Returnable & reusable packaging vs One-way packaging
Logimarkt is committed to improving brand perception and logistic processes and reducing costs through improved packaging.
Returnable or reusable packaging is growing in popularity since the global “green initiative” requires companies to become environmentally safe and use recyclable materials whenever possible. This includes packaging and leads to a constant switch towards returnable & reusable packaging. Fewer landfill spaces and increased waste disposal costs shorten the payback period for returnable packaging investments.
Below you can find more reasons why returnable & reusable packaging is more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly than one-way packaging.
Reduced packaging costs
Returnable & reusable packaging can be used for 5 to 10 years, depending on the shipping method and environment. This means that reusable packaging, like plastic containers and pallets, may outlive the project for which they were developed. Even so, they are easily repurposed in new projects.
Companies should closely consider the loss with damaged components when poor packaging methods are used, and product protection is left to chance. When compared to cardboard, returnable plastic packaging is more robust, more resistant to moisture and contamination. Plastic containers filled with dunnage ensure close to perfect protection during transport, and damage costs can be reduced down to zero.
Reduced packaging waste
The disposal of cardboard packaging involves high costs. It generates environmental fees and no-added-value work for setup, breakdown, disposal, ordering, inventorying etc. Sometimes it requires special equipment for shredding, compressing, and preparing the waste for pick-up.
This unnecessary effort can be avoided in the first place.
Reduced transportation costs due to standardization of volumes, stacking and modularity
Standardization of volumes ensures safe stacking and efficient use of vertical space.
For optimized return costs, plastic packaging, containers, or pallets might have nesting or folding possibilities to save lots of space.
Improved brand image and customer loyalty
Returnable and reusable packaging can be easily branded and cleaned, acting as brand ambassadors, and improving a company’s branding.
One issue with one-way packaging is that customers have to deal with recycling or disposing of. This involves additional costs and effort for them. In the long run, this can become very unpleasant or appear unprofessional. Customer loyalty and a positive brand image are more important than ever. Returnable packaging may offer an important edge.
Cleaner environment, better organization
Work areas where cardboard packaging is used may become cluttered and messy, reducing the workspace. This is harmful to dust-sensitive components. Returnable packaging ensures a more hygienic, clean, organized, tidy and safe workspace than cardboard or wood packaging.
Reinforced lean manufacturing practices
An organized and standardized packaging solution ensures better inventory control by reducing the stocks, enabling an efficient production flow, leaner processes and optimized warehouse space.
Many manufacturing companies have switched to reusable and returnable packaging. This re-evaluates and optimizes the flow of parts and products going into production. One immediate result usually implies removing an intermediary warehouse area. The modular plastic container system ”Kanban” or “just in time” is a lean principle for packaging and shipping. Internal flows and space occupation are well optimized.
Colour coding is another significant advantage in managing processes.
Returnable & reusable containers made from plastic can be tracked and traced with the help of label holders or placard label holders for easy removal of self-adhesive labels. Containers may come with electronic tracking RFID chips incorporated.
Increased safety, productivity and better ergonomics for operators
As production managers report, a series of available features improve workflows and reduce accidents. Improved stacking, easier handling, colour coding, equipping reusable packaging with handles, doors, and other possible customization possibilities. Thus, there are no more paper cuts and minimal complaints of strains or musculoskeletal disorders. All these improvements translate into a better work environment and higher productivity for the operators.
Manufacturing companies support high compensations and health care costs for workers annually. This is why reusable packaging with improved ergonomics improve workers’ safety and financial performance.
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Increased work speed for the operators
With a clean and organized production area and warehouse, operators spend less time handling and locating products. Handling and disposing of messy one-way packaging is history. This means that every operation is quicker due to faster handling.
With shorter cycle times, the financial performance of the company is improved.
Decreased labor costs due to standardization of handling
One-way cardboard separators, plastic bags or other expandable packaging materials can also be eliminated. Plastic containers can be stacked higher and safer. The reception and inspection of goods can be done faster and easier with standardized packaging.
High Return On Investment
Returnable packaging will help you achieve total ROI for their purchase price and, in time, also achieve profit. Through repeated use cycles, your company will increase its bottom-line results. Save costs with new packaging and recycling used one-way packaging. At some point, savings with returnable packaging will exceed its initial cost. Usually, this sort of product exceeds the projected life span by several years. Companies will continue to exploit or repurpose it.
On the other hand, one-way packaging can be regarded as a complete expenditure with zero ROI.
Sustainable use of natural resources
Returnable plastic packaging solutions are made from a by-product of oil processing. One-way packages are made from raw natural materials – wood or cellulose, obtained by felling trees. Thus, the production of plastic packages does not deplete the planet of valuable resources, as one-way packaging does. Logimarkt produces returnable packaging that is future-proof. It is designed to be adjustable for future projects and can resist up to 5-10 years of intensive use.