Our Fit-to-Size Advantage: Supporting Shippers in Navigating Packaging Legislation

The Growing Problem of Wasteful Packaging

It’s no secret the e-commerce sector – specifically online shopping – is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. However, this surge in digital transactions comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to packaging. The traditional approach of using a limited range of pre-made box sizes often leads to an excessive amount of unnecessary space. This type of inefficient packaging can cause a ripple effect of issues, both operationally and environmentally.

Overly large boxes require additional packing materials like corrugate and void fill, which not only increases material usage but also leads to higher transportation costs. Bigger boxes mean more shipments, resulting in greater fuel consumption and higher emissions. This is a significant inefficiency that can create a larger carbon footprint and add financial strain on businesses. This is where the issue of sustainability has become more important than ever - it's no longer just about shipping goods efficiently, it's about protecting our planet.?

The Legislative Push for Sustainable Packaging

Recognizing the growing environmental and economic concerns associated with wasteful packaging, state legislatures are starting to act. For example, New Jersey has recently introduced legislation that limits boxes to no more than twice the size of their contents. However, sustainable packaging legislation isn’t just confined to New Jersey. In fact, several states are following suit by exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Bills, which requires producers to be responsible for the end-of-life of products. This reflects a national push towards more sustainable packaging practices.

As these regulations come into play, businesses must be prepared to comply to avoid potential penalties and operational disruptions. Staying updated on these new and emerging legislations not only helps avoid these pitfalls but also meets growing expectations from consumers and regulators for sustainability.

Why Shipping Air Hurts Businesses and the Environment

Shipping air, or using boxes with unnecessary void fill, can cause more issues than you may imagine. For businesses, it means incurring higher packaging costs, transportation expenses due to larger and more frequent shipments and added DIM weight fees from carriers.

The environmental impact is just as serious. More empty space leads to more packing materials, leading to more waste. This domino effect continues as more truckloads are needed, which results in higher greenhouse gas emissions.

“Shipping air isn’t just wasteful; it’s a direct hit to both the environment and a company’s bottom line.” -David Dent, Sales Manager at Sparck Technologies.

Automation: The Solution to Wasteful Packaging

So, what is the solution to wasteful packaging? The answer lies in automated packaging. Auto-boxing technologies, such as the CVP Everest and CVP Impack, are designed to customize each box to perfectly fit its contents precisely, reducing the need for void-fill.

Here’s a look into how it works:

·The automated packaging machines will scan an order and then calculate the optimal box size.

·Next, the machine will cut the corrugate to size and seal the package quickly and securely. Such precise cutting can reduce the consumption of corrugated cardboard by up to 30%.

·Through this process, companies can save up to 50% in box volume and an average of 32% in freight costs as more parcels are able to fit on a single truck.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

These solutions are about more than just technology - they are a path to a more sustainable future. Adopting automated packaging solutions will not only help businesses stay competitive, but also ensure that the business itself stays ahead of any regulatory changes while remaining as efficient as possible.

Looking to balance the dual challenges of lowering environmental impact while increasing operational inefficiency? Contact our sales team to learn more about Sparck’s automated packaging solutions and how you can position your business as a leader in sustainability and innovation.