Which variables have the greatest impact on a TCO calculation?

Michel Prins

Michel Prins is Account Manager at Faes and a specialist in Safety & Security. Thanks to his background at the Ministry of Defense and years of experience in the sector, he advises organizations on reliable packaging solutions for critical applications. He combines practical knowledge with technical expertise to package sensitive equipment safely and efficiently.

Not part of a category Total Cost of Ownership

Which variables have the greatest impact on a TCO calculation?

Purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg — discover which TCO variables truly determine your packaging costs.

Not part of a category Total Cost of Ownership

How does storage management affect the TCO of packaging logistics?

Inefficient storage management invisibly drives up your logistics TCO — discover how to structurally reduce packaging costs.

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How do you factor transport frequency into a TCO calculation?

Calculate the actual packaging cost per trip — transport frequency determines whether reusable packaging is truly the cheaper option.

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Which logistics costs are most often overlooked in a TCO calculation?

Hidden logistics costs in your TCO calculation? Discover the biggest blind spots and save structurally.

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TCO calculation for custom packaging: a step-by-step guide for procurement teams

Cheaper standard packaging? A TCO calculation tells a very different story about your actual costs.

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How does a TCO analysis differ for custom versus standard packaging?

Standard packaging actually costs 2–3x more — discover how a TCO analysis proves it.

Not part of a category

How often should a procurement team conduct a TCO analysis?

Run a TCO analysis annually and whenever your supply chain changes — hidden packaging costs are greater than you think.

Not part of a category

Which department is responsible for the TCO analysis of packaging?

TCO of packaging: more than the purchase price. Discover which department takes the lead and why collaboration is crucial.

Not part of a category

How do you reduce the total cost of ownership in a complex supply chain?

Hidden costs in your supply chain drive up TCO more than you'd expect — discover how your choice of packaging changes that.

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How to measure the total cost of ownership of packaging across multiple supply chain links

Cheap packaging, most expensive solution? Calculate the real TCO across your entire supply chain.

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Why does a low purchase price not always lead to the lowest TCO calculation?

A cheap package can end up costing more — discover how TCO calculation reveals the true costs.

Not part of a category

Which supply chain costs are often overlooked in a total cost of ownership calculation?

Hidden supply chain costs such as storage, reverse logistics, and compliance determine your true TCO — discover what companies are consistently overlooking.

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How do you factor maintenance costs into a TCO calculation for packaging?

Underestimating maintenance costs in your TCO? Discover how reusable packaging truly pays off — including hidden cost drivers.

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How does a TCO calculation help when comparing packaging suppliers?

Purchase price only tells half the story — a TCO calculation reveals what packaging truly costs.

Not part of a category

Order military packaging: from MIL-STD to NATO-certified

Wrong packaging, failed mission. Discover how certified custom packaging protects your defense equipment.

Not part of a category

Which certifying bodies monitor compliance with NATO packaging requirements?

No central NATO inspection service: discover which bodies verify MIL-SPEC and STANAG compliance and what this means for your defense contract.

Not part of a category

How does total cost of ownership supply chain differ by sector?

TCO in supply chains varies by sector — discover the hidden cost drivers that companies consistently overlook.

Not part of a category

How does MIL-STD packaging relate to NATO packaging requirements?

MIL-STD vs. NATO standards: discover the crucial differences and when each packaging requirement applies.

Not part of a category

When does TCO logistics optimization have the greatest impact?

Hidden logistics costs are eating into your margin — find out when TCO optimization makes the biggest impact.

Not part of a category

What role does packaging management play in TCO logistics optimization?

Smart packaging choices lower your TCO in logistics — discover which hidden costs are weighing down your supply chain.

Total Cost of Ownership

How does a TCO calculation help build a business case for custom packaging?

Custom packaging more expensive? A TCO calculation proves otherwise — discover how hidden costs determine the choice.

Custom Design & Production

How do you prevent corrosion in military packaging in humid conditions?

Moisture and condensation can cause corrosion and affect the reliability of military equipment. Suitable materials, VCI, desiccants and barrier packaging help control moisture and corrosion effectively. Relevant MIL-STD standards and targeted testing help keep packaging suitable for transport, storage and deployment.

