That said, what elements do packaging and logistics software have in common to improve the supply chain? How can they be combined to be more efficient and provide better customer service?

The following points will explain how packaging and logistics software can become great allies in improving profitability and customer satisfaction.

Load optimization

Load optimization is one of the key aspects in the improvement of freight transport, as non-optimized planning can lead to loss of profitability due to the costs involved in transport. Both logistics software and packaging play an important role in this improvement.

It is known that one of the most common bad practices is the inappropriate use of larger packaging than necessary, which leads to more space being taken up in the load and has an impact on optimal load planning. Therefore, the application of more packaging types that cover the usual order range is indispensable for optimal load planning.

In addition, properly sized packaging gives a true picture of the capacity of the vehicle fleet, avoiding empty spaces that could be used. As a result, logistics software focused on route optimization and fleet management does a better job of planning the transportation of goods, helping to reduce costs and resources.

Applying sustainability in logistics operations

Nowadays, there is greater awareness on the part of companies regarding the environmental impact generated by the logistics sector, such as waste generation and CO₂ emissions. As a result, innovative solutions have been created in packaging and logistics software that aim to be sustainable.

For example, in the case of packaging, apart from using the right size, the aim is to use recycled and/or biodegradable materials and reduce the use of plastic in packaging in order to generate less waste. On the other hand, logistics software can have built-in modules specialized in emissions control that help calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and make better decisions to reduce them.

Optimization of logistics nodes and production control

Within the optimization of the supply chain, the management of the production of goods to adjust it to the distribution capacity and demand prediction stands out. In this case, the function of logistics nodes can be improved through the application of new technologies and packaging decisions.

It should be noted that packaging is an essential element of the product in several aspects, both for the marketing of the product and for its safety when it is transported. Controlling the production of your packaging must go hand in hand with the production of the product itself to avoid bottlenecks in the supply chain.

That said, there are several logistics software that have the ability to manage the production of factories for subsequent distribution, such as the Supply Chain simulator. In this way, you can compare the usual scenarios with optimized scenarios to optimize production and distribution at a strategic level.

Traceability

It is well known that traceability is achieved by means of a labeling system, either a barcode or RFID label, which is usually affixed on top of the packaging. However, there are new methods that allow cost savings in materials without leaving the packaging labeled, such as direct printing on the boxes, as they eliminate part of the complexity of the coding system on the production line.

Also, most logistics software has traceability systems that allow real-time tracking of the status and location of orders. Therefore, traceability proves to be vital for order planning and customer troubleshooting. 

Conclusion

Both packaging and logistics software are components that can be combined at the operational level and at the strategic level to optimize the supply chain and achieve better results. In addition, some aspects are interrelated and can achieve the same goal, such as optimizing vehicle loading and being more sustainable.

This week part of the Hedyla team will be present at Pick&Pack, the event that brings together professionals looking for packaging and logistics solutions in Madrid, showing how our solutions can be combined with the needs and constraints of the supply chain to optimize logistics operations.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

However, how is this trend affected in the B2B and industrial sectors? Is it necessary to make many changes in operations to adapt to a different packaging than the traditional one?

If you want to know the key points of sustainable packaging within the B2B industry, take a look!

Overpacking or underpacking of products

When product or e-commerce distribution routes are not well defined, there is a risk of over-packing or under-packing orders. On the one hand, you are not promoting sustainability, wasting more material than necessary and, on the other hand, you would be leaving items too unprotected with the risk of being damaged.

However, there are products that must comply with current regulations that require overpacking, such as dangerous goods. For this reason, in operations involving packaging, picking and route planning, it is advisable to apply new measures to use the required amount of material, paying attention to the routes planned by a route optimizer.

One example that helps to avoid overpacking is cardboard boxes of various heights with adjustable volume to optimize space and material used.

Sustainable materials

It is already known that cardboard boxes are one of the most popular options for packaging orders, especially in e-commerce, in addition to the fact that this type of material is recyclable. But, within the more industrial sectors, what options are there to replace, for example, the plastic boxes in which food is loaded?

To this end, recyclable plastics made from recycled plastic or vegetable biomass have been developed with efficient designs that are resistant, light and space efficient. In addition, the Waste and Contaminated Soil Law has been updated to promote the circularity of materials.

Sustainability in the supply chain

While it is true that sustainable packaging is based on the packaging itself having the lowest possible environmental impact, either by applying the three Rs and being biodegradable, this commitment would be in vain if fossil fuels continue to be used to operate manufacturing, storage and transportation.

For this reason, the carbon footprint generated by the electricity used and the amount of such energy used must be observed. One example is to switch to the use of renewable energies, particularly those that allow the company to be autonomous, such as photovoltaic energy.

Another example is based on the reduction of resources and emissions such as the installation of LED lights in warehouses and switching from air transport to land transport due to its high CO₂ emissions.

Improving the life cycle of pallets

Pallets play a very important role in the storage and transportation of goods, mainly for their use in safely stacking inventory. While some companies give them a second life by repairing the pallets and sending them to appropriate recycling centers, there are others that are used on a "non-returnable" basis, i.e. they are single-use pallets that are kept by customers, who are responsible for their destination.

To do this, it is necessary to take into account the material of which the pallets are composed. Generally, the vast majority of them are made of 90-95% wood. However, it is necessary to take a look at the wood type used because each of them has certain characteristics that make them single-use or have a very short useful life.

Plastic pallets also boost sustainability due to their manufacture from recycled plastic, their greater durability and, of course, their ability to be recyclable. They are also the most widely used in the industrial sector due to their lightness and strength.

Conclusion

Many actions are being taken within many logistics sectors to maintain their commitment to the environment and advances are being made in eco-design to make this a reality. So, yes, sustainable packaging is also applicable for industrial and B2B sectors and more and more research is being done to ensure good service and respect for the planet.

At Hedyla, we are committed to sustainability with the help of logistics solutions that can reduce up to 30% of CO₂ emissions in transportation.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com