Packaging is a crucial part of the supply chain and plays a significant role in how goods reach consumers. For this reason, companies are constantly improving their packaging materials to increase efficiency and reduce costs. They are also working on ways to make their packaging more sustainable to reduce environmental impact.
Industrial packaging protects products from damage and ensures they are delivered in the same condition as when they left the production line. This is especially important in e-commerce, where one mishap could have an adverse effect on brand reputation and value perception. Industrial packaging has evolved dramatically over the past couple of decades. It has allowed companies to transport items directly to consumers’ doorsteps, eliminating time constraints such as multiple touchpoints and storage periods. This has increased productivity and helped reduce costs associated with maintaining inventory.
The global market for industrial packaging is segmented by product, material, application, and geography. By product, the market is categorized into drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), pails, and crates/totes. By material, the market is categorized into plastic, metal, and wood. By application, the market is categorized into chemical & pharmaceutical, food & beverage, building & construction, oil & lubricant, agriculture & horticulture, and others.
While there are a number of factors that drive the demand for industrial packaging, the biggest factor is e-commerce. E-commerce requires businesses to prioritize robust packaging materials and designs that can withstand the high volume of shipping. In addition, it’s necessary to consider the aesthetics of the packaging in order to maintain customer satisfaction.
A variety of packaging materials are used in industrial packaging, but the most common is polystyrene. This lightweight material is inexpensive and can be molded into various shapes to accommodate products of different sizes. It can even be printed with graphics to communicate the product’s value and appeal to customers.
Other popular choices for industrial packaging include recycled paper, plastic film, and cardboard. Paper has a natural look and feel, which is an attractive feature for brands that want to promote their sustainability efforts to eco-conscious customers. It is also durable enough to withstand moisture, which can cause damage to the product inside. Plastic films and cardboard are also recyclable and offer similar strength.
While the research on industrial packaging is extensive, there is a lot of scope for future investigations to improve efficiency and sustainability in supply chains. For example, there are opportunities to optimize the design of packaging systems and encourage circular economy principles through returnable packaging and symbiosis strategies. Additionally, research into new manufacturing processes to reduce the consumption of resources should be encouraged, such as remanufacturing and repurposing packaging materials for use in new applications. This will reduce waste and help conserve natural resources. industrial packaging