In a business, industrial packaging is a very important part of operations because it ensures the safe movement and storage of products. It also impacts the efficiency of logistics processes (handling, warehousing and transport). Moreover, it influences the company’s performance with regards to sustainability and circular economy. Therefore, it is vital to develop strategies and principles for selecting and managing the packaging of industrial products.
The choice of the industrial packaging largely depends on the product’s properties, size and weight, and the shipping environment. For example, a heavy and bulky product requires strong and sturdy packaging that is watertight and fire resistant. The shape of the package, its opening and closing systems, and its closure materials are also critical. Moreover, the material must be able to withstand high temperatures and strong winds. The packaging also needs to be attractive, as it is the first thing a person will notice when they receive an order. This is why many companies design their packaging with their logos and other branding elements.
Companies should consider the impact of their packaging on all stakeholders and take environmental and social responsibility, including employees, customers, supply chains, and communities. They should also focus on the efficiency of the packaging system as well as its cost. Furthermore, they must consider the impact of the packaging on the business’s performance, both in terms of profit and brand recognition.
As the use of industrial packaging continues to grow, companies must find ways to reduce the impact of their products on the environment and make their operations more sustainable. One way to do this is by implementing new technology, such as vision systems that can automatically scan and verify packages for proper contents before they are sealed. These systems can save time and money while ensuring that all packages are packed correctly.
The purpose of this study was to analyse the current state of research on industrial packaging and identify trends, gaps and future directions from the perspectives of sustainability and circular economy. To this end, a literature review was conducted, which involved the classification of studies according to a set of categories and subcategories. Table 1 presents the results of this analysis. The results show that, whereas the “Packaging development process” category emerged as an area of research interest first, the “End-of-life and recyclability” and the “One-way vs. returnable” subcategories showed a clearer trend in the development of research interest over time.
The e-commerce industry has been driving innovation in the packaging industry, especially in the development of reusable and recyclable materials. The e-commerce industry is a highly competitive and fast-moving sector, which means that businesses must keep up with customer demands while remaining competitive in the marketplace. This can be challenging, especially for businesses that rely on a mix of retail and industrial distribution channels to reach customers. Fortunately, Palmetto Industries and other packaging solution providers have developed innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of e-commerce retailers.