an informed decision based on factors such as the value of goods being shipped, cost of returns and cost of repeat packaging and shipping. Aside from the obvious savings


achieved in direct costs from using reduced packaging and ensuring goods are delivered in peak condition, businesses that tailor make their packaging solutions can significantly increase their chances of claiming repeat business through gaining an enhanced reputation for delivering goods in the best condition possible. 


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