Laws and Regulations

What documentation is required when purchasing defense packaging?

Procuring defence packaging involves strict requirements for standards, certification, testing and documentation. The correct declarations, test reports and technical documents demonstrate that packaging and transport meet the required criteria. A complete and well-managed documentation file helps prevent delays and supports a smooth procurement and approval process.

Custom Design & Production

How do you adapt defense packaging for different climate zones?

Extreme heat, cold, humidity, dust and salt create operational risks for military equipment and its packaging. Climate adaptive custom packaging aligns materials, sealing, insulation and construction with the deployment environment and system. This keeps critical equipment protected and functional while supporting durable, reusable packaging.

Custom Design & Production

Why do defense organizations choose certified defense packaging?

Blurb Defence equipment requires proven protection and compliance with military requirements. Certification and MIL-STD testing reduce risks and verify packaging performance. This keeps critical equipment reliably protected during transport and deployment.

Laws and Regulations

Which MIL-STD standards apply to packaging for ground transportation?

Ground transport places specific demands on military packaging. MIL-STD standards guide protection, testing and certification. This keeps equipment protected against shock and vibration in transit.

Laws and Regulations

Which NATO packaging requirements differ by mode of transport?

Each transport mode places different demands on military packaging. NATO standards guide protection, material choice and certification. This keeps equipment protected during air, sea and road transport.

Custom Design & Production

IP65, IP67 or IP68: which IP rating is required for military packaging?

Military packaging requires suitable protection against dust and water. The use case determines whether IP65, IP67 or IP68 is required. This ensures the IP rating matches the risks and testing requirements.

Laws and Regulations

Which MIL-STD standards apply to the packaging of electronics?

Military electronics require protection in line with the right MIL-STD standards. MIL-STD-2073, MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-129 guide packaging, testing and marking. Faes translates these requirements into a suitable packaging solution.

Laws and Regulations

Defense packaging: requirements, certifications, and custom solutions

Defence packaging must protect equipment in demanding conditions. Faes translates standards and certification requirements into a custom solution. This keeps mission-critical equipment protected during transport, storage and deployment.

Custom Design & Production

Custom military packaging: from design to certified production

Custom military packaging starts with clear requirements. Faes turns them into a design that is tested and documented. The result is a production-ready solution that demonstrably meets the requirements.

Laws and Regulations

Ordering mil-std packaging: requirements, testing, and certification

MIL-STD packaging requires proven protection in demanding conditions. Faes translates the requirements into a tested and documented custom solution. This keeps mission-critical equipment protected during transport and storage.

Laws and Regulations

MIL-STD packaging: the complete guide for defense procurement

Defence procurement requires packaging that goes beyond standard industrial solutions and demonstrably meets MIL-STD requirements. By translating requirements for protection, preservation, marking, documentation and materials into the packaging early, Faes helps prevent non-compliance. The result is protected defence materiel during transport, storage and handling, with control over quality and risk.

Laws and Regulations

How do you document compliance with NATO packaging requirements?

NATO-compliant military packaging requires complete documentation, traceability and use of the correct standards. By recording packaging specifications, test results and traceability data systematically, compliance becomes verifiable. This helps prevent documentation errors and shows whether the packaging and supplier meet the required standards.

Laws and Regulations

NATO packaging requirements: what every defense procurement officer needs to know

NATO-compliant packaging starts with the right set of standards and technical requirements. Translating these requirements into a packaging specification and validating the solution through testing removes assumptions. This helps keep defence equipment safe, traceable and operationally ready during transport and storage.

Laws and Regulations

What are the consequences of non-compliance in defense packaging?

Defence packaging that is not demonstrably compliant creates legal, contractual and operational risks. By managing standards, test status, documentation and procurement criteria, organisations can prevent non-compliance. This keeps packaging, safety and operational readiness demonstrably under control.

Laws and Regulations

NATO packaging requirements for military transport: complete guide

Incorrect packaging choices for military transport can damage equipment and delay missions. Custom NATO-compliant packaging protects materiel against shocks, moisture and extreme conditions. This keeps critical systems deployable while reducing safety, contractual and logistical risks.

