By changing how you package items and improving your packing methods, you can save money and make your supply chain more efficient.

This blog post explores how increasing business costs affect companies and how optimising packaging can help reduce these expenses. We’ll also consider strategies for successful implementation.

Understanding the impact of rising business costs

Today, businesses are facing tough economic challenges. They are dealing with more competition and changing markets and costs are rising. These factors are causing financial instability in all industries.

Factors such as inflation, changing consumer behaviour and legislative changes are contributing to increased costs. Higher energy prices are increasing raw material costs, while labour costs are rising faster than the cost of products. This is contributing to labour shortages in the UK as businesses struggle to keep salaries competitive.

When it comes to overall business expenses, the cost of packaging plays a significant role. It’s an essential component of product delivery and protection, and where inefficient packaging processes can contribute to higher packing costs.  By optimising packaging processes, businesses can reduce expenses, enhance operational efficiency and improve their bottom line.

What is packaging optimisation?

Packaging optimisation improves design, reduces material use and enhances efficiency in the packaging supply chain to minimise environmental impact.

The right packaging solutions save time by speeding up the packaging process, as well as improve the utilisation of storage space on site. This can ultimately lower costs for labour, warehousing and shipping.

How packaging optimisation can deliver cost savings

Efficient packaging is crucial for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. It has an impact right across the supply chain, including:

• Material reduction: By using the right type and size of packaging for your products, you can significantly reduce the amount of materials needed and reduce your packaging costs.
• Packaging taxation: By reducing material use, you will also reduce the amount of taxation paid on packaging usage on schemes such as PRN (Packaging waste Recovery Notes) and the forthcoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) scheme where packaging enters UK households. By switching to recycled content plastics, you can also remove the additional costs of PPT (Plastic Packaging Tax).
• Labour cost: The right pack design and packaging automation can help your team to work smarter and faster, removing the need for temporary staff at peak times and allowing you to move team members to more productive tasks.
• Reducing shipping costs: Optimised packaging can improve parcel cubage, allowing you to fit more shipments on a pallet / courier vehicle to maximise payload and reduce the cost of delivery.
• Reduced product damage: The right packaging should deliver high levels of product protection, particularly for fragile items. This will reduce the incidence of damaged products, product waste, write-off and disposal costs as well as double order handing.

Packaging optimisation also has a positive impact on your business sustainability goals by reducing material use, moving to improved pack recyclability and lowering the number of delivery vehicle runs. This can support supply chain accreditations, reduce carbon emissions and help you to hit those ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.

Strategies for packaging optimisation

So, now we understand the advantages of packaging optimisation, what strategies can you implement to deliver significant savings through the supply chain?

Here are some key strategies to consider:

Using lightweight yet durable materials

One effective way to reduce the cost of packaging is by using lightweight materials that still offer durability and protection. There may be options to switch to a different corrugate fluting in a cardboard box for example, or a lighter gauge stretch wrap. But it’s important to strike the right balance of material and not compromise the safety of your products. By hitting the sweet spot of weight and strength, companies can optimise packaging while keeping expenses in check.

Redesigning packaging

When did you last review the types of packaging you’re using and how it performs? Often, little consideration is given to the packaging and its simply reordered time after time because “it’s always been used”. Think about ways to make the pack better by choosing designs that are faster to pack, use less material, and require less storage space. Smart packaging designs can all have a positive impact on cost across your operation.

Customising pack sizes to fit product dimensions

Another strategy to be cost effective is by customising pack sizes to fit products more efficiently. By eliminating excessive void spaces with a range of box sizes, businesses can minimise the amount of packaging material required and reduce shipping costs. Customised packaging not only saves money but also enhances the customer experience by ensuring products arrive in perfect condition.

Implementing automation in packaging processes

Automation can greatly improve the efficiency of packaging operations, leading to cost savings in the long run. By automating tasks such as filling, sealing and labelling, businesses can streamline their packaging processes, reduce errors and increase productivity. This not only helps combat rising costs but also allows employees to focus on more value-added tasks.

Reviewing how you order packaging

Optimisation also includes looking at the packaging procurement process. Do you order in bulk to get the best price, but then find you have racking full of packaging? Keeping excess inventory takes up space and ties up cash flow. This means packaging is bought but not needed, sitting unused for months. 

Consider a stock and drip (or JIT) option, where packaging is delivered in smaller quantities and only as you need it. This not only improves cashflow but also has the potential to unlock space in your warehouse for more product to sell at peak times or, even increase production space.

What factors should we consider when optimising packaging?

When improving packaging, think about:

• The size and weight of the product being packed
• How fragile it is
• Storage and transportation needs
• Any relevant industry rules or guidelines

The primary purpose of packaging is to protect your products and deliver them to their destination in pristine condition. Packaging optimisation should not compromise the safety or security of your products.

How Macfarlane Packaging can help

Macfarlane Packaging offers a range of innovative solutions to help businesses rethink their packaging and reduce operational cost.

We offer a free packaging review to support you to use less packaging and improve pack recyclability. We can speed up your packing time and help you to fit more products on your delivery vehicles.

We can also help you to prepare for the forthcoming EPR taxation to minimise the cost on your business.

Why not contact us today?

The post How to reduce business costs through packaging optimisation appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

If you’re an online retailer, the packaging you use can be a make-or-break factor in the success of your Black Friday operation.

In this article, we’ll look at exploring Black Friday, the critical role played by packaging and 10 tips to help get your packaging Black Friday ready.

Understanding Black Friday

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Traditionally, huge sales are held that mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. The term “Black Friday” has been associated with retailers since the 1950s, with the practice of Black Friday sales cementing themselves in the 1980s. The retail sale moniker is inspired by the fact that many retailers saw it as a pivotal day in the year when their operations became profitable – going from being “in the red” to being “in the black”.  

Since the 1990s, these discounted sales have taken place both offline and online.

