How to Optimize the Smart Packaging That you have 

If you’re someone who does use packaging a lot, you might not have the right strategies in place. Smart packaging is something that’s great for shifting the focus of your packaging to goods that are inbound. As more and more packaging becomes smart, you want to be able to tell stories that customers want to see when they get the package.

Smart packaging is something that provides more and more opportunities for product protection, and also is great for supply chain concerns too. What are some of the best ways to optimize this though? Read on to find out! 

What is It? 

Smart packaging is basically containers and the packaging SKUs that partner up with 3PL fulfillment options. They basically handle the packaging, the containers, and other technologies.

This usually is “smart” due to the tracking that’s there. The goods that are monitored will record the temperature and other readings throughout the moves, and then, they get uploaded, and you can ensure that everything’s at the ideal temperature, so that they don’t’ spoil.

A lot of modern packaging uses this, interacting with this to get the information together, synching this in order to view your alerts for different options, in the event that something goes awry.  The temperatures and other sensors oftentimes create warnings for those, especially if in the event the van is hot, humid, or even too cold, allowing you to protect the items being shipped, and avoiding the shrinkage during transit as well. 

Begin with the current packaging 

The best smart packaging strategy for you to use is to work with the current packaging and look at the costs and the needs of what you have for orders that are outbound. 

Every single package addition does increase the size and the weight. The smaller the items that you ship, the more likely you’ll want a sensor, a tag, or something that will help to ensure the proper speeds and costs.

Smart packaging offers a chance for the goods to arrive from point A to Point B in a safe manner, and you’ll be able to properly incorporate all of these and reduce the amount of filler and the like to use, in order to offer the best delivery.

There are usually not a ton of changes, and a lot of times, the containers that hold a ton of products and units can usually switch out these small and cheaper items in order to put the sensor in there. larger products are a bigger issue, and this can add a lot more to various orders. 

Sometimes, this makes this oversized, but it’s not a big deal. You just have to work with different and current strategies and try to make it optimized for the carriers to handle more weight.

Refresh This 

You should definitely try to refresh the packaging. Using sensors and other technology means that there will be better tools for this. You can look at what the different companies need in order to get the data, and how to get this out there. 

You might want to implement better Wi-Fi or add the RFID gate to where the loading dock is, in order to ensure the details are in place, and you can alert for signs.

You shouldn’t just have checklists and various data, you should also work on risk assessments, and then clear the paths, offering better support for resolving different issues, pulling out products, and maintaining the reputation that’s there. build a plan to implement these things and change your management strategy so that this is followed. For those sending out the smart packaging to their customers, make this super clear, and you can also build the ideal system. 

The Best Ways to Package Products for Shipping 

For a lot of people, sorting the packaging is the easy part, but that’s not always the case. In truth, the wrong packaging is how a lot of people get in trouble, and then they’ve got packages that are damaged, and nothing is intact. Damage is a major concern, with a lot of products that are shipped around the world. The pressure of this, especially on the supply chain, has caused a lot of people to struggle. Here, we’ll go over how you can package something for shipping in a safe manner.

What are you Shipping? 

First you’ve got to decide what it is that you’re shipping.  Clothes, including shirts and jackets, are usually best put in mailing bags, as they usually handle the space easily, reduce your shipping concerns, and also offer decent protection.You can also wrap these in a bag or whatnot, or even tissue paper that has tape to secure this if you need this.

You can take all of the items that are the same and throw them into a box.  Double-walled boxes are best for the protection that’s there. boxes will need to be sealed with a tape that’s heavy-duty in order to protect the package from getting damaged by anything.

For books, there are wrap mailers that offer depth and other features, and also, can be packaged with different types of measurements.

If you’re shipping items that are a bit more fragile, or even smaller, you’ll want to protect every item individually before you throw it into the box. 

Glasses and jewelry or even anything handmade will need different protective layers of packaging. Void fill and the like, are the best ways to keep everything safe. You can put it all into a box, in order to have it shipped to the right destination.

Method to the Madness 

You might want to consider the way that you ship this too.

You want this to be low in cost, so you’re not in the red and making a profit, but the thing is, you have to consider the time as well. 

Those that go by sea for example, are going to take far longer than something that goes by plane.

Items that are usually on the road usually get handed off too. Goods that are fragile for example, will definitely need to have the box considered too.