Laws and Regulations

What are the consequences of non-compliance with MIL-STD packaging requirements?

Failure to meet MIL-STD packaging requirements can cause rejection, extra costs and contract risks. Correct packaging methods, marking, documentation and inspections support demonstrable compliance. This reduces the risk of delays, financial damage and the loss of defence contracts.

Laws and Regulations

How often are NATO packaging requirements reviewed and updated?

NATO packaging requirements evolve with technical developments, operational experience and emerging threats. Organizations such as the NATO Standardization Office determine when STANAG standards require revision. By actively tracking updates, suppliers remain compliant and keep critical products reliably protected.

Custom Design & Production

How does MIL-STD packaging differ for air versus sea transport?

Air and sea transport impose different requirements on MIL-STD packaging and product protection. Air freight demands low weight and protection from pressure changes, while sea freight requires greater resistance to moisture, corrosion and long-term storage. The right materials, barriers and construction keep critical equipment protected throughout either transport method.

Not part of a category

How do you factor return logistics into a TCO logistics calculation?

Hidden return costs structurally undermine your TCO — find out how to factor them in correctly.

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How are defense packaging materials tested for shock and vibration resistance?

How do military packaging solutions protect mission-critical equipment? MIL-STD-810 standards and certification make all the difference.

Not part of a category

How do you ensure your packaging meets all NATO packaging requirements?

NATO packaging requirements are complex — find out which STANAG and MIL-SPEC standards apply and how to avoid costly rejections.

Total Cost of Ownership

Does total cost of ownership include end-of-life and disposal costs?

Total Cost of Ownership includes all lifecycle costs, including end-of-life and disposal, which are often overlooked in packaging decisions. By accounting for these factors, companies can reduce hidden costs and unlock more sustainable, long-term value.

Custom Design & Production

How do tactical cases protect sensitive defense electronics?

Tactical cases protect sensitive defense electronics from extreme shocks, environmental conditions, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring mission-critical systems remain fully operational. By combining advanced materials, custom interiors, and military-grade testing, they act as essential risk mitigation solutions rather than standard packaging.

Drones

How do you secure drone parts against theft during transport?

To protect drone components during transport, combine a robust hard case (aluminum or high-grade plastic) with custom foam interiors and tamper-resistant closures. Add traceability (GPS, RFID, blockchain), invisible seals, and precise documentation to thwart theft or unauthorized access.

Drones

How do you safely pack drone batteries for shipping?

Shipping drone batteries requires more than protection, it demands strict compliance and risk control. Discover how the right packaging ensures safe, regulation-proof transport every time.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How do you correctly document lithium battery transports?

Accurate documentation of lithium battery shipments is mandatory under ADR, IATA, and IMDG regulations, including correct UN numbers, packaging certificates, safety data sheets, and emergency contacts. Common errors such as missing statements or incorrect details can lead to fines, shipment delays, or refusals.

Drones

How do you safely transport military drones by helicopter?

Packaging for helicopter transport must protect military drones from extreme vibration, shock, and limited cargo space while keeping them mission-ready. Custom transport cases with shock absorption, secure mounting, and military-grade protection are essential to ensure safe deployment and operational reliability.

Drones

What stackability is required for military drone transport?

Military drone transport cases must be engineered for both static and dynamic stacking loads to ensure structural integrity, compliance, and mission readiness in harsh operational environments. Proper stackability design directly impacts protection, logistics efficiency, and lifecycle reliability within defense ecosystems.

Drones

How do maintenance kits for military drones work in the field?

Military drone maintenance kits enable fast on-site diagnostics and repairs, ensuring systems remain operational in demanding field conditions. They combine modular spare parts, tools, and testing equipment to minimize downtime and maximize mission readiness.

Sustainability

What are reusable packaging solutions for the defense industry?

Reusable packaging solutions for the defense industry are designed for durability, repairability, and long-term use, protecting mission-critical equipment across multiple transport cycles. By combining robust materials with modular design, these solutions reduce total cost of ownership while supporting sustainability and operational reliability in complex defense supply chains.

