Since the pandemic, the volume of orders and online purchases has grown exponentially. This has inevitably placed greater focus on the role of packaging in every logistics sector, aiming to guarantee optimal packaging that not only protects products but also helps build customer loyalty.
Efficient packaging is a key component of well-organized logistics. Its functions go beyond merely protecting the product during transport: it also ensures product quality and safety at every stage before reaching the final destination and can even contribute to increased sales at points of sale.
1. Packaging for Logistics: Key Characteristics
When we talk about packaging for logistics, we refer to various formats, from tertiary packaging used in e-commerce and the food & beverage sector to cosmetic packaging. This type of packaging accompanies the product from the factory to the store.
This type of packaging must be carefully designed to protect products during all transport stages, which may include multiple phases of storage, loading, and unloading, before reaching the final destination.
Key characteristics of packaging for logistics:
- Resistance to withstand external pressures and impacts.
- Protection against external agents like humidity, dust, and contaminants.
- Stability during transport to prevent product movement or damage.
- Adequate sizing to reduce the use of filler materials and costs.
Moreover, sustainable packaging also plays a crucial role in reducing waste and optimizing transport efficiency. Choosing recyclable and biodegradable materials supports eco-friendly logistics practices.
2. Product Quality and Traceability: A Recognizable Packaging
Beyond playing a vital role in ensuring product quality, packaging must also guarantee product traceability and recognition.
Key elements for traceable and recognizable packaging:
- Ease of manual or mechanical handling.
- Labels or markings that provide detailed information for product traceability.
3. How Packaging Can Optimize Logistics and Storage
In a highly competitive market, logistics efficiency and storage optimization are key factors for business success. Packaging plays a fundamental role in these processes, contributing to sustainability and operational efficiency.
How packaging optimizes logistics and storage:
- Compact design to save storage space.
- Use of flexible packaging like vacuum bags and bag-in-box solutions.
- Transparent materials and informative labels to facilitate stock control.
These features streamline warehouse operations, reduce the risk of errors, and improve the effectiveness of processes.
4. Packaging Logistics vs. Retail Distribution (GDO)
In the context of retail distribution (GDO), logistics must be optimized to meet industry demands. While efficient logistics calls for standardized packaging solutions, the distribution market often presents challenges with packaging in varying shapes and sizes.
Challenges and opportunities:
- Need for standardized packaging to optimize transport and reduce costs.
- Evolution toward more efficient and sustainable packaging practices, reducing both material and transportation costs.
- Evolution toward more flexible packaging practices, meeting the demands of GDO and retail outlets.
Despite the difficulties, the efficiency of integrated logistics can address these challenges and significantly reduce the environmental impact and operational costs of packaging and transport operations.
5. Integrated Logistics: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Benefits
Integrated logistics represents the next evolution in logistics management, especially in the digital age. Over 50% of supply chain organizations are already investing in applications that leverage artificial intelligence and advanced analytics for increasingly integrated logistics.
Main components of integrated logistics:
- Supply chain management connecting processes like order management, inventory, and procurement.
- Real-time data exchange to optimize each phase of the logistics process.
- Improved decision-making through data analysis, reducing bottlenecks and increasing efficiency.
How integrated logistics works:
- Orders, inventory, and shipments are all interconnected in real-time.
- Automatic data exchange improves transparency and operational efficiency.
Integrated logistics not only optimizes efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction by providing real-time tracking and better coordination.
6. The Wrapping Machine: From the Last Machine in the Packaging Process to the First in Integrated Logistics
In the context of increasingly integrated logistics, recent years have seen a transformation in global goods transport, especially with the rise of half-pallet and quarter-pallet usage. These smaller formats have become crucial for handling, transport, and meeting the evolving needs of the market.
As a result, the role of wrapping machines has significantly changed: from being the last machine in the packaging line, they are now becoming the first machine in the integrated logistics process. These machines play an essential role in load stabilization and product protection during transport and delivery.
The rise of quarter pallets:
- Flexibility for both transport and in-store display.
- Ideal for e-commerce logistics and promotional displays in retail distribution.
Conclusion
Packaging logistics is facing new challenges, particularly with the shift to smaller formats like quarter pallets, the integration of logistics processes, and the push toward environmental and economic sustainability. Wrapping machines, once considered the last step in packaging, are now at the center of integrated logistics, ensuring efficiency and stability in transported goods.
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