Local/ Export Packaging Options

You have a wide variety of options when choosing how to package goods for export, with materials such as wood, paper, metal, plastic, glass and textiles commonly used. The type of packaging selected involves the durability, recycability & lastly the size & shape of the products to be packed.

Choosing the right packaging:

(Durability)
Whether the package can withstand the pressure & temperature of the conditions & physical movement during transit.

(Recycability)
Whether the packages used can be easily recycled, reused or reduced by the consumers receiving the products.

(Size & Shape)
If the product to be packed is small, it is essential to note that the packaging must not be too large. It can also be stuffed to ensure that the products are compact & little/no shifting occurs.

(Cost)
Cost is extremely critical in deciding the type of packaging to used. With advance technology, various systems & innovative materials are available worldwide in the market. Therefore, the right packaging for the right needs, cost & uses are needed.

The main types of export packaging include:
· Loose or unpacked - a common option for large items such as heavy vehicles. Making sure they're stowed securely is more important than adding a layer of protective packaging.

· Boxes or crates - one of the most prevalent options. They are often stacked on pallets and shrink-wrapped for stability. Less durability is required if goods are also containerised.

· Drums, usually made of metal or plastic - commonly used for transporting liquids and powders or goods that need to be kept dry.

· Wrapping - often used with goods stacked on pallets, wrapping both adds to stability and protects goods.

· Pallets - allow smaller packing units such as boxes and cartons to be grouped together. They allow easy mechanical transporting (eg forklift trucks), which eases the process of loading, unloading and warehousing.

Factors to consider when choosing Export packaging

Export Packaging is a crucial process in choosing the right materials that not only protect, but also to conform to the specifications of that to the host & client countries. With the diverse requirements, it is best that the below guidelines are taken into serious considerations.

1. Protection
Avoiding damage to your goods is the main purpose of export packaging. One of the reasons that containers and pallets have become so standard is that they combine efficiency with excellent cargo protection.

2. Security
You need to take steps to prevent goods being stolen or tampered with. Containerisation helps with this, and using container seals makes tampering even less likely. Shrink-wrapping and secure straps also act as deterrents. Export packaging should be kept as plain as possible - providing details of the contents, eg brand names, encourages theft.

3. Mode of transport
This may influence your packaging. For example, bulk ocean shipments of liquids, grain and ores don't need any packaging. And goods transported by air generally need less protective packaging than those sent by ship.

4. Cost
It's a false economy to try to cut costs by using sub-standard packaging. The standard options (eg cartons grouped on pallets and then loaded into containers) have become the standard because they're reliable. Unless your goods require special care, you're unlikely to gain much by opting for above-standard packaging.

5. Waste legislation
Many markets abroad have waste regulations that favour packaging which can be easily recycled or has a minimal impact on the environment when disposed of. In many export markets, there are stricter rules on packaging waste and collection, eg the "green dot system" in Germany.

For example, if the business handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging in a year and has a turnover of more than £2 million, you must comply with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (PRO). You must register with your environmental regulator and recycle and recover certain amounts of packaging waste.

6. Wood packaging requirements
International regulations exist to control the spread of forest pests and timber diseases. You may find it cost-effective to consider alternative packaging.

7. Dangerous goods
Regulations for dangerous goods are very specific on acceptable inner and outer packaging.

Logistical Packaging Units

Building block concept of logistical packaging:

(1) Unit Load - individual products packed into cartons, then loaded onto a pallet. This pallet will be known as unit load.

• Advantages of unit loads:
  -More items can be handled at the same time, thereby reducing the number of trips required and, definitely, reducing handling costs, loading and unloading times, and product damage.
  -Enables the use of standardized material handling equipment.





• Disadvantages of unit loads:
  -Time will be spent on forming and breaking down the unit load.
  -Cost of containers/pallets and other load restraining materials used in the unit load.
  -Empty containers/pallets may need to be returned to their point of origin.

(2) Unitisation- refers to loading bundles into pallets or the practice of placing several packages of cargo into a single unit in order to expedite and make easier for loadings and unloading of such goods. (http://www.agostini.com/insurance101U.html)

• Advantages of unitisation:
  -A uniform handling method and the use of combined, larger, quantities at one time, resulting in reduction of handling time, labour cost and damage to the produce.
  -Standard units will have standard shipping tariffs. (http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5016e/X5016E05.htm#5.%20Unitisation%20and%20standardisation)
  
  
  
• Containerisation- using of standard ISO container that can be loaded and sealed intact onto container ships. This term also applies to determining the right box and the best placement inside that box in order fulfillment.
• (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containerisation)

Importance of Having Packaging

Unitisation / Irregular Packages













Put Away to Store / Storage on Heavy-duty Racks


Packaging provides critical functions for producers and consumers.

1) Protects the integrity of the product
Protect products of all shapes and sizes. The outer packaging protects glassware, electronics or heavy industrial parts. Protects against shock, breakage and deformation. Available in various forms such as paper, plastic pillow and biodegradable molding. It ensures the safety, quality and consistency of products for consumers.

2) Provides information
The labeling and symbols on packaging not only inform consumers about the product inside, but can help instruct consumers how to recycle.

3) Prevents waste from unused products
Offering a range of product sizes and packaging options lets consumers purchase the type and amount of products they want, without overbuying or having to discard unused product. It also provide environmental benefits.

No hazardous or dangerous chemicals are used (No goggles, no gloves, no respirators, no hazardous waste, no burns, no splatter damage, no heat damage) while reducing and reusing packaging supplies.

4) Save Money
Reduce product damage expenses. Reduce the expense of having to buy unneccessary equipments. Reduce warehouse space used by unitisation.

5)Increased Versatility
Allows the efficient & effective transportation/ handling of products. Proper containment of the items also prevents the items from shifting around, thus, ensuring safety of the items from pilferages & damages. It enables the products to be packed in sizes desired by customers, hence increasing customer satisfaction.

Introduction to Logistical Packaging

Hi! Eden here, here come the first post

The reason that goods have to be pack is due to this few following reasons :

(a) Protection of goods
One example would be the storing of dangerous cargo, the box used have to meet UN standard to ensure that the cargo can have maximum protect which protect it from leakage.

(b)Containment
Cargo which are going to be transported by ship have to be kept in the container be it a 20 footer or a 40 footer.This is to prevent the content in the package from shifting.

(c)Communication
Cargo are sometime paste with bar code or RFID.This enable each station to update the status of the cargo so that the customers are able to get on-time infomation of their product.

(d)Unitisation
Allow packages to be consolidated into larger packages and finally palletised into a single unit for shipping.One example would be when a forwarder want to forward a good, they will consolidate all the goods by putting them in a pallet and strap them together before sending them to the plane