You also want to consider when shipping stuff by sea that the elements can cause things to get jostled too. Similar to how luggage gets loaded and unloaded, they’re normally not that considerate. 

You have to make sure that you also consider all of this when shipping packaging. There is also the fact that there could be water damage as well, since the items do end up moving.

The best thing to do, is that you make sure that you’re offering the correct packaging for your needs. That way, if something is amiss, you’ll be able to, with this as well, create a better packaging experience than you thought possible. 

Remember your Repute is on the line 

Your reputation is going to crash if you end up losing a package, or the shipping messes it up. Make sure that you consider the way that packages are shipped, and use the correct materials for the product, investing in the best packaging that you can for markets that are eco-friendly too. There are tons of ways to ship, a lot of them safe and easy to use. That way, you’ll be able to, with this, create the ideal shipping experience you can. 

Smart Ways to Start Running Your Brand 

Being able to run the ideal ecommerce business takes a long time. Even if you’ve got the best support team ever and got them on the phones handling customers and also fulfillment, it’s hard for you to get everything done. Remember the phrase to work smarter, not harder, and this works with everything, and this is vital to be done in order to achieve the goals that are there. Here are some tips that’ll help you start with this right away. 

Find the Tasks that Matter Most 

While you can build pretty to-do lists that’ll help you get everything done, the key here is to also prioritize those tasks that are important to do. Remember that you must focus on the tasks that are the most important. After this is created, especially written or mental, think about how you’d like to complete these tasks. This is really good for those who tend to offshoot the mark, get excited, and focus on the incorrect goals. You should always go back to the tasks that matter the most, and make sure that you focus on those that ultimately get you what you need. 

Automate it 

This is another good one, especially for brands that are always struggling with getting those repetitive things done. This includes fulfilling the orders that you have, handling the accounting, or even the reports that are there. Automation is the best way to ensure that the business is able to get the time that they lost back, and also focus on what’s important to them.

Automating work is pretty easy to do. You basically create tasks within the workflow, and every time something happens, they notify the team to focus on this. The cool thing about this, is that it’s automatic, so if you’re not interested in keeping up with different notifications, you can get rid of this through the use of automation. Deep down, everything does benefit from this. The founders, of course, make sure that they cut down the to-do list.

The marketers also benefit from this, so they can focus a whole lot more on the correct strategy. The operators as well are able to focus on the logistics that are there so that they’re directly connecting the different time saving tools with the 3PL too, so that there are better communications. Finally, engineers are able to deal with better APIs and other such things, and it makes everyone happy. 

Consider Outsourcing 

Finally, you should consider outsourcing things that you don’t want to do. If you absolutely hate a task, or it’s boring and repetitive, you are more than welcome to hand off the tools to the next person.

Another person will take this over, so you can continue on forward.

This can include anything from content writing, the emails that you have, or even other tasks that involve menial accounting, this gets stuff done.

The cool thing about this, is that you’re not worrying as much about this either.

CRMS are great too! 

Remember, if you don’t have a CRM or a customer relationship management software in place, you’re going to miss out on so much. This puts the data into groups including profiles, and it can also create reminder triggers whenever something happens, such as customers logging in, or something new happening in the system. This automates the process, and for you, if you’re someone who struggles with keeping up and maintaining those communications, you can enable all of this, and it keeps everything neatly organized, and placed into the correct location, so you don’t have to follow it up. 

Packaging Inserts for Brand Loyalty 

One good way to make a really great move into building a better, more loyal fanbase of customers, is to actually use packaging inserts. This is a chance for you to make customers smile, and there isn’t a better way to do it than this. Inserts are great, because you can use them to protect the packaging, but also, it allows you to write tiny messages to people. 

What should be Included 

This is basically a must for everyone, especially if you’ve got gratitude towards customers that buy from you. It also is great for marketing brands, and also for promoting social media channels so they can talk about the package that they got. You also might want to look into including the logo of a company, a tiny message, and the like to really personalize this.  This is great too because you can thank people, let them know what’s coming, and also provide some discounts and deals that’ll benefit them. 

Why use Inserts? 

