Points to consider when purchasing (industrial) packaging

The procurement of industrial packaging should not be approached as an isolated product purchase, but as a design decision with implications for the entire supply chain. The ideal transport packaging is tailored to the product, the logistics route, the conditions of use and the applicable requirements. Well-designed custom packaging not only protects the product during transport and storage, but also contributes to lower costs, greater productivity, a shorter time to market and a more professional image towards the customer.

The main risks arise when packaging development starts too late, the requirements specification is incomplete or specialist expertise is lacking. A sound requirements specification describes factors such as product characteristics, vulnerabilities, dimensions, modes of transport, handling, destination, shipping frequency, laws and regulations, and sustainability objectives. It should also identify the risks associated with vibration, shocks, moisture, temperature, air pressure and salt-laden air. Without this information, packaging may appear suitable on paper but, in practice, result in damage, Defect on Arrival incidents, inefficient handling and unnecessarily high transport and storage costs.

For management, this means that procurement, product development and the packaging specialist should work together from the specification phase onwards. Early involvement enables benchmarking, provides earlier insight into pricing and capacity, and prevents lead time from ultimately becoming the primary decision-making factor. The decision should also be based on the total costs and benefits throughout the supply chain, including damage, time, space, reuse and environmental impact. A long-term partnership with a packaging specialist helps ensure that the solution remains available, adaptable and manageable after its introduction, allowing packaging to make a lasting contribution to cost control, continuity and customer satisfaction.