LOOK OUT FOR THESE E-COMMERCE PACKAGING TRENDS IN 2024
Discover the upcoming packaging and e-commerce trends in 2024. These changes are set to reshape the way products are packaged and delivered, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and creative solutions. Let's take a closer look at the future of packaging.
Ship-in-own-container
Companies are increasingly integrating Ship-in-Own-Container (SIOC) practices into their packaging and e-commerce procedures. This transition reflects a growing recognition of the surplus packaging, paper waste, redundant stickers, and void fill materials they generate. SIOC offers a solution to unnecessary packaging, benefiting both consumers and retailers. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable avenue for companies to position themselves as environmentally conscious or "green," thanks to the reduction in material usage. The shift to SIOC not only streamlines packaging but also reduces the environmental footprint. By minimizing materials and waste, these companies actively contribute to sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious branding, aligning their operations with the growing global emphasis on environmental responsibility. This trend is poised to continue its ascent in the coming years, marking a significant shift in the world of packaging and e-commerce.
One prominent example of a company implementing SIOC is Amazon, but they call it Ship in Own Product Packaging. Amazon is a retail giant that dispatches a vast number of packages daily, generating significant plastic, cardboard, and void fill waste. To tackle this issue, Amazon has initiated a program that will “reduce packaging by certifying products that can ship safely without an Amazon box, envelope or bag.” Rigorous testing ensures that products meet these criteria, aligning with Amazon's sustainability goals to reduce incorrect packaging sizes and minimize unnecessary plastic usage. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to more eco-friendly practices and streamlined packaging solutions.
Substrate Banding
Banding items to a substrate is emerging as an eco-friendly packaging trend to watch in 2024. This innovative approach significantly reduces the need for traditional, single-use plastic packaging, promoting sustainability by minimizing waste and environmental impact. By securely banding products to substrates, such as cardboard or paperboard, companies are not only reducing packaging materials but also embracing a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible packaging method. This trend aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious practices, making it a promising choice for businesses.
Felins Inc., a leading company catering to the e-commerce sector, specializes in substrate banding solutions. Felins is known for their cutting-edge ultrasonic banding machines, designed to automatically secure various items to paperboard or cardboard substrates. By adopting this innovative approach, Felins is committed to eliminating unnecessary packaging waste generated through void fill materials. Felins’ overarching goal is to significantly reduce surplus packaging waste by incorporating substrate packaging and ultrasonic banding, even for uniquely shaped products. This not only ensures a snug and secure fit for items within the shipping box but also contributes to a more environmentally responsible packaging process. In 2024, expect to see more companies adopting this eco-friendly banding technique as part of their commitment to sustainability.
Bundling Multi-order Items
An alternative approach to reduce packaging and align with sustainability objectives involves consolidating multiple items within a single purchase order. This practice has gained widespread popularity in the e-commerce sector, streamlining the delivery process for drivers and customers who would otherwise deal with multiple packages from the same order. Moreover, it contributes to waste reduction and eco-friendliness. In the contemporary landscape, various methods are employed to package multi-orders, such as bundling and variety packs. Variety packs, as highlighted by Industrial Packaging, “allows you to share more of your products with consumers, whether it be different flavors of chips or other hair or skin products.” These packs have gained momentum due to their convenience for retailers and ease of ordering for consumers.
Felins offers a range of machines designed for efficient product bundling automatically. E-commerce is now an integral part of daily lives, with transactions occurring regularly. Sellers are keenly aware that when consumers add items to their carts, there's a significant likelihood that they may require related or complementary products. As a result, they often present pop-ups featuring similar or cohesively used items when shoppers add products to their carts. Rather than dispatching multiple packages with distinct shipping labels, a more efficient approach is to bundle these items together and employ an inline printing feature to include barcodes and real-time data on the bundle. Once the orders are bundled, integrating them with the appropriate-sized packaging is a straightforward process. Felins is able to accomplish this with their ATS banding machines.
In conclusion, the packaging landscape is rapidly evolving to embrace eco-friendly practices and streamlined solutions. The adoption of Ship-in-Own-Container (SIOC) practices signifies a significant shift in the industry, with companies actively contributing to sustainability initiatives and enhancing their environmental responsibility. The trend of substrate banding is another promising development to watch in 2024. Finally, bundling multi-order items is gaining popularity as it streamlines delivery processes and contributes to waste reduction. As we move forward, these trends are set to play a pivotal role in the packaging and e-commerce industry, fostering sustainability, and eco-conscious practices while enhancing operational efficiency.
Read More:
- Learn about how Felins Meets Consumer Demands
- Read our PACK EXPO recap
- Meet Dan Schnieder, our Finance & Purchasing Analyst
- Learn about the materials we use
Sources:
https://felins.com/industry/e-commerce
https://www.amazon.com/b?node=118664306011
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/sustainability/how-amazon-is-reducing-packaging
https://www.industrialpackaging.com/blog/multi-packs-and-variety-packs
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