There are various key criteria that the shipping packaging for Ecommerce deliveries to the home should strive to meet
1. Protect the product and prevent damage and theft The fundamental role of the outer package is to protect the product while preventing damage and in-transit theft. In order to select the right outer pack design (strength) will require (a) an in depth understanding of the Ecommerce supply chain and the range and frequency of manipulations and modes of transportation as it will be different to traditional distribution systems and (b) applied experience – learning as the on-line business grows. Also, given the range in size of products and the number of items to be shipped (single vs. multiple), there will be void space that needs filling to prevent contents shifting during transport.
2. Optimize outer packaging size for the product or products shipped – avoid excessive packaging Ecommerce is still a relatively new business opportunity for many companies who are on steep learning curves as they strive to adapt products and packages designed for in-store sales to meet on-line purchasing demands. As a result, we hear of many examples of excessive packaging where small items are packaged in large boxes surrounded by buffer materials (plastic, foam, paper). The challenge here is to find the right balance between the range of outer pack sizes available and the range of product sizes offered for sale in order to minimize the void space when shipped. Ultimately, this balance will have to be determined by each company as they consider cost, inventory levels, and complexity of customization, overall environmental footprint and the likelihood of orders appearing to be excessively packaged. Please note that it may well be more environmentally efficient overall to accept that some products may appear to have excessive packaging versus investing in a larger number of outer pack sizes. Hence, it’s important to find the right balance - too little packaging may lead to product damage and the need to return goods which will have a far bigger environmental impact compared to over-packaging (when taking account of wasted product, packaging, energy to transport and extra handling).
3. Design where feasible for recycled content, recyclability and re-use (should allow for potential return of faulty goods). Ecommerce supply chains are varied and at times demanding and may require the ability to re-use containers to support regular / repeat orders or provide for return of potentially faulty goods. When it comes to recycling it is important to understand factors that may negatively impact recyclability e.g. excessive printing, incompatible label materials or adhesives or ancillary items. Regarding recycled materials, it makes sense to use recycled content as per industry norms and material availability.
4. Be easy, convenient and safe to handle and open for consumers Having succeeded in delivering the product to the consumer, it is a big Second Moment of Truth (SMOT) opportunity in the home. The outer pack should be easily opened with ready access to the product and require minimum use of tools.