The tradition has migrated across the pond to the UK and Ireland, and Black Friday now represents the peak season for retailers. Sales often start days or weeks in advance and extend to Cyber Monday, traditionally the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Some retailers now call this “Black Friday Week”.

The importance of Black Friday in UK retail

So, how significant is Black Friday in UK retail?

According to Mintel, in 2023, total sales during Black Friday were an estimated £13.3billion. To put this in context, in a single day, it accounted for just over 3% of all UK retail sales during 2023!

The IMRG highlights that this is one of the key selling points of the year for online retailers, with 81% of retailers reporting they make more revenue when they hold longer sale periods.

In essence, all these facts highlight the importance of Black Friday in UK retail. Therefore, it’s critical for retailers to streamline Black Friday or peak operations to achieve peak success.

How packaging plays a role in Black Friday

If you’re an online retailer, the packaging you use plays a critical role in successfully shipping your products to consumers. On the surface, packaging’s primary purpose is to get goods from A to B – a no-brainer, right?

In fact, packaging can impact so many touchpoints in your supply chain, it can influence everything from product damages and returns through to efficient dispatch, storage and even your courier fees and labour costs.

Packaging that’s difficult to assemble will slow down throughput (particularly if you’ve got temporary staff). If you’re keeping too much packaging stock in your warehouse, you could be wasting valuable space to store your product. Packing materials that are too big or too small for your products? You could be facing increased returns, reverse logistics costs and costly replacements.

Simply put, the packaging materials you use and the packing process you employ can drastically impact the success of your Black Friday operations.

With this in mind, how can you get your packaging Black Friday ready?

10 tips to prepare your Black Friday packaging

1. Review packaging forecasts

Preparing what packaging you need, as early as possible, is a high priority.

Assess your current packaging supplies and identify what you’ll need to meet the expected demand. Preparing forecasts now will help you ensure continuity of supply throughout the busy season.

2. Pre-order your Black Friday packaging  

Running out of packaging materials on Black Friday can lead to delays and disappointed customers. Once you’ve got your stock forecast, you can pre-order your packaging essentials like postal boxes, packing tapes and void fill.

Ordering in bulk can offer cost savings, and early ordering can help you avoid longer supply lead times that will come into play as demand increases closer to peak. However, you might not want to have all your packaging materials in one go. Taking advantage of a stock and drip service or  Just-In-Time (JIT) production can help you minimise stockholding, save space and protect cash flow.

3. Optimise your packaging processes

Reviewing your current packaging process can help identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.

This can include an end-to-end view from picking through to pack bench organisation and how packaging is assembled and then sent on to dispatch. Even small adjustments can significantly speed up your packing process. For example, you can use a “water-spider” method to re-stock packing benches. This is where one member of your team replenishes workstations, so packing operatives do not need downtime to fetch additional packing materials.

If dispensing packaging speedily is an issue, you could also consider installing some quick packaging automation solutions for further productivity gains.

4. Check the quality of your packaging materials

Is your packaging optimised?

Quality packaging that is fit for purpose is vital to protect your products and provide operational efficiency. Ask yourself:

• Is the packaging quick and easy to assemble?
• Is the packaging too big or too small for any products?
• Does your packaging meet with any regulations, size or cubage requirements for your couriers?
• Does your packaging reflect your brand?
• Does the packaging provide sufficient protection?
• Do customers ever complain packaging is wasteful?
• Can the packaging be recycled?

Choosing robust, high-quality packaging materials that fulfil these criteria can help your overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A packaging review or using a tool like our Packaging Optimiser can help you assess your packaging quality.

5. Consider custom packaging for maximum impact

Not all packaging is made the same.

Opting for custom packaging for Black Friday can tailor a packaging solution to your exact requirements. This can be ensuring it’s the right size for your products or branding it so you stand out from the competition.

For example, branded boxes, tape, or even printed tissue paper can enhance the unboxing experience for your customers. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps increase brand recognition.

6. Preparing for returns

In an ideal world, your Black Friday deliveries will all get there in one piece and not be returned. However, there is a big trend among consumers for returning items, even when they’re not damaged. On top of this, the peak season means more packages in the courier networks, increased pressure and often, increased damages.

Make sure your return process is as smooth as your delivery process. Using packaging that is easy to return is helpful and more sustainable. A mailing bag or shipping box with an extra peel and stick strip, is an easy way to facilitate a hassle-free returns.

7. Assess if your Black Friday packaging is eco-friendly

How easy your packaging is to recycle can impact your end-customer experience.

Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, with 20% reporting that they will not buy from a retailer who uses non-sustainable packaging. Therefore, assessing if your Black Friday packaging is eco-friendly is a good way to prepare. Providing clear recycling instructions can also reduce waste and lower your environmental impact.

8. Train your team for packaging success

Your packing team plays a crucial role in ensuring orders are packed efficiently and accurately.

Providing refresher training to permanent colleagues and packing guidelines to temporary staff can lead to packaging success. Using the right materials and processes will reduce waste, lower pack times and help you get more shipments out the door.

9. Test your Black Friday packaging

Before the big day, test your packaging solutions to ensure they perform well under pressure.

Pack and ship a few trial orders to check that your postal boxes, mailing bags and void fill are up to the task. This can help you identify any potential issues before they impact your customers.

Another great way to do this is to perform some “mystery shopping” orders to see how your packaging fares during courier networks.

10. Plan for the unexpected

Even with the best preparation, unexpected challenges can arise.

Putting a contingency plan in place to deal with potential issues, such as running out of packaging materials, can help mitigate risks. For example, if you use custom packaging, it might work to assess if a packaging supplier’s stock range has similar sizes so you can order them in an emergency.

Support getting your packaging Black Friday ready

Black Friday is an exciting but demanding time. Getting your packaging Black Friday ready can help you enjoy a successful peak period.

