Think packaging for increased efficiencies

eCommerce sales grew by almost 16% in the UK in 2016, according to IMRG. A further 14% growth is expected for 2017, driven in part by increased smartphone sales.

The ability to efficiently pick, pack and despatch goods in a cost effective and efficient way will be crucial in helping established eCommerce companies and new entrants successfully manage this growth.

For one thing, cost effective warehouse space itself is becoming rare. In 2016, the Telegraph reported that Amazon accounted for more than a quarter of all warehouse space rented in the UK that year, with online retailers having accounted for a third of the market. 

This makes careful use of resources vital. If companies reduce the amount of packaging material they hold, they can save storage space. The key is to work out a process where you accept smaller, regular deliveries.

eCommerce companies also often underestimate the costs associated with pack velocity, which focuses on the number of man minutes involved in the packing process and pack volumes. On average, pack volume and pack velocity represent 15-20% of the costs, whereas spend on packaging is around 2%. Regular review of available packaging solutions, particularly as the business grows can therefore offer great opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency.

Kite Packaging’s team of highly experienced specialist engineers have a proven track record in designing bespoke solutions to integrate into new or existing pack operations. Through the use of pack benches, automated machines and consumable packaging innovations improved productivity can be achieved, optimising labour efficiency and reducing costs.

Kite’s Mini Air system offers cushion for void fill, wrapping and interleaving. The easy to operate machine boasts compact design and can be integrated into new and existing operations with customised pack benches and the use of hopper baskets.

Kite also supplies a range of paper void fill and paper protection products. The SpeedMan range offers both low and high volume users with a high quality, low cost and environmentally friendly paper void fill solution. Kite’s PaperJet system is said to be a revolution in paper cushioning, in terms of efficiency, speed and quality. Operating at twice the speed of any other paper cushion machine in the UK, it can be integrated into a range of overhead hopper baskets, pack benches and mobile stands and units.

Kite supplies the widest range of quality stretch films in the UK market with specifications to suit all applications. Kite’s specialist stretch wrap engineers work with closely with businesses, saving a significant amount of money while improving load stability issues through developing tailored pallet wrapping solutions.