Corrugated packaging proves a flexible friend

Every manufacturer wants to ensure that its products arrive at their destination in the same condition as when they left, and that the goods are transported and delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

While these key requirements for transit packaging have remained consistent, as with any other sector, suppliers have also had to reflect and adapt to the needs of a continually changing and developing market. The growth of eCommerce, for example, has placed a whole new set of demands on the movement and delivery of goods. At the same time, there is a continual drive for further efficiencies throughout the distribution chain, while the effect on the environment has also become a significant consideration in the development of any new transit packaging solution.

In this scenario, corrugated packs have been able to demonstrate the flexibility and versatility to meet a wide variety of requirements.

In retail markets, the surge in internet shopping has established a huge market for effective transit packaging. The different sizes, shapes and weights of products can pose a challenge, particularly as on many occasions a number of different products may need to be packed and sent together to maximise efficiencies.

From CD and book wallets to large boxes, the corrugated sector can tailor packs to meet specific requirements. And for products that do not conform to standard sizes, a key priority in current development work is to create even more flexible solutions in order to minimise the amount of void fill in packs. For corrugated packaging, this uses the flexibility of the material to create adaptable pack designs that can be easily moulded to fit around the precise dimensions of individual products.

In the eCommerce sector, online retailers and their packaging suppliers face another challenge. Naturally it is essential that products are effectively protected during transit. However, a well-wrapped pack may offer the necessary level of protection, but trying to get into it can be time-consuming and frustrating. Buying online is also a much more ‘sterile’ experience than being able to look at goods ‘in the flesh’. Retailers need to find ways to inject some excitement into the opening experience which will help to confirm the original purchasing decision.

Corrugated packaging offers a number of solutions. The effective use of print both inside and outside a pack can help to promote a quality image and a sense of occasion to the opening. Tear strips provide easy opening; resealable packs for easy returns offer consumer convenience and are also a good example of ‘upcycling’ through the effective re-use of packaging.

Such developments are combined in innovations such as our There & Back concept which combines a positive opening experience with a quick and easy return mechanism.

Another major growth area in retail markets has been in retail ready packaging. Corrugated offers the strength and durability to ensure that products can be effectively transported and still look good when transferred to retail shelves. What’s more, the availability of a variety of advanced printing technologies means retail ready packs can contribute to eye-catching displays on shelf to further support brand image.

The introduction of perforated, easy-to-remove top sections and other innovations such as our own Shelf Easy system means strong and secure transit packs can be quickly transformed into high quality shelf ready displays with no tears or sharp edges, ensuring clean and consistent presentation.

In this way, corrugated has made an important contribution to the need to maximise efficiencies and deliver cost savings while helping to maintain an attractive retail environment and an overall positive shopping experience.

Even in more traditional transit packaging applications, requirements are changing. Packs need to be durable and reliable, but with an increasing focus on sustainability issues, manufacturers are continually seeking ways to create lighter packs and with increased recycled content that still offer the same strength and performance.

At the same time, increased competition can sometimes mean that even transit packaging has to shed its more utilitarian image and play its part in creating effective product differentiation and brand identity.  The availability of high quality flexo post print and litho lam has already made a significant contribution to the creation of high impact designs, graphics and decorative effects. Expect further developments in this area in the future.

The many changes and developments in corrugated packaging have been almost imperceptible to the end-consumer over the years, but it is an indication of the material’s flexibility that it has been able to respond to new market trends and requirements while retaining its traditional and familiar image – and continuing innovations in design and technology will ensure that it remains a wholly modern and relevant transit pack format for many years to come.