At Macfarlane Packaging, our team of experts are here to help you prepare your packaging for peak. From our Innovation Labs which can provide e-pass testing and packaging design through to our account managers, who can work with you on stock forecasts and offer packaging reviews, Macfarlane Packaging has got you covered. Get in touch today.

The post 10 tips to prepare your Black Friday packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Last year, 8.8 million wine bottles were sold in the UK, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This represents a continuous growth trend over the past five years, with no signs of slowing down.

As many customers opt for online shopping due to its convenience and ease, ensuring that your bottles arrive in perfect condition is crucial.

This blog post looks at why bottle packaging is important, examines various options available and provides advice on selecting the right bottle packaging for your products.

The importance of bottle packaging

The right packing materials protect your bottles from damage and ensure your customers can fully enjoy their gifts.

When any product arrives damaged, online retailers need to think about:

• The cost of product replacement
• The damage to your brand’s reputation and the customer’s experience
• The expense and hassle of reverse or replacement logistics
• The environmental cost, as the carbon footprint of transactions increases when products need to be replaced

All this adds to your operating costs and can greatly influence how customers view your brand and whether they will buy from you again. Therefore, it is essential to select the appropriate bottle packaging to fulfil its purpose.

Types of bottle packaging available

The choice of the right bottle packaging can vary based on various factors. Below are a few options available.

1. Airsac® inflatable bottle packaging

Airsac is an innovative, inflatable packaging solution, made of 2% film and 98% air. It is supplied flat and inflated on demand. This makes it a great lightweight, storage saving alternative to traditional bottle packing methods, like polystyrene and bubble wrap.

It is suitable for transporting one, two, three, six or 12 / 70cl wine bottles. Customers can purchase the bags individually or in combination with an outer cardboard box for a comprehensive packaging solution.

A hand pump or air compressor is necessary to inflate the bags and there are automated inflation options available for high-demand environments. Airsac bottle packaging contains 50% recycled content and the inflatable bags can be recycled at large supermarkets.

2. Flexi-Hex® bottle packaging

Flexi-Hex is an excellent, paper-based bottle packaging solution. It features a unique honeycomb design that expands to snuggly fit around bottes for exceptional transit protection.

This eco-friendly bottle packaging choice is completely kerbside recyclable, made from up to 85% recycled content and renewable paper material.

You can choose from one, two and three bottle options for online retail that include the sleeves and shipping boxes, as well as single bottle gift packs.  

3. Cardboard bottle boxes with dividers

Cardboard bottle packaging, such as bottle boxes with dividers, are widely available as an “off-the-shelf” solution or can be tailored to fit your specific needs.

You can choose from single bottle boxes or packages designed for cases containing six or twelve bottles if you are selecting from stock items. All cardboard bottle packaging is kerbside recyclable, which is good for the environment. However, it’s important to ensure the bottle box you choose can support the weight and dimensions of your products to prevent damage during shipping.

4. UPS approved spirit packs

UPS approved spirits packaging is a bottle packaging solution created by Macfarlane Packaging in collaboration with UPS and Sealed Air.

It is available in four distinct styles, catering to a variety of spirit bottle shapes and sizes. This includes a traditional bottle pack designed to provide an ideal fit for shipping wine bottles. Each pack features an outer cardboard box with a Korrvu insert that securely holds the bottle in place, offering a good transit protection for breakable goods.

5. Polystyrene bottle packs

Moulded polystyrene is a traditional bottle packaging option, offering a high level of transit protection. It’s widely available to transport wine in packs for one, two or three bottles with peace of mind.

Polystyrene bottle packs can be quite hard to dispose of, which may lead to a negative customer experience and increased packaging waste. Additionally, this type of bottle packaging requires a significant amount of storage space. The extra bulk can also affect your shipping and courier costs, as the dimensions and weight of your parcels may be larger. This, in turn, can lead to higher CO₂ emissions during transit.

6. Moulded pulp packs

Made from paper pulp fibres, moulded pulp bottle packaging is an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to polystyrene bottle packs.

It can be manufactured as endcaps to fit the top and bottom of a bottle or tailored to a specific bottle format.

This solution is easy and straightforward to pack, however, doesn’t provide as much protection as some of the other bottle packaging we’ve mentioned before. It can also be bulkier to store.

Choosing the right bottle packaging for your business

The bottle packaging you need will depend on several factors, including:

• How many bottles you send in each shipment
• The size of your bottles
• The weight of your bottles
• How damage prone your bottes are
• If your bottles are going in multi-pick packs  
• The storage space available in your packing area or warehouse
• How important the environmental credentials of your packaging are to your customers (and your own environmental impact goals)

Take a look at this concise bottle packaging comparison guide to find the most suitable bottle packaging option for your products, budget and requirements.

Support with bottle packaging

If you are unsure which bottle packaging solution is right for your products or would like to discuss your specific requirements, get in touch today.

Our team of friendly packaging experts, armed with extensive knowledge and a wide range of bottle packaging options, is here to help you find the perfect solution for your business needs.

The post How to pack wine bottles appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Before Christmas, consumer orders increase significantly. This increase in orders puts a lot of pressure on logistics teams and packing operations.

In this blog we’re going to look at three ways the right packaging and packaging equipment can help get your warehouse peak season ready.

What is peak season?

The busiest time for retail in the UK is peak season, which lasts from November to January. This is because of events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and the January sales, which drive a surge in customer orders.

The higher demand can greatly affect the supply chain. Logistics teams will need to handle more stock, manage complicated inventory, and make sure orders are fulfilled on time. Increased order volumes can lead to bottlenecks in picking, packing, and shipping processes, potentially delaying deliveries and affecting customer satisfaction. Operational agility is key to respond to fluctuations in demand.

How to prepare for peak season?

Preparing for peak season is about managing increased sales and ensuring a seamless, efficient supply chain that can handle the pressure and deliver exceptional service.

