How to Optimize Your Supply Chain with Reusable Packaging Solutions

There are plenty of plastic options if you're looking to package your product for customer use. However, Reusable packaging is sustainable, can cut costs for your company, and showcases that you care about the environment. Before you jump into reusable packaging, you need to figure out how to optimize your supply chain. Utz Group is your partner for customizing reusable packaging to save space, meet demand requirements, and fit your brand.

 

The Benefits of Reusable Packaging in Supply Chain Management

The New York Times points out that plastic waste is a global problem that is begging to be addressed. Reusable packaging could be a great start in addressing that crisis. Here are some of the many benefits that reusable packages offer the supply chain in your company:

 

• Cost Savings

When your company utilizes packages that can be used again, they don’t have to purchase single-use materials any longer. You sell a package to reuse, and don’t have to buy plastic materials continuously. Your supply and shipping costs plummet.

 

• Reduced Damage

Reusable packaging is designed to be durable. It can help protect products throughout the shipping process. The less damage you have, the more product you are able to use in the sales process.

 

• Increased Efficiency

When you can use less packaging, but still sell more product, it increases the supply chain's needs and your company’s overall efficiency.

 

• Space Efficiency

Reusable packaging is built to stack and handle efficiently since it’s something the customer will use many times. This results in more efficient use of transportation space, which lowers expenses and increases the quantity of goods you can send simultaneously.

Key Strategies for Implementing Reusable Packaging

When you think about using reusable packaging for your project, you should use a number of tactics.  To assist you in getting off to a good start, consider the following advice:

 

• Tip 1: Test Your System

Before you roll out the reusable packaging full force, it’s a good idea to test your system on a small scale so you know how things operate and can iron out any wrinkles before they’re a huge deal.

 

• Tip 2: Choose Standardized Packaging

You aren’t going to want anything wild and weird-sized for your packaging. Choose something in a standard shape and size to ensure easy stacking, efficiency, and simple customer storage and use.

 

• Tip 3: Predict Success

It’s always a good idea to have a read on how well your company is doing. Sit down with your financial advisor and do some research math to predict what the packaging change will do for your company. You know it will help the environment, but is it worth the change to your bottom line? With any luck, you will find a positive outcome there, too.

Overcoming Challenges in Adopting Reusable Packaging

Forbes states that businesses that use recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging can reduce their impact on the environment. Reusable packaging solutions come with their own set of challenges that you will need to address and overcome to make the solution a success for your company.

 

Before you roll out a fully reusable packaging option for your product line, you will need to think about hygiene and safety. Is your product something that can be hygienically placed into an already-used container? Does the customer have to do anything to the package before refilling it? Their safety is of the utmost concern.

 

It is also wise to think about logistics and the initial investment in the process. While your product will be in a reusable package, what will it come in for refills? What do the packages cost, and how much of an investment will you have to put into the process? These are answers you need before you continue.

Real-World Examples of Supply Chain Optimization

You will want to optimize supply chain management to get your products to your customers in a timely manner. Amazon does a great job of this as they are able to fulfill orders quickly and effectively for customers all over the country, many times overnight. That efficiency leads to trust and repeat customers.

 

In conclusion

Reusable packaging solutions are good for the environment. There’s no getting around that. However, there are complications that any company is going to have to figure out and get around in order to make it work for their products.

 

Your company can reap the benefits of reusable packaging if you are able to roll it out correctly and circumvent any downsides. Utz Group is a professional reusable packaging resource that can help you work through the issues and seek the benefits in a wide, profitable manner. Contact them today and start the environmentally-friendly switch.