Drones

How do you pack drones safely for transport?

Safely transporting drones requires more than standard packaging. Custom-engineered cases with precision foam and robust outer protection minimize damage from shocks, vibrations, and environmental exposure, ensuring drones arrive operational and compliant with transport regulations.

Lithium-Ion packaging

Which UN3481 rules apply to lithium-ion batteries?

UN3481 sets specific requirements for transporting lithium-ion batteries. The correct classification, packaging and documentation depend on the battery and transport mode. This helps ensure compliance and reduce risks during transport.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How do you prepare UN3480 shipping labels for lithium-ion transport?

Learn how to correctly prepare UN3480 shipping labels for lithium-ion batteries to ensure safe and compliant transport. This guide covers essential requirements, risks, and best practices for meeting international dangerous goods regulations.

Laws and Regulations

Which IATA regulations are mandatory for battery air transport?

Learn which IATA regulations are mandatory for transporting batteries by air and how to ensure full compliance with packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements. This guide helps you minimize risks, avoid delays, and safely ship dangerous goods worldwide.

Laws and Regulations

What are the ADR regulations for lithium battery road transport 2025?

The ADR rules for lithium battery transport are becoming stricter, with new requirements for classification, UN-certified packaging and documentation. This article clearly explains what is changing for UN3480/3481 and UN3090/3091, including packaging instructions and risks of non-compliance. Essential reading for anyone who wants to transport lithium batteries safely and in accordance with legislation.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How do you check if lithium batteries are suitable for export?

Lithium batteries may only be exported if they comply with strict safety and transport regulations. This includes checking their physical condition, UN 38.3 certification, correct documentation and safe, UN-certified packaging. Without these checks, regular transport is not permitted.

Lithium-Ion packaging

What temperature limits apply to lithium battery storage?

The safe storage of lithium batteries requires stable temperatures around 0–25 °C to prevent risks such as degradation, swelling or even thermal runaway. The article explains why temperature control, monitoring and correct storage conditions are crucial for the safety and service life of every lithium battery.

Drones

What international shipping regulations apply to drones in 2025?

In 2025, international drone shipping is governed by strict regulations due to lithium battery risks, making compliance essential. Proper packaging, documentation, and certification are critical to ensure safe transport, prevent delays, and control costs.

Drones

What are the risks of poor drone packaging?

Poor drone packaging leads to hidden damage, operational failures, and costly downtime that can disrupt critical missions. Proper protective packaging is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and long term performance of high value equipment.

Drones

What foam protection do drones need during transport?

Custom foam protection is essential for safely transporting drones by absorbing shocks and securing sensitive components like cameras and electronics. Tailored inlays with the right density prevent movement and reduce the risk of damage during transit.

Laws and Regulations

What regulations apply to radioactive material transport?

The transport of radioactive material is strictly regulated in accordance with international and national regulations. This article by Faes clearly explains which laws and regulations apply, which types of packaging are permitted, and how safety, certification, and documentation are guaranteed during each transport.

Custom Design & Production

What are flight cases for defense equipment?

In this article, you can read about how flight cases for defence equipment offer maximum protection during transport and storage. You will discover which military standards and materials are used and why customisation is essential for safety and sustainability.

Laws and Regulations

Which MIL-STD certifications are required for defense packaging?

In this article, you can read about which MIL-STD certifications are required for defence packaging and why these standards are crucial for safety and reliability. You will discover how tests and procedures are applied to make packaging resistant to extreme conditions and long-term use.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How to prevent short circuits during lithium-ion transport?

Preventing short circuits in lithium-ion transport demands rigorous insulation of terminals, use of non conductive separators, and shock-resistant packaging to stop internal or external contact. Mistakes here can lead to thermal runaway, fires, or explosions.

Custom Design & Production

How do you prevent EMP damage to military equipment during transport?

Protection against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) damage during military equipment transport relies on shielding enclosures like Faraday cages, using conductive materials and properly grounding electronics to block or dissipate high-energy electromagnetic fields. Failures in EMP protection can render critical systems inoperative, making robust design and compliance imperative.