So, how can you get your warehouse ready for peak?

Identifying common bottlenecks

The first thing you should do is try and identify and common bottlenecks.  This can be pivotal in maintaining your warehouse efficiency.

Key metrics to help you review pressure points are:

• Picking accuracy – Miss-picks can be a sign that something isn’t working or that capacity is being outstripped by demand.
• Packing times – During high-pressure times, packing times can be a bottleneck if processes aren’t efficient and packing materials aren’t easy.
• Dispatch lead times – Slower dispatch times can signify that current processes need to change to help meet demand spikes.
• Damages – An increase in damages can be an indicator that packing isn’t being completed properly or that the packing materials being used aren’t sufficient.

Once you’ve considered bottlenecks, you should think about the packaging materials you’re going to use during peak.

Optimising packaging for peak season

Efficient packaging is a cornerstone of successful peak season operations. The right pack can help you pack goods faster, keeping your production line moving smoothly and quickly, so you can deliver them on time! Here’s how optimised packaging can impact your operation:

• Reduce damages and returns – By ensuring you have the right packaging protection. This can minimise the need for double picking and delivering orders (reducing overall cost and sustainability).
• Improve parcel cubage – This will increase the number of goods that can ship on a single vehicle and optimise your vehicle delivery capacity. Reducing the size of parcels can prevent the necessity for additional void fill. This can help in saving materials, cutting costs, and decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Improve sustainability – For example, switching to recycled content materials and improving recyclability, can all have a positive impact on supply chain sustainability.
• Improve storage space – Consider the storage footprint of your packaging solution, a rethink in design could improve palletisation and reduce the number of pallets held on site.  It may also be worth looking at how your packaging is delivered. Buying in bulk for the best price can tie up space that could be used for additional sales stock during busy times. Discuss with your supplier the option to make frequent small deliveries, which can help reduce the need for large storage space.

A packaging review can help you to identify the right packaging for your products, to speed up packing time, improve parcel cubage and reduce damages.

Standardise your packing process

Standardising your packing process can improve efficiency and help maintain packing consistency. Here are 3 ways to help you improve your packing process:

Review – the current packaging that you are using and identify opportunities to reduce the amount of time it takes to pack out. For example, switching from a standard 0201 shipper to a crash lock base box that pops into shape, can significantly reduce the time needed to assemble the pack.

Develop – clear packing guidelines for your team. These should include instructions on how to pack different types of products, when void fill materials should be used, and techniques for sealing completed packs. Frequent training ensures that packaging is applied in the right way, driving consistency in the amount of packaging material used and reducing the potential for damage in transit.

Consolidate – the packaging your team needs in one place. A dedicated packing station, equipped with everything they need, will reduce the time spent searching for the appropriate packaging materials and keep the packing process organised.

Streamlining warehouse operations

To keep up with spikes in demand it’s essential that your warehouse operations are efficient and effective. Consider the workflow of space and look for opportunities to strategically place popular products and packaging for easy access. This will help to minimise unnecessary movement and maximise productivity.

A well-organised warehouse with no obstacles is essential for a smooth operation. A layout should be considered, following the flow of picking, packing and dispatch.

Here are some quick fixes that you could put in place to solve some common warehouse issues.

• Increase storage for seasonal stock with temporary shelving or pick bins to help keep stock off the warehouse floor, this will protect staff from trips and falls as well as protecting product from damage. It also makes products easier to find!
• Clear labelling of products on shelving and pick bins will help to reduce the incidence of mispicks.
• Keep litter and debris to a minimum with strategically placed rack and packing station sacks. Quick and easy to install, they will provide a space to dispose of waste and keep the warehouse tidy.
• Utilise packing stations to improve warehouse flow, a well organised pack bench will support faster packing times. Consider a customised option which can incorporate shelving, separators, fixed roll holders and dispensers. This puts everything needed to pack out orders at the operators’ fingertips. It’s worth noting here that anti-fatigue matting should be used at pack benches, especially if you have hard concrete floors. These mats ease the pressure on feet and legs and reduce fatigue from standing for long periods of time.
• Automate repetitive tasks where possible. Large scale packaging automation will be a challenge to implement so close to peak season but, you can still consider “plug and play” systems like electronic tape dispensers and automated void fill systems to speed up packing times and reduce operator pack touches.

Support with your packaging and packing operations during peak

It’s not too late to prepare your warehouse for peak season. A considered assessment of your current layout, processes and packaging can help you achieve a smooth-running operation in preparation for increased seasonal demand.

Streamlining your warehouse layout, installing packing automation and strategically playing your products will help to boost productivity and remove bottlenecks that can impact your dispatch times.

Macfarlane Packaging is here to help you get operation ready for the busy season ahead. Our range of warehouse products, automation systems and innovative packaging solutions can reduce packing times and increase operational efficiency. Contact us today for your free packaging review.

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Picture getting a high-end, top-quality watch that comes in a plain, uninspiring brown box, which has also been crushed and dented during shipping. Now, picture the same watch in an attractive, vibrant gift wrap that reflects the value of its contents.  

This concept isn’t just about luxury items or online purchases; it applies to any product intended as a gift, whether you operate from a physical store or as an online retailer.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of gift packaging solutions, particularly during peak demand season. We’ll also examine four common types of gift packaging and discuss how to select the most suitable packaging for your brand. 

Importance of gift packaging in peak season 

During peak demand season, especially around Black Friday and Christmas, customers often purchase more products, both in stores and online. Given the higher volume of sales, it might be difficult to grab customer’s attention, so it’s essential your packaging stands out from the crowd. 

A memorable unboxing experience, from the moment your customers receive your package, all the way through the entire opening process will ensure your product and brand are remembered by customers. The look and feel of your packaging can also help customers recognise your brand – by incorporating your brand’s colours, logo, and messaging into the packaging, you can build a strong brand recognition, fostering customer loyalty. 

