Multi-trip packaging

Varying types of multi-trip packaging utilise different materials in their manufacture. Correx, moulded plastics, wood, metal and foams are all commonly used. Each returnable supply chain packaging type has distinct advantages and disadvantages and suitability for specific industries or applications.

Correx® is one of the most widely used materials to manufacture multi-trip packaging. It is lightweight yet robust and can provide similar strength and durability as moulded plastics. However, the significant advantage it has over moulded containers is size flexibility. Custom sizes allow you to use containers that maximise space efficiency, lower transport costs, and improve your employees’ handling productivity.

Moulded plastic containers, bins and boxes are among the toughest multi-trip packaging you can source. These containers offer excellent performance and longevity. They are also resistant to water, moisture, oil, grease, dust and most chemicals. They are also comfortable to handle, easy to stack, and compatible with most racking, pallets and conveyors.

Although not a true multi-trip packaging solution, corrugated cardboard is often used over multiple journeys. You should also consider that you lose the cost and environmental benefits of multi-trip packaging if you transport large volumes of empty containers around parts of your supply chain. Single-trip or expendable packaging may be a better option in specific scenarios.

Wooden crates and pallet boxes offer greater protection than corrugated cardboard but less than moulded or Correx options. They are less cost-effective than plastics in the longer term too. However, they are relatively low-cost, relatively easy to recycle, and available in custom sizes.

You can use printing on exterior surfaces to add branding and logos to your multi-trip containers. Doing so gives your business a presence throughout the supply chain (effectively free advertising when in your suppliers’ or customers’ premises). Besides this, you can add part numbers, special handling instructions and other information to assist your employees.

Dividers, foam inserts, and other dunnage are among the most effective ways to enhance your multi-trip packaging. Inserts help minimise damage by preventing the movement of parts during handling and transportation. They also improve shipping and handling efficiency by allowing you to safely get more components into an outer tote. Inserts can also aid manual stock checking through quick visual checks. Production operatives can retrieve items from the containers more efficiently too.