How On-Demand Boxes Can Address E-Commerce and Sustainable Packaging Challenges

(Courtesy of Packsize)

The Challenges of E-Commerce Packaging and Sustainability

In the era of online shopping, where convenience and speed are paramount, e-commerce has grown at an exponential rate. However, this convenience often comes at the expense of the environment, and, with environmental awareness on the rise, businesses are met with a challenge of sustainability and meeting customer demand. Right-sized, on-demand packaging solutions empower companies to optimize their processes, reducing waste and minimizing their carbon footprint. In this article, we examine the challenges faced by the packaging industry in the e-commerce and sustainability era and how on-demand packaging should be the new status quo.

E-Commerce Growth and the Benefits of On-Demand Packaging

E-commerce growth is undeniable, and this trend has generated massive amounts of packaging materials to protect products during transit. Traditional, oversized boxes, along with plastic fillers and bubble wrap, have become the norm. This approach not only results in the squandering of valuable resources but also leads to an excessive carbon footprint due to inefficient shipping.

Sustainable packaging solutions align with the needs of modern e-commerce to optimize the balance between efficiency and sustainability. On-demand packaging solutions are a revolutionary approach involving the creation of custom-sized boxes that perfectly fit the products being shipped. By eliminating excess void fillers and choosing the right box size, it minimizes the need for extra packaging materials, thus reducing waste. The concept ensures that a minimum amount of packaging is used, directly contributing to environmental conservation.

The custom-sized packaging is generated using proprietary machines. These machines are highly automated and can be integrated into an e-commerce fulfillment center’s existing operations. The benefits of on-demand packaging are manifold. First, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint of shipping. Less material is used, and smaller boxes occupy less space, translating to more efficient transportation and reducing fuel consumption. Additionally, fewer deliveries may be needed due to the optimization of package sizes.

Besides the environmental benefits, on-demand packaging solutions have a positive impact on e-commerce companies’ bottom line. Businesses save on production costs by reducing the need for extra packaging materials. With that, smaller boxes can lead to reduced shipping costs, contributing to overall cost savings. This win-win scenario demonstrates how sustainable solutions can be economically beneficial for businesses. Sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive.

A crucial aspect of right-sized packaging is sustainability. This packaging solution is part of the circular economy. The boxes themselves are made from recyclable cardboard, and the machinery is designed for durability and longevity. This is just another way that on-demand packaging allows for waste reduction by reducing, reusing and recycling.

Conclusion

The world is becoming more and more aware of the urgent need for sustainability, and right-sized, on-demand packaging solutions help to create environmentally friendly practices and set an example for the entire e-commerce industry. This innovative approach to packaging not only addresses the issue of waste but also positively impacts the bottom line of businesses involved in e-commerce. By creating custom-sized, eco-friendly packaging, businesses and customers alike can transform the way they think about packaging and sustainability.

As Packsize's Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Caldwell oversees product development, customer acquisition and customer experience. He has over 20 years of experience leading marketing, sales, product, and communications teams, creating innovative campaigns for cutting-edge companies in diverse sectors. Packsize provides custom, right-sized packaging solutions that reduce waste, cost, and environmental impact for businesses.

ON DEMAND: With the assistance of the Frito-Lay R&D team, Bryce produced a fully industrial compostable, BPI certified flexible packaging structure for five different Frito-Lay products for the Coachella Music Festival in 2023.

ON DEMAND: Three words on everyone’s lips across the packaging industry these days are “Extended Producer Responsibility,” known as EPR. This panel will feature various perspectives from suppliers, converters and industry and offer individual snapshots of the challenges and potential solutions.