4 gift packaging options to consider 

Below we put together a list of four popular gift packaging solutions we thought you might be interested in. 

Gift Boxes 

Packaging solutions, such as gift boxes and branded custom cardboard boxes, are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance the look of their packaging. 

There are many options to choose from, including magnetic gift boxes and custom printed boxes, which can further be customised by adding some finishing touches and embellishments (tissue paper, bows, ribbons, handles, etc). All this helps created a beautiful, high quality gift box that enhances customer experience.  

Gift Bags 

If you rely on bags as your primary packaging option, there’s a wide range of gift bags to choose from that can be custom made to accommodate your packaging requirements.  

These bags come in a range of colours and finishes and, like with gift boxes, you can add handles, ribbons, bows and other accessories to further enhance the appearance of your packaging. Gift bags can also be custom printed with your logo or other branding elements as well as personalised messages.  

Luxury packaging 

Luxury packaging, including high end gift boxes and retail bags, are high quality, custom made solutions, crafted for beautiful presentation and an upscale feel. Designed to deliver stunning product presentation, these are perfect for a broad range of industries, such as health and beauty, home scenting, fashion and luxury goods, where visuals and aesthetics play a crucial role. 

Retail and presentation boxes 

Retail packaging solutions are designed to enhance your brand by creating memorable customer experience.  

There are plenty of options to choose from, from jewellery boxes and packaging for beauty products through to advent calendars, custom hampers and more.  

Whether you are a large business or a small company, looking for a simple gift wrap options or packaging for corporate gifts, there’s an option for everyone.  

How to choose the right packaging option for your brand 

For smaller operations 

It doesn’t always take much to create a positive unboxing experience, therefore, you don’t have to break the bank to impress your customers. 

If you are on a tight budget, solutions such as stock magnetic gift boxes, postal boxes or cardboard gift boxes, can be a cost-effective way to elevate the look of your packaging. 

You can also consider custom printed tape – with low minimum order qualities and various print options, this is a great, affordable way to incorporate branding into your packaging. 

In-box solutions, such as colourful tissue paper or shredded paper will visually improve how your products are displayed inside your packaging and, with so many colours to choose from, you can pick the ones that best represent your brand. 

Adding finishing touches, such as colourful ribbons, bows or printed labels, can further elevate the appearance of your parcels, taking it to the next level. 

For bigger budgets

For those with bigger budgets, consider printing your packaging with personalised messaging. This can include anything on the package as well as inside it to guide customers throughout the whole unboxing experience.  

Printing QR codes and barcodes on your packaging is another way to stay connected with your customers. You can direct them to your website, custom apps, games or special offers… The options are endless. This approach will set your brand apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your customers. 
 
Your packaging holds a lot of possibilities. Custom solutions, such as advent calendars or bespoke hampers can be true pieces of art with great potential for what can be accomplished. Customers will remember these items for a long time.

Sustainability in gift packaging

Unboxing experiences doesn’t truly end once your customers remove your products from their packaging. Rather, the journey continues as they are then faced with the task of discarding packaging that is no longer needed. 

Sustainable packaging solutions that come from sustainable sources can be of great importance to eco-conscious customers. If the packaging isn’t easily recyclable or there are no clear instructions on how to reuse or disposed of it, this could have a negative effect on customer experience. 

To avoid being known as a brand that overlooks environmental concerns (or one whose packaging is a constant challenge to dispose of), make it easy for your customers. Tell them how they can reuse or recycle different components of your packaging and make sure you opt for eco friendly packaging materials to demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. 

Help with gift packaging 

If you are unsure which gift packaging solutions are right for your products or would like to discuss different options to elevate the look of your parcels, contact us.  

Our team of packaging experts, along with our dedicated gift and retail packaging division, are here to assist you in selecting the most suitable packaging option for your packaging needs. 

You may also be interested in our retail packaging brochure to see examples of gift and retail packaging solutions we have created for our customers.  

The post 4 popular gift packaging options for peak   appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Custom packaging extends beyond product protection and functions as a marketing tool that leaves a lasting impression on your customers. But what exactly is branded packaging? And is it right for your business?

In this blog, we will explore branded packaging and why it’s beneficial for you. We will also offer tips for a memorable unboxing experience with both custom shelf-ready packaging (SRP) and transit packaging.

What is branded packaging?

Branded packaging refers to using customised packaging designs to promote a company’s brand and create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. Consider it a strategic marketing tool that helps businesses stand out from the competition.

There are various types of branded packaging to choose from, including custom-printed boxes, bags and labels. Each pack can be tailored to reflect your unique brand identity, values and message.

Benefits of custom packaging

Enhancing brand recognition is one of the key advantages of branded packaging. When your packaging stands out with your unique branding elements, it becomes instantly recognisable to consumers.

Recognition helps create a lasting impression and increases the likelihood of customers recalling your brand when making purchasing decisions. This is especially true for shelf-ready packaging, which can use eye-catching colours or messages to be easily identifiable for new customers and memorable for returning customers.

For shipping purposes, we like to say packaging has a 100% open rate. You can’t afford to miss out on key real estate, especially when unboxing videos are so popular online. If you can use a custom-sized packaging solution that fits your product well, it will minimise your overall pack size. This has a knock-on effect across your packing operation by reducing storage and shipping costs and the likelihood of damages.

 Some key benefits of choosing custom designed packaging are:

• It helps better protect your products
• It improves your customer experience
• It can help build your brand awareness
• It contributes to your packing operation being more sustainable
• It can reduce damages and returns
• It could reduce your shipping costs

Every business is unique, but if you are considering branded packaging, our team of experts could help you find the right solution for your business.

Our Innovation Labs help you find the right pack through design and testing to bring your custom solution to life.

We also have a specialist presentation and retail packaging team who will work with you to deliver retail supplies that enhance your brand and deliver a memorable unboxing experience.