Custom Design & Production

What are defense packaging solutions?

Defence packaging solutions offer maximum protection for equipment and apparatus under extreme conditions, from air drops to tropical heat and polar cold. Faes develops and tests customised flight cases, racks and containers in accordance with international MIL-STD standards and ensures safe, rapid deployment in every mission.

Custom Design & Production

What is the difference between civilian and military packaging?

Civilian packaging is designed for controlled conditions, while military packaging must be able to withstand extreme heat, cold, moisture, shock and vibration. Thanks to strict MIL-STD certifications, durable materials and long service life, they protect critical equipment with maximum security.

Custom Design & Production

How does military packaging work under extreme conditions?

Military packaging protects sensitive equipment under extreme conditions such as heat, cold, moisture, shock and vibration. Thanks to rigorous MIL-STD testing, high-quality materials and customisation, even the most critical systems remain safe and reliable in use.

Custom Design & Production

How to choose the right packaging solution for defense equipment?

Choosing the right packaging for defence equipment requires more than standard solutions. Standards such as MIL-STD and STANAG, combined with smart material choices and customised design, ensure maximum protection and logistical efficiency. Faes helps organisations transport their equipment safely, sustainably and in accordance with international requirements.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How to prevent fire when transporting lithium batteries for military drones?

Lithium batteries for military drones pose a significant fire risk during transport due to their high energy density and susceptibility to damage and overheating. With proper packaging, regulations, and maintenance, incidents can be prevented and safety ensured.

Lithium-Ion packaging

What are the best packaging solutions for lithium-ion batteries in defense?

Lithium-ion batteries used in defence applications require packaging that combines safety, durability and strict military standards. Faes develops customised solutions that offer protection against fire, shocks and extreme conditions, ensuring that mission-critical equipment remains reliable at all times.

Lithium-Ion packaging

What safety regulations will apply to the transport of lithium-ion batteries in 2025?

From 2025, stricter regulations will apply to the transport of lithium-ion batteries, with more stringent requirements regarding packaging, labelling and charge levels. Faes helps businesses and defence organisations to remain compliant by providing safe and certified packaging solutions.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How do you package lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries require careful packaging to prevent the risk of fire and explosion during transport. Strict international regulations set out requirements regarding insulation, certified packaging and clear labelling. By adopting the right approach, you can ensure both safety and compliance.

Lithium-Ion packaging

How do you transport lithium-ion batteries safely?

The safe transport of lithium-ion batteries requires compliance with strict international regulations and the use of UN-certified packaging. Insulation, shock absorption and correct labelling significantly reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Training and careful procedures ensure maximum safety throughout the entire logistics chain.

Laws and Regulations

What are the requirements for the transport of dangerous goods within the Ministry of Defence?

The transport of hazardous substances within the Ministry of Defence requires strict compliance with international and military standards. UN-certified packaging, clear labelling and well-trained personnel are essential for minimising risks. This ensures the safety of people, equipment and the environment.

Drones

What packaging materials are best for drone shipping?

Customised packaging is essential for the safe shipment of drones. High-quality materials such as PU or EPP foam and sturdy flight cases protect against shocks, vibrations, moisture and temperature fluctuations. Faes recommends solutions that comply with international standards and guarantee optimal protection.

Drones

How do you prevent damage to drones during shipping?

Prevent transport damage to drones with the right packaging and preparation. Choose sturdy cases with shock-absorbing interiors, protect vulnerable parts and take transport and climate conditions into account. This way, you can ship drones safely, sustainably and without unexpected costs.

Drones

What are the costs of professional drone packaging?

Professional drone packaging prevents damage and failure of expensive and sensitive equipment. The costs vary from a few hundred to thousands of pounds, depending on factors such as design, choice of materials and certification. An investment in customised packaging provides certainty and optimal protection in critical situations.

Drones

What are the consequences of damaged drones due to poor packaging?

Damaged drones due to poor packaging result in high repair costs, downtime and reputational damage. With customised flight cases and packaging that comply with international standards, you can protect sensitive components and prevent financial and operational risks.

