Minimise Packing Times

Although often low cost, certain forms of corrugated packaging can be difficult or time consuming to construct.

If for example taped cartons are being used, the time it takes to assemble and then securely fasten them can – over many thousands of boxes – quickly add up. This can be exacerbated further by packaging that requires additional inserts, void fill or dividers to be added as well.

In fact, depending on the style of box you are using, the most time consuming part of your packing operations could be the taping of the boxes before loading. Filling the box is frequently the quick part.

Having eliminated the need for tape, some companies have even reported a 60% reduction in packing times.

This reduction in packing times can significantly improve your business’ productivity, which in turn can have a significant, positive impact on labour costs and profitability.

It gets better. The use of crash lock or easy assemble packaging can reduce costs in a number of other ways too.

Firstly, by eliminating the use of tape it also means the costs of purchasing and the space for storage is eliminated. Secondary packaging such as tapes can be a significant cost it its own right, but one which is rarely addressed.

Easy assemble boxes, such as crash lock designs, have also been shown to reduce RSI injuries in employees tasked with assembling packaging and boxes too – a benefit to employees and to your business due to less absences.

For the end user of the packaging there are benefits too. Besides looking more attractive, they are much easier to recycle. This is because the packs fold down more easily, whilst the need for removing metres of tape is eliminated as well.

Finally, if custom sizes / formats of packaging have been produced to reduce or eliminate void fill, the knock on effect of this can also be reduced transit costs. This is particularly important for air freight where volume can have a big impact.

The Consortium is one of a number of companies benefiting from the use of Crash Lock boxes.

With a turnover in excess of £45 million, the volume of products being shipped meant that even modest gains in productivity would yield significant improvements in both cost and performance.

By working alongside GWP, these cost savings and productivity gains were realised, allowing the business to vastly improve their overall packing processes too.

We’ve been working with GWP for around eight years. They supply all our packaging and we are absolutely delighted with them. Over time our needs have changed and they always respond swiftly with exceptional service. They know what we want and when we need it, and hold stock for us, and they never let us down. We feel they really understand our business, and they work very hard on the relationship.

Mark Barnett | Consortium Operations

Do you think your business could benefit from improved productivity, eliminating the cost of secondary packaging and all without compromising quality?

If so, please get in touch for a personalised plan and advice on how to minimise packing times.