The importance of sustainability messaging

As the public is becoming more eco-conscious, utilising the touchpoints you have with customers is not only beneficial for you but also them. Using sustainable packaging that’s clearly labelled could help you make a big difference.

If you’d like to learn more about eco-friendly practises, you can download our free guide to sustainable packaging here.

Tips for creating a memorable unboxing experience

Creating a memorable unboxing experience is a powerful way to engage consumers and boost brand loyalty. Here are some tips to creating a memorable experience for your customers with both shelf ready and transit packaging.

Shelf-ready (SRP) packaging

1. Design for easy conversion: Consider creating supplier-to-retailer transit packaging that can easily convert into shelf-ready packaging. This streamlines the process for retailers and ensures your product is displayed correctly and according to your brand guidelines. Perforated edges or tear strips can facilitate easy opening.
2. Optimise for display: Ensure that once the transit packaging is opened, it can serve as an attractive display without requiring significant additional effort. For additional branding opportunities, design the outer carton to double as an in-store display case, ensuring brand visibility and easy access for consumers.
3. Consistent branding: Maintain consistent branding elements across all packaging layers. This consistency reinforces brand recognition and makes a strong impression, especially on busy store shelf.

Transit packaging

1. Ensure durability: Transit packaging must be robust enough to protect the product during transportation. Even if beautifully designed, receiving damaged goods has a negative impact on customer experience
2. Secure contents: Use custom inserts, foam padding or air cushions to secure products whilst shipping. This prevents movement and potential damage during transit. For security protection, consider tamper-evident seals.
3. Consistent branding: Maintain consistent branding elements across all packaging layers. Consistency reinforces brand recognition and makes a strong impression; this is important for transit packaging as it might be your customers first touch point with your brand.
4. Easy use and disposal: Ensure the packaging is easy to open and recycle. Include tear strips for easy opening and provide clear instructions on how to dispose of the packaging responsibly.

How Macfarlane Packaging can support you with branded packaging

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can help you with all kinds of custom packaging.

Whether you need a bespoke packaging solution to provide protection for high-value products or want to enhance your customer experience with branded packaging, our experts will be with you every step of the way!

The post The impact of branded packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

If you are an internet retailer, you will be no stranger to the challenges that peak seasons bring.

During busy times like holidays or promotions, being able to process orders quickly is crucial for your business’s success. One of the critical components of managing this surge is your packaging process. This is where quick-install packaging machinery comes into play.

One way to streamline the packing process and boost efficiency is by implementing packaging automation. Fully integrated packaging automation takes a lot of time and planning. What we are focusing on in this article are quick and easy semi-automatic installations that are plug and play – simply set up where needed and remove some of the manual interventions needed when packing your products. The machines we will discuss will help make your operation more efficient and getting your shipments out of the door quickly during the busiest quarter of the year.

Quick-install packaging machinery provides an ideal solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations without the downtime associated with traditional fully integrated packaging automation and systems.

In this blog, we will focus on three key types of packaging automation that are easy to install, along with the benefits of each.  We also provide a checklist to help you prepare your business for automation.

Why choose packaging automation for e-commerce?

Automating your packaging processes can significantly enhance your packing operations.

One of the primary benefits of automated packaging systems is the cost savings and efficiency improvements they bring. Automation reduces labour costs and minimises human errors. Machines handle high order volumes, ensuring quick and accurate packaging, even during peak periods.

Automated packaging systems streamline order processing and packaging applications, enabling you to meet tight delivery deadlines. Improved turnaround times exceed customer expectations, resulting in positive reviews and repeat business.

What is the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic systems?

Packaging automation is available with semi-automatic or fully automatic capabilities, which determines how much manual intervention is required by operators.

Semi-automatic systems involve a part-manual and part-automated process. For example, a box may be assembled and packed by the operator, but the machine will seal the pack.

A fully automatic packaging system will complete the task from start to finish. For example, assembling a box, adding void fill then sealing.

1. Box sealing

There are a few options available to ramp up the automatic sealing of your parcels.  Manually applying tape to your boxes can take up to 60% of your overall packing time when using traditional shipper cartons. 

The entry level quick-install step is to switch to a programmable electronic tape dispenser and water-activated tape.  These produce ready-cut lengths of tape at the touch of a button, removing the need to apply and tear the tape with a manual handheld dispenser.  Electronic Water activated tape dispensers are available either in a static workbench format, like the BP555 or, an on-the-go handheld device that can be used throughout the warehouse, like the Grip Taper. 

It’s worth noting that water-activated tape forms a stronger bond with corrugated material too. Therefore, the finished box is tamper-evident and easily recycled!

Some benefits of automated case sealers are:

Speed: Speeds up the sealing process by up to 60%.

Material savings: Dispenses the exact amount needed each time, reducing cost and material waste.

Versatility: Programmable so it can be configured to your in-house box range.

2. Void fill systems

Automated void fill systems use air pillows or paper to protect products during shipping by filling empty spaces in packaging. These are perfect for businesses that ship delicate or oddly shaped items and want to make sure they arrive safely.

Void fill systems for airbags are available with a small footprint, so they can be easily installed on a pack bench to dispense void fill materials at the touch of a button – or foot pedal.  Systems like the Mini Pak’r® or Pro Pak’R® offer recycled content airbag film too – so it’s a win for you and the environment.

Paper systems can be desk mounted or, height adjusted to stand behind the pack bench, this means it can dispense void fill materials directly into the box.  A good example of this in action are the Ranpak FillPak® systems.

Some benefits of automated void fill systems are:

Damage Reduction: Minimises product movement within the box, reducing the risk of damage.

Speed: Quickly fills voids, keeping the packaging process fast and efficient.

Material Savings: Optimises the amount of filler used, reducing waste and costs.

