Packaging is an often-overlooked part of the supply chain. We often think of production, manufacturing, transportation, and distribution, but packaging is right up there in terms of importance. It’s assumed that every product must be placed in some sort of box, bag, bin, or container before it can be loaded onto a truck and moved around the country.
Innovations in packaging are also overlooked by many. While technological advances in robotics can create flashy headlines for trucking and manufacturing, changes in packaging are usually more subtle. However, the development of new materials and production methods requires years of research and hard work and are no less important.
Today, packaging is being made out of broken down plant fibers, which can lead to longer shelf life while being easier on the environment. Smart packaging has become more popular, helping with a wide range of packing issues from theft to supply chain replenishment. Smart packaging can also contribute to sustainability efforts as it allows manufacturers to track where packaging is being disposed of or recycled.
Yet for all of these innovations, the best packaging of all is: none. The most sustainable companies are able to utilize zero packaging when shipping their products, especially when they manufacture larger products that don’t fit neatly inside a box. It is imperative that we also seek new, innovative ways to ship without packaging for all of the companies that don’t absolutely need it.
At Zip Xpress, we encourage and assist companies in their goal towards shipping without packaging. We can advise on how companies can ship their products without packaging to ensure their contribution to a more sustainable environment. Every case will be different, which is why we advise companies through our custom carrier solutions which help companies understand how they can achieve a more sustainable supply chain. To see this for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!