Drones

What temperature resistance should drone packaging have?

Extreme cold, heat and rapid temperature changes can affect batteries, cameras, sensors and other drone components during transport and storage. By considering the temperature profile, insulation materials and relevant MIL-STD requirements, packaging can be designed and tested accordingly. This helps protect sensitive drone components against cold, heat and rapid temperature fluctuations.

Drones

How do you calculate the correct dimensions for drone transport?

For safe drone transport, it is crucial to calculate the correct dimensions and protection. The article explains how to accurately measure drones and accessories and what margins you should maintain for optimal protection and compliance with transport regulations. This will help you avoid damage, additional costs and delays.

Drones

What packaging requirements apply to military drones?

Military drones contain sensitive electronics, optics, sensors and other components that require protection during transport and storage. MIL-STD standards and requirements for shock, vibration, climate and access control shape how the packaging is designed and tested. This helps protect the drone system during transport, storage and handling under demanding conditions.

Laws and Regulations

What are the requirements for defense packaging?

Defence packaging must be able to withstand extreme conditions and comply with strict MIL-STD guidelines for protection, durability and traceability. The article explains the requirements for materials, testing and certification, and how organisations can avoid costly mistakes by working with the right partners at the right time.

Lithium-Ion packaging

Safe storage of li-ion batteries

Li-ion batteries offer great convenience but also pose serious safety risks during storage and transport. With the right packaging and precautions, you can limit the risk of fire and comply with the necessary safety standards.

Custom Design & Production

Considerations for equipment disposal at Defense

When disposing of defence equipment, proper packaging is crucial to preserve value and prevent damage. Consider storage, transport and compliance with military standards so that parts reach their destination safely and responsibly.

Lithium-Ion packaging

UN approved: Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries pose risks during transport, making strict UN-certified packaging mandatory. Faes offers solutions that meet these standards and ensure safe, sustainable and compliant battery shipping.

Drones

A drone in the back seat

In this article, you can read how Faes worked with a customer to develop a compact, heat-resistant case in which drones and accessories can be transported safely. You will discover how smart compartments and co-creation ensure maximum protection and practical ease of use.

Lithium-Ion packaging

Free whitepaper: Packaging Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this white paper, you will learn why it is crucial to package lithium-ion batteries safely and what risks you can avoid by using the right solutions. You will gain insight into the applicable regulations and practical tools for compliant and safe transport.

Custom Design & Production

Here’s how to create a test plan for Defense

A sound test plan is essential for packaging that must meet the stringent requirements of the Ministry of Defence. By establishing the configuration, usage scenarios, and acceptance criteria in advance, you can demonstrate that products are transported safely and reliably. With the right approach, you can reduce risks and increase the likelihood of certification.

Custom Design & Production

Faes wraps F-16 vertical tail on site

Faes developed and assembled a custom-made wooden crate on site for the safe transport of the vertical tail of an F-16 from Volkel Air Base. Thanks to 3D scanning technology and close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, a complex packaging solution was realised that fits in with the phasing out of the F-16 and the transition to the F-35.

Custom Design & Production

Here’s how to ensure modern equipment remains deployable on missions

Modern missions require equipment that remains protected during transport and use in extreme conditions. By tailoring packaging to risks such as impact, moisture and temperature fluctuations, you can prevent failure. With the right solution, critical technology remains deployable and operational where it is most needed.

Drones

With the right packaging, protect your drone in the best way possible

A drone is expensive and fragile, which is why the right packaging is crucial for optimal protection during transport and use. Customised solutions ensure that the drone and accessories remain safe, ready for use and efficiently packaged.

Lithium-Ion packaging

Safely transporting lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are powerful but pose risks during transport, such as overheating and fire hazards. Faes offers safe, UN-certified packaging solutions that guarantee protection and compliance with international regulations. This allows you to transport batteries reliably and without worry.

Custom Design & Production

Packaging specialist as a partner in a Defense procurement process

The Ministry of Defence sets extremely high standards for packaging due to strict norms and varying transport conditions. By involving a packaging specialist early on in the tendering process, you increase the chance of approval, guarantee quality and limit risks.