3. Pallet wrapper machines

Semi-automatic stretch wrap machines wrap products or pallets in stretch film to secure them for shipping. They are perfect for retailers who ship large amounts of goods on pallets to distribution centres or even direct to customers.

The system wraps the pallet automatically, leaving the operator free to prepare the next pallet for wrapping.

The benefits of an automated stretch wrapper are:

Stability: Provides additional stability to pallets, reducing the risk of products shifting or falling during transit.

Protection: Offers a layer of protection against dust, dirt, and moisture.

Efficiency: Reduces the amount of stretch film used, limiting material costs and waste.

How to select and install the best packaging automation for your business

To maximise the benefits of quick-install packaging machinery, we have pulled together a short checklist to ensure installation success.

1. Assess your current packaging process:

Identify bottlenecks and areas where automation can provide the most benefits. Consider factors such as packaging volume, product types, and available space.

2. Choose the right machinery:

Select machinery that fits your specific needs. Consider the types of products you package, the volume of orders, and the layout of your packaging area.

3. Plan the installation:

For quick-install machinery, planning is minimal. However, if you want to install more integrated systems, you will need to develop a detailed plan.  This should include timelines, responsibilities, and contingency plans to address potential issues.

4. Train your staff:

Make sure your team knows how to operate the new machinery. This training should cover setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

5. Test and optimise:

After installation, run tests to ensure the machinery is functioning correctly. Monitor performance and make any necessary adjustments to optimise efficiency.

Quick-install packaging machinery offers internet retailers a powerful tool to prepare for peak seasons. These machines can enhance your packaging operations by increasing efficiency and quality. They can help you meet higher demand without compromising customer satisfaction. The machines are capable of quickly expanding and improving your packaging processes.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can help you to identify and install the right packaging automation to improve efficiency. Contact us today!

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If you’re involved in supply chain management, its likely you’ll have come across a pallet during your career. They may seem like a simple commodity product in the industry, but the right pallet can be an important factor in successful shipping.

In this article, we’ll cover the ultimate guide to pallets and pallet sizes. We’ll explain what a pallet is, the different types of pallets available, various pallet sizes and even how to choose the right pallet!

Understanding pallets and their uses

Pallets are flat platforms, usually made of wood or metal, that are used for supporting goods during storage, shipping and transportation. They are often light, strong and durable.

Traditionally, pallets are made in a double deck configuration – with a top deck of wood or plastic, supported bythree or four stringers. Stringers are supporting structures that help hold the weight of the load and allow a pallet to be picked up by a forklift or trolleys.

Pallets are an integral part of logistics, warehousing and export, allowing easy movement and storage of goods.

Type of pallets

There are lot of different pallets available. Often, pallets are either classified by the material they’re made from or their size. Here are some of the common types of pallets available:

Wooden pallets

Wooden pallets are the most common type of pallet you’ll come across. Classic “stringer” pallets (those manufactured from strips of wood) are usually made from a combination of soft wood like pine and hard woods like oak or from plywood.

Many wooden pallets you come across will be heat treated. Heat treating is when the wood is heated to at least 56°C, removing a significant portion of the moisture inside the wood.

Heat treated pallets minimise the risk of the wood rotting and cut the chance of insect infestations. In addition, they comply with International Phytosanitary Standard for Wood Packaging or IPSM15 requirements. If you’re shipping to countries in the EU, IPSM15 compliant pallets are a must!

Plastic pallets

Plastic pallets are made from moulded plastic.

They’re a reusable and washable alternative to wooden pallets. Plastic pallets can be made as stringer pallets or nestable pallets. Another advantage is that they do not need to comply with IPSM15 regulations.

As they’re washable, they’re popular in clean environments or closed loop systems, like pharmaceutical or medical production sites.

Presswood pallets

Presswood pallets are a type of wooden pallet. Also known as a moulded wood pallet, they are made by moulding wood fibres from wood byproducts at high pressure with resin.

The wood chips used to make presswood pallets are heat treated to high temperatures, so they are often IPSM15 compliant.

The design of presswood pallets also means they can be easily stacked to save space and can hold significant weight relative to how light they are.

Corrugated cardboard pallets

Less common that wooden pallets, are corrugated cardboard pallets.

They are a lightweight alternative to wooden pallets. Switching to a corrugated pallet can take weight out of your shipping process, reducing carbon emissions and lowering fuel consumption.

Corrugated pallets can hold up to 750kg and are exempt from IPSM15 requirements. Plus, they can be recycled, even at kerbside.

Metal pallets

Metal pallets are a heavy-duty alternative to wooden and plastic pallets.

Often manufactured from steel and aluminium, metal pallets are designed to hold the heaviest loads. They’re incredibly long lasting and can be  made in standard and euro pallet sizes.

Standard pallets

When someone refers to a standard pallet, this often refers to the standard size pallet in that country. In our case, this refers to UK standard pallet sizes.

Euro pallets

The term “euro pallet” refers to a pallet that meets European standard as specified by the UIC pallet working group. Pallets that conform to this size are eligible for the European Pallet Pool.

4-way and 2-way entry pallets

Pallets that are called 4-way or 2-way pallets refer to the number of sides of a pallet that a forklift can get under.

On a 2-way pallet, a forklift can get in two sides and on a 4-way pallet a forklift can access all four sides.

Pallet sizes and their importance

The size of a pallet directly impacts their overall capacity and compatibility with different transportation systems.

So, where you’re shipping to and from, as well as the size and weight of the goods can all dictate which pallet size you’ll need. The size and weight of the pallet you choose can also impact your shipping costs! 

Here are some of the most popular pallet sizes:

UK standard size pallets

In the UK, the dimensions of a standard pallet are 1200m x 1000mm. Pallets this size allow them to be used seamlessly with most UK warehouse racking and forklifts, plus they’re well optimised for transport.

UK standard pallet are 20% larger than Euro pallets. This pallet size is also commonly used throughout Asia.

