All Member Forum

Many of us might have an experienced the dilemma where it's tough to justify the cost of packaging and still add value, protection and quality of the product. Regarding that, and more about the industrial or protective packaging materials, and packaging methods, can anybody like to share their experience/ thoughts around how designing packaging, materials, methods (more about protective rather than shelf-ready) which is cost effective but enhances the product quality? 

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Devdatta Chitale
Atkore Inc
Delaware OH
(585) 363-8877
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Hi Devdatta,

I agree that when trying to find the right balance of cost and performance there can oftentimes be tradeoffs involved. The high level framework that we use to 

1. Define objective requirements across key stakeholder groups
2. understand your supply chain flow - define or refine test performance targets and protocols
3. Evaluate packaging systems based on Total Supply Chain costs (logistics, material handling, and packaging materials, etc) - not just one element or the materials that show up on a bill of materials
4. If there is existing damage - understand the total cost of damaged goods (mark downs, repairs, replacement parts, etc) - leverage that cost analysis to make a business case for making changes to your packaging system.

Hope this helps!

Rob

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Rob Kaszubowski CPP
Director, Packaging Optimization
NTT Data - Packaging Optimization (formerly Chainalytics)
Minneapolis MN
(763) 772-2455
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Hi Devdatta,

I agree with Rob's approach. Commenting to his point #3  "Evaluate packaging systems"  make sure to look at each packaging layer (primary, secondary...) and map them against packaging functions (contains, protect, transport, inform, end-of-life). See chapter 2 of the "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology" book for more details. Identify gaps and overlap to optimize your packaging system.

Good luck.

JF

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Jean-Francois Guillerez CPP, Fellow
Director
Bronco Packaging Sciences
Oakville ON
Canada
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