Understand the importance of packaging in logistics

 

Transporting products requires good planning and great care in loading and unloading. Logistics packaging is a very important point in this whole process. It protects goods in different ways, from material to signage about the nature of the cargo.

Therefore, the packaging helps the professionals responsible for its movement. After all, no matter how qualified the workforce is, it needs information to do its job well. Keep reading this article to understand the importance of packaging in logistics and better prepare for the next shipments!

Types of packaging in logistics

We comment that logistical packaging is fundamental to facilitate the handling of cargo loading and unloading, among other processes involved in the movement of goods. To meet the needs of this management, there are different types of protective packaging in logistics. They are divided into 5 levels:

Primary Packaging

The primary packaging is the one in which the product is. Therefore, it prescribes the logistical process related to the transportation of cargo. 

Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging is the first Level among the types of packaging in logistics with the function of grouping the product units. However, it still does so adequately for the final consumer. This is the case, for example, with crates or cases of beer.

Tertiary packaging: entering the specific field of logistics

Unlike the first cases, although the tertiary packaging may arrive for consumption wholesale, it already enters the logistical process to facilitate the transport of large quantities of the product. Therefore, it must be composed of more resistant and suitable materials to preserve and protect the cargo.

With that, they may need auxiliary items, for example, in the case of glass goods, using paper, styrofoam or the like to accommodate smaller packages with stability without risk of breakage. They have commonly used in tertiary packaging: coils, big bags, containers, pallets, boxes, drums, and bags, among others.

Packaging in long-distance logistics

The fifth Level is a type of packaging in logistics that is different from the first, as it is suitable for transporting goods over long distances, particularly for import and export. The most emblematic case of this type of packaging is the container.

Main materials used in packaging in logistics and their indications

The variety of packaging in logistics is wide, but some are more frequent in the daily life of this sector. See what they are and their applicability.

Cardboard

The material most used in packaging is certainly cardboard. It offers many benefits: it is safe, recyclable and versatile, adapting to different weights and shapes. Its indication is for dry goods and without specific packaging needs.

Polystyrene

Commonly used in transporting home appliances and electronics. This is because styrofoam offers good protection against friction. It is also very suitable for transporting refrigerated foods and/or those needing temperature stability.

Plastic

Plastic is most common in primary packaging in its soft molding, with the primary function of storing small products. However, they are also widely used as auxiliaries, such as bubble wraps and plastic balloons inserted in boxes to stabilize the products.

However, other alternatives have been preferred due to its role as an environmental villain. Its differential remains, however, for the protection of loads against humidity.

Wood

In logistics, wooden packaging is mainly found in pallets or boxes. They are common in the storage of agricultural products and machinery.

Metallic alloys

Alloy metal or steel cans are used especially for transporting metal parts. The material is resistant, protects against moisture and heat, and is easily recyclable.

Care in the choice of packaging in the logistics process

Choosing the right packaging is crucial to the success of the logistics process. In addition, it has an impact on sales and customer satisfaction. After all, the preservation and conservation of the product depend a lot on the container. Given this, some precautions to properly choose the logistic packaging are:

Adequacy to the characteristics of the product

The product specifications must be observed for choosing the material and suitable format of the packaging. But in addition, one must consider the size of the load and plan a good use of space.

For this, one should not opt ​​for a very tight package, which can dent or tear smaller packages. On the other hand, excess space can affect the stability of the goods, causing friction and damage.

Environmental impact

The smaller the environmental impact caused by packaging in logistics, the better. In addition to meeting current requirements related to sustainability, such as ESG, this can also provide savings to the opting party, for example, with the use of returnable packaging.

Packaging costs

Bearing in mind that the value of the package is passed on to the customer, it must be avoided that its cost is high and makes the sale unfeasible.

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