Euro pallet sizes

Typical Euro pallet size dimensions are 1200mm x 800mm. This is the standard pallet size as specified by the European Pallet Association and can be identified by the abbreviation EPAL or EUR on the pallet.

Pallets that meet European pallet size specifications qualify for the aforementioned European Pallet Pool.  

Other pallet sizes

Some other globally recognised pallet sizes include:

• 1219x1016mm – most commonly used in North America
• 1165x1165mm – most commonly used in Australia
• 1067x1067mm – widely used across North America, Asia and Europe
• 1100x1100mm – most commonly used in Asia

Full, half and quarter pallets

The height of a pallet’s load will dictate if it is a full, half or quarter pallet.  A full pallet has a maximum height of 2200mm, a half pallet has a height of 1200mm, and a quarter pallet has a height of 800mm. These heights apply to both Euro and UK pallet sizes.

So, in the UK:

• A full pallet is 1200m x 1000mm x 1200mm high
• A half pallet is 1200m x 1000mm x 1000mm high
• A quarter pallet is 1200m x 1000mm x 800mm high

Maximum load weights for different pallet sizes

The maximum weight a pallet can hold often depends on the material it’s made from, as well as it’s sizes.

UK standard size wooden pallets can accommodate up to 1200kg. Whereas corrugated cardboard pallets will hold lighter loads up to 750kg. Depending on size, plastic pallets can hold up to 1000kg and presswood pallets can hold up to 1250kg. Some metal pallets may be able to hold more than this.

Choosing the right pallet

When choosing a pallet, it’s important to consider the product you’ll be transporting or storing, and the associated requirements in terms of weight, dimensions, and fragility.

You also need to think about the shipping conditions you need to transport your product through, as well as any country or region specific requirements.

Balancing quality and affordability is also crucial. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in durable pallets for sale will pay off in the long run by reducing the chances of damages and replacements.

For example, if you are operating in Europe, opting for heat treated wooden Euro pallets would make sense, as you can take advantage of the European Pallet Pool system, while complying with IPSM15 requirements. Alternatively, if you’re operating in a clean environment where pallets need washing, plastic pallets could be your go to.

Use and maintenance of pallets

Proper handling and maintenance of pallet types are essential for their longevity and the safe transportation of goods. Regular inspection and repair of damaged pallets, along with proper storage conditions, can maximise the lifespan of your pallets too.

When handling pallets, using correct lifting techniques and ensuring an evenly distributed load are paramount. Safety measures such as using protective equipment and providing training for employees on proper pallet handling techniques are also crucial.

Support with pallets and shipping packaging

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can provide an extensive range of pallets and pallet size packaging. This incudes Euro modular boxes and palletised containers to UK and Euro pallet standards. Get in touch today for further advice.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Pallets and Pallet Sizes appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Custom packing benches are a great solution to optimise your packing process, as they can be tailored exactly to your needs and customised according to specific requirements.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can maximise productivity by introducing custom pack benches to your operation. We will look at some of the main benefits of an efficient packing station and how bespoke packing benches can help achieve them.

We will also discuss ways you can customise your pack stations to fit your specific business needs, as well as investigate cost considerations and return on investment. 

The benefits of an efficient packing station

A well-organised packing area is crucial to ensuring your packing operation runs as smoothly as possible. Some of the main benefits include:

1. Increased efficiency and speed of packing

Your packers will be able to pack and dispatch products faster if they have all the necessary packing materials at hand. Disorganised shelves and misplaced items may cause delays and impact the speed of your packing lines. A well-organised packing area will help avoid mistakes and save your team time searching for products and packing materials they need for a fast and efficient product dispatch.

2. Maximised space utilisation

Organising and configuring your packing benches is essential to maximising room in your warehouse. Packaging stations that are tailored to your space will help optimise your warehouse floor.

Making sure your warehouse is laid out as efficiently as possible will not only help you better utilise space but also ensure your packers don’t need to walk long distances to pick up necessary items. This, in turn, will help enhance efficiency and avoid unnecessary downtime.

3. Enhanced packer comfort and safety

Ensure your team is comfortable and happy with their work area. It will be hard for them to pack efficiently if they are tired or need to twist a lot to pick up packing materials.

A well-organised pack bench with packing items organised between hip and shoulder height will help prevent fatigue and increase productivity.

Customisation to meet specific business needs

Custom pack benches can be tailored to your specific requirements, allowing you to simplify your packing processes, boost efficiency and make the most of your space.

There are many features to choose from and you may also want to consider adding some of the tools that can help you pack faster and more efficiently. Options include:

• Organisational tools, such as trays and dividers to keep packing materials in order and make them easy to find

• Efficiency tools, like dispensers, roll holders and cutters to maximise productivity
• Ergonomic tools, including adjustable monitor arms and keyboard droppers that reduce strain
• Mobility and stability tools, such as braked castors and levelling feet, ensuring benches can be moved if needed

Cost consideration and return on investment

Flexibility in the design of custom pack benches allows you to select solutions that meet not only your packing needs but also your budget. The benefits of custom packing benches will also help you save money in the long term, and this should be considered when calculating ROI.

With well-structured packing benches in place, your products can be shipped quickly, meeting deadlines, and satisfying your customers. A more efficient packing area will result in enhanced productivity, happier staff, and quicker product dispatch.

Custom packing benches available from Macfarlane

Our new range of custom pack benches have been designed to take up less space and increase efficiency in your packing processes.

To make things simple, you can choose from 4 main pack bench designs and add 20 additional part options for greater flexibility with your design.

Customisable pack benches are made from high-quality, heavy-duty steel to withstand even the toughest warehouse conditions. They are assembled to order in the UK, ensuring quality craftmanship, and delivered ready-to-use for ease and convenience.

Contact us today to find out more about our custom pack benches and the options available.

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