Well, there are actually a lot of benefits that go into inserts, and they include the following: 

  • They’re effective on the costs 
  • They offer a targeted advertisement as well. You’re sending this specifically to people who are interested, so that they can get some more items. 
  • They also boost the unboxing that goes into this, especially if you’re someone who is going to give this to other customers. 
  • They also include endorsements and sponsorships. If you’re looking to get more people involved, then this can work too.
  • They also are great for establishing a brand identity. They’re the perfect opportunity to do this, especially if you’re someone who would like to establish this. 

Examples of such 

What are good examples of this? Well, you want something that does provide value to other people, but below, here are some of the creative packaging inserts, and what you can do to boost the experiences of customers. 

First, you’ve got the product discounts. These are small discounts that you can put into there, little offers that incentivize the customers to buy this, and also leaves them hungry to buy a whole lot more. This is great for first-time customers, as this offers loyalty from the get-go and also gets you to get new people as well. 

Then there are packaging free samples. These are small samples that incentivize customers to try out products. These are especially great for customers who are in cosmetics or other industries that involve consumables. They are great for new products that are there and what you can offer. If you’re dealing with existing customers that want to get to buy more stuff, this is a good example, because this will allow them to try it before they buy it, and they’re going to definitely get the right products for this.

Finally, there are messages that you can get.  This is a small, but sweet thing that everyone can let you do. These short notes and other recommendations are perfect, and they also show the perfect satisfaction too. 

For a lot of people, packaging inserts are a good way to get started in the world of packaging, and if you’re looking to boost your customer base, and want to offer the right supplies that you can, these custom inserts are the way to go. They offer high-quality results, and are perfect for boosting your customer service with others, no matter what world you’re in.

For a lot of people, boosting their own repute with the use of inserts is the way to go, and the future. 

Sustainability in Packaging Stats 

Sustainability is becoming the main focus for packaging. However, there is no solution that’s one size that’ll fit everything. The preferences that people have on these trends, and the different technologies that come up because of this offer solutions that are beneficial overall, and hit the needs that customers might have as well. 

Sustainability is becoming one of the major trends, and it’s what a lot of industries are trying to put together. Both Kellogg and Coca-Cola have both put together better processes for being sustainable, making sure that the packaging that they have by 2025 is totally recyclable, and that the packaging is as sustainable as it can be in the next ten years. 

The Rise of Mono Materials 

The biggest, most driving force for sustainability is the mono materials. This is one of the best ways to promote recyclability. There are many solutions that packagers are trying to deliver. Packagers are looking at these mono materials.

These are all made from the polymer grades, and they’re recycled both as one singular substance, but then utilize far less energy to create the circular loop that’s there. It’s lightweight, more flexible, and resistant to moisture. That’s why polyethylene is gaining a lot of traction.  This is starting to become a major strategy for brands. 

There are brands that are moving to 100% recyclability by the time 2025 rolls forward, and polyethylene will be an innovative packaging measure that is great for allowing closures and pouches to work. This is great for boosting the experience of a consumer, in both a product, functionality, and a security type of thinking.

This is great for offering better reclosability as well, and with the seal being nice and tight to offer a lock to prevent product spillage, this is working in great ways that offer immediate functionalities in place.

The closures of this are also offering convenience, and great recyclability and easy opening to meet the needs of consumers, and offering the best pouch solutions for programs so that they’re recycle-ready too. 

Multiple solutions 

Another big thing to look t, are the different solutions. While recycling is still the biggest factor, here is another part of this. The composability that happens, and also, a very attractive solution or those chances when you can’t recycle.  As more and more consumers are changing this, companies are noticing this. 

More companies are using sugar cane, oil, corn, hemp, and other compostable materials and films, creating a more circular type of economy. This type of compostable packaging does offer the product lifestyle that’s there, and offers you a chance to get the full benefits of compostable packaging. Walmart and other major retail giants are currently moving towards recyclability, and at least 17% of these private brands are trying to move towards post-consumer content. 

Target as well is moving towards this too, with the plan to be more sustainable, and is sourced directly from post consumer, stopping the production of virgin plastics.

But there are other trends that are happening too, with the current child-resistant packaging growing by up to 5.4% in the last couple of years, and it’s slated to continue growing.

The need to have packaging that’s safer for kids is vital, so that they don’t accidentally eat it and then choke on this.

We also will see more and more QR code packaging, as this is something that’s already been taking off, with brands including Pepsi offering a chance to boost cost-effective QR code packaging that works for the brand’s needs.

These are the major trends, and hopefully what’ll change in the future too.