Packaging plays a crucial part when protecting your products in transit, therefore using the correct packaging materials, and the right amount is vital. 

Benefits of using the correct amount of packaging:

• Saving costs – Reducing the amount of packaging within the box will help bring the overall product cost down
• Reduction in breakages – Overpacking or using the incorrect packaging material can in fact be the cause of breakages. When over filling the box there is a danger that you will crush the paper void fill removing its cushioning properties and it will no longer absorb shock
• Environmentally friendly – Using recycled packaging material lowers your carbon emissions, improves your open box experience and supports your social responsibility efforts to protect the environment.   

A recent report shows that a shocking 81% of UK online shoppers have had a negative delivery experience in the past year. This includes a large number of complaints around breakages. Although online ordering has reduced in 2022, a substantial 25% all retail sales in the UK are still made online. Predictions show this will increase to 38% by 2026, meaning businesses will have to adapt to a long term sustainable solution to survive. 

Many businesses have implemented ‘quick fixes’ to cope with the high demand of online orders and price increases. This includes using cheap protective packaging materials such as plastic air cushions, plastic bubble wrap or unstructured paper void-fill. As a result, plastic packaging consumption is due to rise by 10.8% in 2022. Needless to say this will continue to have a negative impact on our environment as less than 10% of plastic gets recycled in the UK. 

Overpacking with plastic.

It’s no secret that plastic void fill appears cheaper than paper packaging. However, many users of plastic void fill who converted to paper actually reduced their costs by up to 50% when using the right amount of paper packaging and the correct packing techniques. We went online and did our own ‘mystery shopping’ which showed a substantial reduction in the amount of packaging required. Here is a video showing the difference in just one of the examples

Packers are often obliged to use an excessive amount of plastic packaging to ensure the item is delivered safely. There are many reasons as to why packers do not feel confident in using less plastic packaging: 

• Lack of confidence in the strength of plastic 
• Possibility of air cushions bursting or deflating
• Movement within the box 
• Inability to absorb shock
• Lack of training

Overpacking with Paper.

businesses in the UK are responding to the clear consumer demand for sustainable packaging and the trending brand message of being environmentally conscious. A good have already made the switch to paper packaging. This is very positive news. However, our findings show that a high number of the businesses are incorrectly using paper packaging or considerably overpacking. Internal research has shown that many packers are over-compensating when using paper for the following:

• Lack of confidence in the strength of paper
• Incorrect use of paper cushioning
• Trying to fill all voids within the box
• Lack of training
• Using the incorrect type of paper for your products (example: Top fill vs Cushioning)

Overpacking with paper counteracts the carbon emission savings from switching to paper in the first place. Paper is an environmentally friendly solution, but not when it is overused. To avoid this, we have a dedicated team of packaging experts to provide training and offer cost effective alternatives that will reduce packing waste.  All of Protega’s paper solutions are manufactured here in the UK – you can book a free packaging review here.

The solution to reduce packaging waste and cost. 

Below is a simple comparison showing the benefits you and your customer will enjoy using Protega’s cushioning and Hexcel, instead of plastic and other paper packaging.

With the right techniques and training – businesses can begin to move away from the ‘quick fix’ to a sustainable, cost saving and reliable UK manufactured packaging solution. If you are yet to make the inevitable move away from plastic packaging, or you would like to review your current paper usage, then do get in touch with one of our packaging experts here.