Protective packaging Optimization

We want shopping online to be fast and cheap. And, in addition, we demand that the products reach us as soon as possible and in perfect condition at our house. Our desires as consumers are, a priori, incompatible with preserving the environment and rationalizing merchandise distribution processes. However, a concept has been born that defends the achievement of customer satisfaction online without giving up green awareness: the optimization of protective packaging.

What is protective packaging optimization?

Protective packaging optimization is a process that pursues the use of the appropriate protective packaging for each product based on its characteristics, its conservation needs and the itinerary that it will follow until it is delivered to the final recipient. To do this, it is based on 2 principles:

• Minimalism: the precise protective packaging formats and supplies will be used in the right amounts and volumes for each order.
• Sustainability: recyclable and environmentally friendly protective packaging options will prevail.

Why bet on protective packaging optimization?

The volumes of paper, cardboard, plastics, etc., destined to pack and package products have only grown in recent decades. In the United Kingdom alone, and according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency echoed by Supply Chain Dive, protective packaging and protective packaging waste generated yearly increased by 185% between 1960 and 2015. No less than 27 to 78 million tons per year, of which, fortunately, around half are recycled.

To put a stop to this spiral of multiplication of waste, extremely harmful to the environment, the obligation to take measures is imposed. With protective packaging optimization, it is possible both to reduce the cost of protective packaging objects and to minimize the impact that distribution activities have on the environment.

How to achieve protective packaging optimization

Achieving protective packaging optimization in your e-commerce involves implementing measures that affect the entire order preparation chain. Let's see what they are.

Reduce the use of non-recyclable protective packaging

Faced with the optimization of protective packaging, it is best to do without completely or, at least, restrict the use of those products that are not biodegradable or that cannot aspire to a second life. If your protective packaging requires them, at least try strictly controlling this consumption when preparing your orders.

Prioritize recyclable protective packaging options

A good number of big international brands have set a goal: to work with 100% recyclable protective packaging within a few years. This is the case of Walmart and Mondelez, which have set out to achieve this goal by 2025.

Fight excess protective packaging

Excess protective packaging damages your brand image and inevitably leads you to waste. To avoid this, you can make the work of your operators easier by introducing versatile proposals that save time in protective packaging, such as variable-height boxes.

Replace plastics with more sustainable alternatives

The EU will prohibit the marketing of single-use plastics throughout its territory. So, we are discussing plates, glasses, straws or cutlery, among other objects. This is intended to reduce the dumping of plastic garbage into the oceans, where this waste takes decades to decompose.

Protective packaging also bears great responsibility in this battle since it alone consumes 40% of the plastics manufactured today. To reduce this dependence on plastic, at Britwrap, we have a wide assortment of ecological and eco-responsible protective packaging. Discover all the possibilities in our online store!